Lake Lure, I Love You!

Only a 4 hour drive from our home in Charleston, my family and I frequently visit the Asheville, North Carolina area. I've loved this area since the first time we explored it, and that's mostly due to the enchanting Biltmore Estate. 

During those first visits we stayed in Asheville at hotels, but have ventured further away from the city and into the beautiful mountains. From Black Mountain to Bat Cave to Lake Lure, each cabin and location offered something unique. However, our most recent trip occurred over Memorial Day weekend, and was hands down the best cabin trip we've ever taken. And the beautiful Lake Lure area gets all the credit for this accomplishment. 

Lake Lure is as unique as it is beautiful, with it's winding mountain roads, mountain and lake views, and small-town feel. For most of the year, only 1200-1400 people actually live in Lake Lure, but once summer hits nearly 10 times that amount spend their days in Lake Lure! I can absolutely understand why, as there is something here for everyone. To put this quaint area into perspective, have you seen a little movie called Dirty Dancing? Well, Lake Lure was the location of that film and it's just as charming now as it was when we watched Johnny get Baby out of that corner. 

We only spent 1 full day actually exploring the Lake Lure area, but were able to see the entire lake via boat tour (highly recommended!) and walked around the town center to the Lake House Diner for lunch (where I had an absolutely delicious burger). There was also an arts and craft show happening, and my sister-in-law and I stopped by to browse. We couldn't have prayed for better weather, and it was just the perfect day.

While there's tons to do, perhaps the most enjoyable thing was sitting on the deck at our cabin and enjoying the solitude. The cabin was located in a private community with access to a lake, picnic area, and trails. With three toddlers in tow (my 2 and my sweet nephew) we didn't utilize the amenities, but instead enjoyed being in the middle of nature. I can't explain how peaceful it was, and how peaceful I felt.

It was quiet.

It was calming.

And I felt closer to God than I have in a long time. 

We did have access to the internet and television, but we didn't watch TV a lot and barely used the internet. We basically had a technology detox and it was fabulous!

The following day we headed to Biltmore, but I'm going to save that post for another day. I don't know when we'll visit Lake Lure again, but I'm praying that it is sooner than later. :)

**Below is a list of cabins we've personally stayed at and recommend if you're interested in visiting this wonderful area!

2 Bed/3 Bath Cabin that I talked about in my post. :)

3 Bed/3 Bath Cabin located on Lake Lure with gorgeous views! We stayed here in January and it was stunning.

Unfortunately, the cabin that we stayed at in Black Mountain overlooking the river is no longer available, but if you can find a similar one I say book it! There's nothing like waking up to the sounds of the river paired with a mountain view.

Playing Catch Up

It's been two months since I've last written and so much has changed. For starters, I am happy to report that things are much better since my last post, where it seemed like my family and I were under attack. Here's what we've been up to:

* We moved again! For the fourth time in three years, my family and I have relocated. We are now living in North Carolina, in the lovely town of Mooresville (just 30 minutes north of Charlotte). This move was very sudden, but it is a great one for my family. Keith works mostly in NC, and now we will be seeing a lot more of him. :) So far we are loving Mooresville and cannot wait to start this new chapter with our kiddos.

* I started graduate school in August! I am currently taking my second class and enjoying the material. I'm in the online criminal justice graduate program at the University of Cincinnati, and currently contemplating transferring to a different school to enroll in an MBA program with an emphasis on criminal justice. Regardless, I am happy with this decision to further my education. :)

* Arabella is now four-months-old and Gavin is now 20-months-old! These two sweet (and sometimes crazy) kiddos keep me very busy, but I absolutely adore it. Being a mom is my greatest joy and I love that I get to spend my days at home with them. 

* We are selling our house in Charleston, South Carolina! Obviously we've moved to North Carolina, and we have decided to sell! The last time we moved we rented our house, but that experience was awful. So we're going to try and sell our house. This is such a huge decision for us. My husband bought this house back in 2008 when he was only 23-years-old. It was his first major purchase and means a lot to him. The fact that he is willing to sell this house means the world to me. Once it is listed, I'll post information for anyone who is looking to buy in the Charleston area.

*Halloween came and went, and while we don't really celebrate it I couldn't pass up the opportunity to dress up my kiddos. My little Eric and Ariel. :) 

That's all I've got for today. I'm off to unpack our new home and to spend time with my babies! I'm really hoping to write more. I feel like writing helps to not only document this beautiful life, but to also give me a second to reflect on everything, and have some "me time", too. :) 

I hope you guys have a lovely Monday!

(Halloween pictures were taken by the same lovely photographer who took my maternity and Arabella's birth and newborn pics. Tamara at Bump Meet Baby Studio. :)