On the
LAkE lake le, noth aolna
2015 /2016
What to do and where to go in Lake Lure, North Carolina
Reflections By Larkin Hammond
The sun shining bright on the clear waters of the lake. There is a reflection. An American flag waving proudly. A child’s face happy to be here. The old wooden boat that is ready to go and has many more years.
2015 /2016
The dog as it’s ready to shake water all over your clean towels. Grandpa snoozing in the hammock. A soldier that just got back from defending our country. ….and a family that is thankful for all they have. Don’t forget to look at your reflection and see the happiness in your heart because you are here on the lake.
Letter from the Editor: With the housing market back in full swing in Lake Lure, it is now evident that we are the place to be and that the economy is looking good. Now boasting a chain grocery store, pharmacy, new school and medical center, Lake Lure has entered the 21st century. If all the modern conveniences are not enough, let us not forget about being one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, with our clear air and water - which in this day and time are becoming a rare commodity. Lake Lure and its people make this a little slice of paradise. So what are you waiting for? Come join us and become our neighbor, you will never look back. Larkin Hammond, Editor
PUBLISHERS Working in Paradise, Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sonya Brown
EDITOR Larkin Hammond
Marketing coordinators Liz Buchanan & Shea Williams
Copyright 2015. All rights reserved, no duplication without prior written approval from publisher.
We need your feedback. What would it take for you to call Lake Lure home? Email me at Larkin@LarkinsontheLake.com and I will pass it along.
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SKI TRIPS - BOAT RENTALS
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LA VAI BL S
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WAKEBOARD FISHING AND K AYA K I N G FAMILY MORE
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WA T E R S K I ADVENTURES BOAT RENTALS PONTOONS!
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Regular Hours Monday-Sunday: 9am - 8pm
lakelureadventurecompany.com
hiking around the lake
A Hiker’s Paradise The allure of Lake Lure is without a doubt the natural beauty that surrounds the town: mountains, waters and wildlife.
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The best way to drink in all the splendor of the area is to put on your hiking shoes, grab a nice hiking stick, and walk your way through the wilderness. We have identified 9 great trekking locations within 35 minutes of the Lake Lure Beach area. Each hike offers different visual rewards as you journey through nature’s wonders. Our list of trails is in order of hiking difficulty (easy to hard) and provides general information to get you there and let you know the highlights of the hike. For more detailed hiking information, visit AroundLakeLure.com.
1 Morse Park Town Walk: (Free) Located at the Lake Lure Town Center HIKING DISTANCE: Approx. 2 miles HIGHLIGHTS: Picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, Lake Lure and area flora and fauna. A special treat from Spring through Fall is the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. 2 Donald Ross Nature Park: (Free) Located on NC 9, 1⁄4 mile south of 64W (across from Ingle’s) HIKING DISTANCE: 1⁄2 to 3 miles HIGHLIGHTS: Surrounded by nature, well maintained trails and 2 open fields to let the pups run. Also, one nice view overlooking the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course and up the Hickory Nut Gorge.
= Easy
crossings and a nice view 3 Little Bradley of a 100 foot tall waterfall Falls: (Free) – getting to the base is From Lake Lure Beach take well worth the effort, but 64E to NC9S – Right on be careful. Garret Rd. – Right on Silver Creek Rd. – Left on Holbert 5 Florence Preserve Cove Rd. for 6.2 miles: Upper Hickory Nut Gorge parking on right – Trailhead Trailhead: (Free) From Lake on South side of road Lure Beach take 74A North HIKING DISTANCE: 7.7 miles just shy of Gerton, 2 miles round trip NC. You will see a house HIGHLIGHTS: The majority ruin with nothing left but of the trail follows Cove the chimney on the right. Creek so you have great Park here. rushing water sounds as HIKING DISTANCE: you walk the wooded trail. Up to 4 miles There are 5 or 6 creek HIGHLIGHTS: Beautiful crossings so be prepared wooded trails crossing to get wet or rock hop. The and running along side of pay-off: a triple-tiered, 50+ several creeks. Some trails foot waterfall – gorgeous! pass by small waterfalls and old cabin ruins. Some 4 Big Bradley Falls: (Free) nice views of Hickory Nut Same as above – except – Gorge can be seen when Trailhead is on the North foliage is off the trees. side of the road.
