Whether you want to relax, indulge in water activities, explore historic locations, admire scenic views, or enjoy the beaches, Lake Lure will not disappoint you. It has so much to offer. Here are the top 12 things to do in Lake Lure, popular for its filming locations of the movie Dirty Dancing.
Top Things to Do in Lake Lure
1. Visit the Chimney Rock State Park
The highlight of this state park is its hiking trails, which offer panoramic views. Some of the trails are easy, some moderate, and the others strenuous. They are suitable for all levels of hikers, from beginners to experts. The Hickory Nuts Falls Trail leads to the bottom of the 404-foot-high roaring waterfalls, the shooting location for the movie The Last of the Mohicans. The Chimney Rock Trail, with its series of steps, leads to the top of the 535-million-year-old monolithic rock. You can also take an elevator if you can’t climb all the 500 steps. It is a wonderful location for birdwatching.
Book Hotels Near Chimney Rock State Park
2. Enjoy diverse water sports adventures
Lake Lure promises a complete water sports adventure to people of all ages. You can enjoy a wide range of water activities, including canoeing, kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, and boating. If you want to try adrenaline-rushing activities, you should try paddle-trailing, wakeboarding, tubing, water skiing, and knee boarding. Lake Lure is also a perfect spot for fishing. You can find both warm and cold-water species of fish, including bass, trout, carp, crappie, white bass, and catfish. It is a delight to watch and hear numerous songbirds, migratory birds, and abundant wildlife.
3. Pick apples in one of the apple orchards
The Lake Lure area is full of apple orchards that grow more than 40 varieties of apples. Most of the orchards allow apple, grape, and pumpkin picking and picking of other harvests like peaches, strawberries, etc. They also offer guided tours of their farms. Picking apples with your family and friends can be fun. Little ones will enjoy the adventure of plucking apples from the top of the trees using apple picker poles. Reconnect with nature with your loved ones at the apple orchards of Lake Lure.
4. Have an unforgettable zipline adventure at Canopy Ridge Farm
Ziplining over the trees and water is an awesome adventure. The farm is sprawlingly spread over 120 acres of beautiful landscape filled with lush green natural vegetation. Soaring through the tree lines at the speed of 35 mph gives you the feeling of flying through a tropical forest. The ziplining tour lasts for more than an hour. The length of the lines ranges from 500 to 1000 feet and the height is more than 100 feet. Don’t worry if you are traveling with kids. There are professional guides who will keep them entertained while you are enjoying your ziplining adventure.
Book Hotels Near Canopy Ridge Farm in Lake Lure
5. Experience the fun of gem mining
Gem mining is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Let your kids interestingly learn geology at the Broad River Gems and Mining Company. You are provided with all equipment and friendly staff help and guide you right from the start until the end. The whole family will enjoy sifting through the buckets looking for gems. You are assured of finding gems in all buckets. The staff will help you to identify your findings. Relax and laugh for a few hours and create cherishable memories with your children.
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6. Walk across Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
A walk across the Flowering Bridge could be one of the most beautiful walks you have had in your life. An old highway bridge transformed into a gorgeous garden was opened in 2013. The bridge has a history dating back to 1925. It was left abandoned when a new bridge was opened. The unused 155-foot-long bridge was saved by the locals and was turned into a ‘Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful’ with volunteers planting a stunning array of plants and flowers. With great views, this pet-friendly garden is a splendid place to visit.
7. Explore the Buffalo Creek Park
You can explore the park on bikes and foot. The park has the best biking trails with manmade bumps, rollers, berms, and switchbacks. Enjoy the beauty of the region while riding on your bikes, winding through the woods. Hikers are also allowed on the same trails, but they have a separate side on the path. Buffalo Creel Park has a boulder field. It is a fascinating place for rock climbing. The park, with large oak trees, unique plants, and vibrant flowers, is a paradise for nature lovers. The best thing for pet owners is their furry friends are allowed here.
8. Enjoy a relaxed picnic in Morse Park
This is a lovely little park where you can have a picnic, go for a stroll, ride your bike, and take a walk with your pets. There are picnic shelters with grills and tables. Enjoy the stunning views while going for a walk. It hosts several festivals, car shows, sports tournaments, boat shows, fairs, and concerts. Check the calendar if you want to watch one of the shows. Take a boat tour, visit the mini museum, and fish from the lake banks. Your kids will enjoy the children’s playground.
Book Hotels Near Morse Park in Lake Lure
9. Visit the world of mead-making, the Fae Nectar
Fae Nectar is a fantasy-themed meadery where you are served fine mead with cider, beer, and delicious hot savories. This fantastic mead-making world hosts live music, themed entertainment, sword-fighting tournaments, artisan markets, pirate parties, open mic shows, Celtic music, and many more. Check the event calendar before visiting this magical place to witness the local talents of the area while enjoying the views. Visit the taproom to learn the art of mead-making.
10. Have fun at Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
The beach is a place to have fun for families, friends, and couples. It is a great place to go adventurous in water. There is a huge variety of activities waiting for you to try. Go for a swim, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and boating. Swimming and splashing in the sea and the water park will make you hungry. Don’t forget to pack a picnic. Enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks admiring the lakeside views. You also have small restaurants where you can grab some food. Cozy up on a towel, build sand castles, and enjoy water adventures here.
11. Enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival
Dirty Dancing Festival also called the Lake Lure Dance Festival assures you of having the best time of your life with music, dance, beer, wine, art, and food. The highlight of the festival is the lake lift competition. The basketball court is transformed into a huge dance floor. If you love to dance register for the dancing contest, wear your dancing shoes, and get ready to rock the floor. If you just want to watch the dancers and the competition, buy tickets in advance and enjoy a wide array of dance styles.
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12. Play golf at the Bald Mountain Golf Course
Designed by the famous architect W.B. Lewis, this golf course is popular for its five par 5’s and 3’s. With a mix of uphill and downhill shots, it is often referred to as the ‘True North Carolina Mountain Course’. With plenty of challenging holes, it is one of the favourites among golfers. The breathtaking scenery makes the place more special.
Summary
Lake Lure has so much to offer for everyone. It is worth a visit this weekend. Start planning now to visit this must-see town in North Carolina. Get ready to have fun, unwind, and relax.
