Last month’s issue featured a fun story about the popular trend for bachelorette and groomsman parties to gather in the mountains before the upcoming nuptials. It makes sense since more weddings are taking place here from Highlands and Cashiers to Lake Toxaway.
There is another growing trend that is more popular today. The same places for weddings like country clubs, Old Edwards, and Greystone Inns are a few of the choices for golf groups, bridge and mahjong groups, sorority and fraternity groups, and of course family reunions.
Depending on the size of the group, one can choose from a variety of venues. A casual rustic setting is Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway. They have private rooms, in‑house catering, and large meeting rooms. They also have activities like ziplines and animals such as llamas onsite.
If the group is interested in golf and tennis, the Old Edwards and Greystone Inns might be more suitable. The good thing is that a variety of activities and places to visit are all within a half hour to an hour at the most depending on your location.
For years I have hosted my FSU sorority sisters at my home. The largest group I hosted was 14 women. When the bedrooms were full, the rest of the group walked to the neighbor’s house to use their downstairs bedrooms. My Florida and Georgia friends love the cool air, the boat rides, tubing, and cocktail cruises. They also enjoy the wonderful music events and shopping. We have done some hiking and waterfall viewings and of course dining at various places from Highlands to Lake Toxaway and in between.
Some of our local favorites that are close to me are The Greystone, Los Vaqueros, as well as the Grand Olde Station. All three have views of the lake or waterfall.
The saying goes “If you are lucky enough to own a home in the mountains, you are lucky enough.” If you do not own a home here that will accommodate all on your guest list, there are plenty of good houses to rent.
Staying in a spacious home with lots of bedrooms and baths makes it easy to spend quality time together. Big shady decks with views beckon the guests to grab a coffee and gather for group gabfest. Evenings are cool enough to have a cocktail cruise and then dine on the deck. Whether you grill or bring in food from the local eateries, it always tastes better when you dine outdoors.
Boats can be rented through Signal Ridge Marina on Lake Glenville, as well as canoes and paddleboards. If you rent a house in Lake Toxaway Estates, you are able to rent a motorboat or kayaks and paddleboards through the marina.
For the more adventurous, there is tubing down the river at Headwaters Outfitters. They also offer fly fishing and guided tours. It’s also available at Orvis and Brookings in Cashiers.
The amazing Gorges State Park offers hiking trails and special events in their pavilion. Panthertown is also a hiker’s haven.
For a casual group night, all ages enjoy the free concerts on the Village Green on select Friday nights from 6:00–8:30 P.M. Food trucks make it easy to have supper together picnic‑style.
There are also summer concerts daily at the Brevard Music Center. They offer a variety of indoor and outdoor programs with a plethora of genres. You can choose from full orchestra, string quartets, or operas. The big outdoor concerts feature open‑air covered seating as well as seating on the lawn. You can bring food and refreshments and lawn chairs to enjoy the music in the cool night air.
With all the venues and options we have to gather with friends and family, every year they often want to come back here where we can reconnect in this beautiful place. Those who own homes here realize that we are blessed to live here — even part of the year.
Favorites Count: 0