Ken Burns most recent documentary series, National Parks-America’s Best Idea, is a brilliant assemblage of stories full of mystery, suspense and adventure, definitely not a tired travel log. In the last episode of the twelve part series that covers the years from 1945-1980, the focus is on the American tourist that is keen on getting out and exploring their country. There was a renewed sense of wanderlust in those post WWII years and vacationing in our national parks was the perfect place for young families to enjoy themselves easily and affordably. Beyond 1980 and into the present, we see a renewed wanderlust, where today’s contemporary traveler is searching for meaningful getaways and experiences that promote togetherness among travelers and for destinations that encourage connections to nature, history, or culture.
What better way to connect with nature than with a visit to one our treasured parks and rediscover what many US travelers have ignored over the past years as they trekked off to Europe or vacationed in high priced island resorts. Yet beyond our National Parks, and often right next door, there are countless areas of quiet, peaceful scenic beauty that await our visits, places that renew our spirit and make that connection to nature and history so genuine. There is one place that has been a retreat for the soul for countless generations of travelers from the Cherokee to today’s contemporary destination seeker, Lake Lure, North Carolina.
Lake Lure, the town and the lake, is nestled between the Piedmont Region and Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. The lake has been called one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world by National Geographic. The climate is unusually temperate and lies in the ‘thermal belt’ of the region where it is warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
But what lies beyond this technical description is the lure of the place. One native that has lived away for many years has described Lake Lure as a place that…”once you have lived there, it never leaves you. My best memories were living at the foot of Chimney Rock Mountain, fishing, and exploring Bat Cave and swimming in the lake. I think it is time to go home again.” Chimney Rock Park, Hickory Nut Gorge, Rocky Broad River, and the Bat Cave are all a part of the area’s richness and ripe for exploration.
Another aspect of Mr. Burns talent is revealing stories behind the obvious, little bits of Americana and historical trivia that give his documentaries a real richness and meaning. One such story is connected to The Lodge on Lake Lure, a picturesque country inn that sits high on a hillside overlooking the lake. The lodge was built in 1937 as a memorial to George Penn, a highway patrolman killed in the line of duty, presumably in a shootout with bootlegging gangsters. The lodge was a retreat for state troopers and their families until 1990 when it became an inn. Many who stay there say the spirit (in the good sense of the word, not the spooky!) of George Penn still remains. So if your spirit needs some renewing and your feet are itching to wander, Lake Lure is waiting, beyond the mountain mist and into the blue clear lake waters.
Janet Wolf
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