The best luxury vacation rentals in the Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk areas in North Carolina High Country

Luxury Vacation Rentals in North Carolina High Country

Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the High Country of North Carolina is comprised of charming mountain towns surrounded by scenic natural beauty. Be a part of the college football action in Boone, traverse the mountains at Banner Elk’s two ski resorts, explore the art and culinary scenes in Blowing Rock, or discover why the High Country’s high elevation and amazing weather make it the ultimate outdoor recreation destination for golf, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and rafting.

And that’s why Adam Norris, owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals, is proud to call the High Country of North Carolina home.

Adventure seekers know the highest elevation in North Carolina also comes with the small, mountain town charm in surrounding areas.

Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk

Find the best antique shops in The One Hundred Collection areas, or shop by location.

Fantastic Antiques and where to find them | The One Hundred Collection

Hunting For Treasure: Best Places to Go Antiquing Across the Country

If you think browsing unique shops to find a special, one-of-a-kind item is a better way to find a souvenir than selecting a magnet from a touristy store, plan an antiquing adventure on your next vacation. Hey – those magnets and mugs definitely have their place. But when someone visits your home, compliments your vintage vase, and asks where you got it, you can beam with pride as you tell them the story of rummaging through bins and shelves to find that unique treasure. And every time you look at that special item, you’ll remember your amazing trip 

One of the best ways to get a taste of the local culture when traveling is to go antique shopping. Support local small businesses, recycle and upcycle, and have a blast searching for buried treasures that will serve as a memento for an amazing trip.

When visiting a new place, it’s not very exciting to find the same items in the same stores that you have at home. Get a feel for the local arts, history, and culture of your destination by spending some quality time at the independent shops and restaurants that make the town unique. Shop local to support hardworking small business owners, and have fun finding a unique treasure that tells a story. Make someone else’s trash your treasure, or find a one-of-a-kind collectible hidden in the depths of an antique shop. You never know what you might find, and that’s half the fun.

Why You Should Go Antiquing

Planning an urban getaway? America’s big cities still have a ton of small-town charm in their historic districts and on bustling antique rows. Stroll down cobblestone streets and feel a sense of history as you hunt for treasures in one of the best antiquing cities in the country. Spend a day browsing in the antique district for 18th-century furniture, jewelry, vintage linens, silverware, clothing, artwork, and decor, and delight in finding a high-end collectible. Then take advantage of the vibrant city scene for eclectic cuisine, amazing live music, and abundant arts, culture, and history.

Best Antiquing Spots in Big Cities

Venture off the beaten path to a picturesque small town, where big-box and name-brand stores are replaced by mom-and-pop shops, and time stands still. Small towns often offer better deals than bigger cities and offer tons of charm, too. The quintessential small town invites you to search for unique finds in charming general stores and historic storefronts while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty of rolling hills, mountains, and waterfronts. Enter door after door of independent shops until you find the perfect memento. Round out your picking with a visit to a local flea market, where you’re sure to find more treasures.

Best Small Towns for Antiquing

They may not be known for it, but there are some amazing beach towns for antiquing. Plan a trip to a beautiful resort town with a variety of antique stores all within walking distance. Search through an impressive selection of antiques, fine and decorative arts, period pieces, and vintage furnishings. Then dine at an award-winning restaurant and spend an evening at an upscale art gallery. Or visit the bustling downtown of a charming village nestled along a picturesque river.  Find that perfect nautical collectible at one of several quaint shops located in a historic building or in the huge showroom of an antique mall.

Best Beach Towns for Antiquing

Ideas for antique shopping while on vacation

Antiquing

Your heart pounds during the slow ascent and the anticipation builds as you creep towards the edge. 

See the sights and ride the rides in fun, new places | The One Hundred Collection

Where to Stay When Visiting America's Top Attractions

Your heart pounds during the slow ascent and the anticipation builds as you creep towards the edge. When your stomach drops and the wind rushes through your hair, there’s no better feeling. The best theme parks in the country design amazing rides for thrill seekers, but truly have something for everyone. And theme parks aren’t the only attractions worth visiting. If you love state-of-the-art thrill rides, classic coasters, wet and wild slides, family-friendly attractions or phenomenal shows and entertainment, there is plenty to experience from sea to shining sea.

When an action-packed vacation is next on your list, there is a range of diverse options to choose from. Daring coasters, sun-soaked lazy rivers, incredible shows, impressive architecture, and the inspiration of nature’s playground – where will your next adventure take you?

The best theme parks offer something for everyone, from the tiniest members of your family to the most adventurous. For family-friendly rides and attractions, plan a visit to a theme park that specifically caters to little ones, like Disney, Legoland, Hershey, or Sesame Place. With older kids or a group of thrill-seeking adults, choose a location with theme parks that have plenty of state-of-the-art, high-octane rides to keep the adrenaline pumping. Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Point, and Dollywood are great options for thrill-seekers. Aside from rides, these action-packed theme parks have unique dining experiences, entertaining shows, fun-filled parades, and so much more.

