Nestled on 2, 000 acres, Ballantyne is a stately structure, with towering two- story windows in the lobby that make a strong impression. Even if you check in expecting a vacation filled with golf and tennis, you might find you can barely budge from the spa. . . .

With its yellow exterior, this B& B is literally and figuratively a bright spot in the Holloway Historic District. Inside, the inn explodes with color and warmth, thanks to exuberant hosts Dolly and Frank Pokrass. Your gourmet breakfast might be walnut . . . In business since 1901, this stately hotel has never lost its turn- of- the- 20th- century charm. Civilized pleasures await in the spacious public rooms and elegantly traditional accommodations, on the rocker- lined wide verandas, and amid the gardens.

You can . . . Given this nine- story hotel' s excellent downtown location, the rates here are reasonable. Several fountains run through the lobby entrance, and the rooms are spacious and well appointed.

Guests have access to the YMCA across the street. located near . . . In the financial district, this hotel sits across the street from the Charlotte Convention Center. The wood- panel lobby, with marble floors and a sweeping staircase, is impressive.

Guest rooms are large and comfortable, if unimaginatively decorated. Each . . . The first in the village, the Holly has crown molding, elegant lighting, and other architectural features that recall the 1890s.

Luxuries include silk- covered hangers, embroidered robes, and afternoon sandwiches, cookies, and iced tea. The menu at the 1895 . . .

This hotel is part of Twin City Quarter, a shopping and dining area in downtown Winston- Salem. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as WS Prime, a steak house with a 150- bottle wine list that' s right in the hotel. The location, adjacent to the . . .

This freshly renovated hotel is a favorite spot for corporate meetings. Large rooms invite you to kick back on the sofa for some TV or soak in the extra- deep tub, but if you need to work, the ergonomic desk chair is quite accommodating. Lofton' s Cafe is . . .

This boutique hotel, named for the renowned author who grew up in Greensboro, evokes turn- of- the- 20th- century luxury with lots of wood paneling, leather sofas, and mohair club chairs. Particularly nice are the oversize rooms, which have soaring ceilings . . . This 16- story hotel is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the convention center as well as many arts and sports venues. An escalator whisks you to the Over.

Street Mall, where you' ll find shops, restaurants, and a lounge.

Many guest rooms . . . One of the bonuses of staying at this resort is the chance to meet Peggy Kirk Bell, a champion golfer who built the place with her late husband.

The club, known for its excellent golf course, has hosted the U. Women' s Open. The rooms are done in a rustic . . . The central location makes this chain hotel a favorite with people arriving for weekend shopping trips.

Guest rooms are standard, but each suite is outfitted with furniture from the different manufacturers in the area. Room rates can more than double . . . The 17- story hotel, built to complement the city' s new convention center, opened in summer 2008.

Rooms are decorated in earth tones and feature halogen lights and prints of local architecture. In- room desks swivel away from the wall, allowing guests to . . .

It' s no surprise that business travelers dominate this place, because it' s adjacent to the convention center. Accommodations are a notch above standard. It' s convenient to major thoroughfares and to the Four Seasons Town Centre, an enormous three- story . . . On the campus of Duke University, this luxurious hotel evokes the feeling of an English country inn.

Guest rooms with plaid bedspreads and creamy wall coverings overlook either a park or a Robert Trent Jones and Rees Jones- designed golf course.

On display . . .

The Westin Charlotte is a study in modern comfort. The vast medallion chandelier in the lobby is as striking as the hotel' s gleaming green- glass facade.

Rooms feature ultra- comfy beds and roomy showers in marble bathrooms as well as stunning views of the . . .

San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch and his counterpart William Hesmer made several crucial saves as the Earthquakes and Columbus Crew played to a scoreless tie Saturday. San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch and his counterpart William Hesmer made several crucial saves as the Earthquakes and Columbus Crew played to a scoreless tie Saturday. Despite six saves by Busch, the Earthquakes ( 5- 6- 8) extended their winless streak to six games ( 0- 2- 4) . Hesmer had five saves for the Crew ( 7- 5- 7) , who have four wins, two losses and a tie over the past seven games. Hesmer parried a header by Chris Wondolowski over the crossbar in the 75th minute, just after Busch denied a break by Andres Mendoza.

Busch also slid to the right of the goal to stop Justin Meram in the 90th minute. San Jose was blanked for the fifth time in six games, while Hesmer recorded his second straight shutout and seventh of the season.

Locals shed a tear when the longtime Anna' s Danish Cookies closed in this spot, and cookie lovers are still mourning.

But anyone who craves the Ligurian fare of northern Italy— the home of pesto, focaccia, and delicate pastas— is still cheering the arrival of Farina. Here they fill up on such iconic dishes as focaccia di Recco ( paper- thin pizzalike focaccia sandwiching melted stracchino cheese) , " handkerchief" pasta dressed with pesto, corzetti ( " stamped" pasta rounds) with tomato meat sauce, and raviolini stuffed with borage and ricotta. Those with slim pocketbooks should stay away from the very pricey secondi and instead choose from the regularly changing array of Ligurian carbs and small dishes of sauted greens, roasted peppers, or other vegetables.

Weekend brunch offerings sometimes include eggs sunny- side up topped with shards of fresh black truffle or scrambled eggs with fresh porcini. No lunch.