Discover LAKE JUNALUSKA 2026 VISITOR GUIDE
Lake Junaluska A Place for All Seasons
Experience the beauty firsthand during a mountain lake getaway at Lake Junaluska. Learn more at lakejunaluska.com/lodging.
» Table of Contents In This Issue
Discover Lake Junaluska The place where we come together
Discover LAKE JUNALUSKA 2026 VISITOR GUIDE
This issue of Discover Lake Junaluska celebrates how Lake Junaluska is the place where we come together for so many milestones in our lives — birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, vacations or simply daily walks around the lake. Lake Junaluska offers visitors a place for all seasons to make memories, have fun and celebrate the best of life. We invite you to make Lake Junaluska the place where you come together with your friends and family.
Visitor Guide 20-33
4 Welcome TOP 10
5 Memories Made Here
Our top 10 favorite places to come together FEATURE
8 Touchstones
From covered porches to peaceful water
22 Lodging
Book your stay at our lakeside hotel, historic inn, vacation rentals or campground.
24 Recreation
Play pickleball, golf and tennis; explore the walking trail and gardens; or gather for some bocce ball, cornhole and shuffleboard. And don’t forget the playground!
PHOTO ESSAY
10 In Focus
Picture-perfect moments CHARITABLE GIVING
16 Sharing Our Gifts
25 Water Fun
Enjoy lake cruises, swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
A campaign for Lake Junaluska
On the Cover Paddleboarders make their way across the lake.
Photo by Derek DiLuzio
GROUP FEATURE
34 Healing Winds
Being the calm in a storm ASSOCIATION FEATURE
36 A Sanctuary for Service Addiction Professionals of North Carolina WEDDINGS
38 Divine Intervention
From their meeting to their wedding space
43 Remembered
Eleanor Roosevelt visits Lake Junaluska
26 Day Trips & Dining
Discover nearby great adventures and excellent dining.
27 Shopping
Find unique gifts, fair-trade items, books, apparel and more.
28 Explore Year-Round
Plan your spring, summer, fall and winter Lake Junaluska getaways.
32 Lake Junaluska Map
Visit Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska has what friends and families need to make memories for a lifetime. For more than 100 years, this beloved spiritual retreat center in the mountains of Western North Carolina has brought people together to celebrate milestones, learn new things, rest and recreate, sing, worship and fellowship together. With a multitude of activities for guests of all ages, Lake Junaluska is the perfect place to host a weekend getaway, family reunion, conference or retreat. Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. Plan your visit at lakejunaluska.com. lakejunaluska.com 3
Discover LAKE JUNALUSKA Editorial Director Marketing Director Graphic Designer
Melanie Threlkeld McConnell Paulina Pendarvis Kaitlyn Hackathorn
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melanie Threlkeld McConnell and Mary Bates
Welcome to Lake Junaluska Lake Junaluska truly is the place where we come together. It is where friends and families host reunions and corporations and organizations hold retreats. It is where weddings are held and anniversaries are celebrated. It is where childhood memories are re-created and new memories are promised with a marriage proposal at the Cross. And it’s where the power of nature can reduce a worry to rubble with a breathtaking sunset, a walk around the lake or the sight of a low-flying eagle in search of dinner. What brings people to Lake Junaluska? Most say it has something for everyone: beautiful views; easy access; activities for people of all ages and abilities; a peaceful, nature-centered setting; and, well, you get the picture — and it’s a beauty.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Derek DiLuzio, Mark Haskett, Ishara Lundy, Madison Morgan, Melanie Threlkeld McConnell, Paulina Pendarvis, Sydney Sullivan and Visit Haywood HAVE AN IDEA FOR DISCOVER LAKE JUNALUSKA MAGAZINE?
We welcome story contributions and feedback. Contact us at communications@lakejunaluska.com.
Lake Junaluska is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Trustees. Learn more at lakejunaluska.com/about-us.
ADDRESS:
759 N. Lakeshore Drive Lake Junaluska, NC 28745 PHONE: 800-222-4930
CONNECT WITH US
Facebook facebook.com/lakejunaluska Instagram @lakejunaluska Link lakejunaluska.com Email communications@lakejunaluska.com
Lake Junaluska is a place for all seasons and for all seasons of life. From our walking trail, golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, rocking chairs, award-winning playground, swimming pool and so much more, Lake Junaluska offers something for everyone, anytime of year. Need a place to come together? Discover Lake Junaluska. 4 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
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© 2026 Lake Junaluska This issue includes FSC-certified paper.
Top 10 »
Memories Made Here
Our top 10 favorite places to come together
W
ith a 200-acre lake and 1,200 acres of land surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains plus wildlife galore, Lake Junaluska offers endless possibilities for those who visit for a day, a week or a season. (Some folks even make it their home.) It’s the place where families hold reunions and children build memories of Fourth of July celebrations they will talk about for years. And it’s where we walk beside the water on a chilly fall day and lie in the cool, green grass of summer to restore our souls. With so much to offer, Lake Junaluska is the place where we come together.
1
Walking Trail
Our lakeside Walking Trail is a social lifeline for guests and locals year-round. It’s where people of all ages meet to enjoy nature, boat, exercise or fellowship with others. With a 2.3-mile inner loop and 3.8-mile outer loop, the paved path takes visitors on an easy walk around the lake where wildlife and seasonal flora abound. lakejunaluska.com 5
Top 10 »
2
Easy Rhythms They are magnets, these rocking chairs of ours. With expansive views of the mountains, the water and nature, these simple structures draw people in and remind them that downtime is good time, whether by oneself or with family and friends. Grab a coffee from Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, and then grab a rocking chair and enjoy the rhythm of the natural world.
3
Circle Up Square dancing, fireworks, a picnic and more — Lake Junaluska’s multiday Independence Day Celebration is “small-town” living at its finest, bringing families and friends together for reunions and endless days of fun.
4 5
High Point Groups love to come to Lake Junaluska for many reasons, such as the Cross Walk, when guests walk or take the trolley from their lodgings to the 103-year-old landmark. The Cross is illuminated 24 hours a day year-round and serves as a beacon of God’s love for all.
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Summer Central Nothing says summer like a pool full of happy children. With easy access for visitors of all ages and abilities, this beautiful swimming pool stays hopping all summer long with parties, family gatherings and guests looking to beat the heat.
6
Water Music Our lakeside community concerts are some of our visitors’ favorite events. Music lovers of all ages gather with lawn chairs or blankets near the Lakeside White Tent to hear the easy sounds of local favorites, such as Blue Ridge Big Band and the Haywood Community Band.
7
Gather ‘Round Stuart Auditorium, built in 1913, is rich in history. The first structure built at Lake Junaluska, it hosts seasonal concerts, conference meetings, and it has served as the touchstone meeting place for important community events.
