From local favs to lakeside dining, be sure to add these stops on your list

One of the more unique ways to have the time of your life in Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is by discovering the flavors and savors of our region’s cooking.

Whether you’re a new resident, a well-worn local or just visiting, here is your ultimate guide to enjoying our culture one delicious and creative meal at a time. From farm fresh and seasonal to fast food with a twist, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is proud of its burgeoning foodie culture.

So, get ready to refuel and recharge as you explore the first in what will surely be an expanding list of fond favorites from our local foodies.

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C.

Old Rock Café

Chimney Rock isn’t just famous for its state park or silver screen role in “Last of the Mohicans.” The Old Rock Café, located on the Rocky Broad River, carries a variety of gourmet ingredients from local farms. Try all-beef burgers and bratwurst from Hickory Nut Gap Farms, a custom coffee blend by Dynamite Roasting in Black Mountain, jalapeno pimento cheese from Spindale, premium Lusty Monk Mustard made in Asheville, apple cider from Hendersonville, local craft beer and a veritable cornucopia of other amazing North Carolina products. Enjoy both the views and the food of this state attraction!

Medina’s Village Bistro
Located across from the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park in the heart of Chimney Rock Village. Get a great meal every time and quickly find out about all the upcoming events around town. Try the homemade corn beef hash for breakfast or their world-famous cinnamon buns. Check out the blackboard for an ever-changing daily sandwich creation for lunch and a nightly dinner feature celebrating locally sourced ingredients. Local’s tip: You must try the Roasted Red Pepper Bisque with Smoked Gouda Cheese.

LAKE LURE, N.C.

No culinary field trip to Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is complete without at least one standout lakeside dining experience. Whether you check out Point of View, Larkin’s on the Lake, Lakeview Restaurant or Tree Tops Dining Room the meals always pair perfectly with views of the water. We recommend the mountain trout at Point of View, served with a lemon butter and topped with roasted almonds. And, don’t miss the bacon-wrapped scallops at Larkin’s.

La Strada
With arguably one of the best dining views in the county, this family-owned visitor’s favorite boasts great Italian comfort food in an atmosphere of casual sophistication. Relax on the veranda overlooking the beach and the mountains. Local’s favorite: the homemade lasagna. True insider’s secret: Weekly pasta dishes featuring the owner’s flair for creative combinations of seafood, chicken or steak.

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C.

57 Alpha Café
Located at the Rutherford County Airport, 57 Alpha Café is a hidden gem of great food, flying in hot with its famous “Hundred Dollar Burger”! Trust us, this isn’t what you think of when you think of standard airport fare. Local’s tip: You’ll find the best banana pudding in the South right here.

Corner BBQ
This is one of those restaurant stops you might just blink and miss, but don’t let that happen. Devoted locals know it’s a finger-licking treat. Their tip: Try the BBQ sandwich with a side of crispy onion straws.

Mi Pueblito
Meaning “my little house” in Spanish, this authentic Mexican restaurant is a regular stop for locals from all over the county. As they celebrate 20 years in business with this year’s Cinco de Mayo, Mi Pueblito has become the go-to spot for lunch or dinner after church and sports games. Local’s tip: Don’t miss the homemade queso! Extra insider’s favorite: Try the spicy Alambre dish. Also, try their sister location in Forest City.

Rutherford Thai
If you’re a “foodie,” Rutherford Thai is sure to please. They freshly prepare each dish, paying close attention to ensuring that the spices are just right for your individual palette. The locals say, “They really do specialize in made-to-order cuisine.” Insider’s tip: Everyone adores the Pad Thai and the homemade soups are simply divine!

SPINDALE, N.C.

CC’s Dogs & More
There are hot dogs and then there is CC’s. It’s a little taste of the Midwest in our own neck of the woods. Featuring authentic Wisconsin cheese curds and hotdogs flown in straight from Chicago. Enjoy the new dog-friendly patio too. By the way, the locals tell us you can’t leave CC’s without getting a slice of Oreo cookie pie.

FOREST CITY, N.C.

The Fountain at Smith’s Drugs
Located in historic downtown Forest City, transports to a simpler time, where old-school soda shops were the place to be. Your outing to Forest City will be incomplete if you miss this iconic restaurant. Build your own omelet for breakfast. For lunch, dive into the delicious ribeye sandwich or their homemade pimento cheese. And of course, finish it off with the ‘Pink Lady’ float or traditional banana split made right from the soda fountain.

Davis Donuts
There are donuts and there is Davis Donuts, a local institution so skilled in the art of donut-making they even have ‘Donut Friday’ every week. Local’s tip: The signature ‘Orange Twist’ donut with its citrus-infused glaze will rock your tastebuds.

But, the culinary delights don’t stop there! Visit our website at www.RutherfordTourism.com and choose from a seemingly endless variety of cuisines from across Lake Lure & Blue Ridge Foothills.

 

About Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills of Rutherford County, N.C.
Have the time of your life in Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Foothills, the famous film site of “Dirty Dancing.” Here, retreat to a destination where simple pleasures outshine the digital-age spectacles – a place where Main Streets reign over mega malls; where nature delivers the best adventures; and where history lives boldly and visibly in architecture, story, song and spirit.

Experience these journeys and more when you visit Rutherford County located in the majestic Blue Ridge Foothills of Western North Carolina. Home to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton, Spindale, Forest City and Bostic, there is a world waiting for you to explore, enjoy and love. More info, visit www.RutherfordTourism.com or call 800-849-5998.

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