One of my favorite day trips from Columbia, SC is a quick trip to the mountains to spend an afternoon on Lake Lure. Earlier this summer, my family was looking for something to do to celebrate two birthdays. After much discussion, we decided to travel to the mountains and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on Lake Lure.
Named one of the top 10 most beautiful man-made lakes in the world by National Geographic, Lake Lure boasts breathtaking views of flourishing mountain tops and granite cliffs. The lake was built in the 1920’s to generate power and for recreation. Today, there are many activities available at the lake, including a public beach, boating (kayaking, pontoon boats, and paddle boarding – no jet skis are allowed on the lake), a spa at the Inn at Lake Lure, and much more!
My favorite Lake Lure activity is taking a boat road in the reasonably priced pontoon boat tours on the lake, highlighting some of Lake Lure’s history and most notable landmarks. Note that boat rides are offered on the hour (you can check www.lakelure.com/activities to see prices and hours). If you have some extra time while you are waiting for your tour, stroll through Morse Park and across Lake Lure’s very own “Flowering Bridge.” Morse Park includes a playground, welcome center (with restrooms), and a small loop trail which allows you to walk right by the water! Take in the views of the lake and mountains while enjoying a leisurely stroll through the tiger lily lined paths. Morse Park is a popular site for weddings during the summer. On a recent summer afternoon walk, we saw wedding planners setting up for two separate ceremonies!
A short walk from the park is Lake Lure’s “Flowering Bridge.” When the bridge over the Rocky Broad River was closed in 2011, a group of locals decided to create a garden along the bridge featuring plants native to the area. Today, the bridge has a lot of character with its abundant and fragrant blooms and blossoms which attract many butterflies and birds. While crossing the bridge, you can take in even more of the breathtaking views of Lake Lure and the surrounding mountainside. Local art is also featured on the bridge, including sculptures and other reclaimed art.
Once you make your way back to the park and board the boat, relax on the hour-long tour while you take in the beautiful mountain scenery and see some of North Carolina’s finest luxury lake homes. Did you know that several popular scenes from Dirty Dancing were filmed on the lake? While on the boat tour, you will get to see the steps where Jennifer Grey’s character, “Baby,” carried a watermelon while training for her dance routine and hear many fun movie facts such as the trees and grass getting spray-painted green since the movie was filmed in October.
Scenes from Dirty Dancing were filmed in this cove.
Other highlights of the boat tour include seeing Chimney Rock from afar and learning about the history of the man-made lake. Hear how an island on the lake was once covered in snakes and how it took locals years to solve this problem with a quite innovative solution! We loved listening to all of the stories our skipper told, and he also entertained questions from everyone on the boat at the end of the tour.
After the boat ride, enjoy the recreational and shopping opportunities in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. If you’ve worked up an appetite, feel free to check out the Lake Lure Smokehouse for an affordable barbeque sandwich or experience fine dining at the Lake Lure Inn and Spa’s Veranda Restaurant. And be sure to stop at a local produce stand for some fruits and vegetables on your way back to Columbia!
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