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Family Camp with Comforts
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Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.
- Family Camp with comforts -
Do you remember your first camp experience? Ok, besides the initial homesick feeling and having to crawl out of your comfort zone to try new things and meet new people. For introverts such as myself, year two was definitely a lot more fun, so think on that for a moment. You drive up into the mountains where it’s 10-20 degrees cooler, pass through those familiar gates and past the lake with the boats, and then beside the big field where you enjoyed endless games late into the evening. You pull up to the lodge or cabin and smell homemade goodness (I always had a thing for those camp cookies!). It’s that sense of familiarity, coming to a place you call your own where you know you’re safe, and people are genuinely nice, as they greet you with a smile or a friendly wave.
Now, take all of those great memories you made, and the endless adventures discovering nature, and add your family & dog, and replace the 100-year-old cabins with much nicer accommodations and replace the camp food with creative, locally sourced dishes served along the lake, and you have Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. No, technically, it is not a camp for families, however, there are over 20 activities/ amenities offered on-site in the heart of NC’s High Country. Click HERE to see everything that families can do without ever leaving the resort.
And, while you are enjoying activities like fishing on the lake, paddleboards, kayaks, swimming, disc golf, hiking into Moses Cone National Park, bonfires with s’ mores, and music in the evenings, you can also step away for treatment at the spa, yoga by the lake, a clay shooting experience or guided fly fishing on trophy waters. You can also end the evening with a private dinner on your balcony overlooking the lake. So, yes, the activities and adventures, cool mountain breezes, and endless fun are just like camp. However, now you can share this unforgettable experience with the ones you love the most, and you can even treat yourself or the whole family as much as you please.
For accommodations, there are dog-friendly rooms for those who travel alongside their furry companions, as well as vacation rentals for families looking for a place with a kitchen and plenty of space to spread out. For dining, there is outside dining overlooking the lake, picnic delivery for those who want to keep it casual, as well as in-dining, and delivery to your room or vacation rental. There are even family-sized meals to take and bake at your condo. And, yes, there are kid-friendly items, along with snacks & appetizers, healthy salads, wild game, and classic Appalachian dishes. Finally, for those who decide to venture out for adventure, the Blue Ridge Parkway is only a couple of miles from the resort. Tweetsie Railroad is 3 miles away, and Grandfather Mountain is approximately 25 minutes away. There is so much to do, all in a fun, safe place on 78 acres. Many families come back multiple times each year to connect with nature, spend time with the family, and sneak in some fun treats too!
5 Hikes within 5 Miles of Chetola
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Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.
- 5 Hikes within 5 Miles of Chetola -
We’re all about getting back to nature here at Chetola Resort. Whether you are in search of a new perspective or just need to stretch your legs after a long car ride: our staff are happy to direct you to the perfect trail for your needs. Adjacent to Pisgah National Forrest and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Chetola is central to some of the best hiking in the Blue Ridge. We’ve compiled a list of five of our favorite trails just moments from the resort. We challenge you to make the most of your stay by exploring the panoramic views, pristine waterfalls, and fresh mountain air that lie just around the corner.
Bass Lake Loop
Length: .9 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance from Chetola: Adjacent to Chetola Resort (.1 mi)
The Bass Lake Loop trail is the easiest and closest hike to Chetola Resort. Guests of Chetola can easily walk from their room to the short connector trail leading to the Bass Lake loop. This short .9mi loop offers a wide well-maintained pathway that circles Bass Lake just below the Moses H. Cone Manor House. The flat, partially shaded trail is an excellent place to take a jog or stretch your legs after a long car ride. Wooden benches are spaced throughout the loop and offer an excellent place to rest or enjoy a picnic. Keep an eye out for wildlife including native birds, beavers, and deer. This trail is dog-friendly but requires a leash.
Flat-Top Mountain Trail
Length: 4.8 miles
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Distance from Chetola: 3.9 mi
The Flat-top Mountain Trail is great for families or groups because the trail follows a mild incline while staying nice and wide to accommodate all hikers. As you make your way up Flat-Top Mountain, you will follow switchbacks under a canopy of large native trees that lead to a beautiful open meadow about halfway up the mountain. In this meadow, you have the option of taking a short detour to the Cone Cemetery, burial place of Moses H. Cone himself. As you gain elevation, you will find a couple of overlooks along the way (one of which you can likely spot Chetola Resort). Once you reach the trail’s summit you may be brave enough to climb to the top of the 4 stories tall fire tower. The vantage point from the top of the tower is truly a bird’s eye view. Make sure to visit the Southern Highland Craft Guild back at Moses Cone Manor before you head out!
