Built as a boarding house in 1897, Herren House is steeped in history and Victorian charm. Lushly landscaped gardens and a wraparound porch adorn the exterior. Inside, hospitable innkeepers Michelle and Phillip welcome travelers with gourmet coffee and tea, as well as a spread of fresh fruits and sweets available at all hours. Comfortable accommodations include Lucile's Room, on the first floor, which offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains and comes outfitted with a clawfooted tub for staging mini-tributes to Jacques Cousteau. The building's original oak staircase leads to MaryLu's Room, decorated with rose and burgundy hues, an antique loveseat, and a large picture window.

Come morning, Michelle whips up hearty breakfasts, catered to dietary needs and served at Bridget's Bistro—a deep-red dining room where the inn also offers seasonal lunch and dinner fare drawn from Haywood County farms. Just one block from the inn, Waynesville's charming Main Street is lined with a brewery, antique shops, and local artists' galleries. Skiing, miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, and the majestic Biltmore Estate all lie within a half-hour drive.