We chose this gated community for the private & spacious 10-acre lots, access to the Wolf Pit Trailhead, & proximity to Lake James. We wanted to be just outside the touristy areas but not too far from Raleigh & Charlotte either. We felt like this was a safe place to teach the kids about nature and get out of the suburbs. The neighborhood has diverse wildlife and we see black bears, turkeys, bobcats, coyotes, turtles, and rabbits. You can hear the coyotes howling on the mountain late at night by the fire pit. The neighbors are friendly and are always willing to help out anyone in need.
We enjoy spending our time at the cabin swimming and fishing on Lake James or hiking up Shortoff Mountain to see the beautiful views of Lake James and the Linville Gorge. Hiking on the Fonta Flora Trails around Lake James is a little bit easier with small children and great mountain biking for the bigger kids.
In the winter, our favorite activity is snow tubing at Jonah's Ridge! Our second favorite place to visit is Apple Hill Orchard in Morganton which is so much fun with delicious cider slushies and apple picking from late summer into fall. The Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm has a fantastic pizza food truck, beer & a fun area for kids to play and run around. Nearby Perry's Berry's Winery and Vineyard serves ice cream and has game tables for kids. Downtown Morganton has great restaurants, shops & breweries as well. There are many iconic waterfalls within driving distance and Asheville is about an hour away.