A basement lounge built around a laundry machine from the late 1800s sounds like a dare. It’s real, and it sits beneath a hotel that has welcomed travelers since 1833.
Upstairs, the guest history reads like a trivia night. Elvis Presley, Mark Twain, Jimmy Carter, and Thomas Wolfe all show up in the story of this place.
The building spent 2022 to 2025 getting new plumbing, wiring, and heating while keeping its old bones. I like how the owners chose patience over a bulldozer.
It now holds the title of the oldest continuously operating hotel in North Carolina, and it still feels warm and lived in.
There’s a Southern restaurant downstairs, a smokehouse turned hangout out back, and a lobby fireplace made of stone. So which would you check out first, the food, the history, or that mysterious basement?
Nearly Two Centuries Of Guests Started With A Log Tavern
The original log structure had eight rooms—four upstairs and four downstairs—and served as a tavern and trading post. That was the humble start of The NuWray Hotel back in 1833.
It began as a tavern owned by Bacchus Smith. Later, Garret Ray bought the property and added wings plus a third story.
Folks around town called his place Ray’s Inn, or simply The Old Ray. Then, between 1915 and 1917, his daughter Julia and her husband William Wray stepped in.
They modernized the inn and brought in electricity. They also renamed it the Nu-Wray Inn, a clever twist on the family name that still makes people smile.
The Wray family ran the place for about a century. In 1982, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Amanda and James Keith bought the hotel in October 2021. They kicked off a careful restoration that wrapped up in 2024.
I believe that kind of long, steady story is rare. Plenty of old buildings get a plaque, but this one still gets fresh sheets every morning.
Save Room For Southern Comfort At The Old Ray
Remember that old nickname, The Old Ray? It lives on as the name of the hotel’s main restaurant, which officially opened on May 31, 2025.
The Old Ray Restaurant sits inside the main hotel and serves Southern comfort food inspired by the property’s Appalachian roots.
Breakfast is available daily, while dinner service is offered on select evenings. Check the restaurant’s current hours before visiting to plan your meal.
Two menu names stand out: Smothered Lettuce and The SouthernBoard, both reflecting regional food traditions.
The menu may include options for different dietary needs, but check with the restaurant about current vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices before you go.
The setting matters here as much as the food. You’re dining in a historic building that has welcomed travelers for generations.
My advice is simple: check the restaurant’s hours and current menu before your trip so your plans line up with the kitchen’s schedule.
Your Room Comes With Old Charm And Modern Plumbing
Old hotels sometimes come with old headaches, like shared bathrooms or wheezing radiators. The restoration here fixed that problem without erasing the history.
The main hotel offers 22 distinct rooms. Every single one has its own en-suite bathroom, which is a big relief in a building this old.
Expect air conditioning, a TV, a work desk, and a mini-fridge. Free WiFi, a hair dryer, and an iron with an ironing board round out the basics.
Some rooms have balconies, and some look out over the garden. Ask about those when you book if a view matters to you.
Accessible rooms sit on the first floor. That’s a thoughtful touch for guests who’d rather skip the stairs in a three-story inn.
The best part might be the variety. Since the rooms are distinct, your stay won’t feel like a copy-and-paste hotel experience.
I can’t imagine a better mix for a mountain getaway. You get the stories of an antique inn and a shower that actually behaves.
Head Out Back To The Carriage House For Coffee And Character
Exposed brick, warm wood trim, and original tin ceilings. Those details define the Carriage House, a separate building tucked behind the main hotel.
It holds additional guest rooms and apartments. Art from local painters hangs on the walls, giving each space a strong sense of place.
Groups or longer stays might love the apartment option. It’s a nice way to spread out while still being steps from everything at The NuWray Hotel.
The building also houses Carriage House Sundries, the hotel’s sister spot. It serves coffee, pastries, brunch, and dinner in a relaxed setting.
There’s a small market inside too. Grabbing a snack for a mountain drive suddenly becomes very easy.
The vibe is casual, with plenty of seating areas and televisions. It works well when you want something laid-back after a big day outdoors.
Think of it as the hotel’s friendly neighbor. One short walk across the property and your morning coffee problem is solved.
