There are tons of adventures and experiences to be had in Western North Carolina. In fact, right outside the door of your Bear Lake Reserve home you will find an endless amount of activities to do, places to see, and local shops to explore.
Our staff members took a moment to share their favorite local places and adventures. After reviewing their recommendations we have come up with a great list worthy of sharing with all Bear Lake Reserve owners and guests.
Below are the top 5 from each category.
BEAR LAKE RESERVE
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:
- Golf Course
- Bear Creek Park Hike
- Jet Ski and Boating
- Lake Time
- Star Gazing and Sunset at the Overlook
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
- Lakeside 54
- The TapRoom
- Chef’s Reserve
- Paddlebacks
- Owners and Staff Potluck
Photo of downtown Cashiers from RomanticAsheville.com
CASHIERS / HIGHLANDS
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:
- Dinner at the Library Kitchen & Bar with Award Winning Chef Johannes Klapdohr
- Walk the Main Street of Highlands – Great Shops
- Visit Old Edwards Inn for a Day Spa or Afternoon Lunch
- Hike Whiteside Mountain in Highlands
- Whiteside Brewery in Cashiers
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
- The Library Kitchen and Bar
- Canyon Kitchen
- Table 64
- Slab Town Pizza
- White Side Brewery
CULLOWHEE
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:
- Attend a WCU Game
- Hike
- Mountain Bike Trails at WCU
- Rifle Range
- Walk the Greenway
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
- Mad Batter
- Sazon
- Chili’s
- Steak n’ Shake
- Mini Donut Place
Photo of downtown Dillsboro from RomanticAsheville.com
DILLSBORO
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:
- Tubing at Dillsboro River Company
- Shopping
- Innovotion Station Brewery
- See the Train Wreck From the Movie the Fugitive
- Green Energy Park
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
- Foragers Canteen
- Innovation Station
- Haywood Smokehouse
- Boots
- Kostas
SYLVA
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:
Eat
Farmers Market
Wine Bar and Cellar
Shop
Poteet Park
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT:
Gaudalupe
Lulu’s On Main
Pie Times and Cosmic Carry0ut
South of Philly
Speedy’s
OTHER GREAT THINGS TO DO
FAVORITE OFF-PROPERTY HIKE
- Gorges State Park – Rainbow and Turtle Back Falls
- Flat Creek Falls
- Dry Falls
- School House Falls – Panthertown Valley
- Blueridge Parkway Hikes
FAVORITE SPRING / SUMMER ACTIVITY
- Hiking
- Being on Bear Lake
- Tubing at Deep Creek
- Tubing in Dillsboro
- Farmers Market in Sylva
FAVORITE FALL / WINTER ACTIVITY
- Cozy up to a Fire
- Skiing at Cataloochee
- Snow Tubing at Sapphire Valley
- Fall Color Hiking at Bear Lake Reserve
- Bonfire and S’mores
FAVORITE LOCAL SHOP
- Black Balsam Outdoors
- The Farm House
- Mill Street Baby
- Hannacoles
- Jacksons General Store
BEST FISHING SPOT
- Boat Docks at Bear Lake Reserve Lake Club
- Mill Pond at Bear Lake Reserve
- Tuckaseegee River
- Dillsboro
- Bear Creek Park
Have you experienced any of our local favorites? Have a few you think we missed and should add to the list? If so please comment below or email your favorites to Kristin, our communications manager and she will add them to the list!
You can use this list as your Western North Carolina bucket list! Now get out there and check some items off and let us know what you think. You can download or print a pdf of the list here. Feel free to tag us in any of your WNC or BLR photos by using #bearlakereserve
