MAKE YOUR ESCAPE

NORTH CAROLINA’S MOUNTAIN LAKES, LIKE LAKE LURE AND LAKE JAMES, PICTURED HERE, OFFER CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS AND STRIKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS.

MAKE YOUR

E s cap e Es c ap e

Need to escape? (That was rhetorical — of course you do.) Consider these picturesque North Carolina destinations for a much-needed weekend away from reality.

THE CENTERPIECE OF MOSES CONE MEMORIAL PARK IS FLAT TOP MANOR, ABOVE, A 20-ROOM, COLONIAL REVIVAL STYLE MANSION BUILT IN 1901. THE FIRST FLOOR HOUSES THE SOUTHERN HIGHLAND CRAFT GUILD, WHICH FEATURES HANDMADE CRAFTS BY HUNDREDS OF REGIONAL ARTISTS.

THE GAMEKEEPER RESTAURANT IS RANKED AMONG THE AREA’S TOP RESTAURANTS. FOR DESSERT, TRY THE GK BREAD PUDDING, A BOURBON AND CARAMEL BREAD PUDDING, WITH CRUMBLED NUT TOPPING AND CHANTILLY CREAM, LEFT.

RIDE HORSEBACK, OR HIKE, THROUGH FORESTS AND MEADOWS ON 25 MILES OF TRAILS IN THE MOSES CONE MEMORIAL PARK, FAR LEFT. CHALLENGING, ROCKY HIKES SUCH AS MACRAE PEAK AND ATTIC WINDOW PEAK ARE REWARDED WITH BEAUTIFUL VISTAS.

CHETOLA RESORT AT BLOWING ROCK (PICTURED OPPOSITE PAGE) IS A 87-ACRE RESORT, NESTLED IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS AND OVERLOOKING CHETOLA LAKE, LEFT.

MOUNTAINS

Blowing Rock

Escape summer’s heat with the winds of The Blowing Rock, a cliff overhanging the Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below and North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction. The mountain outcrop received its name, because winds sweeping up the cliff will re- turn light objects thrown into the gorge.

Two miles from the rock itself lies the town bearing the same name, with shops, restaurants and a village atmosphere.

History, outdoor adventure and nature abound at Blowing Rock’s top attractions. Consider a winding drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a tour of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, hiking at Grandfather Mountain State Park or an adventure at Mystery Hill, an indoor/ outdoor play “museum” complete with a natural gravitational vortex.

TRIP TIME: About 3 hours

FLY-FISHING AND FLOAT TRIPS IN THE WATAUGA RIVER ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH CHETOLA RESORT, FAR RIGHT.

AT DOC’S ROCKS GEM MINE, RIGHT, VISITORS SIFT BUCKETS OF MINE ORE AT A WATER FLUME TO REVEAL GEMS.

BUILT IN 1952, GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN’S MILE-HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE IS THE HIGHEST IN AMERICA. LINKING TWO ROCKY PEAKS, THE BRIDGE TENDS TO SWAY IN HIGH WINDS.

A BOARDWALK HUGS THE SHORELINE ON LAKE LURE, WHERE VISITORS CAN EXPLORE THE MOUNTAIN LAKE BY RENTAL BOAT, CANOE AND KAYAK, OR BY TAKING A GUIDED BOAT TOUR.

A MODERATE HIKE AT CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK REWARDS TREKKERS WHO VISIT HICKORY NUT FALLS, A 404-FOOT WATERFALL THAT WAS FEATURED IN THE MOVIE “THE LAST OF THE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 MOHICANS.”

MOUNTAINS

Lake Lure

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, man-made Lake Lure and its bountiful surroundings include soaring cliffs and sandy beaches, pristine forests and cool, river-fed swimming holes.

Famous as the setting for the movie “Dirty Dancing,” Lake Lure lives up to its reputation as a secluded mountain retreat. Sitting at the base of the Hickory Nut Gorge in Rutherford County, the lake is surrounded by mountains, with lake homes tucked along a lush shoreline. Nearby are restaurants, lodging and a swimming beach.

Outdoor adventure awaits up the mountain at Chimney Rock State Park. Here you can climb (or take the elevator) to the top of a 315-foot granite monolith called the Chimney and enjoy the breathtaking views across the lake and the gorge. Or you can hike the Hickory Nut Trail and cool off under one of the state’s highest waterfalls. When you’re ready to relax, dip your feet in the Rocky Broad River while enjoying a craft beer at Chimney Rock Village, or you can meander through the blooms and blossoms at the Flowering Bridge.

THE 535-MILLION-YEAR-OLD CLIFF AT CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK IS A MUST-SEE DESTINATION. VISITORS CAN CLIMB THE 500 STEPS TO THE TOP OF THE GRANITE ROCK OR TAKE AN ELEVATOR.

ZACH HORN OF FLETCHER, N.C., ENJOYS A CRAFT BEER WHILE COOLING HIS FEET IN THE ROCKY BROAD RIVER IN CHIMNEY ROCK, LEFT.

