The ten best Carolina vacations and homes along with tips to designing and decorating your mountain, lake, or beach house. If you are in the market for a second home there are so many options in the Carolinas. Luckily for you we have narrowed it down to the ten best mountain, beach, and lake areas for your dream vacation home.
LAKE GASTON
Lake Gaston, a pristine lake on the border of North Carolina and Virginia, provides endless beauty, outdoor recreational enjoyment, and peaceful living to residents and vacationers alike. Its perfect location gives residents the feeling of privacy and seclusion while still being close to the city action of the Triangle. The lake is well known as an excellent fishery and is a haven for watersport enthusiasts. Residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the lake and rolling countryside and the charm and serenity of rural country living.
THE VIRGINIAN
The Virginian is an exceptional golf community with one of the nations bests courses masterfully designed by Tom Fazio. Located between Bristol and Abingdon, The Virginian is just minutes away from a myriad of cultural and recreational activities including; Bristol Motors Speedway, South Holston Lake, The Paramount Center for the Arts, Barter Theater, historic housing, and The Creeper Trial. The beautifully designed clubhouse overlooking the course offers members access to exclusive dining and bars, family recreation including swimming and tennis, a pro shop, fitness centers, and locker rooms. For more information about membership opportunities visit www.thevirginian.com.
KIAWAH ISLAND
Kiawah Island, located 15 miles south of Charleston, is one of the premier golfing destinations on the east coast boasting five nationally acclaimed, award winning courses designed by such prestigious names as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, and Pete Dye. The island contains many other recreational and cultural attractions such as fishing and boating opportunities, wildlife tours, fine dining, fitness and recreation centers, and world class beaches. Beachwalker county park located on the west end of the island was ranked the 10th best beach in America by Forbes magazine 2013. Accommodations for visitors include two luxury island hotels or a few exclusive private residences throughout the island. For more information visit www.kiawahresort.com.
LAKE TILLERY
Lake Tillery, located in Norwood North Carolina, is a paradise for lovers of outdoor beauty. This quiet community is a reminder of how life used to be with friendly people, quaint shops, and small town charms. Visitors and residents enjoy the abundance of watersport activities available on the lake and the spectacular beauty of the Uwharrie National Forest.
THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE
The Cliffs at Keowee is a collection of three incredible gated mountain-lake residential enclaves located on the shores of 18,500 acre Lake Keowee, one of the Southeasts most pristine lakes whose waters are fed by hundreds of Appalachian clear-spring streams. Nestled in the heart of the Blue-Ridge Mountains The Cliffs provide residents with breathtaking surroundings and secluded privacy. Members of The Cliffs get a range of amenities including seven championship level golf courses, wellness centers, fine dining, hiking trails, marinas, equestrian trails, and more. Character, culture and nightlife are just a short drive away in the city of Asheville. For more information visit www.cliffscommunities.com.
BRAYS ISLAND PLANTATION
Brays Island Plantation is a pristine, 5,500 acre community committed to the sporting lifestyle of a traditional low country plantation. With 3,500 acres set aside as a nature and hunting preserve Brays Island is committed to protecting the surrounding environment while providing world class sporting and recreational opportunities for homeowners. Amenities in this private community include; world class hunting and shooting facilities, over 60 miles of equestrian trails, numerous fresh and salt water ponds and over 20 miles of tidal estuaries, and a championship golf course. Fine dining, nightlife, and southern culture are just a short drive away in one of the nearby cities of Charleston, Savannah, or Hilton Head. For information on ownership visit www.braysisland.com.
LINVILLE RIDGE
Linville Ridge is an exclusive mountain top community near Blowing Rock, North Carolina that boasts stunning views and superb amenities. The community includes the highest elevated golf course east of the Mississippi, five superior dining venues, eight tennis courts, a regulation-sized croquet court, heated mountainside swimming pool, hiking trails, youth activities, and a full service hair salon and spa. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains there are numerous outdoor recreational and sightseeing opportunities for residents just minutes away. The Ridge offers a range of ownership and membership opportunities for golf and social members alike to provide you with the best opportunity to experience the specialized lifestyle they have created. For more information visit their website at www.linvilleridge.com.
PALMETTO BLUFF
Palmetto Bluff, located in Bluffton SC is a waterfront residential community and conservation preserve with over 7,500 acres of managed conservation land. The community, characterized by its extensive nature preserves, river access and walking trails, vibrant village center, and an elegant inn and spa, captures the essence of the lowcountry and provides residents and visitors a true southern culture experience. The area, rich in wildlife and spectacular beauty, provides numerous outdoor recreational activities, while fine dining, shopping, and cultural arts are available in the village center. The community also contains over 170 acres dedicated to equestrian pastures and trails and a Jack Nicklaus signature 18 hole golf course. For more information on residence or vacationing visit www.palmettobluff.com.
WILD DUNES
Wild Dunes Resort is a premier golf resort and luxury vacation spot just south of Charleston, South Carolina on the Isle of Palms. Visitors can fill their stay with exciting recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and nature excursions or relax with tranquil spa and dinning services. The resort contains a world class golf course and tennis courts as well as fitness centers, pristine beaches, family crafts and activities, pools, and seasonal events. The unique character of downtown Charleston is just a short drive away and allows visitors to experience the arts and culture of the low country as well as provides them with numerous dining and nightlife opportunities. Wild Dunes offers many accommodations for all types of visits. For more information check them out online at www.wilddunes.com.
TWIN RIVERS
Twin Rivers is a private, gated mountain resort community located just south of Boone, NC in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains offering private access to world class trout fishing on some of the most pristine waters in NC. Residents of the community can not speak highly enough about the quality of the fishing and beauty of the area. The surrounding mountains provide residents with a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and nature viewing. With a focus on water quality and natural preservation the community provides residents access to a picturesque natural environment and world class fishing with minimal environmental impact. The towns of Banner Elk and Blowing Rock are just a short drive away giving residents many fine dining choices and numerous cultural activities. For information on home ownership visit www.twinriversnc.com.