= Easy to Moderate
HIKING DISTANCE: Approx. 1.5 miles round trip HIGHLIGHTS: Beautiful wooded hike with creek
= Moderate to Strenuous
(moderate) is a beautiful wooded Bridge). Follow Boys Camp Rd. 6 Bearwallow trail. Exclamation Point Trail 1.3 miles to entrance of Park on Mountain Trail: (Free) (strenuous) takes you to the top the left. From Lake Lure Beach take 74A of a rock face with breathtaking HIKING DISTANCE: North 8.9 miles to Gerton – Left views of Lake Lure and Hickory 1.5 miles turn on Bearwallow Mountain Rd. Nut Gorge. HIGHLIGHTS: Huge boulders (paved road turns to gravel road) litter the landscape of this park. continue approx. 2 miles to where 9 Buffalo Creek Park – Hiking Watching boulder climbers can the road is paved once more – and Mountain Biking: (Free) be quit interesting. Views from park on side of road – Trailhead From Lake Lure Beach take the trails are best when foliage is on South side of road. 64E for 6.1 miles and turn left down. Numerous side trails will HIKING DISTANCE: on Bill’s Creek Rd. Continue take you to the granite rock face 2 miles round trip 1.9 miles and turn left on at the base of Rumbling Bald HIGHLIGHTS: nice wooded Buffalo Creek Rd. Continue on Mountain – a unique perspective. trail that takes you to a huge Buffalo Creek Rd. 4.9 miles pasture on the top of Bearwallow 8 Chimney Rock passing Rumbling Bald Resort. Mountain (4232 ft. – tallest The trailhead is on the left. Park: (Entry Fee) within sight of Lake Lure). Walk Designated parking for 5-6 From Lake Lure Beach take around the top to see 360 degree vehicles. Overflow parking is OK 64W/74A for 1.4 miles to Chimney views of the surrounding area. along Buffalo Creek Road. Rock, NC. The park entrance is on Great pasture to let dogs run! HIKING DISTANCE: the left. Currently 5 miles of trails HIKING DISTANCE: 7 Chimney Rock HIGHLIGHTS: This is a multi-use Varies with trail – 1 - 1.5miles Climbing Park: (Free) park for hiking, biking, trail H IGHLIGHTS: Hickory Nut Fall From Lake Lure Beach head west running and even climbing. Trail (moderate) takes you to the on Memorial Hwy. (74A) for 6/10 Beautiful wooded trails with base of the 404 footwaterfall of a mile. Turn right on Boys creek crossings. – gorgeous. Four Seasons Camp Rd (just past Flowering Now let’s hit the trails and enjoy the natural splendor of Lake Lure! Remember, be safe and don’t leave any evidence of your visit so others can enjoy their journeys.
dining on the lake
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Lake Lure Tour Dinner Cruises to Larkin’s on the Lake Your adventure starts when you depart from the Washburn Marina located just around the bend from the Beach at Lake Lure. The cruise will take you to parts of the lake most visitors don’t have the opportunity to explore. Your guide will show you points of interest around Lake Lure such as where the classic movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. You will hear about the legends and lore that have made Lake Lure a place visitors come back to time and time again. The boat then heads to Larkin’s On The Lake for your meal. Larkin’s offers creative, contemporary cuisine, along with the best stocked bar and wine cellar in the area including local micro beers on tap all served by an attentive staff. After your meal you board the boat and the cruise ends back at the marina where it started. Dinner cruises depart April through October Friday and Saturday evenings. Time of departure varies with the time the sun sets that day. Adults $25 for the cruise only, the cost of the meal is not included. This cruise is for adults only unless booked as a private charter. A minimum of eight passengers is required for the cruise to depart. Just before sunset you will re-board the boat head out to the center of the lake to watch the sunset behind the mountains surrounding the lake. A champagne toast is available through the restaurant, simply ask your server to arrange it. Please contact Lake Lure Tours 828-625-1373 to confirm departure times for the dinner cruise and to make reservations. For more information, visit our website LakeLure.com or call Toll Free: (877) 386-4255 Phone: (828) 625-1373
$25.00/per person*
Group tours are available. Located across from the Lake Lure Inn. * Cost of dinner not included in price of tour
Larkin’s Themed Nights Larkin’s on the Lake invites everyone to be a part of our special themed nights. From buffets to coursed dinners, we’ve got the perfect night ready for you!
