Blog - The Esmeralda

How to Have an Exciting Labor Day Weekend in Chimney Rock, NC

There’s no better way to say farewell to summer than with a trip to Western North Carolina! To enjoy the last bits of summer, like never before, spend your Labor Day weekend in Chimney Rock, NC. Chimney Rock is the perfect place to spend the last long weekend of …

How to Plan the Ultimate Lake Lure 4th of July

The 4th of July is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Lake Lure, North Carolina. From lakeside parties and firework displays to day-long festivals, this area …

large yellow colored fireworks

What Makes Lake Lure & Chimney Rock the Best Small Towns in North Carolina?

Friendly locals, a unique downtown area, and beautiful mountain scenery are the ideal qualities of the best small towns in North Carolina. Luckily, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure have them all! Our beautiful …

best small towns in North Carolina

How to Have the Best Adventure at Sliding Rock, North Carolina

Sliding Rock, North Carolina

Lake Lure Boat Tours Are the Most Fun You’ll Have All Year

Lake Lure Boat Tours

Three Can’t-Miss Attractions for Your Stroll on the Rocky Broad Riverwalk

rocky broad riverwalk

Fascinating Day Trips from Chimney Rock You Won’t Soon Forget

day trips from Chimney Rock

Discover the Best Things to do in Asheville with Kids

things to do in Asheville with kids

5 Unbelievable NC Caves and Caverns That Will Fascinate You

NC caves and caverns

How to Have The Best Day at Boulderline Adventure Programs in Lake Lure, NC

Boulderline Adventure Programs

6 of the Best Experiences for Bountiful Fly Fishing in North Carolina

How to Have a Great Weekend Getaway from Raleigh to Chimney Rock

How to Enjoy the Best Bike Trails in Western NC

Bike Trails in Western NC

How to Have the Best Girlfriend Getaway in North Carolina

Four Fun Outdoor Activities in Lake Lure, NC, To Keep You Entertained for Hours

outdoor activities in Lake Lure NC

Show off Your Smile at the Most Instagrammable Locations Near Asheville

Instagrammable locations near Asheville

How to Enjoy The Best Whitewater Rafting Near Asheville, NC

whitewater rafting near Asheville

Where to Enjoy Horseback Riding Near Lake Lure, NC for a Splendid Adventure

horseback riding near lake lure, NC

Make the Most of Your Fall in Western NC

fall in western nc

How to Plan the Perfect Girls Getaway to Lake Lure

girls getaway to lake lure

5 Bucket List-Worthy Waterfalls Near Lake Lure, NC

waterfalls near lake lure nc

3 Splashing Fun Ways to Stay Cool This Summer on Lake Lure

stay cool this summer on Lake Lure

The Essential Guide to the Ultimate East Coast Road Trip

East Coast road trip

3 of the Best Things to Do in Lake Lure When It’s Raining

things to do in Lake Lure when it's raining

4 of the Most Perfect Sunset Spots in Western NC

the perfect sunset spots in western NC

The Benefits of Midweek Travel: What You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know for the Best Lake Lure Fishing Trip

Lake Lure Fishing trip

How to Have the Best Trip From Nashville, TN to Chimney Rock, NC

Make the Most of Your Adventure on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail

couple riding bikes thermal belt rail trail

How to Have an Exciting Day at the Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival

lake lure arts and crafts festival people shopping at market

What Are the Best Music Trails in Western NC?

guy jamming acoustic guitar with piano player background

Everything You Need to Know About Mount Mitchell State Park

Couple resting at a mountain's summit

The 5 Best Things to Do in Asheville, NC, for Couples

Mount Mitchell State Park

How to Prepare for the Asheville Marathon

people running in the Asheville Marathon

How to Have the Best North Carolina Staycation

asheville at sunset

The 6 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC

beautiful mountain view in fall

Why Chimney Rock Is One of the Best Weekend Getaways from Charlotte, NC

weekend-getaways-from-Charlotte-

Everything You Need to Know About the NC State Parks Passport

Participate in the NC State Parks Passport program this year!

Why You Need to Take a Trip From Charleston to Lake Lure

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston at sunset: S.C. Lowcountry road trip from Charleston to Lake Lure, NC.

Experiencing Select Registry: The Esmeralda Difference

The Esmeralda Inn

You Need to Experience a Biltmore Estate Christmas

biltmore-estate-christmas

3 Special Ways to Explore Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Your Complete, Frothy Guide to Asheville Oktoberfest

Pretzels and beer on wooden table

What Is the Basilica of St. Lawrence?

The exterior of the Basilica of St. Lawrence in downtown Asheville, NC.

