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Catherine Lane

This North Carolina Mountain Area Named One Of the Best Road Trips In America and It’s Not Asheville

Author Catherine Lane

When you think of a road trip you don’t have to think of traveling far.  This North Carolina mountain area is named one of the best road trips to take in America and it’s not Asheville.  I add, “it’s not Asheville” because when you think of great mountain towns in North Carolina you think Asheville, Boone or Blowing Rock.  All those places sure are lovely. But this area has a special place in our hearts.

For just a short drive west of Charlotte you will find yourself in another world, almost another time.  I am talking about Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.  Full discloser when I was growing up, I spent summers at a camp up there called Camp Lurecrest, it was a place where I found Jesus, found myself and discovered how gorgeous this little North Carolina Mountain area really is.  And it remains the same today as it was when I was growing up there sometime in the last century.

In about an hour and a half from Charlotte you will find yourself at the lake.  While you are there you can swim or canoe or just put your chair in the water and have a nice long talk with someone you love.  There are quaint ice cream shops and a little water park for the kids at the public beach.

Go on in to Chimney Rock where you will find beautiful views of the Blue Ridge mountains and Lake Lure.  There are six hiking trails if you want to get sporty or you can always take the elevator to the top to take in the scenery,

You might be thirsty when you get down so take a break at Chimney Rock brewing company and get a souvenir or something useful at Bubba O Leary’s General Store.  Relax, unwind, celebrate life and nature. This North Carolina area named one of the best road trips in America, enjoy! To learn more get details about the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area right here, from Channel 9 in Charlotte.

More travel tips right here.

3 Carolina Towns Amongst the Cutest Small Towns in the South

They don’t call it Southern Charm for anything. The South is home to not only some of the sweetest and most beautiful people but also the cutest towns as well. From the Carolinas to Tennessee, Georgia, or Texas the South is filled with plenty of charm. What are some of your favorite small towns to visit in the South? Everyone has those few that really stand out for them.

World Atlas is naming their 12 cutest small towns in the South. Through the marsh, lakes, woodlands, and more there is so much charm to be able to see. If you are looking for some cute southern cities, then you don’t have to travel too far. Actually, this list is home to three Carolina cities. That’s right, three of our Carolina cities have made the list. Check out which Carolina cities below made the top 12 list. Do you want to see the full list? See the full list here and what other southern cities have that charm like the Carolinas.

  • Beaufort, South Carolina

    Starting out with the Carolina cities, we’re visiting South Carolina. Beaufort, South Carolina is one of the cutest and most charming small towns in the South and made the top 12 list. This historic small town lies on the banks of the Beaufort River. There is plenty of nature to enjoy outdoor activities, cobblestone roads and historic buildings to bring in all of the charm. You’re also not to far away from the beach and can enjoy a relaxing time by the water as well.

  • Blowing Rock, North Carolina

    Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit the small town of Blowing Rock. Crazy enough, I drove through the area for the first time the other day and it is quite stunning! It’s known for being one of the best vacation destinations up in the mountain. There are tons of restaurants, small shops, and more to enjoy while in the area. They are also known for having a lot of charming rental homes for you and the family to enjoy.

    Cabin in Blowing Rock · ★5.0 · 5 bedrooms · 9 beds · 3 baths

    May 1, 2024 - Entire cabin for $499. "Noelle's Cabin & Guest House" is a private property of over 1 acre consisting of two separate houses side by side. It's the perfect set up for fam...

  • Aiken, South Carolina

    Now, we’re heading back to South Carolina and going into Aiken. This area is famous for equestrianism and its historic moments. There are museums, culture, art galleries, and more. I have been to Aiken a few times and it is a quiet and calming experience to see. 

    Townhouse in Aiken · ★5.0 · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 baths

    May 1, 2024 - Entire townhouse for $195. Only a 5-minute walk to the Alley, where there is ample food, shopping, and entertainment. This newly constructed 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo offer...

Catherine Lane is the morning show co-host and midday host on Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for the past 24 years and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music Major Market Personality of the Year award. Catherine has been on air in both radio and television in the Queen City for 38 years. As a content creator for Country 1037, Catherine writes blogs on local events and restaurants. She also writes about great travel spots and out of the way places in the Carolinas. Anything outdoors, travel, food, animals or the many country artists from the Carolinas.

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