Romance Books Set in North Carolina for Your Romantic Inspiration

Diving nose first into a romance novel is fun, but having a romantic getaway inspired by said romance novel is even better. North Carolina is filled with romantic inspiration and is truly a romantic destination. Go find inspiration from your favorite romance novel and set off for North Carolina. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry – fictional Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, real-life Asheville, North Carolina  

In the romance novel, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, the story is set in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, which, although fictional, is nearby real-life Asheville, North Carolina. While Sunshine Falls is based on several small mountain towns, the charming Asheville will still set you swooning over the perfect romance. Head over to Hemingway’s Cuba, voted as one of Best Rooftop Restaurants by the Food Network, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and delicious Cuban dishes. Afterwards, go to uncover one of the 20+ dessert shops in Asheville to share with your loved one, before twirling on the dance floor at the Asheville Guitar Bar.  

Book your stay at GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road.  

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks – New Bern, North Carolina and Emerald Isle, North Carolina 

You can’t have a romance novel list without mentioning Nicholas Sparks. Perhaps the most famous of which, is his 1996 romance novel, The Notebook, set in the South’s Best Small Town, New Bern, North Carolina. While the charming small town played background for the epic, historical romance of Allie and Noah Calhoun, whose love story is based on true events, exploring nearby Emerald Isle also holds up for a Carolina romance. The charming beach town boasts 12-miles of white sand beaches and roaring waves of the Crystal Coast, perfect for a beach picnic and a stroll by the sunset, and your hotel, Lighthouse Suites, BWSC by Best Western is in the perfect location to everything. Enjoy a date at the North Carolina Aquarium Pine Knoll Shores and share a cone at the Sweet Spot ice cream parlor.  

Book your stay at Lighthouse Suites, BWSC by Best Western.  

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – fictional Cousins Beach, TV series filmed in real-life Wilmington, North Carolina  

There’s something iconic about teenage romance that makes for youthful, lasting memories, and the characters in The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han are no strangers to that. Is it the innocence of young love or the coming-of-age drama that makes for a worthwhile read? Whatever the case, following the adventures of Belly and her love interests, make for an epic read. While Cousins Beach is fictional, the TV series was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Relive your youthful days by walking the Wilmington Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington, and make sure to have a romantic outdoor picnic at Riverfront Park. Go back in time by touring historic architecture, like Bellamy Mansion, or by taking a horse drawn carriage ride along the riverfront.    

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Coastline Inn.