Have you ever just needed a break? A total step away from the business, the chatter, and the routine of daily life and all its responsibilities? As a stay at home mom and entrepreneur, it really feels like my days are a never-ending loop of preparing meals, planning and participating in kid-friendly activities, responding to emails, and preparing and publishing content. Although I love what I do and love being able to care for my child at home, I honestly feel myself needing a recharge more often than I like to admit. One of my favorite ways to re-center and re-charge is to take a quick vacation, or ” momcation “. Constant pouring from your own cup requires constant, intentional refilling. Whether its yoga practice, massages, time with friends, meditation, a getaway, or all of the above, taking these steps to care for yourself and recharge is essential.
The Perfect Mom-Cation
This summer, I was introduced to a hidden gem nestled in the Smoky Mountains, called Lake Junaluska. Only about a 3 hour, scenic drive from Atlanta, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina is a literal breath of fresh mountain air. The Lake Junaluska community is a peaceful one, set along an incredible backdrop. It offered the perfect environment for a relaxing momcation. The community surrounding Lake Junaluska was founded by a group of Methodists as an inspiring space for worship, fellowship, and recreation. Over 100 years later, the community has grown to become a premiere conference and retreat center. It boasts a golf course, ample meeting spaces, a fitness center, two museums, and much more.
Lake Junaluska Lodging and Activities
Lake Junaluska offers many options for lodging. There are apartments, lodges, a campground, and traditional hotels such as Lambuth Inn and The Terrace hotel. I was guest of the Terrace hotel during my stay. It had everything we needed, was spacious, clean, and had an awesome view. Also available at the lake, are numerous leisure activities. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, boat rides on the Cherokee IV, and swimming in a perfectly appointed pool. Tennis, mini golf, and massage services are also available. Local events are held at the George Stuart Auditorium, and there is an updated playground for the littles. If you’re looking for inspiration and reflection, the Labyrinth, Inspiration Point, and the Lake Junaluska Cross are great options!
With so much available to do and see at Lake Junaluska, I wasn’t able to conquer it all during my stay. I was able to take a dip in the pool, which felt amazing. I also visited the Labyrinth, the Junaluska Cross, and stopped by to check out some of the available activities.
Lake Junaluska Events
My sister and I also got the opportunity to enjoy a Folkmoot Festival at the George Stuart Auditorium. Folkmoot is a celebration of folk music from different cultures around the world. I loved learning about each culture represented and watching the dances, which were full of energy and life. I also appreciated seeing each of the performers wearing traditional/culturally specific attire. 
Another great experience was attending worship service on Sunday morning. We were blessed to hear the amazing voices of the Lake Junaluska choir sing beautiful selections during the service. The sermon, given by Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls, focused on the attributes of “authentic gratitude”. He shared that authentic gratitude: is deeply felt, passionately expressed, and touches and transforms every part of our life. After attending this service, we enjoyed a Sunday buffet at Lambuth Inn, which is a popular event for locals and visitors alike.
Aside from the native beauty of Lake Junaluska and all of its offerings , another of big draw of the lake, is its location. Its perfectly situated as a great launch pad to a plethora of nearby attractions. The Lake is only 30 mins from Asheville, NC , Smoky Mountains, and more. As a part of our Lake Junaluska adventure, my sister and I took a short drive from the lake to Asheville, NC to visit America’s largest home on record, the Biltmore Estate.
Biltmore Estate via Lake Junaluska
The Biltmore Estate was constructed in 1889 and was the family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. The home features 250 rooms, which include 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, an indoor pool, bowling alley, electric elevators, 3 kitchens, and more opulence you would have to see to believe. The estate also features a winery with free wine tasting, a farm, its own village with shopping and dining, gardens, an equestrian center, playground, and three options for visitor lodging. I had a great time touring the mansion, grounds, and visiting the winery. Check out some of the pics below!
After relaxing strolls at the Biltmore, and enjoying the serenity of Lake Junaluska, we were ready for a thrill and made our way to Whitewater Rafting and Zipline the next day!
Whitewater Rafting and Zipline
I was pumped and also a tad nervous to try the zipline. Ziplining was an activity neither of had done before but we were excited to give a try. Once we signed waivers, and put on our gear, we zipped down a few practice lines and received instructions on safety and technique. By the time we got our practice in, we were ready to go! The course was exhilarating and the views we were able to see from the tree canopy were amazing. Our guides were also wonderful, keeping us informed and safe throughout our adventure. I’d definitely do it again!
Lake Junaluska is the perfect place for restoration, reflection, and reconnection. Being centrally located to so many attractions and surrounded by so much local beauty, Lake Junaluska makes an awesome choice for a momcation and anyone looking for the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Click here to book your own Lake Junaluska vacation!
This post is sponsored by Lake Junaluska but all opinions are my own.
How beautiful! Thank You.
Have a good day!