Best Theme Parks

Ready for some wet and wild fun? Book your next vacation rental near one of America’s best water parks. From plummeting slides to leisurely lazy rivers, the best water parks have plenty to keep you entertained. Drop from a towering body slide, brave the log flume, cuddle up in a giant tube with the whole family, or splash in the wave pool. Water parks like Discovery Cove invite you to swim with the dolphins or feed rays and tropical fish. Others are giant water playgrounds full of bridges, tunnels, pools, slides, and fountains to explore. When the cold weather hits, there’s no need to sacrifice a big splash. Just head to one of the many amazing indoor water parks by the mountains for year-round fun.

Wildest Water Parks

If the hustle and bustle of city life are calling your name, there are plenty of things to do and sights to see. Stroll city sidewalks, peruse a historic market, or experience culture at a world-class museum. Visit the theater for a must-see show, make friends with sea creatures at the aquarium, watch a spectacular fountain show, or climb to the top of a skyscraper for incredible views. To see it all, learn the history, and have a unique experience, reserve a city tour that suits your fancy, whether that be a hop-on hop-off bus, carriage ride, river cruise, or pub crawl.

Best City Attractions

Some of the best attractions aren’t man-made but created by nature itself. Admire stunning waterfalls, be rendered speechless by incredible canyons and caverns carved by ancient rivers, or traverse rocky terrain to be rewarded with breathtaking views of awe-inspiring rock formations. Hike through towering Sequoias, feel the spray of an impressive waterfall, or explore acres of forest on winding trails. With natural wonders beckoning, the great outdoors is all the entertainment you need.

Natural Wonders

See the sights and ride the rides in fun, new places

Attractions

The One Hundred Collection is about beach towns and where you can find our favorite things like beaches, food, hotels, art, landmarks and more.

Beach towns and your guide | One Hundred Collection

The ocean is calling – waves crashing, gulls crooning, favorite treats tempting you at every turn, and of course, relaxation and fun in the sun. There are so many amazing beach towns, but when you picture the perfect vacation, what do you see? Surf shops and fun-filled boardwalks? Upscale restaurants on the water? Ice cream shops in a quaint coastal town? Which type of beach vacation speaks to you? Whether you’re looking for laidback family fun, unparalleled nightlife, adrenaline-pumping water sports, or charming historic towns, we can help you select the most amazing vacation rentals in the best beach towns.

Have something very particular in mind? No matter what it is you’re looking for – incredible luxury, oceanfront, right in town – we have the best vacation rentals at the beach just waiting for you.

Fresh buttery popcorn and cones dripping with melty ice cream as you stroll down the bustling boardwalk? Yes, please! Some beach towns are just made for family fun. Watch the little ones dip their toes into the waves, search for seashells, and build sandcastles to their heart’s content. Then pop into one-of-a-kind shops, enjoy tasty treats, play a round of mini-golf, and ride amusement park rides until the sun goes down.

Family-Friendly Beach Towns

Looking to feel the ocean breeze in your hair with a Sea Breeze in your hand? No need to end the party when the sun goes down. Enjoy the sun and sand all day long, relax with breathtaking sunset ocean views, and then indulge in the culture and nightlife of an amazing beach town known for after-hours action. World-class dining, exotic cocktails, live music, bars, and nightclubs invite you to enjoy the best of the beach all night long. Don’t worry – you can always take a nap in the sand tomorrow.

Beach Towns with Amazing Nightlife

Lying in the sun all day not your cup of tea? If an active vacation is more your speed, a beach town ripe with adventure is what you need. Kayak or paddleboard in crystal clear water, snorkel or dive right along with sharks and rays in a coral reef, or ride the waves in a jetski or on a tube pulled by a speedboat. Get your adrenaline pumping with an off-road ATV tour or a tree-top adventure course. Hike or bike miles of trails or spend the day fishing or whale watching. With so much adventure waiting for you, you’ll barely have time to sunbathe – and that’s perfect.

Adventurous Beach Towns

If your ideal beach vacation involves strolling through a charming downtown and browsing quaint shops, one of our favorite historic beach towns may be just what you’re looking for. Spend the day oceanside or discover what’s hiding in the bay’s tidal pools. Then bike downtown to explore sweet shops and restaurants, or visit a museum to learn more about local history. Head out in search of a picturesque lighthouse and climb to the top for breathtaking views. Then spend the evening stargazing in a town where the modern world slips away and time stands still.

Historic Beach Towns

When there is so much more than just the shore

Beach Towns

Family Vacation with the best Vacation Rental Managers

Family Vacation with the best Vacation Rental Managers | The One Hundred Collection

Top Destinations for Your Next Family Vacation

Work, hustle, repeat. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to plan your next family vacation. Unplugging and spending time with loved ones can be so refreshing. Put the devices away and create lifelong memories together visiting somewhere new. You might have lofty goals to visit a unique destination or plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or you may simply want to pick somewhere safe and affordable for maximum relaxation. One thing is for sure – when you’ve got a whole family’s worth of travel partners, you want to plan a vacation that will make everyone happy.

