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Airports Asheville Regional Airport 708 Airport Road Fletcher, NC 28732 828-684-2226 www.flyavl.com Hickory Regional Airport 3101 9th Ave. Dr. NW Hickory, NC 28601 828-323-7408 www.hickorygov.com/airport Foothills Regional Airport 3566 Morganton-Lenoir Airport Ave. Morganton, NC 28680 828-437-2766 info Shiflet Field 2660 Airport Road Marion, NC 28752 828-652-6872 info Marinas Mimosa Boat Landing Morganton, NC 28655 828-584-1886 Boat rentals, gas and general store. Mountain Harbour Marina 9066 Hwy 126, Nebo NC 28761 828-584-0666 www.mountainharbourmarina.com Benfield's Boat Landing 5741 Benfields Landing Rd Nebo, NC - 28761 828-584-0441 Marina services, boat launching and lifts. Trails Grandfather Ranger District Mountain Biking www.trails.com/activity.asp?area=13764 Grandfather Mountain Hiking Trails www.grandfather.com/nature_walks HIKEWNCinfo www.hikewnc.info A good site with information about hiking in the Lake James, North Carolina area, including trailheads, some of the best hikes, maps, clubs and organizations and more. Localhikes.com http://www.localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_3290.asp Mountains and Western North Carolina Birding www.trails.com/activity.asp?area=11225 Area Attractions Biltmore House & Winery 800-624-1575 www.biltmore.com America's largest home, the Biltmore House is a four-acre masterpiece with 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art, antiques and 8000 acres of backyard to explore. Vineyards on the estate's west side grow several varieties of vinifera grapes while the estate's former dairy complex now houses the winery which produces 75,000 cases of wine each year in about 15 varieties. Biltmore wines have been awarded gold and double-gold medals in prestigious national and international competitions. Self-guided winery tour, tastings and shop. Blowing Rock www.blowingrock.com Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find the storybook village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This is an enchanting destination, offering cool temperatures, beautiful landscapes and excellent shopping and dining. Definitely a must-see! Blue Ridge Parkway www.blueridgeparkway.org www.nps.gov/blri The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina and consists of over 400 miles of some of the most beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains. Part of the National Park System, the parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres. “Parks within the parkway,” they have visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and often, lodges, restaurants and other facilities. The parkway is great for a leisure drive (speed limits are 45 miles per hour or less) and provides visitors with a bounty of photo opportunities. Grandfather Mountain www.grandfather.com View the peaks of the southern Appalachians from the highest swinging footbridge in America. Not for the faint of heart, this famous bridge suspends visitors more than one mile above sea level. Grandfather Mountain is also home to many creatures such as panthers, black bears, eagles and otters. Like so many other areas in Western North Carolina, here you'll find picturesque scenery and spectacular views. Lake James State Park http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/laja/home.html One of North Carolina's newest parks, this 3,500-acre state park on the shore of Lake James will soon be expanded by another 2,915 acres. Numerous outdoor activities for visitors are available, including sunbathing and swimming at the lake's shore; boating, water skiing and fishing on Lake James; camping and hiking on the park trails; and simply picnicking with family and friends. Two boat ramps, 20 backpack camping sites and washhouse with hot showers. Linville Falls Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls provides visitors with a spectacular view of the Linville River as it cascades over two dramatic drop-offs, known as upper and lower falls. Take a hike into the Linville Gorge, camp in Linville Falls Campground, or just enjoy the scenic views of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. For more information, just search “Linville Falls, North Carolina” on the Web. Mount Mitchell State Park http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/home.html Located approximately one hour from Morganton, Mount Mitchell is the highest point in North Carolina and the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Visitors to this state park can stand 1.25 miles above sea level while viewing the skylines of Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina and Johnson City, Tennessee. Pisgah National Forest www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc Encompassing more than 500,000 acres of land along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest is known for its easy access to beautiful waterfalls, hiking, rock climbing and camping facilities. In the fall, the forest's Craggy Gardens is one of the best places to visit. The forest is home to the Linville Gorge Wilderness, which covers more than 12,000 acres, and is laced with trails that wind through thickets of mountain laurel and descend to the depths of Linville Gorge-one of the most rugged and scenic gorges in the East. From the gorge's rim, there is an awesome view of the Linville River 2,000 feet below. Tweetsie Railroad www.tweetsie-railroad.com Visit North Carolina's Original Family Theme Park and take a trip back into the days of old west. The train ride is a three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Tweetsie has amusement ridges for all ages, and live entertainment throughout the park. Don't forget to ride the chair lift and stroll through Deer Park Zoo. U.S. National Whitewater Center 820 Hawfield Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214 704-372-9695 www.usnwc.org The largest manmade whitewater facility in the world is located near Charlotte, a little over an hour from Lake James. Set on over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers both outdoor recreation and an environmental education center, as well as a restaurant and retail shop. Alongside mountain-biking and running trails, a climbing center, and challenge course, the park's unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center. Enjoy mountain biking, trail running and climbing in addition to rafting, canoeing and kayaking. The Center is also home to the national governing body for the sport, USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK). Check the website for seasonal hours and more information. |
