Part Two: Lake Lure Adventures – Food, Finds, and Farewell

Our second evening was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

image credit: traveling with my bwuhs

We ventured out to Grey Hawk Bar and Gardens, an outdoor spot strung with garden tables, cozy firepits, and lawn games. A live band was playing when we arrived, setting the perfect mood.

image credit: traveling with my bwuhs

I ordered a cocktail called Cool as a Cucumber—so refreshing, you’d never know it had tequila. We shared Chips and Queso and a Watermelon Salad before diving into dinner.

image credit: traveling with my bwuhs

For me, it was the Crabby Patty sandwich. A massive Maryland-style crab cake with lump crab (finally, not shredded!) and tangy slaw. The bun didn’t stand a chance—I ditched it halfway through and enjoyed every bite of the crab cake. For dessert we had some fun by one of the campfires with s’mores! Grey Hawk instantly became a must-return stop.

image credit: traveling with my bwuhs

Our final day was shopping day, which I’d been looking forward to all trip.

First stop: Lake Lure Pottery. I’d seen their bat mugs and pumpkin bowls online and couldn’t resist. While I told myself I’d shop for Christmas gifts, I ended up with treasures for myself instead: a bat mug, pumpkin earrings, a pumpkin bowl, and a small pumpkin. The girls grabbed earrings and mugs, too.

Then we hit the shops in Chimney Rock:

Everywhere we went, shopkeepers thanked us sincerely for visiting and supporting them. We left with bags of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and little gifts for our families.

image credit: traveling with my bwuhs

We ended our retreat with lunch on the patio at RiverWatch Grill, overlooking the Broad River. To sit by water that had once raged with hurricane floods, now calm and sparkling, felt surreal.

And the burgers? The best in Chimney Rock, hands down. I usually go for mushrooms, bacon jam, and caramelized onions, but they have so many options that I’ll just have to keep returning until I’ve tried them all.

Three days flew by, but that’s the magic of Western North Carolina—it always leaves you wanting more. Between the resilience of the community, the beauty of the mountains, and food that never disappoints, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock have my heart.

I’ll be back.

❤ Jen