Local’s Night at Larkin’s
Larkin’s Wine Tasting Series
Local’s Nights are once a month from September to May. Fellowship among locals and regulars over a creatively themed buffet is a must-attend event!
Our themed Wine Dinners create the perfect evening of food and wine pairings. Tickets only $35 per person. Call 828.625.4075 for reservations.
Luau Murder Sept. 25 Mystery Dinner & Game Halloween Jan. 15 Celebration Oct. 30 Mardi Gras Feb. 5 Food Drive for the Outreach St. Patrick’s Day March 16 Nov. 19 Local Food Ugly & Wine Christmas Next Door Sweater & April 17 $5 Gift Exchange Cinco Game De Mayo Dec. 1 May 5
Pizza & Wine From Around The World June 5 Let’s Do Some Bubbles July 23 Blind Wine Tasting Aug. 21 Elegant Evening Picnic Sept. 10 Harvest Time Oct. 22 Banfi Nov. 6
Seafood Wednesdays June 3 – Aug. 26
Seafood Wednesdays include a HUGE buffet of chef’s fresh seafood creations.
Dinner Party Dec. 11 Robin’s Spanish Experience Jan. 29 Bordeaux Feb. 26 Fun Affordable Wines March 10 Local Food & Wine Next Door April 17 Farm To Table May 26
Please join us for THE L AKE LU RE P OLI CE D EPARTM E NT’ S
10th Annual
EVENING OF HONOR
Police Recognition Dinner
and awards ceremony presented by larkin's on the lake
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 $55 PER PERSON ®
For Sponsorship Information or Ticket Purchases, Please contact Shea at Larkin’s on the Lake 828 625 4075
fun on the lake
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Need to Know for Fun on the Lake
Handy Numbers Lake Operations Dean Givens – Director Office: 828-625-9983, Ext. 501 Cell: 828-447-7430 Emergencies 911 Lake Lure Beach 828-625-8877 Lake Lure Marina 828-625-1373 Town of Lake Lure Municipal Office 828-625-9983 www.townoflakelure.com Remember: All boat permits are only valid for the current calendar year. That means you have to renew it every year before using your boat on the lake.
Simple Rules for a Great Day on the Lake • For starters, your boat permit has to be displayed on your boat • Remember, a ‘no wake,’ (idle speed) is required when you are: – In any of the lake’s coves – Within 75 feet from shore – Within 75 feet of other boats – Within 100 feet of a public safety boat while emergency lights are in use – No wake is also required from 7 pm to 7 am October through April and from 9 pm to 7 am from May through September.
FAQ The significant costs associated with operating Lake Lure, including dredging costs, are covered by lake-specific revenues from boat permit fees, tour concessions and fines. General property taxes are not used in lake operations. Although all citizens and property owners benefit from the lake’s beauty and value, the direct costs are borne by those who use it.
• We’re very proud of our lake. Please don’t litter or feed the geese and other waterfowl. Neither are good for the birds or the lake. • Only two people at a time can be towed behind any boat and both must wear, you guessed it, a PFD. • T hey may not like it, but when they’re on your boat, children under 13 have to wear that life jacket, also known as a PFD, or “personal flotation device.” • Only beer and wine are allowed on your boat. No fortified wine or spirituous liquors. All NC Laws pertaining to public consumption of alcohol will be enforced. Please don’t trespass on private property, docks or boathouses. • Are you in a rented boat or one supplied with your rental home? Sorry, but your permit does not allow any towing, skiing or tubing. However, local water skiing services are available. Once your boat is underway, everyone must stay inside the boat and its railings. • Remember to use your docking lights only while docking your boat. • For the safety of everyone, no swimming from town owned land or in the Washburn Marina Bay. o n t h e l a k e ~ 2 0 1 5 /2 0 1 6
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fun on the lake
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Points of Interest & L
Comprising 800+ acres, Lake Lure is three m and three miles east to west from the bridge to 1. Broad River
Fishing Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, fishing is encouraged. Just keep these things in mind:
2. Town Hall Boat Permits 3. Morse Park 4. Flowering Bridge
5. Lake Lure Public Beach
8. Main Channel
9. Snug Harbor Cove 6. Tryon International Equestrian Center 10. Garner Cove 11. Tryon Bay 7. Grey Log Cove 12. Tryon Bay Cove
• A valid North Carolina fishing license is required • Children under 16 are exempt For a list of NC fishing regulations, visit: www.ncwildlife.org