Glen Burney Trail
Length: 2.3 miles
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance from Chetola: 1.3 mi
The Glen Burney Trail is lightly trafficked and conveniently located in the middle of Downtown Blowing Rock. While convenient, this trail is one of the more difficult hikes on our list. You will follow a narrow winding trail as you drop in elevation while following a series of streams and pools. We recommend wearing waterproof shoes or boots as some places on the trail may be wet or muddy. The bottom of the trail offers an amazing viewpoint of Glen Burney Falls, an impressive 40 ft waterfall. This out and back trail requires a good bit of steep climbing as you make your way back to the trailhead. For this reason, we recommend a visit by more experienced hikers who don’t mind getting in a workout. This hike is a great way to start any day and is only a short distance from Timberlake’s Restaurant where you can return to enjoy a well-deserved meal.
Rich Mountain Carriage Trail
Length: 6.3 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance from Chetola: 3.5 mi
The Rich Mountain Carriage Trail offers a nice gradual incline that winds its way to a very large pasture and mountain views. Even though this trail is the longest on our list, it typically only takes 2.5 hours to complete. The trail follows the side of the mountain as you hike your way towards a beautiful meadow covered by many native wildflowers and butterflies in the spring & summer months. The trail continues to keep circling around the mountain until you reach the summit, where you'll find a nice oak tree to rest under for a few minutes. This hiking trail is great for families, dogs, and kids of younger ages. The trail is mostly gravel and follows a very gradual incline is enough for horses that frequent the trail.
Boone Fork Trail
Length: 5.2 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance from Chetola: 5 mi
The Boone Fork Trail is the furthest trail from Chetola on our list but is easily worth the 5mi drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail offers an ever-changing landscape as you hike through tall trees, wild rhododendron tunnels, an open pasture, Hebron Rock Colony, and a continuing series of mountain waterfalls. Much of the trail is moderately sloped but does require some steep climbs including a ladder near a large granite outcropping. We encourage you to make the most of the Hebron Rock Colony by taking a moment to relax on one of the massive boulders settled in the stream. While most of the trail is covered by trees, the rock colony offers a great place to soak in the sun. This loop is more frequently trafficked but offers room to spread out and ample parking at Julian Price Park. Make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the public picnic tables situated in the park.
How to Make Traveling with Kids Easier
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Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.
-How to Make Traveling with Kids Easier-
Just about every Wednesday or so, I begin to think about the weekend. What amazing adventures can we embark upon to create memories for our kids? So, maybe my expectations are a little high, but regardless, the weekend brings a plethora of possibilities. And, having kids means that we assuredly get to do something fun. Living in North Carolina also means that there are some incredible places to enjoy as a family that are also easy to get to for a weekend escape. As parents of kiddos under 5, the thought of a 6-hour road trip has lost its romanticism that once beckoned my wife and me not too many years ago. We love coming up with new places to take the kids, so if we can find an affordable weekend escape within a couple of hours, we are all in.
Only a couple of hours from Charlotte is NC’s High Country, which is known for cool summers, stunning views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, and Grandfather Mountain to name a few. While we typically try to pack in as much as possible, sometimes it’s nice to find a good basecamp, and just let the kids play. Couldn’t we just do that at home? Of course, but there is something about being out of the ordinary routine, away from preschool, work, errands, and family obligations that allow us to truly escape or disconnect. Finding a place that offers nice accommodations, good food for both kids and adults, outdoor recreation on-site or nearby, along with hiking trails, and is close to a little shopping, all with a beautiful backdrop would be perfect.
Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock is one of those rare finds that offers lodge rooms & condos, along with family-friendly dining options, lake activities, a pool, exercise classes & fitness room, live music, bonfire nights, a kids base camp (Fort Boone), frisbee golf course, guided fly fishing, and a sporting reserve with an archery range for kids. The resort is all within walking distance to Moses Cones (3600 acres with 27 miles of trails), downtown Blowing Rock and Tanger Outlets. Having everything in one spot means no planning, no in and out of car seats all weekend, and we can start enjoying ourselves in less than 2 hours. You can even bring your dog. Yes, please!
-P.J. Wirchansky, Director of Marketing at Chetola Resort
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Welcome to Chetola Resort!
We want your visit to be memorable, however, we are experiencing a staff shortage across the region and throughout the Carolinas. In some instances, this may result in limited availability or extended wait times for tables in our restaurant and across the resort. If you see open tables, it is because we are focusing on the guests that we are able to serve exceptionally. As you can imagine, it's challenging without enough helping hands, so we sincerely appreciate your patience.
Chetola Security Guardhouse:
Open Daily | 24 hours
Chetola Lodging:
Chetola Lodge: Open
The Bob Timberlake Inn: Open
Chetola Condominiums: Open
Chetola Front Desk:
Open Daily | 24 hours
Chetola Gift Shop & The Wading Room (Fly-shop):
Open 7 am - 5 pm daily
Timberlake's Restaurant:
Open Daily | 7:30am-10:30am & 12 - 9pm
The Spa at Chetola:
Open Mon - Sat | 9am - 6pm
Locker Rooms and showers are open.
