See the Splendors of the Blue Ridge Mountain Host Region Near Asheville

by | Sep 18, 2011 | Asheville, NC, bed and breakfast, blue ridge mountains, travel guide

By Your Friends at the Reynolds Mansion, Top Ranked Bed and Breakfast in Asheville, NC

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a gateway to the mountain splendor and foothills fun of Rutherford County in the Blue Ridge Mountain Host Region. Off of the Parkway, exit close to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center between mileposts 384 and 385 and head East on Highway 74-A. Be sure to stop in Chimney Rock Village, where visitors can make a brisk tubing run down the roaring Rocky Broad Brook. Then visit Chimney Rock State Park, lately preserved as North Carolina’s most recent state park.

Perched high on top of Chimney Rock, capture a spectacular view of Hickory Nut Gorge and 720-acre Lake Lure. Visitors can also see Hickory Nut Falls, distinguishable landscape from the final dramatic scenes of “Last of the Mohicans,” filmed here in the early ’90s. Other outdoor activities range all the way from dinner cruises, fishing and water skiing on Lake Lure, to play golf, horse riding and hiking. The town of Lake Lure, NC has long drawn visitors with its inviting lake, beach, golf courses and other recreational prospects. Lake Lure, which covers 720 acres and has a shoreline of roughly 27 miles, is the town’s gem, ringed by mountains in a sparkling setting.

Lake Lure was originally formed by making a dam on the Rocky Broad Stream. It now draws folk to frolic on the beach, swim, boat and fish. On ship tours of the lake, you’ll learn all about the cultural and natural history of Lake Lure, NC, and see some of the locations employed in filming the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Lake Lure hotels, hotels and other accommodations offer a profusion of experiences for the weary traveler. Whether or not it’s a room just steps away from a plunge in the Rocky Broad River, a mountain cabin on a gravel road, a stunning historic hotel, a resort besieged by golf courses and other facilities, a vacation rental on the lake that sleeps fifteen guests, a convention hotel, or a notable camping experience, decisions abound.  And be sure to check out the amazing bed and breakfasts in Asheville, too.

For the foothills piece of your journey thru Rutherford County, stop by the fascinating boroughs of Rutherfordton, Forest City and Spindale – classic American small towns, each with a proud history. Walking the sidewalks of Rutherfordton is like stepping back to a time when things were better… Easier. There are quaint shops and genial restaurants and even an interactive museum for the youngsters.

On Forest City’s Main Street you can enjoy the seasonal flowers, relax by the fountain or take the short drive to the Rutherford County Farm Museum for a taste of standard rustic life in the foothills. When you head up the way to Spindale you can check out the melons at the Rutherford County Farmer’s Market or cool off with a to-die-for milk shake at the vintage pharmacy.

Of course, be sure to journey on to nearby Asheville and stay with us at the Reynolds Mansion, one of the top rated bed and breakfasts in Asheville, NC.