8
Holy Places Everyone loves to attend a wedding at historic Memorial Chapel because of its stunning architecture and beautiful lakeside setting. Couples love its proximity to The Warren Center and Musgrave Event Lawn, elegant reception sites with lake views. Popular year-round, the chapel is open daily for prayer and meditation.
9
Honored Host Lake Junaluska’s Lambuth Inn plays host to speakers, local dignitaries and others for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast held each Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor and celebrate the late civil rights leader.
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Courts are in Session Our tennis and pickleball courts take on lives of their own from spring through late fall — and even into winter, weather permitting — when enthusiastic players of all skill levels fill the courts from sunup to sundown.
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Feature Story »
Touchstones
From covered porches to peaceful water
Grace Gattis, left. Gattis’s relatives love to gather on her front porch, which overlooks the lake.
T
he big covered porch of Grace Gattis’s house alone is enough to lure most folks in — and it does. But then there’s the expansive lake view, the mountain vistas and, well, just the energy of the place that lulls her family and friends into intentional stillness despite her efforts to get them moving. “I plan extensive activities, and they just want to sit there. But I forget — I get to do that every day. They don’t ever get to sit still. We are just sitting, looking at the lake and talking for hours,” Gattis said. Her home — the historic former J.B. Ivey house on North Lakeshore Drive, established in 1918 — is, in many ways, a microcosm of Lake Junaluska, where friends, family and visitors come together, drawn to the Lake’s beauty and tranquility, whether it’s their first visit or one of many. Some are attracted by the peacefulness, others by the natural scenery, the lodging options, meeting spaces or the many activities for guests of all ages. Josh Nadzam, director of student programming for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, which is based in Oxford, Mississippi, said Lake Junaluska checked
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all the boxes for his organization. The foundation has hosted two Sullivan Ignite Retreats at the Lake and has plans for two more in 2026. “We have a retreat for college students who are interested in social change, social impact, solving issues and trying to figure out how to do that,” Nadzam said. “Lake Junaluska is a beautiful space, it’s calm and has many little breakout rooms and spaces where we can have some intentional reflection and connection.” Patricia Lawson, a master trainer for Dr. Paul Lam Tai Chi Health Institute and manager of its Workshops USA, said she and her colleagues felt a kindred spirit with the staff at Lake Junaluska while scouting a site for the Institute’s June 2025 training conference. “Most of our people in the Tai Chi Health Institute have had some serious health challenges and have been helped by tai chi at one of Dr. Lam’s programs. We all tend to be really nice people wanting to help other people,” Lawson said. “When we came to look at Lake Junaluska, we were so impressed that all of the staff and everybody we met there resonated with us. They were these really kind, compassionate people. It felt like, ‘Oh, these are our people. These people are like us.’”
The lake itself was also a factor. “Water is a really important element in tai chi because it yields, and it’s usually calm and serene — even when there’s a strong current underneath. We can sense the spirituality here — the calmness, the serenity — and it resonated with us because we tend to be that way ourselves. And the more tai chi we do, the more balanced we become,” Lawson said. The institute is scheduled to return in 2026. The 130 relatives who attended the Mayo-Kiser Family Reunion, a triennial gathering that rotates between families on the East and West coasts, took advantage of the Lake’s activities by competing in cornhole and golf tournaments, swimming at the lakeside pool, and enjoying a catered barbecue on the Musgrave Event Lawn, among many other activities. “Our family loves it here. There’s so much to do for the younger ones, and it’s a great place for the older ones to be,” said the Rev. Dan Mayo, of Ohio, who strolled the Walking Trail on his way to the Cross each morning. “It’s just a beautiful, natural surrounding and God’s gift to us. I’ve been out on the rocking chairs every morning. I get my coffee and go out there, and then I take my walk.” Lake Junaluska draws not only groups but day visitors — from walkers to runners, pickleball players and nature lovers — who consider it a daily touchstone for balance and well-being.
Amy Bennington, a longtime Lake Junaluska resident whose family has deep roots in the community, walks her dogs around the lake every day — a poignant reminder of her late husband. Jeff Bennington, a former semi-professional baseball player and triathlete who trained at the Lake, died of cancer at age 55 in 2023. “One of Jeff ’s last walks — and he really had to push himself — was along the Rose Walk,” she recalled. Amy’s parents, Leo and Barbara Coffee, also marked their 60th wedding anniversary with a celebration at The Warren Center last summer, adding another chapter to the family’s long connection to the Lake. Grace Gattis likes where her family’s story at Lake Junaluska is headed. Her brother and his family own a second home nearby. Cousins and other relatives who were first-time visitors tell her Lake Junaluska will always be their gathering place. And her step-grandson, especially, appreciates the peacefulness. “He breaks away and just goes and sits on the very edge of the landing and looks out at the lake for an hour at a time,” she said. Her late husband, James, is interred in the Lake Junaluska Columbarium. “My son and his wife will take over the house when I can’t care for it anymore,” she said. “It’s been in our family long enough that he sees it as an important part of our family life. It holds the shared memories of four generations. Our other family homes have come and gone. This one remains the constant.” Mayo-Kiser families
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In Focus L
Picture-perfect moments
ike an ocean tide that ebbs and flows, the rhythm of Lake Junaluska changes with the seasons, giving us what we need, when we need it — a day at the pool, a walk around the lake to see the brilliant fall color, a weekend getaway to experience the Easter Sunrise Service or a family reunion during our Fourth of July festivities. The energy here is palpable, but so is the calm.
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Photo Essay »
Lakeside Relaxation
Lake Junaluska’s shoreline is the perfect place for quiet, meditative exercise such as qigong. Made possible through Lake Junaluska’s Summer Activities Program and charitable giving, participants can find community and enjoy nature during this lakeside activity.
Team Spirit
Players gather daily throughout the year at Lake Junaluska’s newly dedicated pickleball courts to participate in this highenergy and very social sport. 12 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
Speaking of Peace
After a six-year hiatus, the Peace Conference returned to Lake Junaluska with new strategies to build bridges of peace and be a peacemaker in a changing world. Derrick Scott III, creative producer and digital campus minister of Studio Wesley, was a featured speaker.
Summer Sabbath
Our popular summer Theologian-in-Residence series brings well-known theologians, such as author Brian McLaren, to Lake Junaluska for multiday events, including a Sunday lakeside worship service. lakejunaluska.com 13
Photo Essay » Silent Night, Holy Night
Winter brings its own swagger to Lake Junaluska as cold December nights make a stunning backdrop for Memorial Chapel, all aglow in its Christmas finery.
Grand Gardens
With more than 20 gardens throughout the property, Lake Junaluska hosts garden tours from spring through fall.
Calm Water
A cruise on the Cherokee IV is perfect for guests of all ages from spring through fall. Public and private tours are available. 14 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
Conference Celebrations
The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church has held its annual gathering at Lake Junaluska for more than 50 years.
