This slice of heaven is less than 2 hours from Charlotte.
“Best lakes in North Carolina” I typed into Google as we had our sites on a mountain/lake getaway for Labor Day. Lake James came up on the list and at only 1 hour, 45 minutes from Charlotte, it seemed the perfect choice. I could not have imagined, however, how stunningly beautiful it would be. At the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains with crystal clear mountain water and tree-lined cliffs, Lake James is breathtaking and makes the perfect little getaway.
Lake James
You do not want to miss actually being on the water, so if you don’t have a boat check out Lake James Boat Rentals or Benfield’s Landing to rent one. After a hot afternoon on the lake, head to Bear Creek Marina for lunch with a view. Get there when they open, as it gets busy and the service is admittedly slow. The caesar salad with blackened shrimp is outstanding.
Bear Creek Marina
Stop by the absolutely gorgeous Fonta Flora Brewery on Whippoorwill Farm for a beer flight before heading to a delicious dinner in the little town of Morganton at Root & Vine.
Fonta Flora Brewery
Root & Vine
The next morning before heading back to the lake, stop by Little Guatemala also in Morganton. It is adorable! Part cafe, little restaurant, shop and even a small soccer field, Little Guatemala is so unexpected and adorable. All of the coffee is imported from Guatemala and sitting on the porch it is incredible to see that most of the patrons are in fact Guatemalan, which is quite unexpected for a small town in North Carolina!
Little Guatemala
I highly suggest hitting up Linville State Park and hiking up to the Linville Falls. It was harder than I expected, but a beautiful climb and really impressive waterfalls.
Appalachia makes the perfect place for adventure, recreation and breathtaking views and 6,500-acre Lake James absolutely fits the bill and is absolutely beckoning us back.
