An Idyllic, Adventurous Lake Nantahala Escape

Forge Lake Lodge is an idyllic Lake Nantahala Escape surrounded by the Smoky Mountains. There are many ways to appreciate the beauty of the area, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The surrounding area has unique opportunities for the adventurer in you. Spend the day mountain biking, ziplining, or mining for rubies! At the end of the day, return to the breathtaking Forge Lake Lodge to unwind and enjoy the unbeatable views.  Boating Lakes End Marina offers rentals and services to enjoy the water however you like. They offer rentals for pontoons, ski boats, sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more!  Fishing The Nantahala River offers elite trout fishing. The Nantahala is divided into three sections, which all have different fishing regulations to check out before you start. For tips and the best locations for fly fishing in the area, please visit their website. Rafting Enjoy the scenery of the Nantahala National Forest and the Smoky Mountains on a whitewater raft via Carolina Outfitters. They provide both guided and unguided trips, depending on what you’re interested in.  Horseback Riding Carolina Outfitters offers another exciting way to explore the mountain paths by horseback. Enjoy the plants, flowers, wildlife, and trees that surround the mountains. [...]

Fall-Seasoned Smoky Mountain Getaways: Nantahala Lake

During autumn’s peak, Western North Carolina bursts into a colorful meld of vibrant hues, including marigold, amber, kelly, and crimson. Self-proclaimed “leaf peepers” cannot resist the urge to frolic into the Nantahala National Forest in search of sheer tranquility. Amateur photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and seasoned “autumnophiles” alike embark on Smoky Mountain getaways as summer subtly fades from summer to fall. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, steep singletrack, and rushing rapids lie hidden deep within North Carolina’s Smokies, home to Forge Lake Lodge, a dazzling, 10,000-square-foot palace along the edge of Nantahala Lake. Adventurous Smoky Mountain Getaways Nantahala Lake rests in the heart of the Appalachians, along the southern rim of the Smoky Mountains. Much like New England, Upstate New York, and parts of the Pacific Northwest, most autumnal Smoky Mountain getaways revolve around those vivid, flamboyant leaves that transform from deep green to a colorful palette that would make Bob Ross blush. There are dozens of ways to commemorate a mid-fall expedition through Western North Carolina’s sprawling, densely-thicketed mountains. Remember to arrive with a leaf peeper’s toolbelt, including a pair of binoculars, a professional camera, a trusty GPS, years of outdoor intuition, and a healthy thirst for adventure. Below, we’ve compiled a fall [...]

Off the Beaten Path in America: Luxury Vacation Home Rentals

As summer swiftly approaches, millions of Americans are itching to use their well-deserved PTO via a faraway escape to a slightly-isolated yet undeniably gorgeous destination, such as Colorado’s White River National Forest or New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There’s never been a more enticing time than right now to escape the city’s clutch en route to a mountainous region or desert landscape. Whether you’re looking for a substantial vacation home to host that upcoming family reunion, off-site board meeting, or monumental anniversary party, the good folks here at Elite Destination Homes are here to help. We boast an eclectic selection of luxury vacation home rentals throughout the U.S. (and beyond), many of which rest well off the beaten path. Luxury Vacation Home Rentals: 4 Unique Destinations The need for a secluded outland getaway has never been greater. Thus, large families, corporate leadership, small organizations, and even bachelorettes (or bachelors) are beginning to think outside the box for their upcoming gathering. As you might imagine, sizable luxury vacation home rentals remain at a premium. Thankfully, the team at Elite Destination Homes is always available to match your large group with a unique locale that suits your size, style, and budget [...]

Safe Travel in the USA: Life after COVID-19

As we swiftly approach Easter, Earth Day, and Memorial Day, it’s growing increasingly difficult to see the light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel. However, as English theologian Thomas Fuller so eloquently put it, “It is always darkest just before the day dawneth.” COVID-19 will, eventually, be a thing of the past. Life will return to normalcy. And people will begin to travel again. That being said, it’s natural to assume that travelers will be a little gun-shy once the curve has been effectively flattened. In anticipation of this fact, the friendly folks here at Elite Destination Homes have compiled a brief, post-coronavirus guide for those looking for safe travel in the USA in a few months. Enjoy! And don’t be afraid to reach out to our caring team of travel experts at 651-389-3843 with any questions about our ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. Safe Travel in the USA: Ways to Feel Safe Post-Coronavirus For many of us, it’s hard to imagine how our daily lives (and upcoming vacations) are going to look like once the dust settles. Safe travel in the USA will no longer be taken for granted; that much is for certain. Some travelers will be [...]

