This Here Town is Lake Lure, NC
Are you planning a trip to Lake Lure, North Carolina? Read on for insider tips on the best things to do in Lake Lure, travel tips, restaurants, and places to stay in Lake Lure, North Carolina.
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A view of the beach at Lake Lure, NC by Reese Moore Photography
You might say Lake Lure is the small town that kicked off our love of small towns, so much so that we own a house here!
This sleepy slice of rural mountain heaven boasts a population of fewer than 1,500 people. You'll find Lake Lure nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about an hour from Asheville and a whopping 100 feet from Chimney Rock. Established in 1927 by Dr. Lucius B. Morse, Lake Lure's biggest claims to fame (other than the stunning terrain) are that Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans were filmed in the area. There's even an annual Dirty Dancing festival for any Swayze fans out there.
Dr. Morse sought refuge from poor health in “The Gorge,” and his vision of a resort community in the Western North Carolina mountains began with the purchase of 400 acres of what is now Chimney Rock for $5,000. Later, he amassed 8,000 acres of what is now Lake Lure and the surrounding valley. They completed the dam on the Rocky Broad River in September of 1927, and the formation of the lake began. Today, Lake Lure covers approximately 720 acres and boasts an estimated 27 miles of shoreline.
Savor some ice cream from Scoop on a hot day at the beach in Lake Lure, NC.
The Vibe:
This down-to-earth mountain town is a family-friendly, outdoorsy haven. Settle in on a porch with a game of checkers or jigsaw puzzle after a long day of watersports, ziplining, or hiking. Nightlife is not a thing here, nor is Uber, so bring a good book and a wine opener for your evening in the rocking chair.
The Charm Factor:
Lake Lure is a quirky mix of historic, eclectic, and contemporary. Old farmhouses that pre-date the lake punctuate the array of log cabins and breathtaking modern homes.
The Flowering Bridge is a must-see community-maintained attraction in Lake Lure, NC.
Why Plan a Lake Lure Family Vacation?
Disclaimer: Lake Lure, North Carolina, is such an easy place to love that my husband and I wound up buying a house here. Then my parents visited us, and they did the same darn thing.
What is it about this tiny mountain town? Maybe it’s the way the lush, green mountains give way to sparkling blue water. Maybe it’s the numerous hiking trails that snake through the forest to reveal sweeping vistas. But, if one had to guess, it’s the slower pace of living that keeps people coming back for a Lake Lure family vacation year after year.
There are tons of fun, active things to do in Lake Lure, but the vibe is that put-your-phone-down, get-away-from-it-all, and be-present family vacation of yore. You’ll find an activity for every family member in this post, from grandma to adventure-seeking teens to toddlers.
And, while you’re playing checkers by the fire, picking blueberries, or floating in a crystal clear lake, you’ll inevitably find yourself thinking… why don’t we just stay? Just stay off Zillow during your trip!
View of the Broad River leaving the Lake Lure dam
Best Things to Do in Lake Lure, North Carolina
Summer in Lake Lure is all about getting out on the water.
Get Out on the Water
What’s the point of coming to Lake Lure if not to get out on the water at some point during your family vacation, right? Grab lake tour tickets for the whole family or rent your own pontoon boat.
Looking for a little more adrenaline? Slap those life jackets on, and hit the lake for:
Waterskiing
Tubing
Kneeboarding
Wakeboarding
Wake surfing
If the mere thought of taking your kids waterskiing gives you an instant headache (or backache), remember that fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are equally fun (and much more laidback) Lake Lure activities. You can book a private fishing tour or head out on your own, but don’t forget to get your North Carolina fishing license first.
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is fun for all ages and offers rotating garden themes.
Walk the Flowering Bridge
A delight for the young and young at heart, Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge makes for a whimsical, romantic stroll. A series of interlocking, independently designed gardens runs the length of the historic 1925 Rocky Broad River bridge, which was closed to traffic in 2011.
