Discovering YOU Magazine June 2024 Issue | Page 20

VACATION AND TRAVEL

Lakefront rooms at the Terrace Hotel

the animals who make up the farm.

There is another city I have been to next to this one which is Maggie Valley. There is a lot to do there such as the highly rated Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum, which is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorcycles. Located 5 miles from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, it houses over 300 of America’s rarest and most historic classic motorcycles on display.

Other scenic mountain towns have a certain charm about them with the mountains surrounding the town. The cities near Lake Junaluska with restaurants and nightlife are Clyde, Hazelwood, and Canton, plus the other cities I mentioned earlier, all less than 13 miles from the lake, all in Haywood County.

Now, there is another fun nearby attraction, which is only 45 minutes west of the lake, which is the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City. Depending on what time of the year it is, they have different excursions to take, such as a fall scenic ride or a Christmas theme ride for instance. There are 7 different theme train rides which last 4.5 hours or less depending on the excursion, plus some rides come with a short stop layover and some serve food on board with drinks for purchase. This sounds like a lot of fun with all the great scenery in this area of the state, especially during the fall, but other seasons are good too.

Now, back at the lake, you will find that this lake draws many Christian visitors who plan their retreats here. A beloved spiritual retreat center for more than 100 years, Lake Junaluska welcomes groups for retreats all year round with the Harrell Center and Kern Center to name a few. Gather at the lake with your church

of Lake Junaluska, making it the closest of the two entrances. Most all my decorations in my condo come from this city, because of all the Indian décor sold here in its many gift shops. There is also the Museum of the Cherokee Indians there, a 2,100-seat outdoor drama in this mountainside theater, an Oconaluftee Indian Village, Harrah’s Casino, and much more. Now, very nearby is the city of Waynesville, which is very close to Lake Junaluska by less than 10 minutes. This city is one of the largest cities in this area, where you will find many great restaurants, accommodations, and attractions, plus they have a lot of shopping there.

There are a few things to do here that are top-notch. The Haywood Arts Regional Theater is a prestigious community theater that presents spectacular musicals and plays all year round. While you are visiting the lake and possibly staying there, this gives you something to do in the evening hours. In the same city is the Winchester Creek Farm on 20 acres in a very beautiful setting. They raise alpacas and a variety of miniature farm animals, horses, cows, donkeys, and pigs. Educational tours are 45 minutes long, where you can walk the farm and learn about and meet some of