A Night and a Day in North Carolina in November - what to do?

August 8, 2017 6:04 PM

I will be leaving Asheville NC after lunch and need to arrive in Chapel Hill some time the next day. The trip will be on a weekday in early November. I will have a rental car and 24 hours for the perfect solo retreat - where should I go?

This is a rare break to be free from any outside obligations to family or work. The ultimate "me" time. On the one hand, I like to be surrounded by nature as long as it doesn't involve getting sweaty. On the other hand, I also enjoy museums, traditional sightseeing and good food. Not interested in nightlife. So, oh wise hive mind, what should I do?

posted by metahawk to Travel & Transportation around North Carolina (4 answers total)

Best answer: If you're at all interested in a true spiritual retreat, I would suggest spending the day and night at Well of Mercy, near Harmony, NC. It's not too far out of your way at all. Although it is affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy, you don't need to be Catholic or even particularly religious to be a guest. There are easy wooded walking paths, rocking chairs, and healthy meals that you can take with others or alone. It's incredible peaceful and serene.

Another nice, lesser-known spot is Tanglewood Park, outside Winston-Salem. It once belonged to the Reynolds tobacco family, and is now a large public park with a variety of amenities (gardens, golf, pools, etc.). The Manor House operates as a bed and breakfast.

Or, you could head over towards Chapel Hill and stay at the swanky Fearrington House Inn.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 6:19 PM on August 8, 2017

Best answer: Don't take I-40 all the way. Detour through Boone. Have a light lunch and then visit Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock for something that'll stick to your ribs.

Maybe go see Mount Airy, the inspiration for Andy Griffith's Mayberry. Or, if you'd rather see more ancient history, drive straight on to Old Salem in Winston-Salem. Eat at The Tavern. If you time it right, you might end up in town on a night they offer a Christmas by Candlelight tour.

Spend the night in Winston-Salem. Skip the continental breakfast and get some Krispy Kreme. Take a detour to Kernersville to see Körner's Folly if that kind of thing floats your boat. By then I-40 morning rush hour traffic will be over so you can boogie to Chapel Hill.
posted by infinitewindow at 6:28 PM on August 8, 2017 [1 favorite]

Go to the NC zoo in Asheboro! Acres of ouside habitats and neat indoor atuff if the weather isn't grand.
posted by mightshould at 6:49 PM on August 8, 2017

Response by poster: Well of Mercy sounded fantastic but they aren't open to visitors on mid-week.
I followed infinitewindow's suggestion to check out Winston-Salem and end by staying at the very luxurious Graylyn Estates.
posted by metahawk at 4:21 PM on February 4, 2018