Many Hands
Beautification Day highlights the work our many volunteers and staff do to keep our grounds and gardens clean and beautiful.
Light Show
Our Independence Day Celebration is a multiday event that has everything you need for a memorable Fourth of July. From our grand fireworks display to our parade, flotilla, picnic and square dancing, it’s a great event for Western North Carolina. lakejunaluska.com 15
Charitable Giving »
Sharing Our Gifts
T
his year Lake Junaluska embarked on an ambitious goal — to raise $14 million to ensure the Lake continues to be a place of enduring light and hope for years to come. We need your help to make it happen. It began with a vision: A two-year process of collective dreaming, with more than 1,800 comments collected from the community, guests, staff, volunteers and more coming together in rooms with paper taped to walls to envision the future of Lake Junaluska. What do we want the Lake to look like 10, 20, 30 years into the future? How does Lake Junaluska stay relevant in the modern age? How can we continue to provide opportunities for transformation and renewal for generations to come? Those sessions of information gathering culminated in a shared vision for the future of Lake Junaluska — a set of dreams for what Lake Junaluska aspires to be. Emerging from the pandemic, Lake Junaluska leaders began thinking about how to make those dreams a
reality. The result was “Sharing Our Gifts: A Campaign for Lake Junaluska,” a plan of action to move that vision forward. “What we learned from the visioning process is how much people deeply love and care for this place. The theme that emerged over and over was that there is a need in the world for a place like this,” said Executive Director Ken Howle. “This campaign will affect thousands of lives and ensure a bright future for Lake Junaluska.” Now Lake Junaluska leaders are calling on all who love the Lake to make it happen. The campaign focuses on five priorities: sustaining the annual fund, building youth and family housing, strengthening recreation ministry, preserving the lake and the dam, and restoring sacred spaces. Each priority emerged from the visioning process and speaks to what is most needed. During the process, people told stories of how their faith journeys had begun at Lake Junaluska. “When people come to Lake Junaluska at a young age, either for a youth event or with their family, it builds lifelong traditions. It’s crucial that we continue to be a place where youth come gather at the foot of the Cross and have connections with Christ here,” Howle said. “Once that happens, we know from our history that they’re forever connected to us.”
Artist’s renderings 16 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
“What we learned from the visioning process is how much people deeply love and care for this place. The theme that emerged over and over was that there is a need in the world for a place like this,” - KEN HOWLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lake Junaluska’s recreation ministry influences the wellness of the whole region. That was apparent after Hurricane Helene, when volunteers banded together to reopen the Walking Trail in less than a week. During this time of stress and anxiety, the people needed the renewal the Walking Trail provided.
Our Priorities
“One of the things people said was they want more things to do together, things that young children and their grandparents and parents can all experience together,” said Wanda Musgrave, the campaign committee chair. “So we researched things people enjoy in today’s world — cornhole, bocce ball, pickleball — to find out what people like doing together.”
» Building Youth and Family Housing
Another priority focuses on preserving the lake and the dam. “Preserving the lake means a lot of different things, but clearly Hurricane Helene demonstrated the vulnerability we could have with respect to the dam,” said Mike Warren, who serves on the campaign committee and previously served as chair of the Lake Junaluska Board of Trustees. “There was very broad agreement about how the lake itself is the key to not just the long-term survival, but also improvement and enhancement of Lake Junaluska.”
» Sustaining the Annual Fund
» Strengthening Recreation Ministry » Preserving the Lake and Dam » Restoring Sacred Spaces lakejunaluska.com 17
Charitable Giving »
Lake Junaluska depends on financial support from donors to maintain and restore its sacred spaces such as the Rose Walk, Stuart Auditorium and the Cross, while maintaining its recreation area and other gathering places.
The campaign’s theme draws from the hymn “What Gift Can We Bring,” penned by Jane Marshall. The Rev. Gina Gilland Campbell, chair of the advancement committee, suggested that hymn because it describes the legacy we inherit and leave behind for others.
An Invitation to Give
“We give out of what we’ve already been given,” Gilland Campbell said. “God has given us good gifts, and if we want the next generation to continue to appreciate this place, it’s up to us to use those gifts wisely. I hope the spirit of that hymn carries forth and makes this campaign more fruitful than we’ve ever imagined.”
Lake Junaluska is calling on all who love or use the Lake to help ensure its future. Your gift, whether big or small, will help Lake Junaluska continue to transform lives for years to come.
Online
Make your credit card gift on Lake Junaluska’s secure giving site. You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift at: lakejunaluska.com/support
By Phone
Make a credit card gift over the phone by calling 828-454-6749.
By Mail
Mail your check to: Lake Junaluska Development Office 759 N. Lakeshore Drive Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
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She hopes the campaign reaches people who never considered supporting Lake Junaluska financially and yet find themselves called to participate in this moment in the evolving legacy of this holy place. The early response to the “Sharing Our Gifts Campaign” has been positive. However, to reach the goal of $14 million, the Lake needs all who love Lake Junaluska to help close the gap. “We are coming into our 113th year, and one of the recurring elements throughout that entire time period has been that this is a place where people dream of great things, and then we work together, specifically through charitable giving, to make them a reality,” Howle said. “If you’ve been inspired by Lake Junaluska or it has made a difference in your life in any way, we invite you to participate. Every amount will help share these gifts with future generations.”
A Close Call Lake Junaluska’s newest venue, The Warren Center and Musgrave Event Lawn, opened in 2024 with stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. It provides a place to gather with spectacular views of the lake and mountains, adjacent to The Terrace Hotel. The Warren Center almost didn’t happen. In early 2021, Lake Junaluska’s leaders were notified it was for sale only after a party had already entered into a contract to buy it from the World Methodist Council. With fast action from leadership and the Board of Trustees, careful negotiations and generous support from donors, Lake Junaluska was able to arrange for the purchase of the building. Anne Warren, a member of the Board of Trustees, had never set foot inside the building before her family offered a large charitable gift to help secure the purchase. They were so inspired by the vision of what it could be that they gave a second gift for its restoration. Warren said the result has exceeded her wildest dreams.
The Warren Center and Musgrave Event Lawn has emerged as a premiere site for weddings, receptions, reunions, anniversary parties and more. Photo credit: @simonanthonyphoto
“The thing I love is that now there have been so many different people in that space. There’s joy, and laughter, and prayer, and thoughtful conversations, and it’s just so alive. It offers a lot of new life for Lake Junaluska to have a place like this,” she said.