Take Your Pick of 5 of the Best Hendersonville, NC, Apple Orchards

A beautiful apple tree with mountain views in the background at a Hendersonville, NC, apple orchard.

Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards & What You Need to Know

The Best Ways to Explore Rumbling Bald Mountain

Scenic mountain views at Rumbling Bald Mountain at sunset.

A Golden Guide to the Most Spectacular Chimney Rock Fall Colors

Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge parkway in the fall season: Fall colors near Chimney Rock.

Everything You Need to Know About The Dirty Dancing Festival

A couple performing the Lake Lift in preparation of the Lake Lure Dirty Dancing Festival.

How to Plan the Best N.C. Roadtrip: A Chimney Rock Guide

A cityscape view of Asheville, NC: road trips in n.c.

3 of the Best Places to Admire North Carolina’s Fall Colors

Blue Ridge Parkway Tunnel near Asheville North Carolina during Fall: North Carolina fall colors.

10 of the Most Amazing Breweries Near Asheville, NC

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Five Days in Chimney Rock: How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: one of the main attractions on our five days in Chimney Rock vacation plan.

The Best Places for Live Music Near Chimney Rock, NC

5 Sweet Reasons You Need to Make a Trip to the Sourwood Festival

jars of honey lined up on a table for sale at the Sourwood Festival in North Carolina.

Your Guide to the Best Asheville Mountain Biking Trip

The silhouette of a mountain bike on a bike trail in Asheville, NC.

Here Are 8 of the Best Hikes Near Asheville NC

Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park, NC: the best hiking near Asheville, NC.

How to Plan the Perfect Lake Lure Kayaking Adventure

You Need to Make a Trip to Chimney Rock State Park

Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park, NC: the best hiking near Asheville, NC.

Take a Bite of the Best Asheville Food Tours

A wine and cheese board on an Asheville food tour.

You Need to Plan a Trip Down the Blue Ridge Parkway

A car driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway pas a scenic mountain overlook.

You Need to Get a Taste of These Chimney Rock Restaurants

Cheeseburger and fries on plate served with beer at a Chimney Rock restaurant.

The Swannanoa Valley Museum & What You Need to Know

Detail of red rope on a exhibit at the Swannanoa Valley Museum.

How to Have the Best Time at Asheville Beer Week

Craft beer and snacks at a local Asheville brewery. Read our blog on Asheville breweries for our top recommendations!

How to Make the Most of Your Sierra Nevada Brewery Tour

An assortment of beers lined up on a taproom counter.

You Need to Celebrate Spring at the Biltmore Festival of Flowers

Nature and Orange Flowers at the Biltmore Festival of Flowers.

How to Plan the Most Romantic Getaway in NC

a couple holding two glasses of wine by the fireplace on a romantic getaway in NC.

Everything You Need to Know About Flat Rock Playhouse

Portrait of mother and her son sitting in the audience at Flat Rock Playhouse.

Everything You Need to Know About Asheville Brewing Company

a row of craft beers in mugs at Asheville Brewing Company.

How to Plan the Perfect Hiking Trip at Bearwallow Mountain

bearwallow-mountain-trail-

Everything You Need to Know About Parker-Binns Vineyard

Baby goats playing together in hay at Connemara Farms Goat Dairy, one of the best things to do at Carl Sandburg House.

How to Have the Best Time at Carl Sandburg House

A glass of white wine at Parker-Binns Vineyard.

Your Guide to the Best Shopping in Asheville, NC

clothing-at-a-store-

3 of the Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Lake Lure

snow-tubes-on-a-slope-near-lake-lure-

Dive Into the New Year at the Lake Lure Polar Plunge

participants-in-the-lake-lure-polar-plunge-

How to Have the Best Time in the River Arts District

handmade-jewelry-river-arts-district-

How to Plan the Best North Carolina Christmas Vacation

relaxing-marshmallow-people-

Your Complete Guide to the Biltmore Estate Winery

wine-tasting-at-biltmore-estate-winery-

You Need to See the Forest City Christmas Lights

christmas-lights

3 of the Best Cooking Classes In Asheville, NC

cooking-class-in-asheville

10 of the Best Restaurants in Asheville, NC

Craft beer at a local Asheville brewery. Read our blog on Asheville breweries for our top recommendations!

The Best Places for Rock Climbing in North Carolina

gazing at view from mountain rock climbing

15 of the Best Things to Do Near Asheville, NC

A cityscape view of Asheville, NC: road trips in n.c.

