NC lakes question - sorta OT

After shoveling a foot of snow off the driveway, my thoughts began
turning to summer vacation plans. Since forever, I've always headed
north to Maine. I've been all over most of the country, and of all
the places I've visited (and can reasonable reach regularly), it's
my favorite summer spot. The kids, however, pointed out that in their
relatively shorter lives, Maine is the only place we've ever
vacationed.

So this year, we're considering points south - warmer water, swimming
without wetsuits, etc. Among the destinations under consideration is
North Carolina. I'm not a sand in my shorts kinda guy, so forget the
Outer Banks. I'm thinking about a lakefront cottage rental somewhere
in NC. Having done a little homework online, I have found a lot of
lakes and a lot of properties available, and it's time to narrow the
field with some recommendations from the Nawth Cackalackian contingent
on ROFF.

Are any particular areas more/less desirable than others? I'd like
to avoid civilization and the beaten path without having anybody advise
me that the river don't go to Aintree. To the extent possible,
I'd also like to avoid bass boats and jet skis. Water suitable for
swimming is a necessity, and a lake large enough to be interesting for
kayak touring is also a plus. Paved roads are not a requirement.
OBROFF: Decent fishing on the lake or surrounding area would be great;
but I expect I'll get that whichever lake I choose.

Surely compromises will need to be made, but you guys know the state
far better than I can glean from internet listings. Any tips?

Joe F.

On 15 Feb 2006 08:24:45 -0800, "rb608"
wrote:

Any tips?

Get an air conditioned cottage, Joe, and leave the flaming torches at
home.
d;o)

"rb608" wrote

I'm thinking about a lakefront cottage rental somewhere
in NC. Having done a little homework online, I have found a lot of
lakes and a lot of properties available, and it's time to narrow the
field with some recommendations from the Nawth Cackalackian contingent
on ROFF.

Are any particular areas more/less desirable than others?

i am embarrassed to admit that i can't come up with a ready response to
this query. if your requirements didn't include lakeside dwelling, i would
immediately point you to fontana or santeetlah, adjacent to the gsmnp. but
i am not aware of any private commercial endeavors of this sort on these
lakes. the resevoirs in the piedmont are all infected with all manner of
glitter boats, drunken rednecks, etc. the lakes down east are, save for
mattamuskeet, a little small for your announced purposes.
i think the thing to do is call waldo and see if there is something
available on lake james, or maybe lake jocassee, in the far southwestern
part of the state.

yfitons
wayno
perhaps

"rb608" wrote in message
oups.com...
//snip//

Are any particular areas more/less desirable than others? I'd like
to avoid civilization and the beaten path without having anybody advise
me that the river don't go to Aintree. To the extent possible,
I'd also like to avoid bass boats and jet skis. Water suitable for
swimming is a necessity, and a lake large enough to be interesting for
kayak touring is also a plus. Paved roads are not a requirement.
OBROFF: Decent fishing on the lake or surrounding area would be great;
but I expect I'll get that whichever lake I choose.

Surely compromises will need to be made, but you guys know the state
far better than I can glean from internet listings. Any tips?

Joe F.


Try the following:

1. Lake Chatuge, Clay county NC. It's a TVA impoundment but close to
attractions that might be appealing to the kids, while also being close
enough to the Hiwassee river in NC to provide some good fly fishing.

2. Check out Highlands NC. There's a small lake there and a larger one
nearby (I forget the names). It's a little more secluded and is pretty
upscale by WNC standards.

3. Fontana Lake is another TVA impoundment - large and deep - and there are
cottages for rent along the south bank of the lake. And just across the
lake in the GSMNP are Hazel and Eagle creeks.

I doubt if you'll have the problems on any of these lakes that you'd have on
lakes farther east or south.

--
Bob Patton
(change bgzqsdq to charter to reply)
..

Bob Patton wrote:

"rb608" wrote in message
oups.com...
//snip//

Are any particular areas more/less desirable than others? I'd like
to avoid civilization and the beaten path without having anybody advise
me that the river don't go to Aintree. To the extent possible,
I'd also like to avoid bass boats and jet skis. Water suitable for
swimming is a necessity, and a lake large enough to be interesting for
kayak touring is also a plus. Paved roads are not a requirement.
OBROFF: Decent fishing on the lake or surrounding area would be great;
but I expect I'll get that whichever lake I choose.

Surely compromises will need to be made, but you guys know the state
far better than I can glean from internet listings. Any tips?

Joe F.



Try the following:

1. Lake Chatuge, Clay county NC. It's a TVA impoundment but close to
attractions that might be appealing to the kids, while also being close
enough to the Hiwassee river in NC to provide some good fly fishing.

2. Check out Highlands NC. There's a small lake there and a larger one
nearby (I forget the names). It's a little more secluded and is pretty
upscale by WNC standards.

3. Fontana Lake is another TVA impoundment - large and deep - and there are
cottages for rent along the south bank of the lake. And just across the
lake in the GSMNP are Hazel and Eagle creeks.

I doubt if you'll have the problems on any of these lakes that you'd have on
lakes farther east or south.

nantahala lake has a small section of shoreline with residences and
rentals. take a look at it too.

In addition to some of the lakes mentioned, you might also look at Lake
Glenville in Jackson County. It forms the headwaters of the Tuckasegee.
It is between Cullowhee and Cashiers. The headwaters of the Chatooga
(think Deliverance) are just on the other side of Cashiers.

In the upstate of South Carolina, you would want to look at Lakes
Jocasee and Keowee.

Hope this helps.

John in WNC