Planning a family vacation is the perfect excuse to bond and spend quality time with loved ones. No matter the season or budget, we have the top vacation rentals for a sweet family vacation.

4 ACTION-PACKED VACATION DESTINATIONS WITH THE BEST THEME PARKS IN THE U.S.

The sun, the sand, the waves – is there anything more relaxing than the beach? Staying by the ocean makes for the perfect family vacation. Sure, there’s sand everywhere, but the sound of children’s gleeful laughter warms your heart and makes it all worth it. The laidback vibe and built-in entertainment make family fun easy. Sit back and relax in your beach chair while the kids build sand castles, search for shells, and make countless memories. Swim, splash, float, and catch a wave on a boogie board, then snooze on a blanket in the sun. Search for crabs in tidal pools by the bay and watch the sunset from the dock. Cruise the boardwalk in search of thrilling rides, fun mini-golf, tasty treats, and unique shops that just might have the perfect memento to remember the best family vacation.

Beach Trips for Families

If you want to spark joy in the hearts of your kids, journey to a magical winter wonderland and cozy up with the family on a ski trip. Start with the bunny hill to build confidence – enjoy the brisk winter air and exhilaration of racing downhill. For a break from skiing or snowboarding, hit the snow tubing hill for fast-paced winter fun that doesn’t require any coordination, or try your hand at ice-skating and show off your twirling skills. Endless outdoor activities await whether it snows or not — snowshoeing or snowmobiling, a trek through the forest, hiking, or biking. But if you’re not up for braving the cold, a winter family vacation is the perfect excuse to unwind with loved ones. Curl up with a book by a cozy fire, whip up a hearty winter meal, indulge in rich hot chocolate with all the fixings, enjoy a glass of wine and a challenging puzzle, or crowd around the table for a rowdy game night.

Ski Trips for Families

When you want to create lifelong memories with your family, planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a truly unique vacation is sure to do the trick. It’s thrilling, exciting, and memorable to go somewhere you haven’t been before or to explore off the beaten path. Traveling somewhere with tons of attractions like theme parks, water parks, and exciting shows can sound overwhelming, but staying at a luxury vacation rental makes a busy, exciting place feel more like home. For a unique trip, plan a visit to a magical place you just can’t visit every day (unless you live there, of course). Exciting theme parks (like Disney and Universal) and other incredible attractions make Orlando a memorable vacation. The natural wonders in our national parks also make for an unforgettable experience. No matter where you choose to vacation, remember that sharing new experiences and spending time with loved ones is what makes the trip so special.

Unique and Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips

Just because you don’t plan on spending your life‘s savings on a family vacation doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time. When you’re planning an affordable vacation, select a location that has many free or inexpensive things to do. Beaches and lakes make great affordable family vacations because you can spend hours by the water without spending a dime. When you’re staying in a vacation rental, it’s easy to spend less on food because you can cook at home instead of going out to restaurants for your entire trip. A vacation rental also makes a perfect home base for spending quality time together (without spending a dime), like game night, swimming in your own private pool, playing yard games, snuggling together with a book, and so much more. For additional savings consider traveling in the off-season when you’re more likely to find a discount.

Family Vacations on a Budget

How to choose the best destination for everyone

Family Vacations

If you're looking for a fishing or boating idea, take a look at The One Hundred Collection to help make your next outing more enjoyable.

Fishing & Boating ideas | The One Hundred Collection

How Boating and Fishing Make For a Memorable Vacation

Bobbing in the waves, water sparkling in the sun, breeze in your hair – sounds like the perfect day, doesn’t it? When you plan a vacation around boating, floating, and fishing, you’re guaranteed to have a good time and create a boatload of memories. Whether your intention is to relax by the water, feel the ocean spray on your face as you speed across the waves, or beam with pride making the biggest catch of the day, there’s nothing quite like the joy of being on or near the water.

To add some fun to your vacation, plan a day of fishing or boating. Enjoy a carefree morning with your rod and reel or an invigorating day of intense fishing. Relax on a scenic sunset cruise on the lake, explore the bay on a speedboat (or from the tube it’s pulling), or brave the ocean on a deep-sea fishing trip. No matter how you choose to enjoy the water, you won’t be sorry. Just be sure to find the perfect vacation rental to retreat after a day of adventure.

Whether ocean, bay, or lake, a day on the water can bring your endorphins to an all-time high. So imagine an entire vacation centered around the water. You might be feeling adventurous and ready to head far out into the ocean with a charter of anglers. Or you might enjoy the thrill of zipping along the bay on a speedboat or JetSki. Or maybe casually floating on a laid-back pontoon boat on the lake, where you’re guaranteed to see the shore the entire time, is more your speed. Whether fast-paced or slow, heading out on a boat during your vacation is one way to guarantee scenic views and tons of fun.