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Plan Your Visit Where to stay and what to do when you stay at Lake Junaluska
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Plan Your Visit »
Stay at the Lake The Terrace Hotel lakejunaluska.com/terrace
The Terrace Hotel is a favorite among guests because of its central location, great views and modern accommodations. After check-in, guests love to drop their bags and then head to the balcony to snag a rocking chair to admire the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains or watch the wildlife that make the lake their home. The hotel’s spacious two-story lobby features a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer more views of the lake and a natural light-filled commons area that is perfect for visiting, reading or playing board games with the grandkids. Groups love The Terrace because of its myriad meeting rooms and venues. Families love its convenient dining room, which serves breakfast daily. The Terrace Hotel offers 105 guest rooms and is a brief scenic walk to The Warren Center and Musgrave Event Lawn, Chrissy Hill Overlook, Rose Walk, Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, Stuart Auditorium, Walking Trail and more.
Historic Lambuth Inn lakejunaluska.com/lambuth
Located on the highest point of Lake Junaluska, historic Lambuth Inn is one of the area’s most notable landmarks — next to the Cross. With its iconic dome visible through the trees, the “stately lady,” as it’s known, was built in 1921 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has undergone numerous renovations, but its historic charm remains with quaint parlors and a warm and inviting interior. The Lambuth Inn Market, just inside, sells, among other items, candles, apparel, tea towels, sundries and art, with an emphasis on local artisans. With panoramic views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains, easy access to the Cross and gardens, Lambuth Inn is a guest favorite for those who appreciate old-world elegance and quiet comfort.
Book your stay at Lake Junaluska! 22 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
Call 800-222-4930 or visit lakejunaluska.com
Hillside Lodge
Apartments
Lake Junaluska’s budget-friendly lodging options are a real draw for guests, especially for those who have large groups, and Hillside Lodge is a favorite. It has a spacious lobby and 25 motel-style rooms that feature two double beds, flat-screen TVs and coffee makers. It’s located near the lakeside swimming pool, boat rentals, award-winning playground and Crepe & Custard restaurant. Popular with groups seeking economy accommodations, Hillside Lodge is convenient to Lake Junaluska meeting and event venues in Shackford Hall, the Wilson Complex, Kern Center and York Dining Commons.
If you need economical, convenient and comfortable lodging, check out Lake Junaluska’s 48 apartments. These short-term rentals are just steps from our seasonal pool and boat rentals, and some are pet-friendly. They can host up to 10 guests, and most of the apartments have kitchenettes.
Vacation Rentals
Campground
Mountainview Lodge
Managed by Vacasa, a premier shortterm vacation rentals management company, Lake Junaluska Vacation Rentals are available year-round with options for up to 16 guests. Vacation rentals are individually owned by private owners. Some are pet-friendly.
Open midspring through fall, Lake Junaluska Campground has RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, apartments and a spacious meeting lodge. It features pull-through sites for RVs and offers fire rings and picnic tables. Wireless internet access and cable are available in some areas. Guests have access to the Lake Junaluska pool, recreation area, playground and Walking Trail.
Mountainview Lodge is an ideal budget option for youth groups and hostelhoppers. It has 40 simple rooms that sleep up to six people. During summer, guests may enjoy complimentary access to our swimming pool; tennis and pickleball courts; new bocce ball, shuffleboard and cornhole area; and mini-golf and volleyball.
lakejunaluska.com/hillside-lodge
lakejunaluska.com/rentals
lakejunaluska.com/apartments
lakejunaluska.com/campground
lakejunaluska.com/mountainview
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Plan Your Visit »
Recreation Recreation Area
Lakejunaluska.com/play Lake Junaluska’s recreation area features our awardwinning playground, along with miniature golf and courts for tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball, basketball, bocce ball, shuffleboard and cornhole.
Walking Trail
Lakejunaluska.com/laketrail Lake Junaluska’s beloved lakeside Walking Trail, with 2.3- and 3.8-mile loops, is open daily year-round. Made possible through charitable giving, the trail is mostly paved, with some uneven surfaces, and is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Bird-Watching
Lakejunaluska.com/birding Lake Junaluska is one of the best year-round birdwatching sites in Western North Carolina, with about 180 bird species. Download a birding checklist on our website.
Golf
Lakejunaluska.com/golf The Lake Junaluska Golf Course is beautifully laid out with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Opened in 1919, this par-68, 18-hole course spans 5,108 yards and is fun and challenging for players of all skill levels. Book a round or purchase an annual membership. The course is open year-round to the public.
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Gardens
Lakejunaluska.com/ gardens Lake Junaluska has numerous gardens and places of meditation that are perfect for reconnecting with nature and God. Bouquets and floral arrangements made with Lake Junaluska blooms may be available for purchase seasonally for weddings and other special events. An annual plant sale, held the first Saturday in May, supports landscaping at Lake Junaluska. Download a Garden Tour Guide on our website to learn more.
Fishing
Lakejunaluska.com/fishing A valid N.C. fishing license is required to fish Lake Junaluska, which is opened to the public in designated areas. A public boat ramp is located on U.S. Highway 19 near the main Lake Junaluska entrance, and a boat beach is near the pool. Or, fish the spillway on the backside of the dam. Best catches are bass, perch, crappie, brim, bluegill and trout.
Water Fun Lake Junaluska Outfitters
Lakejunaluska.com/play Summer fun is front and center at Lake Junaluska where our 200-acre lake, lakeside swimming pool and recreation area hum with activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To help guests make the most of their visit, Lake Junaluska Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboards plus all the gear for a relaxing day on the water. Located at the lakeside swimming pool, Lake Junaluska Outfitters also issues pool passes and rents equipment for the nearby tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, cornhole and shuffleboard courts, and miniature golf. Lake Junaluska Outfitters sells snacks, bottled water and soft drinks. Hours are seasonal, and parking and restrooms are nearby.
Swimming Pool
Lakejunaluska.com/pool Our beautiful waterfront swimming pool is the heartbeat of Lake Junaluska. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, our pool rings with laughter and joy as children splash and play. Surrounded on three sides by the lake, the pool is open daily, weather permitting. It’s perfect for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Season and day passes are available for purchase. Lodging guests enjoy complimentary admission. Purchase passes at the Lake Junaluska Outfitters window or online.
Lake Cruises
Lakejunaluska.com/lake-cruises See Lake Junaluska at its best during a gentle cruise around the lake. This 45-minute guided tour aboard the Cherokee IV pontoon boat is a signature experience for guests of all ages. Tours depart from the dock behind Harrell Center. The Cherokee IV can also be booked for private tours or for small weddings and special events. Visit the website for pricing and upcoming guided tours and to make reservations online.
Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rentals
Lakejunaluska.com/kayak Explore Lake Junaluska by water with a canoe, kayak or paddleboard rental at Lake Junaluska Outfitters. It’s a fun way to see the surrounding mountains and some of our aquatic wildlife. Our gentle water is perfect for first-time boaters, and our staff is eager to help guests get started. Rentals are available daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Make reservations at the Outfitters window or online.
