Blue Ridge Mountain Host Region Offers Mountain Adventures and Foothills Fun at Lake Lure

By Lydia Quinn

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an entrée to the mountain adventures and foothills fun of Rutherford County in the Blue Ridge Mountain Host region. Off of the Parkway, exit near the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center between mileposts 384 and 385 and head East on Highway 74-A. Be sure to stop in Chimney Rock Village, where visitors can make a brisk tubing run down the roaring Rocky Broad River. Then visit Chimney Rock State Park, recently preserved as North Carolina's newest state park. Perched high atop Chimney Rock, capture a spectacular view of Hickory Nut Gorge and 720-acre Lake Lure. Visitors can also see Hickory Nut Falls, recognizable landscape from the final dramatic scenes of "Last of the Mohicans," filmed here in the early '90s. Other outdoor activities range from dinner cruises, fishing and water skiing on Lake Lure, to golf, horseback riding and hiking.

The town of Lake Lure, NC has long drawn visitors with its inviting lake, beach, golf courses and other recreational opportunities. Lake Lure, which covers 720 acres and has a shoreline of about 27 miles, is the town's gem, ringed by mountains in a sparkling setting. Lake Lure was originally formed by creating a dam on the Rocky Broad River. It now draws people to frolic on the beach, swim, boat and fish. On boat tours of the lake, you'll learn about the cultural and natural history of Lake Lure, NC, and see some of the locations used in filming the movie "Dirty Dancing."

Lake Lure hotels, inns and other accommodations offer a myriad of experiences for the weary traveler. Whether it be a room just steps away from a plunge in the Rocky Broad River, a mountain cabin on a gravel road, a beautiful historic inn, a resort surrounded by golf courses and other amenities, a vacation rental on the lake that sleeps fifteen guests, a convention hotel, or a memorable camping experience, choices abound.

For the foothills portion of your journey through Rutherford County, stop by the charming boroughs of Rutherfordton, Forest City and Spindale - classic American small towns, each with a proud history. Walking the sidewalks of Rutherfordton is like stepping back to a time when things were better... simpler. There are quaint shops and friendly restaurants and even an interactive museum for the kids.

On Forest City's Main Street you can enjoy the seasonal flowers, relax by the fountain or take the short drive to the Rutherford County Farm Museum for a taste of traditional rural life in the foothills. When you head up the road to Spindale you can check out the melons at the Rutherford County Farmer's Market or cool off with a to-die-for milk shake at the vintage drugstore.

For more information about Lake Lure, Chimney Rock State Park, and other Western North Carolina attractions, please visit http://www.ncblueridge.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lydia_Quinn