Asheville, NC area lake
 

Greetings!

We’re planning the annual family week with my in-laws and have decided on North Carolina, around the Asheville area. They would like to stay on a lake, not too developed, for fishing, and in an area for hiking, etc., but I would also like to be fairly near Asheville (no more than an hour), as well a any other nearby towns, etc., for shopping, and getting a nice dinner or drink (I’m more of a beach and city gal, while my in-laws like more remote areas, so we’re trying to compromise!).

Doing research last night, we thought that Lake James looked like it may fit the bill – my question: has anyone been here, and can tell me what you thought, or can suggest another lake on which to stay? We’d like to rent a house for a week, and I’m having trouble finding information on house rental on Lake James, so if anyone has any resources to check out, that would be great, too!

Thanks so much!

Look at Lake Lure. I think this would be a good fit.

Lake Lure would also be my suggestion. Since it sounds like you may have several people check out www.vrbo.com for homes to rent in that area.

I agree - Lake Lure is a good option. I don't think that Lake James is quite built out yet (they just got permission to build on it a couple years ago).

While Lake Lure looks fairly close to Asheville on a map, it's about 45 minutes of pretty winding mountain roads.

If you don't have to have a lake, you can rent a house in the nice little town of Black Mtn, and easy 20 minute drive to Asheville.

Thanks, everyone! Lake Lure looks just about perfect - just one other question - is it terribly developed and built up? Just curious!

I'm concerned about Lake Lure being too developed for your needs. Look for some pictures on the web and, I don't think I've every recommended this, but try a satelite photo:

http://local.live.com/default.aspx?w...nculture=en-US

There is plenty of mountains around Lake Lure (Chimney Rock is great for hiking and views), but I remember the area around the lake having a few too many houses for my taste.

I don't know of any lakes, but have you considered Brevard, NC? This is a nice little town and is about 45 minutes south of Asheville. Beside Brevard is the Pisgah National Forest with the Davidson River (trout fishing) and hiking.

Mike Honeycutt

I think Lake Lure would fit the bill as well. You might also check into some B&B's/inns/rental houses that would be out in the country near small(er) lakes or mountain streams (fly fishing?). A couple areas that come to mind would be Hot Springs or Wolf Laurel - both less than 1 hr from Asheville.

I think that Lake Keowee just over the NC/SC line is absolutely gorgeous. One of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen.

What about Lake Toxaway and the Greystone Inn?

Lake Lure is very nice.