Claim A Seat By The Stone Fireplace Before Someone Else Does
A crackling fire in a stone fireplace sets the tone in the lobby. The room is filled with antiques that hint at the building’s long life.
That ambiance isn’t just for show. It gives guests a cozy place to gather, read, or plan the next day’s adventure.
The hotel also offers a shared lounge. It’s handy when your room feels small and you want a little more elbow room.
Outside, there’s a garden for fresh mountain air. An outdoor fireplace adds warmth on cool evenings, which happen often in this part of North Carolina.
Bring a jacket even in late spring or early fall. Mountain nights can turn crisp fast, and that outdoor fire suddenly becomes the most popular spot around.
The common spaces make the whole property feel like a big shared home. You may find yourself chatting with fellow travelers you never expected to meet.
Good luck leaving that fireside chair once you sit down. It’s built for lingering.
A Smokehouse Became The Coolest Deck In Town
Here’s a fun one for history buffs. Roland’s on the Deck sits in the hotel’s original smokehouse.
It’s named for Will Roland, a chef who worked at the NuWray for 40 years. He was known for smoking hams, so the name fits like a glove.
Today the space keeps that smoky tradition alive. The menu focuses on smoked meats, which feels like a proper tribute to the man himself.
The outdoor setting is a big part of the appeal. Sitting outside on a nice mountain evening beats most indoor dining rooms by a mile.
Live music happens here from time to time. If you’re a light sleeper, ask whether music is planned before choosing a room near the deck.
On the other hand, music fans should plan around it. A good tune, fresh air, and smoked food make a pretty great evening.
I like how this spot honors a real person from the hotel’s past. It turns a staff member’s legacy into something guests can enjoy today.
Go Downstairs And Find The Old Laundry Machine
Most hotels hide their laundry rooms. The NuWray turned its basement laundry history into the star of the show.
The Washroom is a speakeasy-style lounge on the lower level. It’s designed around the hotel’s original laundry machine from the late 1800s.
That old machine gives the room a quirky centerpiece. It’s a conversation starter that no designer could fake with a catalog purchase.
Lounge seating makes the space comfortable for a long evening. Small bites are available too, so you can snack while you soak up the mood.
The hidden, tucked-away feel adds to the fun. Finding it feels a little like discovering a secret room in a mystery novel.
Plan this stop for later in the day. It pairs nicely with dinner upstairs or a stroll around the square beforehand.
Honestly, who knew washday gear could be this charming? The Washroom proves that even the hardest-working corner of an old hotel deserves a second act.
Step Off The Porch And You Are On The Town Square
Location doesn’t get much more central than this. The NuWray Hotel sits right at 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
That puts downtown shops, dining, and entertainment within easy walking distance. You can park the car and forget about it for a while.
The square itself is a pleasant park space. It’s a natural spot for a morning stroll or an after-dinner wander.
Theater fans get a bonus. The Parkway Playhouse is less than 0.6 miles away, so a show night requires very little planning.
Burnsville is the seat of Yancey County in western North Carolina. The town keeps a small, friendly scale that makes exploring on foot feel easy.
Check the local calendar before you go. Town events and festivals can fill the square, which adds energy but may also affect parking and room availability.
A hotel on the square means you’re in the middle of the action. The rest of the town practically becomes your front yard.
The Highest Peak East Of The Mississippi Is A Short Drive Away
Mount Mitchell State Park sits about 13.4 miles from the hotel. Its namesake peak is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.
That makes the NuWray a smart home base for hikers. You can spend the day on mountain trails and still be back for dinner on the square.
Emerald Village is another nearby option. It’s a fun pick for families or anyone curious about the region’s mining past.
Pack layers for any mountain outing. Weather at higher elevations can shift quickly, and summit temperatures often run cooler than town.
The hotel has also played a bigger role in its community. During Hurricane Helene, it served as an emergency hub for local residents.
That detail says a lot about the place. It isn’t only a stop for visitors, but a true part of Burnsville’s fabric.
Exploring this corner of North Carolina feels richer with that in mind. You get mountain views by day and a hotel with real heart by night.
