Banner Elk Winery & Villa

This was the first commercial winery in Avery County when it opened in 2006, and year-round wine tastings plus seasonal vineyard tours are a highlight for the many couples that pass through here with romance in mind. The bucolic property is nestled within North Carolina's beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are cozy spots around the grounds where guests can take in the scenery, including a large fire-pit and a spacious patio with cushioned wicker seating. Nicely kept landscaping -- including colorful flowers, small trees, and evergreen shrubs -- front the Villa, which is a modern home-like building with wood-siding and brown trim. Inside, the living room has a refined style with rich leather, polished hardwood, and upholstery that includes sparingly used leopard print, velvet, and antique patterns. There's also a fireplace, plus shelves of books and pottery above a wet bar to complete the upscale-library look. Drawn by the property's undeniable charm, most guests here are couples on a weekend outing, though it's a popular venue for weddings as well.

The property is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a quiet area that's about a five-minute drive from the small town of Banner Elk. In town, there are a handful of restaurants and bars plus a few shops. The town of Blowing Rock, a popular destination for outdoorsy activities like fishing, rafting, and bicycling -- plus hikes to the namesake rock -- is about 40 minutes away by car. The university town of Boone is a half-hour drive from the bed-and-breakfast and is near Magic Mountain Mini Golf. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about two hours and 20 minutes away by car, and it will take an hour and 40 minutes to reach Asheville.

The individually decorated suites here are named after types of wine, but the decor is elegant and sophisticated rather than overwrought or theme-y. The look skews toward antique, and some rooms are a bit frillier than others, like the Pinot Grigio Room that's done with floral stencils and soft yellow hues. Colors range from muted earth tones to richer jewel tones. There's a nice mix of wicker and heavy wood furniture in each room, along with details like chandeliers, handsome area rugs over carpeting, and framed prints on the walls that match each room's motif. Most rooms have jetted tubs in marble or travertine bathrooms, along with hairdryers and toiletries, though the Zinfandel Room has a roll-in shower as it's ADA compliant. Two rooms have gas fireplaces, and the Alicante Barrel Grande Suite has a foosball table. Standard features include TVs (either flat-screen or tube TVs), bathrobes, air-conditioning, and large windows with mountain views.

Free breakfast is served daily and often includes decadent items such as French toast. Breakfast is served at a set time and guests should check ahead as timings don't always please guests who are early risers. Additionally, guests can use the on-site kitchen to prepare coffee whenever they please or snack on the free homemade cakes. Keep in mind that lunch and dinner are not served. There's also a large fire-pit on the grounds for romantic nights, plus a hot tub on the patio surrounded by cushioned seating. Wine tastings and winery tours are available, and the property is a popular wedding venue; the barn, with its crystal chandelier, makes for an elegant setting. Groups can rent out the entire villa for family reunions or other events as well. The villa's staff can arrange spa treatments (also available in guest rooms), as well as active pursuits such as horseback riding, biking, and whitewater rafting. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.