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Plan Your Visit »
Day Trips & Dining Day Trips
A stay at Lake Junaluska means easy access to everything that beautiful Western North Carolina offers in every season. Just minutes away, visitors will find vibrant art scenes, lively festivals, scenic river walks, shopping and dining. Easy drives lead to North Carolina’s famous waterfalls, historic and cultural treasures in Cherokee’s museums and galleries, elk sightings and sweeping views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy hidden swimming holes, skiing and snowboarding, or hiking and mountain biking at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton. Elk by Palmer Chapel, Cataloochee Valley Chestnut Mountain Nature Park, Canton Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley Photos provided by Visit Haywood
The nearby towns of Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley and Waynesville offer specialty shops, bookstores, boutiques, museums, restaurants, art galleries and much more. Whatever you choose, plan your trip at visithaywood.com.
Dining
Lake Junaluska offers a delightful range of dining options to suit every palate. Start your morning with a hot breakfast buffet at The Terrace Hotel, where the third-floor dining room offers stunning lake views. For a casual bite with scenic charm, head to Crepe & Custard (pictured, right) at the Kern Center. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor lakeview seating while indulging in savory and sweet crepes, creamy custard, fresh salads and comforting soups. Gather with family and friends at York Dining Commons, a warm and welcoming spot for a traditional Sunday brunch — available from fall through spring. 26 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
Scan for our restaurant guide
At the 1919 Grill, located at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course, dig into classic favorites like burgers, hot dogs, salads and wraps. With something for everyone, it’s a dining experience that’s sure to be a hole-in-one. Junaluska Gifts & Grounds offers a coffee and smoothie bar, grab-and-go items, pastries, ice cream and more.
Shopping Junaluska Gifts & Grounds Located inside Harrell Center, Junaluska Gifts & Grounds is a fun and unique shop featuring a robust selection of greeting and gift cards, ornaments, toys, mugs, multi-tools, water bottles, locally crafted artwork, jewelry and pottery. This shopper’s paradise is a must-stop for any visitor to Lake Junaluska. Need a treat? Relax at a nearby table, bench or rocking chair overlooking the lake with a lemonade, espresso, latte, ice cream, pastry, milkshake or convenient grab-and-go snack. Hours change seasonally. For current hours, more information or to place an order, call 828-454-6777, or visit lakejunaluska.com/shop.
Espresso & Smoothie Bar
Gifts
Fair Trade
Souvenirs
Books & Cards
Logo Apparel
Locally roasted fair trade and organiccertified coffee and espresso, plus smoothies, sodas, snacks, hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, sandwiches, pastries
Postcards, prints, magnets, ornaments, mugs and tumblers, coasters, Made-inAmerica specialty items
Golf Pro Shop Find golf shirts, caps, balls, tees, clubs, soft drinks, snacks, gift certificates and more at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course Pro Shop.
Jewelry, games and toys, pottery, art print collections from Lake Junaluska artists, freezedried and other gourmet candy, home decor, gift cards and more
Notecards and postcards from local artists, local hiking guides, birding, Bibles, Christian living and devotionals, journals
Lambuth Inn Market
The Lambuth Inn Market, inside historic Lambuth Inn, features local artwork, home goods, apparel, souvenirs and more.
Handmade gifts and nativities from aroundthe-world nonprofit organizations such as Ten Thousand Villages and Ornaments 4 Orphans
T-shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear, caps, children’s items
Terrace Hotel Market
The grab-and-go market near the front desk at The Terrace Hotel offers drinks, snacks, souvenirs, books, apparel and more.
lakejunaluska.com 27
Plan Your Visit »
Spring The whisper-soft arrival of spring at Lake Junaluska is a feast for both the eyes and the heart, as this season of rebirth and renewal comes to life. Experience the awakening at Lake Junaluska’s annual Easter Sunrise Service at the amphitheater overlooking the lake, beneath the Cross. See it in the crocus and redbud and dogwood trees during a stroll along the Walking Trail. And hear it in the air as the birds chirp and children squeal with delight at their return to our award-winning playground. Witness spring’s march across the grounds from the Lake Junaluska Golf Course, where glorious flowering cherry trees line sections of the fairways, or in our myriad gardens that overflow with tulips, daffodils and other signature signs of spring. Spring events at Lake Junaluska include the Easter Sunrise Service at the Cross, Easter and Mother’s Day buffet meals and our Annual Plant Sale, which supports landscaping at Lake Junaluska.
lakejunaluska.com/spring • lakejunaluska.com/events 28 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
March 13-15
Peace Conference
April 5
Easter Sunrise Service, Easter Buffets
May 2
Annual Plant Sale
May 7
National Day of Prayer
May 10
Mother’s Day Buffet
Summer Summer at Lake Junaluska means lazy days at the lakeside swimming pool or admiring the view from a canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
May 23 to Sept. 7
Summer Season for Lake Junaluska Outfitters
June 6-11
Wilderness Trail (youth) at Lake Junaluska
June 13
Lake Junaluska Flea Market
June 22-26
Music & Worship Arts Week
June 24 to July 14
M28 Summer Youth Camps (five three-night camps)
Guests are invited to join in free and low-cost fun through the Summer Activities Program, which features storytellers and s’mores around a bonfire, plus other events. The Theologianin-Residence program offers morning devotions, discussion groups and a Sunday morning lakeside worship service with visiting pastors and musicians.
June 25
Lake Junaluska Day
June 28 to Aug. 2
Summer Worship Series, Theologian-in-Residence Program, Summer Activities Program
A highlight of summer at the Lake is the annual Independence Day Celebration, June 29-July 5, featuring family-friendly fun with fireworks, floating lanterns, a parade, music and more.
June 29 to July 5
Independence Day Celebration
July 25
Brick Dedication
lakejunaluska.com/summer • lakejunaluska.com/events
Aug. 17-20
Festival of Wisdom & Grace
It’s when a double scoop of ice cream at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds is the perfect end to a fun day of pickleball or golf, a romp at the playground or a round of bocce ball. From a gentle cruise on the Cherokee IV pontoon boat to watching nature from one of our outdoor rocking chairs, Lake Junaluska is full of ways to relax and reconnect with friends or loved ones of all ages.
lakejunaluska.com 29
Plan Your Visit »
Fall Lake Junaluska offers the best seat in the house to watch fall color descend onto Western North Carolina. As September slides into October, the sugar maples along the Rose Walk transform from green summer shade trees to blazing multicolored showstoppers. The surrounding mountains — like a full-throated gospel choir — provide a dramatic backdrop of color, holding their “notes” until the last leaf pirouettes to the ground.