Nantahala Waterfalls, a Comprehensive Guide

The Nantahala National Forest is a vast, dense outdoor playground for zealous adventurers and casual travelers alike. Hidden amongst the vibrant, emerald green forestry are jaw-dropping lakes, untouched creeks, and curious wildlife. Lake Nantahala remains the forest’s most beautiful landmark, with its jagged mountains, mirror-like water, and luxuriant lake homes. In fact, Forge Lake Lodge, one of the most desirable Western North Carolina vacation rentals, has become a massive draw for large families and groups searching for an idyllic combination of sophistication and adventure. The lodge itself has canoes, on-site hiking trails, and exquisite patios. However, a trip to Western North Carolina is incomplete without visiting a handful of the prettiest Nantahala waterfalls. The 5 Best Nantahala Waterfalls It’s nearly impossible to be objective when listing the best Nantahala waterfalls as everyone’s eye is different. That being said, we think that this comprehensive list provides a unique mixture of visual treats, backcountry adventures, and brief overlooks. Short and Sweet: Rufus Morgan Falls Rufus Morgan Falls’ trailhead is approximately 10 miles from Forge Lake Lodge, making it one of the most-frequent Nantahala waterfalls. The trail itself is just one mile long with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, so it’s [...]

The 4 Best Holiday Vacation Rentals in the U.S.A.

Yet another holiday season is just around the corner as families turn their attention from autumn’s peak to Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas presents, and New Year’s Eve plans. Last year, one in three people traveled during the holiday season—the most on record. As more and more families plan a well-deserved, long-awaited trip around the holidays, the demand for luxury holiday vacation rentals continuously skyrockets. Luckily for you and your family, Elite Destination Homes has several high-end vacation homes scattered throughout the U.S.A. Over the years, our talented, knowledgeable concierge team has helped countless families plan Christmas holidays, Thanksgiving vacations, and New Year getaways. The trick is to plan ahead, think outside the box, and let our team go to work! 4 Lavish Holiday Vacation Rentals The window to book one of our most-desirable holiday vacation rentals is closing. But don’t fret; because we almost guarantee that one of these marvelous homes will still be available this holiday season. Hopefully, this quick rundown will give you a “taste” of what we can offer here at Elite Destination Homes. Adobe Zen House Location: Taos, New Mexico Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, sleeps 10 Square footage: 4,600 Starting at: $545 per night Main features: [...]

The Best Adventure Vacations in the US

Spring is just around the corner, signifying it’s finally time to start planning your next adventure vacation to one of North America’s best outdoor playgrounds. It’s not easy to find the best adventure vacations in the US, mainly because there are thousands of possibilities! In an effort to help our guests stay fit and healthy this year, Elite Destination Homes has compiled five unique adventure-based destinations located throughout this diverse country, ranging from Hawaii’s Kohala Coast to New York City’s Central Park.

Unplug at the Breathtaking Forge Lake Lodge

Reconnect with friends and family on a serene escape to North Carolina’s breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Forge Lake Lodge combines luxurious old-warm charm and the beautiful natural surroundings of Lake Nantahala. The lodge is an experience all by itself: awe-inspiring mountain vistas, hand-carved 19th-century European cabinetry, and a massive moose antler chandelier. This lake-view paradise was forged into the mountainside, thus earning the namesake Forge Lake Lodge. As difficult as it may be to pry yourself from the vast property, the surrounding nature trails, picturesque waterfalls, and world-class whitewater rafting will allure guests for at least an afternoon of mountain adventure. All other North Carolina lake resorts pale in comparison to this secluded log palace. No Cell Service, No Problem Forge Lake Lodge is so spectacularly remote that there is entirely no cell service. Your family will no longer have the urge to check their smartphones by the time your week-long vacation in paradise is over. Whether you’re drinking a French roast coffee on a terrace overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, whitewater rafting up the Nantahala River, or fishing for a delicious walleye on Lake Nantahala, the last thing you’ll have on your mind is what your smartphone. World-Class Amenities [...]

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