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Follow our guide to 7 of NC’s nearby lakes for a summer vacay that’ll really float your boat.
North Carolinians are all about that beach and mountain life, but many folks overlook the 59 lakes that are scattered across the state, each of which provide ample opps for fun in the sun, whether you’re looking to swim, boat, fish, kayak, stand-up paddleboard—or just lay out on the dock with a beer (no judgement!). Pretty perf for a summer weekend getaway if you ask us. All you have to do is find a place to stay (Airbnb’s, vacation rentals and campgrounds are aplenty)—we’ve already hooked you up with the best local spots to pull up the boat for a bite, pick up snacks, rent a kayak or SUP (or boat!), keep yourself entertained on a rainy day, and more. Use our in-depth guide to keep it reel this summer.
LAKE GASTON
DRIVE TIME: 1.5 hours
Straddling the border of North Carolina and Virginia, Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre man-made lake just an hour-and-a-half away from Raleigh. Its 350-plus miles of shoreline offer boundless activities for all ages, from boating and fishing to camping and swimming.
To-Go Eats
The Kitchen Table
Lakefront Dining
WatersView Restaurant
Dock & Dine/Drink
The Point at Lake Gaston
Nightcap
Shady Shack Bar And Grill
Boating/Fishing
Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Area
Wine Down
Rosemont Vineyards & Winery
SUP/Kayak Rentals
Lake Gaston Outfitters
Hiking/Biking
Roanoke Canal Trail
Area Festival/Event
Lake Gaston Flea Market (weekends)
A Rainy Day Around the Lake
Roanoke Canal Museum
LAKE NORMAN
DRIVE TIME: 3 hours
Located just outside of Charlotte, Lake Norman does double duty as a destination for both relaxing in the sun and getting out and about to explore the surrounding shops, galleries and restaurants. And with over 520 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty to do for outdoor adventure-seekers as well. #LakeLife at its finest.
To-Go Eats
The Pickled Peach
Lakefront Dining
North Harbor Club
Dock & Dine/Drink
Hello, Sailor
Nightcap
Dressler’s
Local Craft Beer + Wine To-Go
Carbonation Craft Beer and Wine Shop
Wine Down
Davidson Wine Co.
SUP/Kayak Rentals
Cannon Water Adventures
Fishing
Fishin’ With Gus
Hiking/Biking
Lake Norman State Park
Area Festival/Event
Lake Norman Brew Ha-Ha Tour (July 10)
A Rainy Day Around the Lake
The Peninsula Club
LAKE WYLIE
DRIVE TIME: 3.5 hours
A suburb of Charlotte, Lake Wylie sits on the border of North and South Carolina and is most especially known for its summer watersport offerings—from tubing to kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and more. Clearly, a day spent on this 12,000-plus-acre lake (with its 325 miles of shoreline) is a day well spent.
To-Go Eats
Bagel Boat
Lakefront Dining + Dock & Dine/Drink
Papa Doc’s Shore Club
Nightcap
Copper Premium Pub
Local Craft Beer + Wine To-Go
Liquor at the Lake
SUP Rentals
The Goat Boater
Fishing
Rusty Hooks Bait and Tackle
Hiking/Biking
McDowell Nature Preserve
Area Festival/Event
Tega Cay 4th of July Celebration
LAKE JAMES
DRIVE TIME: 3.5 hours
Mountain life meets lake life at Lake James, which is situated in the mountains of Western North Carolina—about an hour from Asheville. The gorge lake boasts more than 150 miles of shoreline, plus a plethora of outdoor activities in the surrounding Lake James State Park.
To-Go Eats
Link Hot Dogs
Lakefront Dining + Dock & Dine/Drink
Bear Creek Marina
Nightcap
Sidetracked Brewery
Local Craft Beer + Wine To-Go
Brown Mountain Bottleworks
Wine Down
South Creek Winery
Boat Rentals
Lake James Neighborhood Store
Fishing
Bridgewater Public Fishing Access Area
Hiking/Biking
Lake James State Park
Area Festival/Event
TGIF Concert Series (Fridays through July)
A Rainy Day Around the Lake
Marion Lake Club
KERR LAKE
DRIVE TIME: 1.5 hours
If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing lake getaway, Kerr Lake is the place to be. As part of the 50,000-acre John H. Kerr Reservoir that reaches into Virginia (it’s huge), Kerr Lake is great for those who are in need of some fresh air and peace and quiet. #GoodVibesOnly
To-Go Eats
Golden Skillet
Dine In
Copper Kettle Restaurant
Nightcap
Buggs Island Brewing
Wine Down
Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard
Camping
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Fishing
Kerr Lake Bait & Tackle
Boat Rentals
Steele Creek Marina & Campground
Hiking/Biking
Occoneechee State Park
Area Festival/Event
LakeFest (July 17)
A Rainy Day Around the Lake
Kerr Lake Country Club
LAKE LURE
DRIVE TIME: 4 hours
Nobody puts Lake Lure in the corner. Famed as the film location for Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is hoppin’ during the summertime. Out-of-towners and locals alike come to this “crown jewel of North Carolina” tucked away in the Blue Ridge Foothills for fun and sun, whether that means hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, biking or water skiing—or just carrying a watermelon (had to).
To-Go Eats + Local Craft Beer + Wine To-Go
Lured Market & Grill
Lakeside Dining
La Strada at Lake Lure
Dock & Dine/Drink
LakeHouse Restaurant
Nightcap
Moose & Goose Lounge at The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa
Wine Down
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro
Water Sports/Boat Rentals
Lake Lure Adventure Company
Fishing
Lake Lure Fishing Excursions
Hiking/Biking
Chimney Rock State Park
A Rainy Day Around the Lake
The Right Track Toy Train Museum
HIGH ROCK LAKE
DRIVE TIME: 2 hours
Named after the neighboring High Rock Mountain, High Rock Lake is the northernmost of the Uwharrie Lakes and the second largest lake in North Carolina (behind Lake Norman). Its 15,180-acre water surface (that’s 365 miles of shoreline) is especially known for its reel-y great boating and fishing opps. Hook, line and sinker.
To-Go Eats
Cook’s BBQ
Lakefront Dining
Lakeview Family Restaurant
Dock & Dine/Drink
Waters Edge Dock and Grill
Nightcap
City Tavern
Local Craft Beer + Wine To-Go
Bottle & Can
Wine Down
Morgan Ridge Vineyards & Brewhouse
SUP/Kayak Rentals
Uwharrie Hoof & Paddle LLC
Fishing/Boating
Southmont Abbotts Creek Boat and Fishing Access
Hiking/Biking
Uwharrie National Forest
Area Festival/Event
Dragon Boat Festival (July 24)
A Rainy Day Around the Lake
The Candy Factory
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