Lake Lure: a Top North Carolina Mountain Resort

I draw great energy and inspiration from nature and all the beauty it upholds. It's is not surprising that my wanderlust tendencies gravitate towards adventures in connecting through travels that are chocked-full of it. Lake Lure did not disappoint.

The lake is located in the Hickory Nut Gorge and is rich in history. This area was once home to the Cherokee and Catawba Native American tribes, and a part of the Gold Rush movement in the 1800's. The area's success has much to do in part with a vision of Lucious Morse and his family. After purchasing 800 acres and Chimney Rock and with much planning and hard work, the family's dream came true when the Chimney Rock Park opened in 1916, and Lake Lure was incorporated in 1927.

Whether you are wanting a laid back family weekend adventure or a romantic getaway, Lake Lure has something for everyone. It is a great place to kick your heels up to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This sleepy little town is nestled in the North Carolina Foothills on a quaint lake with a picturesque look at the Blue Ridge Mountains, granite cliff sides and Chimney Rock State Park.

This area is famous for the filming of such movies as: The Last of the Mohicans, Dirty Dancing, Thunder Road, and Forrest Gump. Located off Highway 74 West, it's less than an hour from Asheville and about 1 1/2 hours from Charlotte, making for a very easy scenic drive.
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There are so many possibilities for activities from kayaking, canoeing, boating, and skiing, to zip lining through the canopy of trees on the ridge and hiking numerous trails throughout the area.

Interested in being a little more low key than that? No problem. Settle in with a good book on a deck of one of the many rental properties and take in the gorgeous scenery with amazing sunrise and sunsets over the ridge. There are several rental companies in the area. I booked my cabin through Airbnb which was through the local realty company Carolina Properties of which I highly recommend. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and gracious hosts during my stay with them.

There are also several bed and breakfasts and inns in the area. Lake Lure Inn and Spa is well known and has a gorgeous view of the lake, pier, and beach areas with the granite mountains serving as the backdrop.

There are several local restaurants that can please even those with the pickiest of palates. Point of View, Larkin on the Lake, Bayfront Bar and Grill and Lake Lure Inn are just to name a few.

I was able to try Bayfront Bar and Grill. The restaurant sits literally right on the water with two floors of seating. The top floor, Larkins on the Lake, is a more upscale dining experience. Bayfront Bar and Grill is a more relaxed casual neighborhood feel bar on the lower level but you can order from both menus in the bar. There is plenty of outdoor seating for those warm nights to listen to music, dine and drink casually while enjoying the scenery. Larkins offers dinner 7 days a week and Bayfront offers lunch and dinner everyday.

​Only minutes away is Chimney Rock. On the way, be sure to check out the "Flowering Bridge." There's such an inspirational message behind it. You can read about it in my The "Flowering Bridge": CommUNITY At Its Finest article.

Just over the bridge you will step back in time as you enter Chimney Rock Village. Most of the buildings here date back to the 1920s and 30s. The Main Street is filled with locally owned businesses with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and vintage motels. The village sits on the Rocky Broad River edge and at the basin of the famous Chimney Rock State Park. The river serves as a tranquil backdrop to the restaurants and shops. You can explore and get a much closer view by taking the boardwalk down to the expansive trail by the river's edge. For details about Chimney Rock Park, be sure to read Chimney Rock Park: The Granite Mavel.

From May to September there are plenty of fun activities such as live music, parades, festivals and contests bringing this area an added dose of liveliness for all ages to enjoy!
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Have you had a recent visit to the area? Would love to hear about your favorite places.