You Need to Plan a Trip to Burntshirt Vineyards

The NC Apple Festival & What You Need to Know

candy_apples_at_the_nc_apple_festival_70-

5 Fun Things to Do on the Rocky Broad River

rocky-broad-river

What You Need to Know About Lake Lure Olympiad

a-group-of-swimmers-participating-in-the-triatholon-at-lake-lure-olympiad.-

10 of the Best Places to Eat Near Lake Lure

shrimp-and-grits-

What You Need to Know About Cummings Cove Golf

golf-at-the-esmeralda-

You Need to Take a Ride Down the Gorge Zipline

The Best Things to Do at Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls at Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, NC. Read our blog on Looking Glass Falls to learn more about this special waterfall!

Everything You Need to Know About Biltmore Estate Tours

cluster-of-grapes-at-biltmore-estate-

The Best Ways to Spend the Day at Wedge Brewing Company

Wedge-brewing-company1-

5 Things You Need to Know about the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

bird sitting on branch

5 Reasons Why You Need to Make a Trip to Wicked Weed Brewing

A Perfect Day on the Water at Green River Cove Tubing

tubing-on-the-river

This Is the Best Place to Go to Zipline in Asheville NC

Why You Need to Visit Southern Appalachian Brewery

4 Lake Lure Golf Courses You’ll Want to Play

Golf_Kati-MoliniStockThinkstock

Your Ultimate Guide to the Greatest Hiking in North Carolina

Everything You Need to Know About Bouldering in North Carolina

girl climbing rock

Why You Need to Check Out Vintage Market Days in Asheville

vintage-market-days

5 of the Best Things to Do at Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Where Are the Best Wineries in NC?

Wine glass and bottle

Here’s What You’ll Find at Lexington Glassworks

Here Are the Best Rock Climbing Adventures With Fox Mountain Guides

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10 Reasons That NC Mountain Getaways Are the Best

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Everything You Need to Know About the Asheville Art Museum

6 of the Most Romantic Lake Lure Wedding Venues

LakeLurewedding

3 Things You’ll Love About Highland Brewery

highland-brewery

How to Save on Your Biltmore House Tickets

The Top 5 Things to Do at Buffalo Creek Park

How to Pick Apples Like a Professional at Creasman Farms

Why You Need to Experience a Haunted Asheville Tour

haunted-asheville-

Spend a Day on the Bearwallow Mountain Trail

bearwallow-mountain-trail-

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial: 3 Reasons You Need to Visit

Antique-Typewriter-

Everything You Need to Know About Canopy Ridge Farm

canopy-ridge-farm-

How to Spend a Day at the Western North Carolina Farmers Market

western-north-carolina-farmers-market-

Some of the Best Things to See on the Asheville Trolley

asheville-trolley

Everything You Need to Know About Pubcycle Asheville

pubcycle-asheville-

3 of the Best Events on the Tryon International Equestrian Center Show Schedule

tryon-international-equestrian-center-show-schedule

Why You Need to Experience the Biltmore Estate Gardens

The gardens at Biltmore, one of our favorite things to do in the nearby city of Asheville!

Defiant Whisky: Everything You Need to Know About Touring and Tasting

defiant-whisky-

8 of the Most Exciting Lake Lure Events

lake-lure-events

How to Spend an Afternoon at the North Carolina Arboretum

Esmeradla-Thinkstock-JillLang-Arboretum-

3 of the Best Reasons to Experience a Forest City Owls Baseball Game

Baseball-Glove-

Everything You Need to Know About the Botanical Gardens at Asheville

botanical-gardens-at-asheville-

Some of the Best Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA

weekend-getaways-from-atlanta-ga

Why You Need to Spend a Day at Cedar Creek Riding Stables

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Everything You Need to Know About Grovewood Village

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5 of the Most Fascinating Asheville Art Galleries

asheville-art-galleries-

3 Reasons to Challenge Yourself at the Remarkable Lake Lure Golf Club

Curate in Asheville Is One of the Best Tapas Restaurants

curate-asheville-

How to Have the Best New Year’s in North Carolina

Couple-on-New-Years-Eve

4 of the Most Incredible Asheville Wedding Venues

asheville-wedding-venues-

See Some of the Best Shows at the Asheville Community Theatre

little-theatre-of-walla-walla-

Why You Need to See the Artistry of the Southern Highland Craft Guild

grovewood-gallery-

These 8 Asheville Coffee Shops Have the Best Brews

espresso-machine-

7 of the Most Unique Finds at the Asheville Pinball Museum

What Is There To Do and See at the Craggy Gardens?

4 Reasons You Need to Visit the Asheville Salt Cave

Esmeralda-Salt-Cave-Thinkstock-Dave-Kuebler-

This is What is Going on at The Chef’s Table

drinking glasses on a table

Welcoming the New Chef

chef in kitchen

Accolades

select registry