The Chetola Sporting Reserve:
Open 7 days a week
Monday-Tuesday: by appointment only
Wednesday: 11am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: Noon-5pm
828-295-5527
Chetola Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing:
Open Daily | By Appointment
Highlands Sports & Recreation Center:
Hiking Trails, Pickle Ball, Lake Fishing, Tennis, and Disc Golf are available
Hot Tub, dry sauna, locker rooms, and showers
*NEW* Fitness Center is located on the First Floor.
Fitness Center Hours, 7 am - 10 pm daily
Pool Hours, 9 am- 10 pm daily
Chetola Real Estate Office:
Monday - Friday | 9am - 5pm
Sporting Reserve Information Request
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Faith
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Chetola Statement of Faith
Chetola - the old Cherokee name means “Haven of Rest,” and after years of seeing miracles and wonders, we have come to recognize God in this place. We acknowledge that the peace, beauty, and rejuvenation so many have found here are all gifts from Him, and so we seek to honor Jesus by fulfilling His command to love God and love each other.
We appreciate that you have every right to believe there is a God or there is not. We too share that right and express it in how we live and with what we are entrusted. Our actions are not meant to force our beliefs on others, and all faiths are welcome here. We simply want to encourage the recognition of the many glorious gifts which surround us here and for some to acknowledge the great Creator.
Our goal is to serve our guests with love and excellence regardless of their beliefs.
You are welcome to join us.
Kent & Shelley, Greg & Anne Tarbutton, Rachael Renar
Prayer Requests
How can we pray for you today?
If you would like to receive a response, please include your email address in the email body below.
Chetola Chaplains
Scott & Becky Lycan first moved to the High Country in 2007, as their restoration location from the mission field. It is a great thrill for them to be senior leadership in the planting of Antioch Community Church of Boone; launching a new expression of the Body of Christ is a privilege and a wonderful challenge. This is their third church plant in North Carolina in the last 25 years, from ‘legacy’ church structures to house church networks.
To reach Scott via email: Scott@antiochboone.com
Thanks for joining our High Country Chetola community!
Daily Prayer
Our Chaplains, Scott & Becky Lycan, host a daily weekday prayer from 12pm-1pm via Zoom. To join them, please email Scott directly at scott@antiochboone.com. He will send out a meeting invite and link.
Words of Encouragement
Protected: Staff Updates
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Protected: Staff Challenge
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Chef Matt River’s Easter Brisket Recipe
Posted on by Admin
Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.
-Chef Matt Rivers' Easter Brisket-
"When I was growing up, money was tight and for Easter dinner we always had brisket instead of lamb. Brisket is a more affordable cut of meat that takes a little more time to prepare. This recipe is my updated version of my grandmother's recipe that my mom prepared for us every Easter. I'm delighted to share this recipe with our friends and family of Chetola. This recipe typically feeds 8 to 10 people. Happy Easter!"
- Head Chef, Matt Rivers | Timberlake's Restaurant
-Ingredients-
4 Lbs. Beef Brisket
2 big carrots rough chopped
3 onions rough chopped
3 ribs of celery rough chopped
2 leeks cleaned and white parts chopped
10 cloves of garlic lightly smashed
4 large tomatoes rough chopped( or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
¼ cup tomato paste
Handful of fresh thyme sprigs
2 rosemary sprigs
½ cup of black coffee
2 cups red wine
3 quarts of beef stock
Salt and Black Pepper
-Preparation-
Preheat the oven to 325f. Pat brisket dry with paper towels then season well with salt and black pepper. Place a large pan or pot over high heat and let the pan get real hot. Add some oil to the pan and sear the brisket on both sides. You want a good hard sear where it looks almost burnt, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove brisket from the pan and add onions, carrot, leeks, and celery and cook on high heat for a few minutes until the veggies start getting a little color to them. Add tomato paste cook for 3 mins while trying to get the tomato paste to caramelize. Add garlic and red wine and reduce for 5 minutes. Add diced tomato, fresh herbs, coffee and remove from heat. In a large roasting pan, place the vegetable mix on the bottom of the pan and lay brisket right on top of the veggies. Add beef stock but do not submerge the brisket. You want the top of the brisket to be just above the stock. Wrap pan in plastic wrap then tightly in foil and place in the oven. Turn the temperature down to 250 and cook for 5 to 6 hours. Remove pan from oven and uncover to let cool for 20 minutes.
Remove the brisket from the pan and set aside. Remove the herbs with tongs and discard. Now you have 2 choices. You can strain the veggies out and reduce or thicken the sauce, or you can puree the veggies right into the sauce. I prefer the latter method as you get a lot more flavor by blending the veggies. I strain the sauce after to get a nice smooth consistency. Slice the brisket and top with gravy and serve. Enjoy!
All of this can be done up to three days before and kept in the refrigerator. To reheat the brisket, simply place the pan in a 325f degree oven for about 30 mins.
Cooking not your thing? Taste this dish by Head Chef, Matt Rivers, himself at Timberlake's Restaurant.