More from North Carolina! We spent a couple weeks in the region, so we surely have lots to show you.
Today, we swing by Lake Junaluska. This ‘town’ is north of Waynesville and west of Asheville, and is actually home to the World Methodist Council and its massive Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.
While there are private homes all around the lake, the United Methodist Church’s properties dominate the area and are basically the town here. Which is why I said ‘town’ before.
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on its namesake lake, the area has some wonderful scenery and a path that goes all around the water, making it a great place to relax and take a walk, or a run if you’re a masochist.
We did the walk thing and took in some fresh air while trying to see as much of the lake as we could before the storm came. Enjoy!
There were paddle boats out on the lake, as there is absolutely no swimming and no motorized craft allowed here. I’m not sure why – about the swimming at least – but it made for a nice and tranquil visit.
As we headed around the lake, we were confronted with this old-school, one-lane bridge. Wait your turn!
Above the town on the other side of the river is a cross on a little bluff. Here, we found a nice vantage point for most of the lake and the World Methodist Council buildings.
When we made our way around the lake, we hung out on some benches to admire the scenery and watch some swans do what swans do.
Storm coming our way!
And that was that! As we started to get sprinkled on, we decided it was best that we make our way to the car and head out. While Lake Junaluska is more of a Methodist retreat and/or private residences, it’s still a nice visit for a relaxing few hours. If only we could have found a café!
Be sure to check out our other North Carolina posts, as well as our Fabric of America ones.
A very special and very big thanks to Anna at the Haywood County TDA, for showing us the ropes, giving us great advice, and for being a wonderful person. Thanks as well to Big John for schooling us at the TDA office.
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Have you ever been to Lake Junaluska? If so, what’d you think? If not, what say ye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Wow! What a lovely place! I suppose Methodists know about it, but as a Lutheran, I’ve never heard of it. I love the path provided for the walk. Too bad rain stopped your progressQ
It’s very nice! Maybe y’all need something like that too. :)