LAKE LURE’S 100-YARDLONG SANDY BEACH HAS WATER GAMES, SLIDES, PICNIC SHELTERS AND FANTASTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS, BELOW.

BUILT 200 YEARS AGO TO HELP GUIDE SHIPS PAST THE DANGEROUS SHOALS AT THE MOUTH OF THE CAPE FEAR RIVER, THE 110-FOOT OLD BALDY LIGHTHOUSE IS NORTH CAROLINA’S OLDEST STANDING LIGHTHOUSE, LEFT.

THE ISLAND ADHERES TO STRICT BUILDING CODES THAT CONSERVE TREES AND PRESERVE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING A VARIETY

OF HABITATS — A

10,000-ACRE MARSHLAND, ANCIENT MARITIME FOREST, FRESHWATER LAGOONS AND BEACHES.

WILDLIFE IS FREQUENTLY SPOTTED, LIKE THE WHITE IBIS, LEFT, ONE OF 260 SPECIES OF BIRDS DOCUMENTED ON THE ISLAND.

COAST

Bald head island

As soon as you step off the ferry onto Bald Head Island, it’s clear this is a place like no other. Bicycles and electric golf carts are the main sources of transportation (only service vehicles are allowed, no passenger cars), so any thoughts of hustle and bustle quickly blow away in the salty ocean breeze.

Although not strictly an island since Hurricane Bonnie in 1998, the area retains its remote and picturesque nature. This southernmost settlement in North Carolina is nationally recognized as a sea turtle nesting spot and a prime place for birdwatching.

Outdoor activities like kayaking, kite- boarding and surfing are typical pastimes. A visit to the historic Old Baldy lighthouse, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, is a must.

TRIP TIME: About 2.5 hour drive, plus a 20-minute ferry ride

ENJOY WATERFRONT DINING AT MOJO’S ON THE HARBOR, ABOVE, ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL OF RESTAURANTS ON THE ISLAND.

A REMOTE BARRIER ISLAND ON THE TIP OF THE CAPE FEAR RIVER, BALD HEAD ISLAND IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY FERRY OR PRIVATE BOAT. PEOPLE TRAVEL THE CAR-FREE ROADS BY BIKE, GOLF CART OR ON FOOT.

FRESHLY CAUGHT IS ALWAYS THE DISH DU JOUR.

Calabash

Just north of the South Carolina border, sits the “Seafood Capital of the World” — Calabash, N.C. Boasting nine seafood restaurants within walking distance of each other, the breaded-and-fried-style seafood, known as Calabash style, originated here during the 1940s.

Primarily a fishing village, fresh catch is plentiful in Calabash. Local restaurants capitalize on that bounty with classic fried platters and modern approaches as well.

“Calabash fried seafood has been a part of the history here in this area for quite a long time. And for us, the biggest challenge has actually been the idea of balancing tradition, with a new spin,” said Patrick Legendre, general manager of The Oyster Rock restaurant in Calabash. “We have blended the old with the new by keeping it as close to home as possible.” When you’ve eaten your fill, visit Sunset Beach, only 10 minutes away, or charter a boat tour for the authentic Calabash fishing experience. Golfing enthusiasts rejoice with close to 30 courses within 30 minutes of the community.

TRIP TIME: About 3 hours

CLASSIC CALABASH-STYLE SEAFOOD PLATTERS AT THE WATERFRONT SEAFOOD SHACK, ABOVE, FEATURE FRESH, WILD SEAFOOD PREPARED TO ORDER AND SERVED WITH THE TRADITIONAL SIDES — COLESLAW, FRENCH FRIES AND HUSHPUPPIES.

WATERFRONT DINING IN THE “SEAFOOD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD” SUPPLIES VIEWS OF THE ABUNDANT WILDLIFE ALONG THE CALABASH RIVER.

THE WATERFRONT SEAFOOD SHACK, ABOVE, IS OPEN FROM MARCH THROUGH OCTOBER.

SUNSET BEACH IS A QUICK, 10-MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE CENTER OF TOWN. 3

NC/SC BORDER 4 Calabash, N.C.

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Calabash River

A sampler of seafood stops

1. THE OYSTER ROCK

Upscale dining establishment with a seafood-heavy, contemporary American menu. 9931 Nance St. theoysterrock.com

2. ELLA’S OF CALABASH

Famous for its traditional Calabash-style seafood, Ella’s also serves it broiled, sauteed and steamed. 1148 River Road

3. BECK’S RESTAURANT

Established in 1940, Beck’s is still owned and operated by the original family. 1014 River Road

4. THE BOUNDARY HOUSE

The upscale restaurant serves a variety of entrees, huge salads and homemade desserts. 1045 River Road boundaryhouserestaurant.com

5. CAPTAIN JOHNS

Choose traditional Calabash style or opt for broiled, Cajun style, lemon-grilled, or sauteed seafood. Capt. John's also offers oyster roast (in season). 9887 Oak St.

