Chimney Rock NC

After the wedding, Michael decide to go to Chimney Rock state park, he was sure that I will like it and he was right. For us it was kind of honey moon trip. We went first to Chimney Rock Village just outside of the state park. A quaint, quirky community full of friendly folks, the Village offers an eclectic array of shops and eateries, as well as campgrounds, motels and the historic Esmeralda Inn. Be sure to take time to meander down the Rocky Broad River Walk, a beautiful path that winds around the Rocky Broad River. One of amazing art of the locals was in the village that I thought that be worth to capture. 

Chimney Rock state park have a lot to offer, from panoramic views to hiking trails for all levels, from up-close animal encounters to bird watching, there is an experience for everyone. The tickets are pretty expensive comparing to other parks, but it was worth it.

 

From the top Chimney Rock, above the valley you can see more than 75 miles across Lake Lure, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Piedmont. With unique hiking trails, the Park has something for everyone including the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure. More adventurous hikers will want to take the Outcroppings and Skyline trails for some of the most unique views of the Park. We choose to climb the rock by stairs, It was the only option of the time of our visit, not easy buy each time we climbed higher the view was more and more amazing till we reach the top. 

We stopped at lake Lure after watching it from the top of Chimney Rock, its pretty huge lake. You can enjoy a wide variety of water activities, ranging from canoeing and fishing to pleasure boating and water skiing. Both motor and non-motorized boats enjoy the lake. Just remember, you need an annual boat permit before placing a private boat on the lake. That time we didnt need to worry about the permit because we did not have a boat, but just for the knowledge. The lake is the number one attraction and the reason so many families visit Lake Lure year after year. Visitors come to enjoy lake sparkling clean beach area, and the incredible Blue Ridge mountain range including Chimney Rock.

Broad River SC, USA

 

Our travel journey start at Broad river in SC pretty much close to town  Gaffney. Michael wanted to share with me his childhood, where he was spending the most time in by himself or with friends. We stopped first at downtown Gaffney buying hot dogs for lunch at the river because close by there is no shops or restaurants. 

The Broad River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 150 miles  long, in western North Carolina and northern South Carolina in the United States.  Broad river dam was very magical and calm place, in some sense I understood why Michael choose to spend time here in his childhood and adulthood. We eat Lunch and jump from stone to stone to have different view from each angel. I felt like hugging the surrounding and Michael in it, when he expose me to one of his escaping corners. A 15-mile segment of the Broad River between Cherokee and York counties was designated a State Scenic River in May 1991. The designation extends from Ninety-Nine Islands Dam to the confluence with the Pacolet River. The Broad Scenic River presents an undeveloped riverfront of Piedmont forests and pasturelands. The riparian forest is home to diverse plant and animal life. Eagles, ospreys, and other birds frequent the river corridor. The area surrounding the river is rich with historical features from Smith's ford to Native American fish traps.