Boating

Fishing from the beach is a relaxing pastime, but speeding out into the deep blue sea to reach a destination miles from shore is an unforgettable experience. Reserve a deep-sea fishing charter to spend the day surrounded by nothing but the ocean. Bait and tackle to catch sunfish, sailfish, marlin, tuna, or snapper. While patiently waiting for your first bite, be on the lookout for wildlife surfacing from the deep waters, like dolphins, porpoises, and whales. The best deep-sea fishing destinations guarantee a rewarding experience.

Deep-Sea Fishing

While deep-sea fishing in the ocean is an angler‘s dream, freshwater fishing is for everyone. No need for a long boat ride to get to your fishing destination. You really don’t even need to get on the boat, if you’re the type to get seasick. You can fish right from the shore. No fancy fishing charters required either. You can cast a line right from your boat, kayak, or canoe. And while you fish, you can enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you, whether that be rugged mountains, lush forests, steep cliffs, or sandy shorelines.

Freshwater Fishing

If you want to be in the center of the action, plan a day of fly-fishing. Slip on your waders, secure your lightweight fly, and trudge into the water. It can be quite the challenge to make your way over slippery rocks in a strong current, find your footing, and sturdily balance while you cast your line. But the exhilaration of being right in the river and the invigorating feeling when you reel in your catch is worth the effort. Plus, your spot right in the river affords up close and personal views of wildlife, from osprey and eagles to deer and bears.

Fly-Fishing

From snapper to sailboating, find the perfect place to drop anchor

Fishing & Boating

Find your perfect golf holiday, break or winter golf experience. The One Hundred Collection offers the gold standard in your golf getaway.

Leisure and professional golf getaways | The One Hundred Collection

How to Plan the Perfect Golf Outing on Your Vacation

Fresh cut grass, a straight shot to the green, the whoosh of the club slicing through the air. Golf is growing in popularity, and whether you’re new to it or have been playing for years, enjoying a round (or two, or three) on vacation is a no-brainer. Golfing is a great way to challenge yourself and have a good time with friends while enjoying the outdoors. With courses ranging from easy to challenging and featuring everything from state-of-the-art technology to idyllic scenery, there are many destinations to add to your list.

Whether a beginner or veteran golfer, adding a round of golf to your vacation can be a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. When choosing where to vacation, consider one of the best places for a golf trip in the US. Select your course and teeing option to match your skill level so you can be sure to enjoy your outing. Then schedule some rest, relaxation, and exploration of the surrounding area for a well-rounded experience.

Why play a round just anywhere? Not all courses are created equally, so why not play on a golf course known for its picturesque surroundings? Drive the ball down a lush, tree-lined fairway while you enjoy views of rolling hills and mountains. Challenge yourself to hit the perfect shot amidst the distractions of acres of wilderness or dramatic ocean views. The most beautiful golf courses are thoughtfully designed to seamlessly weave world-class golf with the stunning natural landscape. As with any course, be sure to check that it is open to the public before reserving your tee time.

Most Beautiful Golf Courses

If you’re new to golf, it can be intimidating to try to select a course, book a tee time, and rent equipment if you need it. It can be even more stressful to set up a shot when more experienced players are watching you. Research ahead of time to select a short course or executive course, which are typically less expensive and quick to play. You can play more holes in less time, and these courses are often more welcoming. If you’re concerned about your ability level, look at tee options (you’ll want a forward tee less than 6,000 yards) or an overhead course map (to check fairway width, etc.) online beforehand.

Best Golf Destinations for Beginners

For the ultimate mental test, reserve a tee time at a complex course that challenges your thinking with unclear risk/reward scenarios and varied greens, rough, and bunkers. Narrow corridors and brutally steep slopes make skillful shots necessary. But many of these courses have beautiful views and just the right amount of difficulty to have you coming back for more. Besides, any golfer can make a course more difficult by choosing to play from the back tees.

Most Challenging Golf Courses

When your game is over, what’s next? There’s more to your golf vacation than just golf. If you’ve worked up an appetite, dine at an upscale restaurant, then reward yourself for a stellar round of golf with a round of drinks at the bar. Relax with to a luxurious spa treatment to soothe tired muscles, or push yourself to the limit with more outdoor recreation, hiking, biking, and exploring the nature around you. If you’re near the ocean or lake, take a refreshing dip, rent a kayak or boat, and venture out on the water.

Other Activities to Enjoy With a Round of Golf 

The best places to golf in the U.S. for every skill level

Golfing

From beginners to advanced bikers and hikers, The One Hundred Collection offers unique trips for a range of abilities.

Hiking & Biking ideas | The One Hundred Collection

Top Destinations for the Best Hiking and Biking in the US

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s nothing better than fresh air and being surrounded by nature. Take the family on a scenic bike ride through peaceful countryside, plan a strenuous trek to the summit, or find your way through the forest. Hiking or biking is an amazing way to unplug and be one with nature, whether solo or with a group.

