Elk River Fish Lodge

01/19/2023

So excited to be part of this wonderful property. It's a little slice of heaven.

08/29/2022

It's hard to believe that Fall is on the way, but here it comes! The leaves are already getting their first kiss of color, and will get more and more gorgeous until they peak in mid-October. It will be beautiful from now until late October, when we can begin to look forward to our first snows of the season.
All the animals are eating like crazy as they fatten up for the long Winter months, and the fawns are growing by leaps and bounds - such long legs on those little spotted bodies! The two year old stags are running in packs; nibbling their way through flower beds, young leafy trees, and all the corn that some folks throw out for them as snacks.
We're looking forward to the Fall Festivals, most of all to the 45th annual Woolly Worm Festival October 15-16. That's when everyone gathers at the big festival to watch Woolly Bear Worms race up long strings, and after several heats, a winner is declared. The winning worm is the official forecaster for the winter ahead - more black rings means more snow.
Come on up to the mountain and dive into Fall!

06/08/2022

We had a "guys birthday trip" group at the Elk River Fish Lodge a little earlier this year, and they've shared this photo of the results of their guided trout fishing expedition. What a beautiful trout, and what a happy, happy young man.

Come on over, the fishing is fine!

05/31/2022

This is one of the sweetest times of the year at the Lodge; crystal clear skies, luscious wildflowers, trout babies everywhere in our sparkling river, and the weather is perfect for fishing, hiking, or just sitting on the porch swing with a good book.
The Rhododendrons are just about to explode on Roan Mountain and we do have availability June 13 - 16, which will be peak viewing times without the biggest crowds on the weekend. Come on up to the mountain!

01/17/2022

Okay, snow bunnies - it has snowed and snowed and snowed at the - we have just under 20 inches on the ground and it is still snowing. The Elk River has started to skim over with ice next to the banks, making us look like a winter painting from the old-timey days.
It is cold outside, but toasty warm inside with a roaring fire and central heat, and a beautiful view out of every window. This is truly the week to snuggle in while the young'uns wear out the slopes at Beech and Sugar Mountain Ski Resorts.
And then there's always Snow Cream! Here's our recipe:
Scoop up snow into a container
Add half and half, sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt to taste
Stir until it is all mixed in, adding more snow if needed to get it to the right consistency
Eat immediately in front of the fireplace

Happy Winter Days!

01/15/2022

Okay folks - this is it. The biggest snow event since 2018 is on, and we are forecast for upwards of 2 feet of snow starting on Sunday. We are booked through Monday morning, but the snow is going to be on the ground and growing all the way through next weekend.
We have mid-week open...arrange your schedules and bomb out of work,school, and anything else that is less than a fabulous snow event, and come on up!
We’ll have firewood, coffee, and snuggly throws on the beds for you, and the porch light will be on.

01/12/2022

Ta Daaah! Banner Elk, NC and of course, the hit number 5 on the list! Why am I not surprised? Come on up, we do cozy mountain lodge to the max.

We could really use a magical trip to the mountains. Here, the 25 best mountain towns in the U.S. to visit any season.

10/23/2021

The Fall colors this year are moving in waves down in our tumbling river valley and sweeping up over the mountains. Our eyes can't get enough of it...everywhere you look is spine tingling.
The reds seem bluer this year, and the yellows and oranges are simply luminous - the very air glows like a lightbulb when the sun is out.
Here are some quick snaps of the Elk River Fish Lodge bridge, the lodge, and a peek looking down from the bridge.
It was 37 degrees on the mountain this morning...you know what that means is coming!

10/02/2021

We are racing into Fall, and the leaves are turning fast - I think the peak will be early this year, and it is going to be spectacular. Grandfather Mountain already looks like a painter's canvas as the trees put on their best show before retiring for the winter. The Elk River Fish Lodge will be next, and the leaves are going to be brilliant after all the moisture we had this summer. Our guests who have booked in for October are in for a real treat, and can feast their eyes on the show right from the front porch swing.
Besides taking in the world-famous fall foliage, there are so many other things to do from your home base at the Elk River Fish Lodge:
After a morning of trout fishing at the Grandfather Trout Fishing Farm (they clean and filet your fish for you), the guys can move on to the Mountain Warriors UTV/ATV venue to get crazy and muddy, while the ladies settle in to the Eagles Nest Winery for an afternoon of wine tasting and firepit chats.
In the evening on Saturday nights, after a full day of adventures, everyone can spread their blankets on the boulder seats above the stage at the Great Camp in Eagles Nest for the live concerts, really good food trucks, and a well-stocked bar. Meantime, the kiddos can roast marshmallows over the fires built especially for the weekly live concert under the stars, and make dozens of S'Mores with all the proper ingredients provided by Eagles Nest.
What's not to like??
Come on up, we have a few nights left in October...and then the snows begin.
Many thanks to Nicole Suggitt and her Mountain Madness 2021 team for sharing her ERFL photos with us!

09/08/2021

We could not have asked for better weather for the Labor Day Holiday - the Mountain Madness 2021 guest group had an outstanding time during their stay, and super star guest Nicole has shared photos of their stay with us.
She also sent photos of some of their activities while in the Eagles Nest and Banner Elk area, and those will be featured in the next post.
Shout out to the Mountain Madness 2021 group!