On the agenda today: a picnic of senses to fill your belly. Making your way around the curves of Lake Lure, there are a number of sights, sounds and smells you’ll pass; depending on which season you visit. During the summer you’ll hear the giggling sound of children as they splash into the lake from

Welcome to the pet-friendly Purple Martin Greenway. Hidden right off Hwy 221, just outside of downtown Rutherfordton, the nature, wildlife, and other outdoor elements may go unnoticed by many; however, the picturesque surroundings are right in front of our eyes!

To begin your journey, we suggest

When it comes to agreeing on things to do or places to eat during your summer getaway, it can be a challenge to land on that one choice that everyone will love equally the same.

That’s where the classic American picnic can become a great unifier.

With gorgeous parks, trails and picnic tables

Dive into summer, grab your friends and family and celebrate the season with big booms, outdoor music, natural wonders and more surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of our small towns! Whether you're a local, visiting for vacation or just cruising through, we have the hot ticket to all the

Plan an escape from the daily grind, and retreat to a recreational destination where the alluring beauty pulls you in and the noise of the world turns to silence. Nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina in the heart of the Hickory Nut Gorge lies Lake Lure, a majestic small

Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is the ultimate year-round destination. From splashing around in the water at Lake Lure Beach during the summer, to viewing the rich blankets of fall color that cover Chimney Rock; to coming home for the holidays to the millions of lights that magically light

Go ahead – goof off! Our lake, streams, trails and parks provide the perfect avenue for letting your imagination run wild. Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is a place where family fun and adventure collide. Whether you are looking to plan a scavenger hunt down one of our many trails or play indoors during a rainy day, our small towns have everything you need to have the time of your life.

From beginners to extreme outdoor enthusiasts - and all abilities in between – Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills packs in a variety of scenic trails, sure to provide ample natural distractions for a day, a weekend or an entire season.

Whether you hike, bike, paddle or stroll, you will have the

Everyone knows what it takes to make a dog truly happy. A warm bed, ample treats and plenty of behind-the-ear massages go a long way, but what they really want is to go wherever we go. And that, of course, includes our vacations.

Luckily, Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills isn’t just a place with

Even before our claim to fame as the film location for the blockbuster hits “Dirty Dancing” and “Last of the Mohicans,” Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills of Western North Carolina was firmly established as a longtime visitor hotspot.

Of even loftier distinction has always been our picture