Blue Ridge Mtn vacation - Or other suggestions for a summer lake vacation (Boone: homes, shop)

[AllisonP]

We are relatively new to the area, within the last year. We would normally opt for a beach vacation but it's super hot down here, in the summer We thought we'd change direction and head to the mountains for a cooler summer break. Can you recommend a town in the mountains that would be a good choice? Specifically looking for something on a lake so the kids have some water play options. And perhaps a nice downtown area for shopping/dining? I did try looking on VRBO but honestly I am not finding much on a lake and I don't know anything of the towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Any direction would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you

[CLT4]

Lake Toxaway or Lake Lure

[AllisonP]

Thank you CLT4 - I'll check these out today. I appreciate your quick reply!

[Riley09swb]

Pigeon Forge or Gaitlinburg are other places to visit in the mountains for future reference.

[LLN]

If you vacay in the northern NC mountains, consider a ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail. It’s in SW VA, but is an outstanding family event.

[UDcc123]

Originally Posted by Riley09swb

Pigeon Forge or Gaitlinburg are other places to visit in the mountains for future reference.

There are a lot of homes in these towns that either have a private pool or a community pool...and you get the added benefit of all the kitchy-ness of those 2 towns, plus a short drive to the Smoky Mountains for hiking.


We always preferred to stay on the NC side of the Smokies near Sylva/Cherokee/Maggie Valley. It gets you access to the Blue Ridge Parkway for hiking as well as less than an hour over the Smokies for day trips to Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinburg. No swimming lakes that I'm aware of though.

[poppydog]

If you really want cooler temps you need to get above 3000Ft. Blowing Rock would be a great choice. https://blowingrock.com/ Most summer days high temps are between 70-85. It almost never gets above 85.

There are quite a few swimming holes around Boone and Blowing Rock: Swimmin' Holes

Lake Lure is at a lower elevation and will get hotter than the High Country around Boone/Blowing Rock/Banner Elk.

Lake Lure July 2017: https://www.wunderground.com/history...yCalendar.html
Boone July 2017: https://www.wunderground.com/history...yCalendar.html

If you want cool temps it's really the elevation you need to pay attention to. Maggie Valley is pretty high and will stay pretty cool, too.

[GoPhils]

I'm no expert but I'm not aware of too many decently sized lakes in the NC mountains, particularly nearby a downtown area. Lake Lure might be your best bet. Maybe Lake Junaluska or Highland Lake near Flat Rock.

[UDcc123]

Smith Mountain Lake in VA might also work for you. It's about a 60-90 minute drive into the mountains for a day trip and ~3 hours from NC.

[CLT4]

Fontanna Lake is also not far from Cherokee and Bryson City which have touristy attractions and things to do besides the lake / hiking.