6. CAPTAIN NANCE

Family-style restaurant offering steak, chicken and seafood lunch specials. 939 Nance St. captainnancesseafood.com

7.DOCKSIDE SEAFOOD HOUSE

Open since 1955, the family-owned restaurant is located on the Calabash River. Visitors can take a walk on the boat docks before their meal. 9955 Nance St. thedocksideseafoodhouse.com

8. SEAFOOD HUT

Opened in 1961, this roadside stop is known for fried seafood and hushpuppies, plus burgers, steak and barbecue. 1125 River Road (910) 579-6723

9. WATERFRONT SEAFOOD SHACK

Fresh, local, wild seafood prepared to order — grilled, fried, blackened or broiled. 9945 Nance St. calabashfishingfleet.com/ calabash-seafood-restaurant

There Back

pick Them Apples Head to Hendersonville for orchards galore

Written by Amber Keister | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

STEPP'S HILLCREST ORCHARD’S SCENIC 100- ACRE WORKING FARM AND APPLE ORCHARD SITS ON THE CREST OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS NEAR ASHEVILLE.

Don’t be deceived by the glossy piles of fruit available year-round in the grocery store. Apple season doesn’t officially begin in North Carolina until mid-August. And if you’re willing to invest a few hours of driving and picking, the state’s best apples can be yours.

Most of the state’s apples are grown in Henderson County, about a four-hour drive west of the Triangle, and the orchards there are open and welcoming visitors. “The apple orchards just kind of figured it out,” said Beth Carden, executive director of Henderson County’s Tourism Development Authority. “They’ve got a lot of space around them, at the farm markets, and they’re able to spread people out.”

Henderson County accounts for more than 85% of the apple harvest in North Carolina, the seventh-largest apple-growing state in the U.S. For decades, growers sold their product to make applesauce, juice and other processed products, but recently, agritourism is a much bigger slice of the county’s economic pie.

For nearly 75 years, Hendersonville, N.C., has hosted the N.C. Apple Festival over the Labor Day weekend. This year’s event will be scaled back, without the street fair and the King Apple Parade, but organizers are still planning fun activities to proDRIVE TIME mote the local apAbout: ple industry. 4 hours

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Henderson County Highlights

1. BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS

Burntshirt Vineyards was named N.C. Winery of the Year in 2015, at the N.Y. International Wine Competition. The winery offers tastings and tours of the facility, although tours are limited to fewer than 10 people. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine on the veranda overlooking 30 acres of vineyards. burntshirtvineyards.com

2. CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet wrote a third of his life’s work at Connemara, his Flat Rock estate that is now part of the National Park Service. While the grounds of the estate are open, the house, barn and other structures remain closed. nps.gov/carl

3. MCFARLAN BAKERY

This old-fashioned bakery opened in 1930, and still uses the same recipes for its cakes, pies and pastries. Along with decorated cakes and other goodies, look for seasonal treats like apple cider doughnuts, apple turnovers and apple strudel. mcfarlanbakery.com

4. MOUNTAIN FRESH ORCHARDS

This small, 12-acre farm specializes in fresh baked goods, such as fried apple pies, apple fritters, apple turnovers and apple caramel cake. These delicacies are among more than 18 products made fresh and sold at the roadside market stand. mtnfreshorchards.com

5. POINT LOOKOUT VINEYARDS

This winery, perched at the top of Point Lookout Mountain, offers breathtaking views of the N.C. mountains and a variety of award-winning wines and meads. pointlookoutvineyards.com

6. STEPP’S HILLCREST ORCHARD

A 100-acre farm producing 21 apple varieties, from Arkansas Black to York. The season begins with Ginger Gold, Gala and Honeycrisp, which are ready toward the middle of August. Visitors can pick apples and grapes, cut sunflowers, navigate the corn maze or snack on fresh doughnuts. Kids of all ages can line up to fire the apple cannon. steppapples.com Fresh Apple Snack Cake From A Day in the Country and Cafe on the Veranda

This is a moist cake, and it stores and freezes well. It can be eaten as is or dusted lightly with powdered sugar after it cools.

4 cups peeled and diced apples 1 cup sugar 1 6-ounce package Raven's Nest

Mulling Spice* 3 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup oil 1/4 cup of Burntshirt Vineyards

Apple Wine** 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Zest of 1 orange 1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan.

2. Peel and dice apples. Combine sugar and mulling spices, and stir into diced apples. Let apple mixture stand at least 30 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, sift flour, soda and salt.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, apple wine and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into dry ingredients. Fold in apples, orange zest, coconut and nuts.

5. Pour into prepared pan, and bake for 40 minutes, turning the cake in the oven after 20 minutes.

*The mulling spice mix can be ordered at ravensoriginal.com. Or, the spice mix can be replaced with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon dried lemon zest, 1 teaspoon dried orange zest and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.

**The apple wine can be replaced with a dry hard cider or apple juice.