Are you tired of the heat, the humidity,
and the never-ending rain? Well I
know a place where you can get away
to that won’t cost you a second mortgage,
with every amenity you can possibly think
of, where the skies are clear, sweaters are
recommended for evening attire and a
round of golf will not leave you feeling like
a wet dishcloth. In western North Carolina
near the town of Chimney Rock is the
magnificent mountain resort of Rumbling
Bald. With easy access from Ashville,
Charlotte or Columbia/ Spartanburg
airports this timeless 3600-acre resort
sits at the base of the towering cliffs of
Rumbling Bald, a mountain with its sheer
granite face keeping a watchful eye on the
happenings below.
Located on the north shore of crystal
clear Lake Lure, what started as a solitary
boathouse has grown into a resort
community unparalleled in its amenities.
National Geographic called Lake Lure “one
of the most beautiful man made lakes in the
world” and with its’ 27miles of shoreline,
this ‘Maltese cross’ shaped lake is home to
a bevy of water sports, fishing, canoeing,
kayaking and leisure boating. The resort
has a 120 slip marina, various boats and
gear for rent, a large private beach area and
the Trout Stream recreational complex,
nestled in a valley adjacent to the lake.
The outdoor activities at Trout Stream
include basketball, volleyball, croquet,
horseshoes and tennis for everyone at the
resort. There are 3 pools, an indoor pool,
a lazy river, a miniature golf course and a
Spa & Fitness Center complete with a full
service Aveda salon and spa with trained
professional therapists. A Wellness Center
offers fitness and water aerobic classes,
walking tours, personal training, saunas,
steam room, and a weight room with a
large selection of workout equipment
White water rafting and horseback riding
are available as well. During the week they
have guided tours to the Biltmore Estate,
Chimney Rock Park, Ashville and the North
Carolina Arboretum, and a Winery tour.
One of their very special tours is a hiking
tour visiting a number of waterfalls where
the movie “Last of the Mohicans” was
filmed. You can do as much as you want, or
as little, by sitting back and just enjoying
the magnificent vistas throughout the
resort.
Now let’s talk golf. There are two
championship golf courses. Bald Mountain
Golf Club climbs its way up and descends its
way down the mountain, with magnificent
challenging holes. Although the back tees
measure only 6253 yards, the layout will
make you feel like you played a much
longer track. Accuracy is a key component
to your game here. |
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No matter what your
score, the mere beauty and serenity of
the design will astonish you. On the back
nine you will find where a scene from the
movie “Dirty Dancing” was filmed. Apple
Valley, a Don Maples design, is the newer
of the two and longer in length. Golf Digest
selected both courses as “Places to Play”
in 2007. The lush fairways, perfect greens
and excellent condition provide a unique
mountain golf experience. Art Colasanti,
Director of Golf, and his outstanding staff
are there to provide top-notch service, two
fully stocked, separate and redecorated pro
shops, tournament management, and golf
instruction.
After a day on the links, the lake
or touring, you can enjoy a diversity
of enjoyable dining experiences. Both
clubhouses have full service restaurants.
Legends Bar & Grill at the Bald Mountain
clubhouse has seating inside as well as
outside overlooking the 9th and 18th
greens with sandwiches and a full service
bar. If you are staying on property, they
have pizza delivery service throughout the
resort. The Apple Valley clubhouse is home
to Azaleas Restaurant, which overlooks the
1st tee box. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
are served, and I can speak from personal
experience, both the food and service are
excellent.
They have a lounge as well. If you are
looking for fine dining, you have to look
no further than the Lakeview Restaurant
and Hearthside Lounge serving the finest
cuisine in all of Lake Lure. Now, if you
want to taste the best of the Lakeside in
a unique atmosphere you need to book an
evening on the ‘Lure of the Lake” cruise.
On a boat that seats around 20 people, you
are served a choice of the Chef’s specials
along with free beverages (wine & beer are
included) with a skipper (ours was Ruth)
who will tell you the history of the Lake
and Rumbling Bald. Duffer Dan would give
this experience 5 stars.
If you want to get away, enjoy
cooler temperatures, or perhaps the
unbelievable palette of the autumn in
North Carolina, Rumbling Bald is the
perfect resort for families, honeymooners,
or your golfing buddies. So make your
plans by calling 1-800-260-1040 or go to
www.RUMBLINGBALD.com. You won’t be
disappointed.
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