Lake Lure

View from the patio

We had a quintessential fall weekend in the mountains of North Carolina at Lake Lure last weekend.  The weather was perfect for being outside.  Matt's parents were staying in a condo with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains and we enjoyed exploring the area, visiting playgrounds, playing mini golf, and apple picking.

Mini golf at the resort on Saturday morning was quickly renamed "Chaos-Golf" due to our wild participants.  I'm not sure who won, but it sure was fun.

We went apple picking at Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard near Chimney Rock, and it was such a neat experience for the kids!  They handed out maps at the orchard that showed where all the different apple varieties could be found and we set off with our baskets to explore the hills.

Kate found a way to reach the apples up top

Luke stuck to the low hanging fruit

Eyeing the day's harvest

Feasting on fresh, warm apple cider donuts

Enjoying the fruits of her labor

Lunch by the lake

It was a beautiful place that I'd love to go back and visit again when the kids are older and able to keep up on the hiking trails.  As always, spending time with grandparents, escaping the realities of the daily grind, and marveling at the beauty of God's creation was a perfect way to spend the weekend.