With temperatures as hot as Hades in the Tennessee valley, the kiddos and I packed up and headed toward the Blue Ridge Mountains for a weekend getaway. A quick google search on VRBO for properties that included mountains, a lake, and a swimming pool led us to a brand new destination spot: Bear Lake Reserve
Tucked high up in the North Carolina peaks at an elevation of 2600 feet, this 2,100-acre gated community is spectacular. Upon entering, you feel like you’ve escaped into a whole other world where you are immediately welcome and among friends. The resort offers a full-service restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, two swimming pools, 20 miles of hiking trails, a game room, a fitness facility, and a daily list of planned activities for kids and families.
The heart of the community, though, is a glassy 500 acre lake hedged by majestically tall mountain tops that jut from the ground like a royal crown, surrounding the pristine water. Reaching out to meander in and out of hidden forest coves, this lake is dotted with a small island that offers the simple thrill of a rope swing. Bear Creek calls for you to enjoy her cool temperatures, offering fishing, boat rentals, wave runners, kayaks, and paddle boards. She doesn’t disappoint.
I decided I might as well let my rowdy ragamuffins take in everything the lake had to offer. The wave runners were brand new and very quick, giving us a full-on fast adventure … while paddle boards and kayaks urged us to slow down and soak in the beauty of the day and early evening. The rental rates are reasonable, and the supply is plenteous. Hope and Charlie enjoyed it all.
Since we were only going to be staying for a weekend, we never left the Bear Lake Reserve property. The Lake Club, a 14,000 square foot rock faced facility, has three restaurants and provided one big meal a day for us. Their menu has everything from burgers and wraps to shrimp & grits and tenderloin. Want to eat by the pool? No problem. But they also offer dining on an outside deck overlooking the lake or in their upscale restaurant space. And at night, even in the summer, the temps are cool enough for fleecy sweatshirts and fireside chats. With large stone fireplaces strategically placed on the lodge property, visitors can always find a warm spot to sit and relax.
The pool area is vast. There is a poolside grill, an abundance of lounge chairs and fresh towels, and a staff that waits on you hand and foot. You can even have a poolside massage if you schedule one. I can’t say enough about the staff … they are kind and eager to assist. And as far as accommodations go, we chose a two bedroom condo. Only a couple of minutes from the lodge, it was a perfect location. I found the owner through VRBO , and she was a dream to work with.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that feels like a true escape from reality, I’d highly recommend Bear Lake Reserve. Peace has been created with great intention, from the choice of music that plays through the speakers to the gorgeous flowers that line every path. The WiFi works great at the lodge, but not really anywhere else on property, which gives much needed unplugged time. Honestly, this place will exceed all of your expectations.
Just my thoughts.
~Melanie
Brick Marshmallows 