Sept. 1 to Oct. 31
Fall Lodging Specials
Sept. 4-6
Associates Celebration Weekend
Sept. 5
Our popular Thanksgiving lunch buffet at The Terrace Hotel Dining Room offers guests a warm and welcoming dining spot that’s perfect for gathering friends and family together for a wonderful holiday meal.
Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race & Walk
Sept. 17-20
Smoky Mountain Ukulele Retreat
Come experience Lake Junaluska in the fall, when we celebrate the beauty of the earth and offer gratitude for another year.
Oct. 17-19
Choir Music Weekend
Nov. 4-6
The Wonder Summit
Nov. 26
Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska, Thanksgiving Buffet
As an official Monarch Waystation, Lake Junaluska offers spectacular viewing of these winged wonders as they head South to warmer climates, while the area’s apple and music festivals and arts and crafts shows draw thousands of visitors.
lakejunaluska.com/fall • lakejunaluska.com/events 30 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
Winter As winter settles over Lake Junaluska, we crank up the fireplace at The Terrace Hotel and mull the cider at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds. It is ski season, after all, and Lake Junaluska’s close proximity to nearby Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World in Maggie Valley means The Terrace Hotel is filled with snow lovers.
Dec. 1, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027
Lights at the Lake
Dec. 3-5
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
Dec. 11-13
Christmas at Lake Junaluska
Winter is a sacred time for rest and reflection, but at Lake Junaluska, it also means brisk walks around the lake, birdwatching and an acute awareness of the changing landscape and temperature. We embrace every icicle and snowflake like a long-lost guest.
Dec. 25
Christmas Day
Dec. 2026 to March 2027
ENCOUNTER Youth, Ski and Confirmation Weekend Retreats
From January to March, Lake Junaluska hosts youth groups for ENCOUNTER winter retreats, confirmation retreats and ski weekends.
Jan. 28-31, 2027
Haywood Ice Fest
Feb. 14, 2027
Valentine’s Day
Winter also means wreaths, garland and twinkling festive light displays throughout the grounds and special events during our Christmas at Lake Junaluska weekend. Holiday parties and family reunions fill The Warren Center and Harrell Center, while Junaluska Gifts & Grounds buzzes with holiday shoppers looking for that special gift for everyone on their Christmas list.
lakejunaluska.com/winter • lakejunaluska.com/events
lakejunaluska.com 31
Plan Your Visit »
12
KEY
Public Parking
Public Area
2
Public Restrooms
Gardens and Sacred Spaces
RV/Tent Camping Golf Course
Golf Course (Public) Road
Swimming Pool
Walking Trail: Inner Loop
5 7
11
9
10
10
Lake Junaluska Outfitters
La Junal
6 9
Rd nty Cou
5 3 5a
5b
D a l e Dr
4 3
3
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d Hall
6 Rd
er Ln
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n yL
Pond
Bethea Welcome Center
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ac kf or
or Mem
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8 7
5
Sh
5c
19
6
8
Kayak/Canoe Launch 4
2
4
Boat Launch
Trolley Stop
on Way Weld
1
3
Boat Rentals
Walking Trail: Outer Loop
5
Stuart C ir
i Visitor Information
Lake
7
South Lake shore Dr
Ca m p
Ad ve nt ur eR d
2
6
Go l
fC
ours e Rd
Lake Junaluska Campground
1
1
Lake Junaluska Golf Course
32 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
WALKING TRAIL
Inner Loop – 2.3 miles Outer Loop – 3.8 miles
Walkways have irregular surfaces. Pick up our Walking Trail Guide for more information.
POINTS OF INTEREST y Wa ld fie hit W
Sequoia
Lambuth Dr
Dr
Lambuth Inn
od
Rd
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ag o
2
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No rth La k es hor eD r
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Bethea Welcome Center 2 West Gate Cottage 3 Wilson Complex 4 Shackford Hall & Firepit 5 Kern Center 6 Colonnade 7 Turbeville Footbridge 8 Warren Center and Musgrave Event Lawn 9 Harrell Center 10 Lakeside Tent 11 Stuart Auditorium 12 Branscomb-Allen Administration Building 13 Lake Junaluska Dam 1
6
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Tr ai
l
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Pin so n
e Dr Lakeshor North
ake luska
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RECREATION 1 2
SHOPPING & DINING
LODGING
1
1
2 3 4 5 6
Golf Course Pro Shop/1919 Grill York Dining Commons/ Lakeside Deck Private events Crepe & Custard Terrace Hotel Hot breakfast Junaluska Gifts & Grounds Harrell Center
Lambuth Gift Shop
2 3 4 5a 5b 5c 6
The Terrace Hotel Lambuth Inn Mountainview Lodge Hillside Lodge Apartments 1-20 Apartments 21-40 Apartments 41-50 Campground
3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10
Lake Junaluska Golf Course Walking Trail Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym J.B. Ivey Playground Shuffleboard/Tennis/Pickleball/ Volleyball/Basketball/Gaga Courts Mini-Golf Lake Junaluska Outfitters Pool, kayak/canoe rentals, snacks, recreation equipment
Fishing Pier Fitness Center Cherokee IV Boat Tours Dock lakejunaluska.com 33
Group Feature »
Healing Winds
Being the calm in a storm
W
hen Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Healing Winds, a Christ-based organization that had gathered at Lake Junaluska for a conference to train and equip prayer ministers in Christian healing, didn’t blink. Instead, it met the storm head on with faith and prayer. “We started Wednesday night with a group prayer at dinner. We named [the storm] …, we prayed against it, and we called for reinforcements,” recalled Kay Covode, president of the organization, during a planning session for the group’s 2025 conference at Lake Junaluska. “Thursday morning we got up and everything seemed to be OK, and we were still praying. We had our first communion service Thursday night downstairs (in Harrell Center.) We had our big banner up about our 30th anniversary, and it’s raining, but we thought it would be all right.” By Friday morning, however, the lower level of Harrell Center, where the group’s sound and electrical equipment and much of its supplies to support their prayer sessions were stored, was flooded. 34 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
The storm eventually subsided, and the floodwaters began to recede, sparing much of Lake Junaluska. However, the Rose Walk, Stuart Auditorium and the Harrell Center sustained some damage, which has since been repaired. The irony of a hurricane striking during a prayer conference hosted by a group called Healing Winds did not go unnoticed. “It may have been God’s plan,” Covode said. Healing Winds, a nonprofit organization, has been holding its conference at Lake Junaluska since 2012, citing the ample meeting rooms, easy maneuverability between The Terrace Hotel and Harrell Center and the attentive staff, among other amenities, as reasons for its long relationship with the Lake. So it was no surprise when members of Lake Junaluska’s administrative staff and other employees slogged through the murky flood waters alongside Healing Winds’ conference attendees to salvage the organization’s belongings and transfer them to The Terrace Hotel to continue the conference.
