We enjoyed a complimentary stay at the Nuwray Hotel, an inn in Burnsville, North Carolina. All opinions are my own.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Burnsville, North Carolina, the NuWray Hotel stands as a living testament to history and hospitality. Known as the oldest continuously operating hotel in North Carolina, this inn has welcomed guests since 1833. Today, it continues to charm visitors of this quaint mountain town.
My dad lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina, so I often find myself visiting Burnsville, a charming small town that has quickly become one of my favorites. It was during one of those visits that I first came across the NuWray Hotel, standing beautifully in the heart of the town square. Since that moment, I’ve been captivated by its story, keeping up with the hotel’s renovations, the opening of Carriage House Sundries, and its remarkable contributions to the community, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—more on that later.
A Historic Hotel Experience
The NuWray Hotel, formerly known as the Grande Dame, has recently undergone an extensive restoration, seamlessly blending upscale amenities with its timeless historical charm. The main house features 22 rooms with private en-suite bathrooms. The Carriage House, located just behind the NuWray Hotel, offers four spacious rooms on its second floor. These accommodations comfortably host up to four guests and are kid and pet-friendly.
The dining and kitchen areas are still undergoing renovation, and the innkeepers are working to open the NuWray Hotel restaurant in mid-to-late April 2025. We have plans to visit the restaurant when it opens, so make sure you’re following along on Instagram or Facebook.
Carriage House Sundries
While exploring downtown Burnsville, be sure to visit Carriage House Sundries. The name pays homage to the building that originally housed the carriages that brought NuWray guests into town. Now, it’s a vibrant cafe, bar, wine and cigar shop owned by the innkeepers of the NuWray Hotel. The restaurant offers coffee, pastries, lunch and dinner. We also love to stop by for their baked goods, wines, and cigars. The inn doesn’t offer a complimentary breakfast, but quiche, coffee, and pastries are just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Carriage House in the morning.
Roland’s Bar on the Deck
From May to October, guests can unwind at Roland’s Bar, an outdoor space in the hotel’s historic smokehouse. Historically, this spot was where thousands of hams were smoked and cured annually to support the legendary family-style feasts at the NuWray. The bar is named in honor of Will Roland, the hotel’s chef for over four decades in the early 1900s, whose recipes are featured in the old NuWray cookbook. Sitting at the bar, guests can still see the original beams charred from ages-old smoke.
Things to Do in Burnsville
Burnsville is a picturesque town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My favorite Burnsville pastimes include hiking, visiting art galleries and bebopping in and out of the shops on Main Street.
Hiking, Tubing and Fishing
Western North Carolina was recently impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Before planning your visit, check the official websites to confirm that these locations are currently open and operational.
The Burnsville area is full of hiking spots, most notably Mount Mitchell State Park, known for being the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and the highest elevation in North Carolina. If you’re in search of a waterfall, hike to Crabtree Falls, Big Creek Falls, or Roaring Fork Falls.
And if you’re into hiking, hunting and fishing, we recommend swinging by Prices Creek General Store for gear, guns, ammo, and—word on the street—really great sandwiches.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Burnsville is a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. We highly recommend taking a drive to see the mountains!
If lounging in nature sounds more ideal, visit Loafers Glory to go tubing along the North Toe River. Loafers Glory Rafting offers a guided tour of the best swimming spots and mountain hangouts.
Downtown Burnsville
Downtown Burnsville is full of unique shops, local eateries, and art galleries. We always stop at Appalachian Java for coffee (and they have gluten-free bakery items). My favorite shops include Hammond Antiques, Lamp Post Vintage Market, Digs Home and Design, Mountain Time on Main Street, and Something Special Gift Shop—I always stop at those.
For lunch and dinner, we recommend Hog-Hollowed Wood-Fired Pizza at the Homeplace Beer Company (and they have gluten-free pizza). And of course, Carriage House Sundries.
Local Art
Yancey County is home to hundreds of artists and crafters specializing in a variety of mediums, including glass, wood, clay, and others. Toe River Arts has several art gallery locations, including one located on Main Street in downtown Burnsville.
The Nuwray Hotel Provided Hope During Helene
Hurricane Helene brought widespread devastation to Western North Carolina, including the town of Burnsville. Amid the chaos, the NuWray Hotel emerged as a beacon of hope for the community. Partnering with World Central Kitchen, the inn provided free dinners to residents and first responders during the crisis. They also opened their doors to house the New York State Fire and Swift Water Rescue team. As a token of gratitude, the team gifted the inn a North Carolina flag they recovered from the South Toe River, which is currently being framed for a memorial on the hotel’s walls.
Staying at and supporting the NuWray Hotel is more than a visit—it’s a chance to stand with a business that has gone above and beyond for its neighbors. In 2025, I encourage you to show support for Yancey and Mitchell Counties through praying, giving, and going. One meaningful way to give back is by supporting local businesses, which faced significant revenue losses in the aftermath of the hurricane. Together, we can help these communities recover.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat or an outdoor adventure, the NuWray Hotel is the perfect place to stay. This boutique hotel’s central location in Burnsville provides easy access to local attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this picturesque mountain town.
The NuWray Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that connects you to the heart of Burnsville’s history and community. Book your stay at this exceptional bed and breakfast today and discover the magic of this timeless gem. And don’t forget to tell them we sent you.
Want a list of B&B recommendations? Check out where we’ve stayed.
Leave a Reply