Flowers, statues, scenic benches, and fanciful spaces adorn the 155-foot bridge and surrounding area, and the gardens do change seasonally. Plan to sit a spell, watch the butterflies, or play tic-tac-toe in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Keep an eye out for Easter bunnies, winter gnomes, or Halloween specters, depending on the time of your visit.
Take a Hike
Hiking is, hands down, one of my favorite things to do in Lake Lure with the fam. For some cardio that ends with a view, hit the Party Rock Trail or Young’s Mountain (which requires a reservation). The Rumbling Bald Loop Trail offers a nice, moderate loop that’s suitable for most kids. You’ll also get to watch local rock climbers bouldering just off the trail.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, easy set of hikes, there’s a park immediately across from Ingles with several interlocking trails, a picnic area, and a grassy space. Chimney Rock State Park’s gorgeous views and multiple trails are a short drive away, but the entrance fees are worth considering as you plan your trip.
For easy planning and navigating, download the AllTrails app.
Canopy Ridge Zipline is a must-try while you’re visiting Lake Lure, NC.
Go Ziplining
The first time I ziplined at Canopy Ridge Farm, Lake Lure’s go-to zipline adventure, I cried giant alligator tears and hyperventilated on every single platform. The 8-year-old in front of me smiled and laughed the whole time.
The Canopy Ridge zipline tour is a favorite Lake Lure activity that’s suitable for kids over, so write this one down. You’ll fly over 60 acres of forest at up to 35mph on 6 separate ziplines. The views are amazing, and the staff is hilarious… even when they’re making fun of you for crying the entire time.
Ride an ATV or UTV
Canopy Ridge Farm and Boon Life Adventure both offer ATV/UTV experiences to accommodate ages 4 and up. Book your session in advance, and get ready to explore the rugged mountain terrain in a new, adrenaline-fueled way during your Lake Lure family vacation.
Enjoy local produce by spending a morning doing U-pick apples, flowers, or blueberries.
U-Pick Blueberries, Apples, Pumpkins, or Flowers
Does it get more wholesome than picking fresh, seasonal produce at a local farm with your loved ones? Summertime in Lake Lure means U-pick blueberries and blackberries at Trickle Creek Farm and U-pick flowers at Flying Cloud Farm in Fairview, North Carolina, a 30-minute drive from Lake Lure.
Are you in town for the leaf-peeping? Round out your fall mountain family vacation with a stop at one of Edneyville’s many pumpkin patches or apple farms. Our family loves Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard for the apple cannon, corn maze, and fresh cider donuts.
It’s hard to beat the views from the beach in Lake Lure, NC.
Enjoy a Beach Day in the Mountains
A beach day in the mountains? That’s basically the best of both worlds. Lake Lure offers several gorgeous, sandy stretches along its shoreline, but beach access does require some prior planning, per the “Planning at a Glance” section above. If easy, breezy private beach days are a must during your Lake Lure family vacation, you may want to skip to the “Where to Stay” section for easy planning.
Get up close and personal with Highland cows at New Beginnings Farm in Lake Lure, NC.
Feed Farm Animals
New Beginnings Historic Farm offers farm hikes and Highland cow feedings by appointment, and it was my nieces’ and nephew’s favorite Lake Lure activity last summer. You’ll reconnect with the land during this informative afternoon, which ends with the opportunity to feed goats and Highland cattle. Pack tennis shoes, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
Ride Horses Through Mountain Scenery
Trail riding is one of the most fun things to do in Lake Lure with kids! Wind through the gorgeous hills and valleys on horseback, or if it’s warm, you may even get to ride through a babbly mountain stream. Cedar Creek Stables and Riverside Riding Stables both offer horseback riding packages.
Visit Chimney Rock
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are about 3 minutes apart by car, but the towns have very different offerings. The town of Chimney Rock rests just outside the gates of Chimney Rock State Park along the Broad River, and it has more of a traditional downtown area than Lake Lure. For an in-depth look at vacationing in Chimney Rock with kids, we’ve got a whole post about how to enjoy a family vacation at Chimney Rock coming soon.