Who needs a car when you have your own two feet (or a bike)? Enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of nature with a scenic hike or bike ride. Then retreat to your luxury vacation home to rest your tired muscles. You earned it.

Making your way through the sand with ocean waves crashing – there’s nothing quite like it. Enjoy the quiet solitude of an off-season beach trek, with minimal foot traffic and the ocean all to yourself. Or work up a sweat scaling scenic hills and seaside cliffs with panoramic views. Hike to the top of the largest living sand dune on the East Coast or power through miles of forest to emerge at the ocean. Relaxing in the sun and sand is the perfect reward for your hard work.

Hiking & Biking the Beach

The mountains offer everything you could want when hiking or biking – beautiful scenery, a variety of terrain, and trails for everyone from beginner to expert. Hike along a meandering stream in search of wildlife, or pedal up steep terrain to a waterfall. Navigate slippery rocks when you wander off the beaten path, or follow a wide, well-traveled trail under a canopy of trees. Just remember, the steepest climbs often reward you with the best views.

Hiking & Biking the Mountains

Just because you have little ones in tow doesn’t mean you have to forgo nature. In fact, it makes it all the more meaningful to unplug and spend time with family in natural surroundings. Choose a short trail with a rewarding view, play in a creek along the way, or end a trek with a swim at the base of a waterfall. Trails on flat terrain, paved bike paths, and boardwalks all make it easy to enjoy nature with the kids.

Family-Friendly Hikes

Physically demanding, strenuous, difficult terrain – are these words music to your ears? If you’re up for a challenge, try one of the hardest hikes in the US, known for difficult logistics, near impossible physical demands, risky natural elements, and unpredictable environmental factors. Or take your mountain bike to the extreme as you zip through canyons, coast over rocks, and race up mountains. The reward is in the exhilaration.

Strenuous Trails

Check off your bucket list with these destinations 

Hiking & Biking

The One Hundred Collection sets the bar above luxury travel services that provides personal and bespoke holiday experiences.

Holiday travel and how to do it | The One Hundred Collection

Best Festive Destinations to Spend an Unforgettable Holiday

They say there’s no place like home for the holidays. But if you’re ready to create new traditions, you can rent a cozy home in a great location. . When you want to travel but still want loads of holiday cheer, head to one of the top Christmas destinations in the country. Whether you want metropolitan cheer filled with whimsically decorated storefronts and phenomenal shows, a snow-dusted small town straight out of a Hallmark movie, or palm trees strewn with lights, we’ve got the best places for you to spend the holidays this year.

Whether your ideal winter holiday involves a romantic candlelit dinner before cuddling up by a cozy fire, a family-friendly theme park decked out in lights, a postcard Bavarian-style village with an old-fashioned holiday celebration, or a bustling city buzzing with holiday shoppers, we’ve got the perfect home away from home for you to spend the holidays.

Spend your holiday vacation rockin’ around the Christmas tree and head to a city filled with Christmas cheer. Grab some hot cocoa and stroll through city streets admiring spectacular holiday window displays and an enormous tree decorated with millions of lights. Then rent some skates and twirl on a festive ice rink or get tickets to an unforgettable holiday show. Walk (or drive) through a dazzling light display, then search for baked goods and handmade gifts as you peruse a holiday market with a hot beverage in hand. Or head to a mountain town where a day of skiing is capped off by a festive Electric Parade and a visit to a life-size gingerbread house.

Big Cities with Holiday Cheer

A charming small town dusted with snow is the ideal setting for a winter holiday. Enjoy a wagon or sleigh ride through a picture-perfect town, then get in the holiday spirit by singing along with carolers and joining in the fun for a tree lighting in the center of town. Visit a Victorian-style Christmas village for a horse-drawn carriage ride or America’s Christmas Tree Village to see festive light displays and parades. Take the family on a train ride to the North Pole with cookies, hot cocoa, and stories from Santa. And many of these storybook towns have mountains nearby for exhilarating outdoor adventures like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing to add to the fun.

Small Towns to Visit for the Holidays

Looking to escape the snow on your holiday vacation? Head to a warm destination that still has plenty of cheer. You’ll still find plenty of lights and decorations with none of the snow. Journey to a tropical paradise for a holiday trolley tour or a Southern city with spectacular light displays and fun bonfires. Enjoy Christmas festivities, then stroll through downtown shops and marvel at historic homes decked out for the holiday season. Go down by the bay for a holiday boat parade where you can admire the decorated boats as they sail by. Or take the family to a magical theme park transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays.

