traveling with my bwuhs

I know this blog is called Traveling With My Bwuhs, but this time it was just me and my colleagues. Once a year, we retreat to my boss’s cabin in Lake Lure, NC—a chance to disconnect from work and soak up the quiet of the mountains.

Last year, we never made it. Hurricane Helene hit just as we were supposed to arrive, leaving devastation throughout Western North Carolina.

Some areas only showed subtle changes. Others were unrecognizable—an empty, debris-filled lake, roads washed out, buildings crumbling. The heartbreak was real.

But the resilience is real, too. When people say “Lake Lure Strong” or “Chimney Rock Strong,” they mean it. Businesses are reopening, families are rebuilding, and progress is everywhere. These towns need tourists now more than ever—so if you’ve ever thought about visiting, this is the time.

We kicked things off with lunch at Chimney Rock Smokehouse, which had reopened just the day before. Their brand-new rooftop deck gave us the perfect view of Chimney Rock under blue skies and 70° weather.

I ordered the Brisket Melt with Southern Green Beans, while my friends enjoyed Brisket Sliders and a Tomato Sandwich. Everything was hearty and flavorful—exactly the welcome we needed.

That afternoon was spent at the cabin, tucked away in quiet woods. There’s something magical about getting lost in a book, the view, or conversation with good friends. Girls’ trips are good for the soul—10/10 recommend.

Dinner was takeout from La Strada at Lake Lure. I had the Fettuccine Alfredo with Blackened Chicken and a Velvet Corn Crab Bisque. My friends ordered Alfredo with Beef Medallions, Garlic Knots, and Fried Ricotta Cheese Bites. Everything was rich and delicious. Next time, I swear I’ll finally try their meat sauce.

Friday morning, half of our group headed to Asheville, while I chose to stay and explore Riverbend, the community around the cabin.

I wandered the nature trails in jeans and sneakers—mistake. The sparkling waters of Mirror Lake were begging for me to dip my feet in, and shorts would’ve made it easier. Still, the walk was beautiful. I chased butterflies and bumblebees (and had some fish chase me!), tried to follow the river’s rush, and even found a bear print in the sand.

image credit: traveling with my bwuhs

The quiet of the trails left me dreaming of bringing Boy1 and Boy2 here next summer, when we can kayak and swim. Our last trip with them was in rainy March, and I want them to see Lake Lure in all its sunny, summertime glory.

❤ Jen

👉 Coming up in Part Two: live music, cocktails, the best crab cake sandwich I’ve had in a long time, a pottery stop I’d been waiting for, and the burger joint that always keeps me coming back to Chimney Rock.