Find your home away from home in Washington, North Carolina

When it comes to traveling, staying in a place that offers the comforts of home along with a personality unique to its location can make your trip that much more memorable. Fortunately, you can find that on your next trip with these experiences in Little Washington.

Posted 10:00 a.m. Nov 9, 2022 — Updated 10:00 a.m. Nov 9, 2022

This article was written for our sponsor, Washington Tourism Development Authority

Are you looking for a unique and memorable vacation experience? If so, you'll love the variety of interesting and distinctive options available in Little Washington, North Carolina. Whether you're looking for a social getaway with family and friends or some peace and quiet in nature, you're sure to find the perfect vacation rental to fit your needs. Little Washington offers something for everyone including some unique getaways in this charming town.

Relax in a spa-like environment

The Kracked Pot is a historic home at 401 N. Market Street. Innkeepers William and Thad Aley will help plan your day as much (or as little) as you like, which may include an onsite massage from William, who is also a licensed massage therapist. “We do spa packages for people,” Aley said. “We have folks who come in from Raleigh, they go out to eat in town, they do shopping, they come back, they lounge in the hot tub, they take a shower outside, they come in and get a massage, and then they crash in their room.”

As for rooms, the Kracked Pot offers a 400-square foot private suite on the first floor of the home and a 200-square foot private room on the second floor. Both spaces have access to a front porch, first floor foyer, small cafe, and fenced back patio with a fire pit, hot tub, and outdoor shower. The home is a few blocks from the waterfront, downtown shops, and restaurants. “It's a location that's close to downtown, but it's not in the throes of the downtown,” Aley said. “So, you know, Washington has large events in town that bring visitors in— but you don't have people walking around at 11 o'clock at night drinking because we're just off the beaten path.”

The Kracked Pot is LGBTQ+ friendly, and Aley is happy to share information and fun ideas and experiences to do around Little Washington with guests. “Neighbors do socialize, and I think that feeds into the system where, when people come and they stay, I give them the whole spiel about what's so special about Washington, and then things to look for,” he said.

photo provided courtesy of Washington Tourism Development Authority

Stay on a farm — horses welcome

Another distinctive option is a two-bedroom cabin on a family farm. “Stables and Leisure Trails (S.A.L.T.) of Washington, North Carolina is an Airbnb that we offer to guests traveling with livestock or horses,” co-owner Wanda Geisen said. “We have an eight-stall barn, we have 20 acres of pasture space, and we have 30 acres of shaded trails that people can ride on.”

Even if you don’t need the barn, you’ll encounter many other animals. “You’ll have opportunities to meet peacocks, to pet pot-bellied pigs,” co-owner Glen Geisen said. “All of our animals are mostly hand raised, and none of them are caged.” You’ll have access to wooded trails for hiking, jogging, walking, or riding your own horse. You can also use the saltwater swimming pool and hot tub and go into town. “If you’ve never been to Little Washington, we invite you to come and stay, get some quiet time, enjoy nature, enjoy some of our animals but also enjoy the city of Washington because it has so much to offer and just great people and community,” Geisen said.

Socialize with family and new friends

U.S. Army veteran Ellen Brabo fell in love with the grand old home at 1040 N. Market Street that she would eventually turn into the Ell Hotel before she even moved to Washington. “Literally, the first time I'd ever come to Washington was…when I toured my house,” she said. “And the second time I came to Washington was for the housing inspection. And the third time was the day I picked up my keys.” The large porch — which Brabo calls the best room in the house — is a great spot to gather with your children, your dog, whoever you bring on vacation. “I want people to feel comfortable,” she said. “I don't want people to feel like they can't enjoy their glasses of wine or soda pop or coffee on the front porch and be worried that, ‘oh, I have to be quiet.’ I want people to create memories here, not just come to sleep and leave.”

Another spot for socializing is the billiards room, which Brabo said is the “coolest amenity” among the many amenities she offers. “We do offer a minibar, as well,” she said. “And then we do have games and such on the front porch and in the sunroom. And then, in every guest room, when a guest checks in, they are always welcomed with fresh flowers and fresh baked cookies.”

Whether you stay on a farm with horses or in a grand old home in the heart of Little Washington, you'll be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. This small town has so much to offer visitors, from great restaurants and shops to hiking and riding trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your next visit to experience all that this picturesque town has to offer and choose a charming vacation rental to make your stay feel like home.

This article was written for our sponsor, Washington Tourism Development Authority

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