Top: Attendees find support at the Healing Winds training conference. Above: Flood damage to Harrell Center Auditorium caused by Hurricane Helene was repaired thanks to financial support from donors.
“Lake Junaluska just opened the gates to us. [They] let us meet over there,” Covode said, referring to The Terrace Hotel. Lorna Bashore, the group’s treasurer, remembered Lake Junaluska staff finding water for the guests and even going to the grocery store upon request. “They really went the extra mile,” Bashore said. “And we had food. They still served us good hot meals,” added Theresa Waldroup, another volunteer member of the leadership team. About 180 people were attending the conference when the storm hit, stranding some guests due to road closures and canceled flights. Despite the disruption, Healing Winds carried on, making the best of the situation. “Sunday night everybody wanted to do something,” Covode said. “I said, ‘All right, we’ll meet in the auditorium — Lake Junaluska very graciously let us use Terrace Auditorium’ — and we sat in a circle and there were about 50 of us.” Covode said the group spent the evening sharing stories and praying. They also enjoyed praise music, which came from a Jamaican priest, and added a special element to the impromptu gathering. “Somebody would pray something and then he would do a worship chorus afterward. We prayed for the people here and we prayed for the land,” Covode said. “So Sunday night, actually, was incredible.” The conference officially concluded on Sunday, Sept. 29, but some guests remained at Lake Junaluska for up to two weeks due to damage to their homes. Covode also stayed behind — not out of necessity but as an act of kindness toward those who couldn’t leave. The 2025 conference, held from Sept. 26-28, went “extremely well,” said Covode, who at 81½ years old credits God for her longevity and rich life. “As you can imagine, I am extremely tired,” she added. Planning is already underway for this year’s conference. For Covode, Lake Junaluska offers the practical amenities needed to host a successful event — but there’s something deeper that keeps her coming back. “It’s away,” she explained. “Jesus went away to the mountains to pray. When we come here, we’re stepping out of the world. One of the first things I tell attendees is to turn off and put away their phones. You can hear God better here. You’re operating on a different plane.”
Top: Kay Covode, president of Healing Winds, speaks to the group during its conference at Lake Junaluska which coincided with Hurricane Helene. The organization continued with its multiday meeting despite the storm. lakejunaluska.com 35
Association Feature »
A Sanctuary for Service
Addiction Professionals of North Carolina
S
pace is what the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina needed when the association began a search for a new conference site, and space — indoor and out — is what they found at Lake Junaluska.
individuals, providers and the communities they serve — advocating for effective policies, offering technical assistance and fostering collaboration across the behavioral health system.
“Our conference had started growing and by luck we stumbled on Lake Junaluska; it was a Google search,” said Morgan Coyner, executive vice president of APNC, a statewide organization with its office in Raleigh and staff in Boone, Asheville, Greenville and Charlotte. “We said, ‘We can grow here.’ You’ve got plenty of hotels, and when the hotels are full, there are different places to stay. After that first conference, we just knew that we would be there long term.”
“We deal with addiction day in and day out,” Coyner said. “What’s unique is we’re here to support the professionals. We don’t do direct service. We are supporting the people who do that.”
APNC is the professional trade association for substance use professionals and providers in North Carolina. APNC provides a collective voice for 36 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
APNC hosts two conferences a year, one in the western part of the state and the other in the east. By hosting the conference at Lake Junaluska, where the natural beauty of the outdoors is so prominent, Coyner has seen the APNC staff and conference attendees change behavior by unplugging from their computers, and thus work, which gives them a much needed break.
“When we’re at Lake Junaluska, people are just out on the Adirondack chairs talking, people are sitting in the rocking chairs, they’re walking around the lake. They’re actually taking time away from their work, and it’s so important,” she said. “Ever since COVID, the mental health field has just been so slammed. There are not enough workers, and there are so many more problems. At Lake Junaluska, the campus is just removed from everything, and you really feel like you’re able to walk away from the everyday aspect of the job — and while you’re really there for the community to learn, you can also relax.” As executive vice president, Coyner said her job is to provide education and keep APNC professionals up to date on the latest practices. The 2025 conference was the organization’s third, and its 2026 conference will be at Lake Junaluska too. The first gathering had 180 people attend, and the keynote address was at Harrell Center Auditorium. The second one had 300 attendees, and the keynote speaker spoke at Stuart Auditorium. “Lake Junaluska has the space where we can expand. The other thing that’s fun is you’ve got the space for us to do things like a bonfire, or we did a podcast recording and there was an extra room for that. Lake Junaluska has the space for us to be creative,” Coyner said. She also credited the “wonderful” Lake Junaluska staff for keeping the conferences running smoothly. “Any ideas we have, the staff says, ‘We’ll figure out how to make it happen,’ and they always do,” she said. So what’s Coyner’s favorite way to relax when she’s at Lake Junaluska? “I am a rocking chair girl. I love to sit out on the deck at Terrace and stare out. I was also raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve also fallen in love with Waynesville as a whole. It’s a little sanctuary for us.” Staff and attendees say Lake Junaluska’s outdoor beauty and activities help them relax and restore their energy. Photos provided by Addiction Professionals of North Carolina
lakejunaluska.com 37
Wedding Story »
Divine Intervention From their meeting to their wedding space
L
ike most engaged couples planning a wedding, Amelia Mangan and André Bos had a checklist of all the important elements they wanted for their big day: a mountain setting, easy access between wedding and reception venues, disability-friendly, lodging options and, of course, a beautiful setting. When Mangan discovered Lake Junaluska on Google, it checked all the boxes. “We wanted to get married in a church with a separate reception space,” she said. “Lake Junaluska was truly lovely and met all of our requirements.” The couple married on May 24, 2025, in the historic lakeside Memorial Chapel, with its beautiful Gothic architecture and more than 25 stained glass windows. Guests then walked across the street to The Musgrave Event Lawn for cocktail hour, followed by the reception at The Warren Center. The rehearsal dinner was held the night before at the Lakeside White Tent. Lake Junaluska’s food service catered both the reception and the rehearsal dinner. Most guests stayed at The Terrace Hotel, Mangan said, which is conveniently located steps from The Warren Center and across the street from Memorial Chapel. “We were very impressed by the chef taking the time to work with our special dietary requests, from vegetarian
38 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026
entrees to Dutch meatballs! We were also impressed with the quality of the food — local farm to table,” Mangan said. While Mangan grew up about 90 minutes from Lake Junaluska in Granite Falls, her now husband grew up on an old farm in Doorne, the Netherlands. Their chance meeting was a “divine appointment,” Mangan said. “I was pursuing my undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University. André was visiting the U.S. for the first time. His host family, who are family friends, recommended he tour some United States campuses since they are very different from Dutch campuses, which tend to be more urban, commuter campuses,” she said. “While he was touring the campus, he asked me for directions to the library and I recognized his accent as Dutch — my sister lived in the Netherlands for 10 years. We thought that was interesting, and he went on his way. He attended [Wake Forest’s] graduation with his host family, and I was there as a [commencement] marshal for graduation. We recognized each other and exchanged phone numbers.” These days the couple lives in Sacramento, California, where Mangan is in her second year of a plastic surgery residency at University of California Davis Medical Center. Following her graduation from Wake Forest University, she completed medical school at St. Louis
University School of Medicine. André is a certified public accountant and works as an audit manager at a public accounting firm. He finished his undergraduate degree in accounting in the Netherlands and then earned his master’s degree in accounting from Wake Forest University. Discovering Lake Junaluska was a bit like the couple finding each other — by chance. “I had been looking forever and ever and researching so many venues,” Mangan said of finding Lake Junaluska. “And then it just randomly popped up.” Sort of like André? Mangan laughed. “We met serendipitously a second time too,” she said, at Wake Forest’s graduation, when they exchanged phone numbers. With at least five more years of residency to go for Mangan, the couple will remain in California for a while, but the mountains of North Carolina created a lasting memory for them. Mangan praised Lake Junaluska’s response to the couple’s every concern, even replacing a patch of damaged sod on The Musgrave Event Lawn for their cocktail hour. “We were so impressed with the wedding package, which included so many things — café lighting, napkins, silverware, chargers in choices of colors. This made the process so much easier,” she said. “The weekend was everything I dreamed of.”
