Am trying to find something like Big Canoe a bit further north in North Carolina or Tenn. Looking for a place with vacation home rentals but also amenities (playgrounds, fitness center, etc) just not as close to Atlanta so we really feel like we're getting away. Don't want a cabin in the woods as several members of our group like the 'hotel esque' type of amenities found in an upscale community. thanks!

If I knew what 'Big Canoe' was perhaps I could help. Sounds like a pseudo resort of which there are many (usually on lakes) in NC.

I guess you could call it a pseudo resort. If you have any names for me I'll check them out. Thanks

Big Canoe is a very large real estate development (8,000 acres +/-) about 1 hour north of Atlanta in foothills of Appalachian mountains. Many, if not most homes, are second homes or permanent residences, though rentals are available. Many of the homes are rather elaborate in scale and design.

Look in Cashiers or Maggie Valley.

Sweettea: I believe that the Lake Lure area of North Carolina might be what you're looking for. It's a large residential area (where an HGTV dream home was built a couple of years ago) and while I wouldn't know about rental opportunities, it should be easy enough to find out with a Web search. I do know it is a beautiful area not far from the Hendersonville/Asheville district.

thx so much, will definitely check it out.

Big Canoe is a lovely gated area. It has a beautiful golf course, fitness center, resturants, swimming pool and other amenities. You can rent homes; three four and five bedroom homes for a week, weekend or longer. Try www.BiGCanoe.com. I just came back from there during the first week of September.

menolia