So you've had a heck of a week and want to get away. If staycations don't sound enticing, and the thought of mega packing, planning, & travel costs brings feelings of despair; in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Georgia, the answer to your wanderlust is only an hour or two of a car ride away!

Lake Lure

Nestled beautifully in the foothills of North Carolina, this charming travel destination offers far more than initially meets the eye. In addition to all the fantastic free activities available for adventurers of every age and style, there are also a surprising number of affordable lodging options to be found. Hotels, inns, cabins, houses, and even resort options; you can easily find a plethora of alternatives that will put you squarely in the middle of what may turn out to be your favorite getaway of all time!

Rumbling Bald Resort

Most of us rarely if ever consider a resort when deciding to embark on a last minute adventure, especially since the word ‘resort’ does not exactly conjure budget-friendly thoughts. Rumbling Bald Resort however, is one of those rare gem finds that allows you to feel like you’re living the high life without causing your wallet the pain and suffering. They even have a number of packages that come with amenities such as canoe or kayak rentals, rounds of mini golf, scenic lake cruises, spa services, and resort gift cards included in addition to your lodging. Definitely check their website at https://www.rumblingbald.com/specials-packages/ to find your perfect rate and package fit. Rumbling Bald Resort does have some blackout dates during the prime vacation season, so make sure to call the resort and confirm that your favorite rate is available. Regardless, if golfing, kayaking, a lakefront water park, tennis, and spa services are your perfect cup of tea; then this may be the best thing to happen to your weekend getaway since the invention of the hot stone massage.

Lake Lure Lakefront Lodging

One quick search and a number of beautiful options come up for lakefront lodging on Lake Lure. Imagine relaxing by a patio fire pit with the sound of the water rippling in the light breeze, while looking out on the moon rising over the surrounding mountains. Can't get more picturesque than that, right? If lakeside revelry sounds like the ultimate salve for your hardcore week, then check out https://www.visitncsmalltowns.com/places-to-stay/cabins-cottages-and-rentals/. The cabins and houses for rent are completely idyllic, yet surprisingly reasonable. You’ll also be within easy access of all the fantastic local activities and haunts in addition to feeling like you’re in your own private, forested lagoon. When the world has driven you batty in everyday life, running away from it all to one of these homes is definitely your recipe for recharge!

Now that you've found the perfect place to hang your hat for a few days, what to do? If you're staying at Rumbling Bald Resort you might be covered on daily activity agendas, but what about when you crave other adventures? Spoiler alert! There are many more options than just the lake and resort at Lake Lure!

Ziplining

Lake Lure boasts two incredible zipline company options, each with options to thrill both the tame and the daring.

Boulderline Zip offers a number of packages that will get your adrenaline pumping. Spend a couple of hours or an entire day experiencing your own exhilarating birdseye view of the landscape. With mini-zip lines through the foothills' forests, ridge to ridge zip lines for the brave of heart, and night ziplining for the eerily adventurous, there is definitely something for everyone. They even offer climbing walls and a giant hillside swing experience! Packages usually run around $30 to $95 per person depending upon the season, and can easily be booked on their website https://boulderlinezip.com.

Canopy Ridge Farm offers thrilling zipline tours of Hickory Nut Gorge. These family-friendly guided excursions include 6 different ziplines of heights up to 100 feet over their 60 acres of hardwood forest in the Isothermal Belt region of North Carolina. Tours are suitable for ages 4 and up, and generally last about 1 ½ hours. Advance reservations are highly recommended, so be sure to check out their website for more information. http://canopyridgefarm.com/

Horseback Riding

Ever wanted to tip your hat at the world and ride off into the sunset? Lake Lure offers you options to do that .. literally. If leisurely trail riding along the mountains and through the fields is your thing, check out Cedar Creek Stables. They offer 1, 1.5, and 2 hour guided trail rides that will thrill both the novice rider and the seasoned equestrian alike. They even have an onsite gem mine if you want to pan for a little bling. If you view yourself as more of Tommy Lee Jones in Lonesome Dove, than Randolph Scott in Ride In The High Country, then definitely check out Riverside Riding Stables. They offer the option of 2 hour rides that include swimming with your horse through the river as part of the trail. Either way, getting in touch with your inner western movie star is only an online click away!

Other Activities

Do you have an affinity for fly fishing? Granddaddy Fly Fishing Experience offers full-service excursions with a certified instructor to make sure you experience the best catching expedition ever. More of an antiquing shopaholic? The Hickory Nut and B&B Emporium are just minutes away in Chimney Rock. Does an incredibly beautiful hike get your blood pumping? You'll love the Dittmer-Watts Nature Trail Park. Want to simply wander through artistic beauty with a historical background? The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is sure to be a favorite destination. There are also beach excursion and hiking options easily found via https://townoflakelure.com. There really is no end to the possibilities for every personality. Okay, so you're staying in your dream spot and have spent the day engaged in your favorite activities. Talk about working up an appetite! Guess what! Lake Lure has that covered too.

Lakeside Dining

If you prefer to literally sit on a dock by the bay (or in this case, lake) while eating, there a number of options that will whet your appetite. Larkins on the Lake offers lakeside boat dock access, and their award winning Bayfront Bar & Grill in addition to wine tasting events and holiday weekend brunches. Point of View is only open on weekends, but its spectacular dining views and exemplary freshly caught seafood entrees and service make it worth the weekly wait. Legends on the Lake is also perfect if you're looking for lakeside dining in more of a high-end sports bar atmosphere.

Great Food & Atmosphere

Just searching for a great meal at a decent price? Lake Lure boasts many options that feel and taste like high end dining, without the high end bill. Try Luna del Sol, rated the #1 restaurant in Lake Lure by TripAdvisor. A casual restaurant bar with amazing local seafood and even incredible vegan options. La Strada at Lake Lure is a certificate of excellence award winning dining destination that offers scenic outdoor seating and highly rated gluten free menu options. Medina's Village Bistro in nearby Chimney Rock not only boasts an amazing menu and atmosphere, it even offers a menu specifically for canine family members joining the dining experience!

Done & Done!

Your last minute getaway weekend is complete. Just a couple of hours drive in the car, and you're on your way to making memories that will last for years to come. Get moving! Adrenaline filled journeys, relaxing moments, and sumptuous dining experiences await! Can you feel it?