I Love This Inspiring Lakeside Walking Trail In North Carolina That Is Home To An Ice Cream Shop, Swans, And A Chapel
By Carolyn Harmon|Published April 03, 2024
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
Lake Junaluska offers one of the prettiest hiking trails in North Carolina on which I have walked a hundred times. This gorgeous space is near my momma’s home if you can imagine waking every day to such surroundings the Great Smoky Mountains offer. Even a trip to the local grocery store leaves me in awe of the panoramic scenery available from the parking lot. Come let me show you one of the best lakeside trails in North Carolina, packed full of sightseeing, ice cream, history, and places to meditate.
It was the site of the first meeting at Lake Junaluska in 1913. Concerts, conferences, and other events took place over the years, including one speaker of note Eleanor Roosevelt.
And Gothic architecture never looked prettier than on a landscape with a sparking lake, mountains, and trees.
Fishing at Lake Junaluska is open to the public with a valid NC fishing license available at Ace Hardware in nearby Waynesville. Call 828-926-0300 for prices.
Junaluska Gifts & Grounds in the Harrell Center has a shop full of unique items, such as jewelry and local pottery. The center also offers public restrooms and information about the lake, a library, and coffee.
But what encouraged me to enter on this sunny, warm day was the ice cream.
I chose the hand-dipped Cappuccino Crunch. First I ordered a large, but the very nice salesperson advised that a large was four scoops and a small was two! I went with the small which was perfectly delicious.
Interesting structures enhance the natural horizon provided.
Lake Junaluska offers more information on the website. We celebrated my parent’s memorable 50th Wedding anniversary here at an event venue. One of the many next times might find me renting a campsite or a room in the vintage Lambuth Inn at one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina.
While you’re there, drive a few miles to Maggie Valley for antiques and delicious food.
