Top 5 Great Mountain Getaways
Warm weather is here, so escape the heat with a trip to a perfect mountain destination
Text Beth Chapman

Ozarks - Eureka Springs, AK

WHERE TO STAY Stay in high style at The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa (877-342-9766; crescent-hotel.com) with its Crystal Dining Room, Dr. Baker's Lounge and Recovery Deck and the New Moon Spa and Salon. Southern hospitality meets Victorian charm at 1884 Bridgeford House (888-567-2442; bridgefordhouse.com), nestled in the heart of Eureka Springs. 

WHERE TO EAT For a taste of authentic Italian, enjoy an intimate dining experience at DeVito's (479-253-6807; eureka-springs-usa.com), located in Historic downtown with a great view of Center Street. If you are looking for mouth-watering steaks and prime rib, head over to Gaskin's Cabin Steakhouse (479-253-5466; gaskinscabin.com).

WHAT TO DO Ready to go fishing? The waters of the Kings, White and Buffalo Rivers offer some of the best fishing the world has to offer. Gather  family and friends for a wilderness adventure at the Dinner Bell Ranch and Resort (800-684-3324; dinnerbellranchandresort.com) with guided horseback rides through the Ozark Mountains and a relaxing float trip on the Kings River.

Blue Ridge - Asheville, NC

WHERE TO STAY In search of something one of a kind. Consider spending a night at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa (800-438-5800; groveparkinn.com), which features beautiful rooms, golf course, sports complex and luxurious spa. As you enter the front door of Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast (888-743-2557; cumberlandfalls.com) you will walk into a haven of flowers, evergreens and waterfalls.

WHERE TO EAT Looking for old Southern cuisine with a creative twist? Head over to Tupelo Honey Café (828-255-4404; tupelohoneycafe.com) to try menu items such as the Sweet Potato Pancake and Nutty Fried Chicken. For a Flamenco dance for the mouth, visit Zambra Wine and Tapas (828-232-1060; zambratapas.com).

WHAT TO DO Biltmore Estate (800-411-3812; Biltmore.com) offers the beauty and romance of America's largest home with its gardens, winery and River Bend Farm. Load up the bicycles and head to the Blue Ridge Parkway and view the beautiful scenery with no stop signs to slow you down.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

WHERE TO STAY Experience the great outdoors with cabin rentals from Gatlinburg Falls (866-98-SMOKY; cabinsofthesmokymountains.com), located on a picturesque Smoky Mountain ridge. The Park Vista Hotel (865-436-9211; parkvista.com) is the premier, full-service hotel whether you're looking for a great family vacation or the perfect place to hold your next meeting. 

WHERE TO EAT Travel to the historic log cabin that houses the Greenbrier Restaurant (865-436-6318; greenbrierrestaurant.com) for an unforgettable dining experience. A Gatlinburg tradition for breakfast and lunch, the Pancake Pantry (865-436-4724; pancakepantry.com) is Tennessee's first pancake house.

WHAT TO DO Ober Gatlinburg (800-251-9202; obergatlinburg.com) offers eight ski trails, year-round indoor ice arena and scenic chairlift that provide awe-inspiring views of the Great Smokies. Bring your family and experience a whitewater rafting trip down the Big Pigeon River you will never forget with Rafting in the Smokies (800-PRO-RAFT; raftinginthesmokies.com).

Breckenridge, Colorado

WHERE TO STAY Retreat to the luxury and convenience of Barn On The River B & B (970-453-2875; Breckenridge-inn.com), located in the historic district of Breckenridge. Inner Circle (Breckenridge.snow.com) is great for families with kids or for couples and is just a short walk from lifts and downtown.

WHERE TO EAT Salt Creek Restaurant and Bar (970-453-4949) has a unique atmosphere and great food. The main floor houses the restaurant, where you will find tender steaks and classic American fare. Experience French-influenced American cuisine while gazing at amazing scenery at the Top of the World Restaurant (800-736-1607; thelodgeatbreck.com).  

WHAT TO DO Explore hundreds of miles of streams, glacial lakes and scenery while fly-fishing (970-453-4665). Pack up your mittens, sled and friends and venture to Carter Park (970-496-4386), home to one of the only designated sledding locations in town.

Dahlonega, Georgia

WHERE TO STAY Nestled in North Georgia, Lily Creek Lodge (706-864-6848; lilycreeklodge.com) is a mountain retreat that combines cozy, vintage style with modern luxuries. Forest Hills Resort (706-864-6456; foresthillsresort.com) is the perfect place for romantics to escape with secluded luxury cottages that include all-season fireplaces and private hot-tub spas.

WHERE TO EAT The Oar House Restaurant (706-864-9938; theoarhouse.com) is a charming house that has been transformed into a unique dining experience. The Corkscrew Café (706-867-8551; thecorkscrewcafe.com) is an eclectic dining in a friendly atmosphere with extraordinary selection of wines.

WHAT TO DO "Thars still gold in them thar hills!" Go mining for gold at Crisson Gold Mines (706-864-6363; crissongoldmine.com) which was established in 1847 and is the oldest mining establishment in North Georgia. Bull Mountain is full of awesome biking trails and great scenery with creek crossings and waterfalls.