Please Support our Advertisers! 27. Lake Lure Marina 28. Larkin’s on the Lake 29. Gardenwoods 30. Canopy Ridge Zip Line & Kayaking 31. Lake Lure Adventure 32. Set The Hook Fishing 33. Forest City Owls 34. Carolina Trust Bank
35. Keller Williams 37. Beverly Hanks 38. Beverly Hanks 39. Hickory Nut Chamber of Commerce 40. Lake Lure Classical Academy 41. MAHEC
42. Bright’s Creek 43. Lake View Grocery 44. Esmeralda Inn 45. Chimney Rock Village 46. Polk County Wineries 47. Chimney Rock State Park
& Lake Coves
e miles north to south ge to Sunset Cove 13. Yacht Island 14. Picnic Point Cove 15. Lake Lure Golf Club/Course
• Public boat launch – #27 • A public beach & splash park – #5 • Full-service marina & gas station – #27 • Seasonal boat tours – #27 • Boat rentals & water ski services – #31
25. Lake Lure Village Cove
• Year round fishing & fishing guide services
26. Rumbling Bald Mountains
• Lakefront & lake view restaurants – #28
16. Lake Lure Dam 17. Sunset Cove
• Lakeside park, picnic tables & walking path – #3
Our Lake at a Glance
18. Pier Point Cove 19. Duncan’s Cove 20. Buffalo Bay 21. Burnette’s Cove 22. Edward’s Point Cove 23. Havnaer’s Cove 24. Rumbling Bald Marina o n t h e l a k e ~ 2 0 1 54 // 22 00 11 65
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views near the lake
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k c o R y e n m i h C
Engage. Chimney Rock Village is centrally located in the historic Hickory Nut Gorge, directly below the famous vistas of Chimney Rock Mountain and containing almost three miles of the scenic Rocky Broad River, the prime source for the renowned pristine waters of picturesque Lake Lure. This quaint village welcomes visitors with its eclectic assortment of accommodations, restaurants, attractions and shops. Explore. Stroll the RiverWalk. Delight your senses with the peaceful sounds of the river and the music of the birds in the abundant forest canopy. Anglers can try their luck at landing some trout. Picnic at Riverside Park, at the east end of town, while enjoying the beauty of nature. Visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park – in the heart of the Village – to experience stunning views of the gorge and lake from a lofty perspective. Spend a day on Main Street exploring unique businesses that lure shoppers with the promise of everything from souvenirs to local foods to handcrafted treasures from resident artists. Enjoy. Find exciting events throughout the year, from May’s Spring-GO! Festival to summer’s Music Thursdays, at The Gathering Place, a family-friendly venue with a million-dollar view. Join in Trick or Treat on Main Street or see Santa in the Village – wholesome fun for everyone, every season.
Established in 1891 Restaurant Open Tuesday - Saturday 11:00-3:00 & 5:00-9:00 Reservations Recommended 828-625-2999 www.theesmeralda.com 910 Main Street Chimney Rock, NC 28720
history on the lake
In 1902, Dr. Lucius B. Morse and his brothers Hiram and Asahel purchased 64 acres (0.26 km2) around Chimney Rock (within present-day Chimney Rock State Park) for $5,000. They later acquired enough land in the area to bring the total to 8,000 acres (32 km2). Lucius Morse’s wife Elizabeth is credited with naming the lake (and the town). In 1925, the Morse family created Carolina Mountain Power Company and funded the construction of a dam on the Broad River (through a mortgage) which produced the lake after which the town is named. The full impoundment of Lake Lure was completed in 1927. At ordinary water levels, Lake Lure covers approximately 720 acres (2.9 km2) and has a shoreline of approximately 27 miles (43 km). The dam’s power plant began operations in 1928 with the sale of electricity under a 10-year contract to Blue Ridge Power Co., a local predecessor of Duke Power. The plans for development came to a halt in 1929 with the advent of the Great Depression. A mortgageholder, Stroud & Company of Philadelphia, foreclosed on the lake and the dam. Stroud owned them and the power the dam generated until 1965. In 1963 the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the legislation that authorized the Town of Lake Lure to issue revenue bonds for the purpose of acquiring the assets from Stroud. The dam, power company, and real estate of Lake Lure were acquired by the Town of Lake Lure in 1965. In modern times, the town continues to sell electricity to Duke Energy, although profits from the dam now come second to maintaining a fixed water level year-round for the residents of the Lake Lure area.