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State & National Parks Lake James State Park http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/laja/home.html One of North Carolina's newest parks, this 3,500-acre state park on the shore of Lake James will soon be expanded by another 2,915 acres. Numerous outdoor activities for visitors are available, including sunbathing and swimming at the lake's shore; boating, water skiing and fishing on Lake James; camping and hiking on the park trails; and simply picnicking with family and friends. Two boat ramps, 20 backpack camping sites and washhouse with hot showers. Mount Mitchell State Park http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/home.html Located approximately one hour from Morganton, Mount Mitchell is the highest point in North Carolina and the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Visitors to this state park can stand 1.25 miles above sea level while viewing the skylines of Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina and Johnson City, Tennessee. Pisgah National Forest www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc Encompassing more than 500,000 acres of land along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest is known for its easy access to beautiful waterfalls, hiking, rock climbing and camping facilities. In the fall, the forest's Craggy Gardens is one of the best places to visit. The forest is home to the Linville Gorge Wilderness, which covers more than 12,000 acres, and is laced with trails that wind through thickets of mountain laurel and descend to the depths of Linville Gorge-one of the most rugged and scenic gorges in the East. From the gorge's rim, there is an awesome view of the Linville River 2,000 feet below. South Mountain State Park http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/somo/home.html A destination for adventure seekers as well as those who just want to relax for a day, this wooded state park is one of North Carolina's most rugged. There are more than 40 miles of trails and an 18-mile mountain bike loop. Mountain elevations up to 3,000 feet and an 80-foot waterfall provide excellent views. Activities include equestrian camping, trout fishing, mountain biking, picnicking and more. Golf Courses Blue Ridge Country Club & Resort, L.L.C. Hwy 221 South Linville Falls, NC 28647 828-712-1092 This course features tree-lined fairways and moderately undulating greens. Water hazards come into play on nine holes. The signature hole is #5, a 568-yard, par 5, featuring a continuous downward elevation change, a stone creek fronting the green, and a view of the mountains directly behind the green. Senior discounts on Mondays and Thursdays, and ladies' discounts on Tuesdays. Twilight rates start at 3 p.m. The 5,787-yard men's tee also has a ladies' course rating of 73.3 and a slope of 127. Marion Lake Club Hwy 70, Nebo, NC 28761 828-652-6232 www.marionlakeclub.com The Marion Lake Club was established in 1923 and designed by course architect, Russell Breeden. It is the only golf course located on Lake James in McDowell County, North Carolina. Less then five miles from Interstate I-40, it is noted for its spectacular views of Lake James. Set in rolling terrain with Bermuda fairways and excellent bent grass greens, Marion Lake Club is a challenge for all skill levels. The golf course is a par 70, which measures 6300 yards from the back tees. Marion Lake Club is a semi private golf course with excellent membership packages. Applications for membership are available in the pro shop. The golf course is open all year, and lodging is available upon request. Mimosa Hills Golf & Country Club, Inc. 611 Golf Course Road Morganton, NC 28655 828-437-1246 www.mimosahills.com Mimosa Hills' history is as long as its 6,190-yard course. Created in 1929 by famed golf course architect Donald Ross, the course takes advantage of Morganton's natural beauty, which includes a captivating view of the Blue Ridge Mountain skyline. In addition to a fine golf course, the facility houses sport and fitness areas, as well as dining and leisure options. Mount Mitchell Golf Course 11484 State Hwy. 80 S. Burnsville, NC 28714 828-675-5454 www.mountmitchellgolfresort.com The Mount Mitchell Golf Club offers a variety of challenges to the visiting golfer. The course received a four and one half star rating in Golf Digest's “Places to Play.” North Carolina Magazine ranked Mount Mitchell in the top ten public courses in the state. It features bent grass from tee to green, is virtually flat, has a pristine river flowing through it, and affords awesome views on every shot. Old Fort Golf Course 1001 Golf Course Road Old Fort, NC 28762 828-668-4256 This is a difficult nine-hole course. The terrain is rolling and there are streams and ponds that come into play on many holes. Most of the fairways are lined with trees, and out-of-bounds stakes line seven holes. Silver Creek Plantation 3991 Bridgewater Road Morganton, NC 28655 828-584-6911 www.silvercreekplantation.com This 364-acre championship gold course opened in November 1995. The landscape of the course is varied, with a good mixture of wooded and open areas. It includes Bermuda fairways, immaculate bent greens and concrete cart paths. Enough challenge for any golfer. Silver Creek Plantation is conveniently located near Lake James and Morganton, North Carolina. Country Clubs Mimosa Hills Golf & Country Club, Inc. 611 Golf Course Road Morganton, NC 28655 828-437-1246 www.mimosahills.com Mimosa Hills' history is as long as its 6,190-yard course. Created in 1929 by famed golf course architect Donald Ross, the course takes advantage of Morganton's natural beauty, which includes a captivating view of the Blue Ridge Mountain skyline. In addition to a fine golf course, the facility houses sport and fitness areas, as well as dining and leisure options. Flyfishing Ezflyfish.com, Inc. Wilson Creek Outfitters 121 East Union Street Morganton, NC 28655 (828) 430-3593 www.ezflyfish.com The best fly fishing shop in western North Carolina is right here in Morganton. This complete shop is just 10 minutes from Lake James and miles of prime fly fishing creeks. Visit to see the outstanding selection of rods and reels, clothing, wading gear, flies and much more. Call for guide service or stop in to learn more. Shop hours: Monday-Friday, 9-4 EST; Saturday, 10-2 EST; closed on Sunday. Foscoe Fishing Company 9400 NC Hwy. 105 S. Foscoe, NC 828.963.6556 www.foscoefishing.com Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters is the only Orvis® Endorsed flyfishing guide service in North Carolina's high country. The company also operates a shop in Banner Elk, North Carolina. High quality fly fishing on the Watauga, Boone's Fork, Wilson Creek and many other pristine mountain streams that are located near the shop. Open year round. For even more information visit LakeJamesVillage.com |