Christmas Spirit Without The Cold

Don’t want to head home right after Christmas? Ring in the New Year somewhere new. There’s something about making resolutions in a new place that makes them that much more meaningful and easy to keep. Head somewhere warm with friendly locals and a fun party atmosphere, where you can walk through the streets with a drink in hand, then dance the night away at lively bars and clubs. Celebrate the holiday with food, music, entertainment, and an open bar at a New Year’s Eve ball, or plan a fireworks cruise to enjoy a bayfront display. Or venture to a winter wonderland celebration complete with live music, entertainment, ice sculpting, and a completely unique gondola ball drop.

Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Destinations

Find a home away from home this winter season

Holiday Travel

Know you want to vacation near the water, but not sure where to go? If being out on the water is your happy place, we know the feeling.

Find nature's most serene beauty in these locations | The One Hundred Collection

Best Lakes and Rivers for Boatloads of Fun

Know you want to vacation near the water, but not sure where to go? If being out on the water is your happy place, we know the feeling. When people picture vacations on the water, they often imagine the ocean. But the U.S. is chock full of beautiful, fun-filled rivers and lakes to explore. Whether you hike along the shore, paddle downstream in a kayak, or find a new favorite fishing spot, there is plenty to do while admiring the beautiful waterside scenery. So grab a rod, paddle, or picnic basket, and get to exploring.

There are probably plenty of lakes only a short drive from your home. But if you want the best of the best – breathtaking views, crystal clear water, and pure beauty – make sure to visit one of the most beautiful lakes in the US. Explore an incredibly large lake that’s more like an ocean, with sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, islands, and sandy beaches. Or grab your scuba gear and dive into an extraordinarily clear, deep lake surrounded by rugged terrain and pierced by dramatic islands. And gorgeous views aren’t just for summer. Visit a picturesque lake with amazing beaches that also has world-class ski slopes with incredible views down to the lake.

Most Beautiful Lakes

Sometimes being near the water isn’t enough – you need to be 

 the water. But not every lake allows boating or motorized water sports. Always be sure to check local regulations when boating is an important part of your vacation. Once you’ve selected the perfect boat-friendly lake, it’s time to get out on the water. Cruise at full speed for the endorphin-filled rush, then cut the engine and do some floating. Tie on a tube or hang tight and balance as you’re pulled along on waterskis. For a more mellow boating experience, grab a refreshing drink and cast a line into the clear, deep water.

Best Lakes for Boating 

Lakes make the perfect location for a relaxing family vacation. Soak in the sun on the sandy shore, splash around in the crystal clear water, or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and leave the shoreline in the distance. Stay waterfront on a small, private lake for a quiet vacation where you can reconnect with nature and easily enjoy the water. Or venture to a larger lake where you can hike and bike the shoreline, and explore the lake through fishing, boating, watersports, sailing, and diving. Enjoy waterfront dining with gorgeous sunset views, then make s’mores over a roaring fire as the light fades on a perfect day.

Best Lakes for Family Vacations

Lakes are beautiful but don’t discount rivers for a fun vacation. Grab the inner tubes and enjoy a carefree, lazy float down a natural waterway with calm waters and the occasional rapid to spur you along. Pack a cooler with refreshing drinks and snacks to keep your crew happy as you float along (always check local laws to see what’s allowed). Or rent a kayak, paddle against the current for a challenging workout, and then downstream for a leisurely return trip. Spend the day fly-fishing from the bank, then catch and release or take your fresh catch home to your cozy vacation home for a delicious meal.

Best Rivers for Floating, Fishing, and Fun

Find nature's most serene beauty in these locations

Lakeside

Lakes & Rivers

The One Hundred Collection is a curated collection of the finest, most memorable, and most extraordinary ski trips.

Ski trips and all about them | The One Hundred Collection

Top Places to Stay for an Unforgettable Ski Trip

The best ski destinations in the country are the perfect mix of exhilarating and cozy. Skis slicing through fresh powder, wind whipping in your face as you race down the mountain. Steaming mugs of hot cocoa by a crackling fire. No matter your skill level or whether your ultimate goal is to conquer black diamonds, cozy up in the lodge with family, or plan a luxury aprés-ski experience, we know just where to go for an amazing ski trip.

Whether you’re looking for old-fashioned family fun or upscale aprés-ski, beginner slopes or advanced terrain, ski-in ski-out or the heart of the village, planning an amazing ski trip is the best way to have some fun and create memories this winter.

When planning a ski trip for all ages, it’s important to consider the needs of everyone in your party. Choose a destination geared towards families, with plenty of options for all ages and ski levels. Brave the bunny hill together or sign the little ones up for ski school while you tackle more difficult terrain. Enjoy the rush of snow tubing or show off your twirls on the ice rink. After a day out in the snow, gather the family to warm up with a mug of hot cocoa in the lodge or in front of the fireplace in your cozy living room.

Looking for a challenge? If your skill level is advanced, bunny hills and gentle slopes just won’t do the trick. Most mountains have varied terrain that will satisfy skiers of all levels, but when one or two challenging trails leave you aching for more, choose a location known for being a top ski destination for expert skiers and snowboarders. Tackle steep and extreme terrain to get your adrenaline pumping, show off your skills in chutes, bowls and cliffs, or conquer hike-to or back-country terrain (with the right experience and equipment, of course).

