45-minute drive from Brevard
This area is an interesting day-trip, with a lot to see in a relatively small area. To get there from Brevard, take US64 East through Hendersonville, and on to the quaint tourist town of Bat Cave. On the way, you will drive through miles of apple orchards in Fruitland and Edneyville.
Bat Cave – This small town seems to exist only for the tourist, but it’s worth a stop. It’s about 6 blocks long, but only a block or two wide, sandwiched between a mountain ridge and a creek. It consists almost entirely of craft shops, with a few restaurants scattered amongst them. When you stop, be sure to stretch your legs by taking the stairs down to a very nice path along the creek.
Chimney Rock Park – In the middle of Bat Cave there is a bridge across the creek which takes you to this park, recently purchased by the State of NC.
Hikers head to Chimney Rock Park, which has craggy peaks and a trail that leads to Hickory Nut Falls. Climb to the centerpiece, a huge pillar of granite called the Chimney, with 75-mile views in all directions. You can walk along hiking trails past waterfalls or take the 26-story elevator to the top and walk out to the Chimney Rock itself. In 2009, ticket price is $14 (adult) or $6 (age 6-15). Hours 8:30-5:30, open April to October.
Lake Lure -
About 7 miles east of Bat Cave along US64 is the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa (pictured). It’s the center of activities on beautiful man-made Lake Lure. You can park on the shore of the lake near the inn, and walk along a series of boardwalks, or walk through the city park that juts out into the lake, for a picturesque stroll. If Lake Lure looks familiar, it might be because the area stood in for the Catskill Mountains in the film "Dirty Dancing." The scenery is spectacular and the more than 21 miles of shoreline along the lake make it easy to find an isolated spot for an impromptu picnic.
If you have more time,
you can take an hourly boat tour of the lake for $14 (kids 4-12 for $6). Tours run 10-6 daily April through October (weekends only 10-4 March and November). Tickets are sold at the Marina (877/386-4255, lakelure.com/rentals). Canoe, kayak and boat rentals also available.The beach and a small water-park are open in season for $8.
The town itself is home to mom-and-pop businesses like an old-fashioned general store called Dalton's where you can get anything from a fishing license to a fried baloney sandwich (828/625-9750).
Where to refuel: Overlooking the lake, the Point of View Restaurant has plenty of choices, including a tasty broiled fish sandwich and a mountain trout entrée (828/625-4380, thepointofview.com, from $9).
For a quick meal, the Beachside Grill serves breakfast, sandwiches and salads, and there’s a Subway a couple miles west on US64.
To return to Brevard: follow US64 West.
If you have extra time, downtown Tryon and the tiny historic railroad town of Saluda are both worth a look. Get to 74 West to I-26 West and look for the town exits.
Continue to follow I-26 West to the West US64 exit toward Hendersonville and follow US64 West back to Brevard.