The Lake Lure area is commonly used as a filming location for major motion pictures. Films include My Fellow Americans a 1996 comedy-drama starring Jack Lemmon and James Garner, and Dirty Dancing starring Patrick Swayze which was filmed here (the dance scenes at the Lodge) and in Virginia. It is also a common recreational area for residents and those within 100 miles (160 km) of the Lake from four states to come visit, picnic, water ski, boat and fish or spend the summer. Lake Lure was the location for the HGTV Dream Home contest in 2006 where a lucky contestant won a furnished home and an automobile.
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businesses near the lake
Preferred 28
Around Lake Lure
Vendors
The Insider’s Guide to the Area Lisa@AroundLakeLure.com AroundLakeLure.com
Beverly Hanks & Associates Luxury Real Estate in Western NC Facebook.com/AshevilleHomesforSale 866-858-2257 • Beverly-Hanks.com
Bright’s Creek Your Life. Your Way. 2222 Palmer Road • Mill Spring, NC 28756 888-497-1195
Canopy Ridge Farm Outdoor Adventure Park Step into Adventure! March - December CanopyRidgeFarm.com
Chimney Rock State Park See Chimney Rock Differently Facebook.com/ChimneyRockParkNC 431 Main St. • Chimney Rock, NC 800-277-9611
The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant 14 Room Inn established in 1891 Restaurant Open Tuesday-Saturday Groups, Weddings and Special Events Reservations Recommended 828-625-2999
Forest City Owls Collegiate Summer Baseball League 828-245-0000 ForestCityBaseball.com
Gardenwoods
Landscape Accessories, Woodcraft & Gifts Facebook.com/gardenwoodshg 828-288-3556 MountainGreenEnterprises.com
Go Lake Lure Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave Gerton, Bills Creek GoLakeLure.com
Grill Marks Burgers | Shakes | Bar Sophisticated Burger Joint Downtown Greenville, SC Opening Fall 2015 in Columbia, SC 864 233 5825 • GrillMarks.com
keller Williams Realty Lake Lure Professionals Group 2975 Memorial Hwy. • Lake Lure, NC 828-625-2552 • KWLakeLure.com
Lake Lure Adventure Company Ski Trips – Boat Rentals Memorial Day – Labor Day • 9am - 8pm US 64/74 and Buffalo Shoals Rd. 828-625-8066
Lake Lure Classical Academy A Challenge Foundation Academy 2520 Memorial Hwy • Lake Lure, NC
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful Garden Walkway Free to the Public Always Open/Lighted at Night LakeLureFloweringBridge.com
Lake Lure Tours
Larkin’s Catering & Events
Boat Tours, Beach Activities & Marina 2930 Memorial Hwy • Lake Lure, NC 828-625-1373 • LakeLure.com
Your Premier Caterer, Your Place or Ours Twitter.com/CateringLarkins SC 864-467-3020 NC 828-625-4075 LarkinsCatering.com
Lake View Grocery Store Family Owned and Operated Lottery and Wildlife Authorized Open 7/Days a Week Facebook.com/LakeViewGroceryStore
Larkin’s Carolina Grill Your Neighborhood Bar & Grill Columbus, NC • Near Hwy 26 828-895-8800 • LarkinsCarolinaGrill.com
Larkin’s on the Lake Drive, Boat, Swim... Just Get Here! Lake Lure’s ONLY Waterfront Dining 1020 Memorial Hwy • Lake Lure, NC 828-625-4075 • LarkinsOnTheLake.com
Larkins on the River
Aged Steaks | Fresh Fish | Old Wine Open 7 Days a Week Brunch Saturday & Sunday Downtown Greenville, SC 864-467-9777 LarkinsOnTheRiver.com
MAHEC Family Health Center at Lake Lure New Patients Welcome Office Hours: Mon - Fri • 8am - 5pm Appointments: 828-625-4400 MAHEC.net