Meredith

This is kind of last-minute, but I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a mountain resort in the Smokies or Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina or Tennessee. I say last-minute because we're thinking of going away for the 4th of July weekend. I'm thinking most places are surely booked up by now, but I'd still like to see if I can find anything available.

We're not looking for a fancy spa resort like the Grove Park Inn, but rather something more casual that offers outdoorsy activities, particularly hiking and kayaking. We'd be happy in a hotel or cabins, but not tents. We are coming from Atlanta and don't mind driving four hours or so to get to the resort. And we don't need lots of amenities (aside from private bathroom facilities - need that!).

So, any recommendations? I'm getting lots of ideas with my Google search, but I'd love to hear any first-hand recommendations.

If we can't find a resort, then we're also considering just renting a cabin, but we would definitely want to be close to hiking trails and somewhere to rent kayaks.

Thanks!
Meredith

SAnParis2

The only joints I have any knowledge of are all of the higher end variety. I'd suggest vrbo.com for cabins & I'd also suggest the Lake Lure area. You can do lots on the Lake, you are adjacent to Chimney Rock & there is even a Beach. In addition, you can pull off just about anywhere to play in the river or have a picnic. www.lakelure.com, www.townoflakelure.com, www.chimneyrockpark.com

Ike

http://www.dancingbearlodge.com/

Check out the Dancing Bear Lodge. It's owned by the owners of Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN. Good luck.

Ike

Here's a good link. Click on Our Inns.

http://www.smokymountainbb.com/

Meredith

Thank you for the replies. I will look into all of these great suggestions!

SAnParis2

There are some lodge-type places to stay in the Lake Lure area but I've not stayed in any of them. Many places to stay right on the Lake.

Gretchen

You might check on the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City, NC. Also if you search "Bryson City" there are a number of b&Bs in the area. Another search could be Saluda and Lake Lure.

tarrowood

Have been to the Folkestone Inn in Bryson City NC a few times for mountain vacations. It's not a spa-type B&B, but it is a very friendly, centrally-located inn close to great hiking and other activities in the Great Smokey Mountain Park. They have a website, www.folkestoneinn.com, that is user-friendly and shows the rooms realistically. Again, this isn't a luxury accomodation, but a very comfortable, easy and gracious one. I would recommend them.

Also, if you are interested in the Lake Lure area, the Lake Lure Inn is a great choice. It is pricier than Bryson City, but a lovely setting with good food and it's right on the lake.

Good luck and enjoy... the mountains of NC and west Tenn can't be beat.

Gretchen

The Folkestone is really nice. Second that one.

starrs

Closer to Atlanta, this historic hotel has just been completely renovated. http://www.lakerabunhotel.com/

You could kayak across the street on Lake Rabun and lots of hikes in the area.

meath1

http://www.lodgeonlakelure.com/

located in NC close to Asheville

Meredith

Great to see more suggestions - thanks to all. I've been out of town for a long weekend, so I now have time to check out all of these places. I better get on it, since 4th of July is coming up fast!

Thanks again!

chewy1

There's a little place near Highlands called Seven Foxes. Its got several units and some walking trails, very close to tons of great waterfall hikes between Brevard and Highlands. We stayed in the A frame with our kids and it was fantastic. There's a little pasture with animals.