Valentine’s Day is less than a week away! Do you have a plan for you and your sweetie? There are lots of outstanding restaurants, spas, golf courses, parks, and more to enjoy right here in the Triangle, but a truly romantic getaway on the seaside or in the mountains is just a short drive away…
Escape to the Beaches!
There are so many ways to enjoy the beach, some within just two hours of Raleigh! Head to Wilmington to stroll the shoreline or its historic Downtown, or to enjoy outstanding events, culture and nightlife. It’s a bigger-city vibe with a relaxed, beachy lifestyle. Farther north, you’ll find more secluded beaches in Topsail.
For a true seashore escape, head to the Crystal Coast and the Outer Banks, where you can relax in the slower-paced life of old-fashioned seatown living, explore historic lighthouses and famed attractions like Kitty Hawk, or simply admire wild horses on private island beaches.
Explore the Mountains
There are so many charming little (and larger) mountain-towns from which to choose! Blowing Rock is a thriving mountain town rising up into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s filled with inns and luxury retreats, shops and restaurants, and plenty of nearby attractions—like Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, Grandfather Mountain, or the Linville Caverns. Nearby Boone offers a scenic small-town setting surrounded by exciting winter outdoor activities, like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, plus plenty of events and concerts.
For a slightly longer getaway, take a trip down the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville, where you’ll find thriving arts and entertainment, a strong craft beer culture, plenty of small-town mountain charm, and lots of romantic inns and spas—like the famous Biltmore Estate.
Live a Different Kind of Big-City in Charlotte
Even if you’re familiar with the bustle and activity of Raleigh, escaping to Charlotte for a weekend can still give you a whole different pace of living. The city is twice the size of Raleigh, and it offers a lot of different types of entertainment and excitement, from cultural events to pro sports. Explore the Sugar Creek Greenway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Stroll the bustling streets of downtown during the day, or partake in some nighttime fun. You might even consider a stay at the romantic Duke Mansion.
Ride Like a Cowboy in Love Valley
Tucked into the rolling foothills of the Brushy Mountains in Northwestern, NC, Love Valley will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time (and been transported a few hundred miles west) to a small, bustling little Old West town. No automobiles are allowed in town; residents and visitors instead go about on horseback or by horse-drawn wagon, and the Main Street boardwalk still features hitching posts, a General Store, a saloon, tack shop, and a blacksmith shop, among others. Plus, there’s always something going on, from wagon parades to rodeos.
Admire Art in Seagrove
Located just south of Greensboro between Raleigh and Charlotte, Seagrove is known as the “Pottery Capital of North Carolina”, and for good reason! This small, artisan town is home to sites like the North Carolina Pottery Center, and shops and galleries such as Lufkin Pottery and Seagrove Pottery. It’s definitely one of North Carolina’s better-kept secrets; you certainly won’t be battling the crowds when you book your bed and breakfast or as you stroll through town.
Ready to Explore the Triangle and All it Has to Offer?
If you already live in the Triangle, you know that it’s perfectly located between some of the biggest attractions in North Carolina—and home to quite a few of its own, as well. You also probably know just how great life is in Raleigh! And if you don’t live here but you’re considering a relocation, then it’s time to contact me. I can help you learn more about the possibilities of life in the Triangle, explore its many communities, and start searching homes for sale!