Sign up for a farm tour and livestock feeding at New Beginnings Historic Farm in Lake Lure, NC.
Recommended Restaurants the in Lake Lure, NC Area
Tasty offerings from the Lured Market in Lake Lure, NC.
Lured Market
Are you on the hunt for a tasty quality, but you have kids in tow or you’re fresh off a hike? Head to the Lured Market. This laid-back restaurant and local market resides in a charmingly revamped filling station, and it strives for a family-friendly atmosphere.
The farm-to-table grill offers craveable Appalachian treats like trout bites and fried pickled okra alongside fresh, healthy salads, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and a kids’ menu. You can also grab a dog bowl or pupsicle off the puppy chow menu if you’re traveling with a fur baby.
Cool your heels at a shaded picnic table, clip your dog’s leash to the built-in hook, and let the kids enjoy the oversized Jenga or tic-tac-toe while you wait for your food. They’ll love the sidewalk chalk, Free Little Library, and cornhole, and you’ll love the live music and craft beer selection. You can also grab a take-and-bake gourmet meal, specialty cheese, farm-fresh eggs, wine, or live bait, depending on what the rest of the day holds.
LakeHouse Restaurant
The LakeHouse Restaurant offers, hands down, our favorite view in Lake Lure. Their menu recently underwent a bit of a refresh, and there are a ton of items we can't wait to try after our last visit.
La Strada serves giant pizzas with views of Lake Lure.
Scoop sits directly across the street from Lake Lure.
Scoop
If your definition of a balanced diet is a banana split, then 1) we’re going to be great friends, and 2) Scoop qualifies as a Lake Lure restaurant. This quaint ice cream stand is worth mentioning because nothing rounds out a day on the water like two scoops and a waffle cone, and their portions are absolutely enormous. They do have kids’ scoops available (with free sprinkles), but what’s a family vacation without the sugar high? (Spoken like a true aunt and dog mom, I know.)
Overdue for a Date Night?
Leave the kids with grandma and head to Appalachia Restaurant for an upscale evening. Everything on the menu is delicious, and the large windows offer sweeping views of Lake Lure. During cooler months, you’ll also find a toasty fire in the fireplace.
Speaking of fires, if a glass of wine around the fire is really what mama needs, grab a table at Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens. Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens offers a quality wine list, tasty snack boards, salads, and desserts, all of which are best enjoyed around a fire.
Note: These restaurants also welcome children, but every family vacation calls for a date night, right?
The historic Lake Lure Inn & Spa dates back to the 1920s.
What to Pack:
Nomadix super absorbent, sand-resistant beach towel from recycled plastic
Astrals water shoes for tubing, kayaking, and exploring the lakes and river
Camelbak hydration backpack for hiking and mountain biking
Full-length hiking pants for maximum tick protection
Light-weight parka for weather-proof outdoor adventures
DEET bug repellent to avoid chiggers, mosquitos, and ticks
Rustic playing cards for rainy days
Emergency whistle and bear bell for outdoor adventure safety
Spend the morning wandering the Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, NC.
Know Before You Go:
This small town is also a seasonal community. Tourist season stretches from June through November when the leaves put forth a gorgeous display of color. Spring in Lake Lure is all about hiking, hitting local wineries, and soaking up some mountain sunshine. Summer is watersports and tourist season, so you'll find all the restaurants open, opportunities to hear live music, and a competitive short-term rental market. Fall is crisp, gorgeous, and nostalgic, and you may never want to leave. Until January. Then you'll definitely want to visit someplace warm!
Anytime you enjoy the great outdoors, it’s important to make note of relevant safety information for that area. As you plan your Lake Lure family vacation, pack a bug spray containing DEET, especially if you plan to hike. DEET is best known for deterring mosquitoes and biting gnats, but it will also protect you against nasty chigger bites and ticks, which can carry Lyme disease and trigger the Alpha-gal syndrome.