Ski Trips for Experts

Reward yourself with excellent skiing paired with luxury amenities at one of the best ski destinations in the US. Ski-in and ski-out, or stay right in town, steps from the gondola. After a day of adventure on the slopes, warm your boots, soak your tired muscles in a soothing hot tub, and indulge in a luxury aprés-ski experience. Enjoy rooftop cocktails with a backdrop of stunning mountain views, book a pampering spa treatment, browse upscale boutiques, and enjoy world-class dining and culture.

Luxury Ski Trips

To enjoy fresh air and exercise in a winter wonderland without speeding downhill, ditch alpine skiing and try your hand at cross-country skiing. Not only is it an incredible workout, but you can go at your own pace and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. Because you don’t actually need a mountain for Nordic skiing, you can traverse the countryside, farms, and parks – anywhere with snow. If you need more direction, visit a ski destination with trails, rentals, and lessons.

Cross-Country Ski Trips

Find the right type of skiing experience for you

Ski Trips

Let us help narrow down your choices with some of the best wedding locations in the U.S.

Sweeping vistas for gorgeous places to get married | The One Hundred Collection

Surprising Ways a Vacation Rental Makes Planning Your Dream Wedding Easy

When you envision yourself walking down the aisle, is it just you and your intended, an intimate group of family and friends, or an extravagant affair with everyone you know? No matter what you picture, it can be difficult to select the perfect location. Have you considered including a vacation rental in your planning? Vacation homes can serve as luxury accommodations that make your guests feel at home, private honeymoon suites after the ceremony, or intimate and unique venues that wow your guests. When considering a destination wedding, the options are endless. Let us help narrow down your choices with some of the best wedding locations in the U.S.

Planning a wedding is exciting but it can also be stressful. Choosing a beautiful destination that fits your personality and theme and inviting guests to stay in a luxury property that feels like home makes the whole experience just a little bit easier.

If you’re planning to elope or have a small wedding with your closest family and friends, vacation homes are the perfect location for an intimate celebration. Vacation rentals that allow weddings can be an affordable way to have your ceremony right on the edge of the lake, with the sound of ocean waves crashing, or in front of a stunning mountain backdrop. Plan for a personalized ceremony outside followed by an intimate dinner in a gorgeous dining room. Or say your vows in front of a beautiful fireplace and then host a fun reception al fresco under the stars. No matter your vision, there is a vacation home that fits your vibe.

Intimate Wedding Locations

While most homes are made to accommodate small weddings, don’t rule vacation homes out if you’re planning a larger affair. Large, luxury villas can host more guests and often have surrounding bungalows, adjacent properties, or nearby homes that can all be rented out for your own version of a hotel block. For an even larger reception, choose a gorgeous venue that fits your style – elegant luxury on a castle-like estate, intimate romance in a vineyard, casual whimsy in the sand, upscale modern in the city center – then use a private vacation home as a romantic honeymoon suite.

Wedding Locations for Large Guest Lists

There’s no doubt the beach makes a beautiful natural setting for a wedding. Rent a home on the ocean to serve as your venue or book a larger wedding venue on the beach and then stay at a luxury home on the water with your brand-new spouse. Plan a natural, bohemian ceremony for just the two of you with your toes in the sand. Or host a classy but casual ceremony on a deck overlooking the ocean, followed by an amazing seafood boil that will leave your guests stuffed. Choose a tropical vibe with personalized cocktails or a black tie affair at sunset. With the ocean as your backdrop, you barely need decorations.

Beach Wedding Locations

Now that you’re convinced a vacation rental is a must-have for your dream wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that the vacation home you choose allows weddings. Consider the rules and regulations, such as neighborhood quiet times. Choose a destination to fit the vibe and theme of your wedding. Use the ambiance and decor of the home to make planning and decorating simple, but be sure to add personal touches like a handmade altar or table linens and additional furniture to suit your style and your guests. And remember, even if a vacation home doesn’t match what you want in a wedding venue, it can still serve a purpose in your wedding, as a place for the bridal party to get ready, a honeymoon suite for the happy couple, or one of several residences reserved for guests to stay and keep the party going.

Tips for Using a Vacation Rental for Your Wedding

Sweeping vistas for gorgeous places to get married

Wedding Locations

Planning a trip to wine country is becoming more and more popular. And with good reason.

Unique Ways to Enjoy the Best Wineries | The One Hundred Collection

Planning a trip to wine country is becoming more and more popular. And with good reason. If you love wine tasting, visiting just one winery isn’t enough! Plan a weekend getaway (or longer) to explore wine country, so you’ll have plenty of time to try the best wineries in the area, indulge in delicious farm-to-table dining experiences, and admire or explore the beautiful countryside blanketed in acres of vineyards.


