Plan your next mini-vacation at NC’s oldest hotel. It’s not far from Charlotte
For Charlotte travelers looking to trade city noise for mountain air, a newly restored historic hotel in western North Carolina is offering an easy long-weekend escape.
About a two-hour drive from the Queen City, Burnsville, described by Islands.com as “the hiking capital of Western North Carolina,” blends small-town charm with access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The town of fewer than 2,000 residents is also home to The NuWray Hotel, the state’s oldest continuously operating hotel.
Opened in 1833
Dating back to 1833, the Colonial Revival-style property sits on Burnsville’s Town Square and has remained a fixture in town through nearly two centuries of ownership changes and renovations, Islands.com says.
Most recently, owners Amanda and James Keith completed a major restoration, reopening the hotel in 2025 while preserving its historic character, according to Islands.com.
Inside, the three-story hotel features a wood-paneled lobby with a stone fireplace and rocking chairs, along with 22 uniquely decorated rooms. Some pay tribute to the building’s past, including the Elvis Suite, named for Elvis Presley, who once stayed there, and the Rush Wray Suite, honoring a former owner. Rooms include modern updates like air conditioning, added during the recent renovation, while still showcasing antique-style furnishings and period details.
Old Ray Restaurant and Carriage House Sundries
Beyond the rooms, the hotel leans into its historic identity with on-site dining and gathering spaces. The Old Ray Restaurant serves comfort food inspired by earlier eras of the hotel, while additional options include a speakeasy-style bar, a seasonal outdoor deck and the nearby Carriage House Sundries.
Burnsville’s compact downtown makes it easy to explore on foot, with local shops, galleries and the Parkway Playhouse, a performing arts theater, all within reach, Islands.com says. For outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel also serves as a basecamp for mountain adventures, including a trip to Mount Mitchell State Park, about an hour and a half away and home to the highest peak in the eastern U.S.
There are a few things to know before booking: the nearly 200-year-old building does not have an elevator, though accessible rooms are available on the first floor. However, nightly rates start at under $200, according to Islands.com, making it a (relatively) affordable option for a quick getaway.
The NuWray Hotel
Location: 102 Town Square Burnsville North Carolina 28714
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 6:30 AM.
