Everyone needs a break these days. Life just feels so stressful and unmanageable at times. How incredible would it be to have a place to escape to, without having to plan the trip. Have a bad day just jump in the car and drive. The weather ends up being perfect and you want to take advantage of it? If you already have a place to stay it makes that impulse decision so much easier. And one of the best things IMO about living in North Carolina, especially the Charlotte area, is that you are just a short drive from the beach and the mountains. Unlike many other parts of the country, we can easily get to both destinations for a quick weekend getaway. But that can make it hard to decide what your ideal second home spot is. Luckily Travel & Leisure released a list of the best places to purchase a vacation home in North Carolina.

• Banner Elk

  Banner Elk is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It sits between two world-class ski resorts and the Elk River flows through the town limits. Banner Elk is a year-round destination that is home to many outdoor activities, a thriving music and arts scene, wineries, and excellent restaurants. You can’t forget the excellent golf courses featuring stunning mountain views.

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• Pinehurst

  This is THE vacation home destination for anyone who loves to golf. And it’s not just Pinehurst. There are just shy of 40 golf courses within a 15 mile radius giving you plenty of tee times and courses to master. Golf, not your thing? Visit the world-class spa, go horseback riding or shopping, and dine in divine restaurants.

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• Lake Lure

  You could live in the movie Dirty Dancing. Lake Lure truly is something out of a movie. This scenic lake is surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains. And offers plenty of things to do including golfing, tennis, boating, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, and soaking in the spectacular views.

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• Brunswick Islands

  If you want a place to truly escape there may be nowhere better than Brunswick Islands. These barrier islands have it all including coastal views, small towns, delicious seafood, and world-class golf. You will also have an easy time earning rental income should you choose to. 

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• Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

  Within hours of Asheville and Atlanta, this scenic region features cooler temperatures, a laid-back lifestyle, and stunning mountain views.  In the summer months, the area is home to festivals, outdoor concerts, and art events. And of course hiking, fly-fishing, waterfalls, and Lake Glenville.

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• Outer Banks

  The OBX, as locals call it, is a true beach lover’s paradise boasting more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline. A state park, a campground, museums, scenic lighthouses, small resort towns, and so on can all be found here.

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• Brevard

  Waterfalls are plentiful in Transylvania County, which Brevard is a part of. There are more than 250 golf courses in Brevard, not to mention hiking and biking trails, forests, and rivers.

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