Photos by @simonanthonyphoto lakejunaluska.com 39
Learn more about these events and others at
lakejunaluska.com/events
Enjoy scenic views, outdoor adventures and relaxing vacations year-round at our mountain lake destination.
Lake Junaluska
Stay & Play - Enhance your stay with our Independence Day Lodging Package, featuring a barbecue lunch, concert access, a guided cruise and more.
Enjoy the Scenic Walking Trail
Make Lasting Memories
Stay at the Lake, Ski Cataloochee
Stay at our lakeside hotel, historic inn, apartments or campground. Our amenities include walking trails, more than 20 gardens, pickleball and tennis courts, pontoon boat cruises, lakeside pool, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, golf course, gift and coffee shop, Memorial Chapel and a Prayer Labyrinth.
All are welcome at
Scan to learn more!
828-452-2881 | LAKEJUNALUSKA.COM
Learn more about these events and others at
lakejunaluska.com/events
Celebrate Independence Week at Lake Junaluska
July 1 - 5, 2026
IBMA winners Balsam Range, July 2
Stay & Play - Enhance your stay with our Independence Day Lodging Package, featuring a barbecue lunch, concert access, a guided cruise and more.
4th of July Parade
Fireworks Over the Lake
Flotilla Competition
Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at Lake Junaluska. Enjoy five days of lakeside fun, including concerts, fireworks and our signature floating lanterns. Spend your summer days at the pool, on the golf course or exploring the water via the Cherokee IV pontoon, canoes and kayaks. Don’t forget to try out our new dedicated pickleball courts.
All are welcome at
828-452-2881 | LAKEJUNALUSKA.COM
Scan to learn more!
Learn more about these events and others at
lakejunaluska.com/events
Holidays at Lake Junaluska
Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2026
Family Thanksgiving Lodging & Buffet Package
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
Celebrate Christmas at Lake Junaluska
Start a new Thanksgiving tradition at Lake Junaluska. This package includes lodging, breakfast and sought-after tickets to our Thanksgiving Buffet. Our buffet is a favorite for locals and guests alike and is known to sell out quick. Reserve your table early to enjoy a stress-free holiday meal with the best views in the mountains.
Join us for a world-class celebration of bluegrass and acoustic music hosted by award-winning Balsam Range. This premier festival features incredible performances, masterclasses and jam sessions, capturing the true heart of mountain music and making it the perfect winter retreat for music lovers.
Celebrate the season with our festive holiday package, featuring a mix of nostalgic fun and mountain beauty. Package guests enjoy lodging, breakfast and tickets for a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley. You can also browse unique gifts at our holiday craft fair and take a peaceful evening stroll among the Lights at the Lake display.
Nov. 25-29
Dec. 3-6
Dec. 11-13
Plan Your Holiday Getaway Visit us online for package details and to book your stay. All are welcome at
Scan to learn more!
828-452-2881 | LAKEJUNALUSKA.COM
Eleanor Roosevelt, center, visited Lake Junaluska on July 25, 1944, when she met with women’s groups and spoke that evening to about 3,500 people at Stuart Auditorium.
Remembered JULY 25, 1944
According to her account published in “The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers,” the First Lady was impressed by Lake Junaluska’s iconic landmark.
n July of 1944, as World War II raged, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Lake Junaluska, after a brief stop in Asheville. The July 27, 1944 edition of The Waynesville Mountaineer reported that Roosevelt spent Tuesday, July 25 in a “series of activities that included conferences, luncheons, interviews, an inspection of the Methodist Assembly grounds, a boat ride on the lake” and a formal address that evening to 3,500 people at Stuart Auditorium.
“The first thing you see, on a high spot in the grounds, is a great cross which at night is illuminated. They told me that originally, when the cross had been built, the intention was to light it up only during the summer when the conferences were in session. But the railroad men, who can see it as they pass in the night, grew so fond of it that when it was turned off they sent a petition to the board asking that it be lit every night, for it gave them food for thought and inspiration as they drove their engines into the dark.”
“We have become the greatest production center in the world, our armed forces are greater than we thought they could possibly be in so short a time,” she told the crowd. She added later in the speech, “With strength goes responsibility, and so we have an obligation to look into the future and decide on our course….”
On July 26, Roosevelt attended a breakfast hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. “After the breakfast, several of the seminars joined together in a forum at which I spoke. I had time to pack and dress, attend a last luncheon and say a few words of good-bye to all of the kind ladies who made my visit so enjoyable.”
I
lakejunaluska.com 43
Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc. 759 N. Lakeshore Drive Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
PLAN YOUR VISIT
TO LAKE JUNALUSKA S E E PA G E 2 0
Discover Lake Junaluska
A beloved spiritual retreat center for more than 110 years, scenic Lake Junaluska in the mountains of Western North Carolina welcomes leisure and business travelers, families and groups seeking a special getaway experience with plenty of on-site things to do. Discover nature’s beauty and the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains at our 200-acre lake and charming community. Relax and enjoy the lakeside hotel, historic inn, vacation rentals, lakeside walking trail, gardens, golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, lake cruises, wildlife viewing and panoramic vistas. A place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. Where better to unplug from the noise of life and reconnect with your family or group than our peaceful slice of heaven?
To plan your Lake Junaluska personal getaway or group retreat, visit lakejunaluska.com today. 44 DISCOVER VISITOR GUIDE · 2026