Eight of My Favorite US Vacation Rentals

 Air BnB has been in the news of late for their complete overhaul of their website categorizing home listings for mansions, cabins, treehouses, tiny homes, castles, those with amazing views and even those with grand pianos. This week they announced that they will be doing away with two things: having guest do chores such as vacuuming, stripping the beds or doing laundry before check out and no hidden fees. (If you've rented through them before you'll know that you originally see the per night fee but then find out that there are cleaning fees, service fees and taxes that are not included) Which got me thinking that I've never shared my favorite vacation rentals with you. So here we go with eight of my favorite vacation rentals from the last few years:




1.  Hot Springs, North Carolina

There are three cabins on Broadwing Farm in Hot Springs, North Carolina and you book directly through the farm. (There is a minimum two night stay) Located about a minute from the small town of Hot Springs, these cabins have fantastic mountain views, kitchens and the use of the grounds of the farm. We stayed with here with friends and it was a bit tight - our cabin was one bedroom with a futon in the living room - but we made it work. Built by the owners themselves, the key thing about this place - besides those views - is the naturally fed hot tubs that sit outside each cabin. We took full advantage of having our own tub to soak in.




You can also read about this stay in Hot Springs here


2. Wiscasset, Maine

We took a trip to Vermont and Maine in the summer of 2021 - five days in Vermont and five in Maine. We stayed at this cute little cottage overlooking the Wiscasset River in Wiscasset, Maine, of Red's Eats fame. It was tiny but perfectly fine for 4 people. There are two bedrooms, each ensuite, and a small living room, dining area and very small kitchen. What made this rental for me was the screen porch. It includes four rockers and is perfect for sunset watching. It's also close to the aforementioned Red's, Damariscotta and the ferry to Monhegan Island. Not far from a grocery either. It worked out very well for us.I'd definitely go back.



The view of the neighborhood from across the river






3. Hendersonville, North Carolina

We booked this rental through Air BnB for a two day trip doing the Cheers Trail in Hendersonville, NC with my brother and sister-in-law. Two very positive points: the price, which was $100ish per night and the grounds. It actually is located in Zirconia, North Carolina and is the walkout basement of a house. The views were fantastic and you had access to the acreage that the house sits on. We went on one long walk (we were there in April and the weather was perfect) and would have done more if we had stayed longer. 





Read more about the Hendersonville Cheers! Trail here

4. Newburgh, New York

Located in the Hudson River Valley, and close to many places we wanted to visit, this rental was the walk out basement of a home in a neighborhood in Newburgh, New York. Decorated in mid century modern style, it contained two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen, a comfy living room and a utility room that had a washer/dryer to use (including detergent!) Plus it had outdoor space with a dining table which we didn't get to use due to some rainy evenings. But we did take advantage of the kitchen to make meals and played some vinyls on the record player while we did so. It was fun to share our "oldies" music with our daughter - Fleetwood Mac for the win! 





Read more about our adventures in the Hudson River Valley here

5. Hudson, New York

This guest cottage in Hudson, New York was (booked through Air BnB) one of the two places we stayed during our Hudson River Valley jaunt. Rented out by a couple who had escaped from their "rat race" careers in New York, it is a two bedroom cottage with one bathroom and a full kitchen. Uniquely, instead of a living room there is a library - you may enjoy reading any of the books while you are there! Expert gardeners, the outdoor space is to die for and you may also spend time in the gardens. 






Read more about our adventures in the Hudson River Valley here

6. Winter Park, Colorado

We stayed at this rental condo (completely updated) with our son, his sister-in-law, friends of theirs, their little one and our grandson. We went for a weekend in the summer and booked it through Air BnB. Plenty of room for all of us - three bedrooms and a mattress in the basement playroom - with amenities provided also. There was a pool, which we enjoyed taking the kids to, tennis courts, toys, a highchair, a portacrib and gates for the stairs. Plus there was  a shuttle stop to take the bus into Winter Park. But it was close enough to drive and visit a brewery or two or go hiking. Would definitely stay here again.





7. Avon, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is one of my favorite destinations so I suggested to Mr. UR that we rent a beach - or a few rows back from the beach - house for a week in the shoulder season. We looked at a few houses at a few different rental realty companies and landed on one in Avon, North Carolina. It was perfect for the two of us and quite frankly, we could have fit a few more people as it was four bedrooms. It didn't feel too large, though, and we took advantage of the many decks for some deck sitting, the full kitchen for meals and even the rental bikes that came with it for a cruise around the neighborhood. A relaxing week just chilling at the beach. One of my faves.







8. Grand Junction, Colorado 

This guest house in Grand Junction had two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen/sitting room combo which made it just right for us and friends of ours to explore the Western Slope of Colorado. Situated in the renters backyard, there was plenty of outside space and we could enjoy coffee and breakfast in the provided Adirondack chairs. But what made it extra special was the fantastic view of the Colorado National Monument from those chairs. It was a great view and we enjoyed it for all 3 nights that we stayed. Once again, another rental that I would stay at again.







How about you? Where was your favorite vacation rental?


Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!



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