If you’ve never experienced the particular misery that is the red rash that follows sitting on a chigger-infested rock in a bathing suit, remember that chiggers are tiny red bugs that are prolific in the Western North Carolina mountains, and ticks are often found in grassy areas.
Always watch your step while hiking.
Additionally, keep an eye out for snakes, especially when hiking or letting children or dogs play by the river. (We call them Nope Ropes.) While most snakes in the Lake Lure area are harmless, copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and water moccasins can be found in the area, so it’s best to give all snakes the right of way.
Poison ivy is also especially prevalent during summer, so teach your family how to identify the leaves and consider adding IvyX or calamine lotion to your emergency travel kit.
Finally, bears are NOT A JOKE in the North Carolina mountains. My husband recently had one come tearing out of an alley in downtown Asheville. It ran right behind him down another side street, and I recently surprised the neighborhood bear having a happy hour in our recycling bin. Familiarize yourself with safety protocols, but most importantly, be aware of your surroundings and do not leave food in cars, on porches, or anywhere outside.
Travel safely, and enjoy your stay in this incredibly special place!
U-pick blueberries are a nostalgic family activity in the summer.
Best Places to Stay in Lake Lure, NC
Airbnb & Vrbo
Lake Lure, NC is a short-term rental-friendly community, and you’ll find an amazing array of stunning homes on Airbnb and Vrbo. Are you dreaming of 6-bedroom lakefront property? You’ll find that. Are long-range mountain sunsets and a cozy cabin more your vibe? They’ve got that too. Book in advance, and, as always, please respect the owner’s rules and the neighborhood regulations.
Rumbling Bald Resort
Are you the type of person that wants to park the car and be done? Rumbling Bald Resort may be the best place to stay in Lake Lure during your vacation. The resort perches on the lake’s northern finger and offers various lodging options. Rumbling Bald also provides access to the private beach on Lake Lure, kayak and pontoon rentals, a spa, restaurants, tennis courts, golf courses, mini-golf, an indoor pool, fitness center, hiking trails, a lazy river, and even a kids’ summer camp.
View of the fall foliage in the Riverbend community of Lake Lure, NC.
Riverbend
Comfortably located minutes from Ingles grocery store and Lake Lure’s town center, the Riverbend community offers a number of short-term rental options. This quiet neighborhood boasts a woodsy, get-away-from-it-all feel, two small, private lakes with a community beach and pavilion, a nature walk to the Broad River, and a swimming hole. I’m personally biased as a homeowner and short-term rental owner in this community, but nothing beats a long weekend in this peaceful slice of paradise.
Lake Lure Village Resort
Once a girls’ summer camp from 1950 to 1960, the Lake Lure Village Resort is now a charming neighborhood of long-term residents and short-term rentals. The Lake Lure Village Resort rests on the west side of the lake, mere minutes from downtown Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, making it one of the most desirable places to stay in Lake Lure. Flat meadows, pavilions, walking trails, a waterfall, and the 1800-foot private beach on the lake headline the amenities for your family vacation.
The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa
The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa is a blast from the past. The historic inn offers 69 guest rooms and suites and several dining options, and it’s located directly across from the Lake Lure beach and marina. The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa is also a short walk from the Lured Market, Scoop, and La Strada. You’ll enjoy modern amenities in this vintage inn, but do confirm the beach will be open during your stay if that’s a priority for your Lake Lure vacation.
Additional Lake Lure Lodging Options
Chimney Rock’s proximity to Lake Lure makes the multitude of riverfront motels and inns worth mentioning, as well. And, last but not least, if you’re looking for something a little outside the box, check out Emberglow. At this “outdoor resort”, you can stay in vintage campers, treehouses, yurts, tiny homes, pods, and more while enjoying the pool, playground, and community fire pit.
Have you been to Lake Lure? What are your favorite spots, sights, or memories? Drop 'em in the comments below.