Visiting wineries all day makes you the best kind of tired. When you need a place to crash right on the wine trail, we have the best vacation rentals in wine country.

Some wine regions inspire luxury and are full of beautiful, high-end wineries that cater to a crowd looking for an unforgettable, upscale experience. Reserve a custom chef-created food and wine pairing featuring vineyard-grown wines and ingredients sourced from gardens on the premises. Indulge in a reserve wine tasting to enjoy an exclusive selection of wines and learn about the winemaking process in an intimate setting. Enjoy a wine flight on a gorgeous terrace, in a luxurious tasting room with vineyard views, or even on a bocce court with bottle service.

Luxe Wine Trips

Wineries aren’t only for high-end clientele. Plenty of family-friendly wineries invite guests of all ages to enjoy the day on their beautiful properties. Check a winery’s website or read reviews before visiting to ensure that kids are welcome. When planning a winery visit with children, select locations that have plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run free without disturbing other patrons, and bring entertainment like toys and games. Kid-friendly events that feature food trucks and live music are a great chance for you to enjoy a bottle of wine with entertainment for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Wineries

When planning a visit to wine country, be sure to consider how you want to travel. Reserve a car service or party bus for comfort when vineyard hopping. Bike through wine country to explore the area while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery, or hike miles of trails within a winery’s nature preserve before or after your tasting. Get a birds-eye view of endless vineyards from a hot air balloon or ride a noble steed from winery to winery with a horseback riding tour.

Unique Ways to Tour Wineries

Even if wine tastings are at the heart of your trip, visiting wineries is far from the only thing to do. And let’s be honest, sometimes you need a break between wineries. Enjoy your beautiful surroundings by hiking or biking through the countryside. Stroll through town perusing shops and boutiques. Boat, waterski, or kayak on a nearby lake or at the beach. Tour local museums, experiment with a cooking class, or simply shift your beverage of choice with a visit to a brewery or distillery. Then hop back on the wine trail when you’re ready.

Non-Wine Activities on Your Trip

Finding the best wineries to visit, tour, and taste test

Wineries

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury one-bedroom cabin on the river with prime fly-fishing opportunities, an exquisite lakefront home designed for ultimate relaxation, or a massive mountain retreat with breathtaking views you can only get from an elevation of 5,000 feet, there is something in Adam’s collection just perfect for you.

Each home in the collection is architecturally stunning and exudes mountain luxury with thoughtful designs that maximize awe-inspiring surroundings. Enter a two-story great room to be welcomed by gleaming hardwood floors and exquisite mountain-inspired finishes, cook meals in a gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, dine under a handcrafted antler chandelier, unwind by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace on plush, high-end furnishings, and take in miles of unobstructed mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air from a rocking chair on a private balcony nestled in the trees, a hot tub on an expansive deck that’s seemingly floating in the clouds atop a mountain, a fire pit right at the river’s edge, or an enormous covered outdoor dining and living area anchored by a stone fireplace.

Showstopping mountain homes of the highest caliber feature more amenities than you could possibly imagine. From high-end 8-person spas with built-in lighting and sound systems, 85-inch TVs, electric vehicle chargers, and Sonos sound systems to theater, exercise, and game rooms, no detail has been overlooked. And with access to the exciting amenities of the most exceptional gated communities in the mountains, there is so much to discover in the High Country.

Owner

Quality cabin rentals and service going beyond expectations

While he invested in various industries through his work in private equity, there was one investment that would unexpectedly change Adam Norris’s trajectory – and that was vacation rentals. Through that investment, Adam fell in love with the vacation rental space, a business that he views as intrinsically good. He loves that by doing the necessary work for homeowners and guests, you’re ultimately helping someone have the best week of their year and create cherished memories with loved ones.

That motivation is what fueled Adam to purchase Blue Ridge Vacation Rentals over five years ago. A company that has been in operation for twenty years, they manage the most spectacular homes in the High Country of North Carolina. In the time since Adam’s purchase, Blue Ridge has grown from 170 to 800 homes, with a sister company on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and vertical property management that sets them apart – with in-house HVAC services, pest control, repairs, commercial linen services, and even hot tub sales.

A singular mission, truly caring about guests and homeowners, drives Adam’s team, which includes all locally-based reservationists and three experienced general managers. From believing that each guest checking in deserves something special waiting for them to always allowing early check-ins or late check-outs when possible without charging a fee, Blue Ridge works hard to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and appreciated. When you arrive at one of Adam’s properties, the hot tub was just cleaned that day, firewood was delivered, the lights are on, the sheets are on, and a welcome gift is waiting.

And Blue Ridge’s desire to treat others with care and respect extends beyond the business. They also feel strongly about supporting local businesses, from local bakeries to Girl Scout troops. There’s no question that the impact of Adam’s team can be felt throughout the community. And those yummy treats they buy from local businesses? Well, they just may be waiting in your welcome basket.

Complimentary early check-in and late check-out

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