Accommodations

The nine-room Christopher Place (1500 Pinnacles Way, Newport, 423/623-6555, www.christopherplace.com [1], $165–350) is an intimate and elegant bed-and-breakfast. Located near Newport, atop English Mountain, this colonial-style resort is perfect for a romantic getaway with a European atmosphere. Guests may walk the extensive grounds, play tennis, work out in the fitness room, swim in the pool, or relax in the billiards room or library.

You may also simply want to retreat to your suite, which is appointed with luxurious furnishings and private bath. Some rooms also have private balconies overlooking the mountains. Christopher Place guests enjoy a full breakfast as part of their room rate. Dinner is served nightly at the Mountain View Dining Room for an additional $35–45 per person. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

Not just a place to stay, the French Broad Outpost Ranch (461 Old River Rd., Del Rio, 800/005-7678, www.frenchbroadriver.com [2], $185–230) is a place to go. This dude ranch offers overnight accommodations in the “Rough Cut,” a Western-style lodge, and daily horseback riding, ranching, and white-water rafting excursions. Meals are included in the rates, which are $230 per adult per night during the high season and $185 in the low season.

Slightly lower prices are offered for children, and weeklong packages are available. Prices include all activities you’ll partake in at the ranch. Rooms are rustic, and designed to sleep families or groups. Meals are served family-style, and feature hearty meat-and-potatoes fare.