News & Events

It’s time once again for one of Fall’s most anticipated events:  the Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight at Grandfather Mountain!  Every year, residents of the mountain towns in North Carolina have this rare opportunity to encounter the famous park’s nocturnal animals in their habitats.  We gather our blankets, flashlights and s’mores ingredients and head for the park.  It all starts with the traditional hot chocolate and apple cider by the bonfire, and then the park staff members lead the group on an educational tour of the mountain.  The Owl Prowl part of the adventure is a lot of fun, and there’s so much to see after dark that we never would have learned about otherwise.

• Where:  Grandfather Mountain – 2050 Blowing Rock Highway
• When:   Saturday, October 1, 2016
• Time:    5:30 to 9:30 P. M.

Of course, Grandfather Mountain is the most-visited attraction in the state.  More than a billion years old, it’s the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, at an elevation of 5,946 feet.  Looking down at the peaks below, you feel as if you’re on the top of the world.  And the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.  It’s a photographer’s paradise, especially when the fall foliage makes its appearance. 

Anyone used to hiking in Western North Carolina knows that the best trails are found here, and the mile-high swinging bridge is known all over the world.  The area is habitat for black bears, river otters, cougars, deer and bald eagles.  It’s a great spot for picnics, and over a hundred tables and grills are available in the park.  And the Nature Museum has great exhibits detailing the region’s natural history.  Guided tours are available as well.

Residents at The Coves Mountain River Club love living in the foothills, away from the tourists and the heavy snow.  Grandfather Mountain’s less an hour away, and there are many other nearby locations where they can easily enjoy the unique sights and activities to be found at higher elevations.

When the leaves start to change color around this time of year, the fall foliage appears first near the top of the mountains and then works its way down over the next few weeks.  So living here you can see an ongoing show as different species of plants and trees add their unique hues to the spectrum.

Look at a list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina for retirement living and you’re likely to see Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk.  They’re all within an hour’s drive of The Coves Mountain River Club in Lenoir and part of Western North Carolina’s High Country, an area often called “nature’s year-round playground” because of its mild weather and wealth of sporting, recreational and cultural events.  Anyone living here who wants to stay active has plenty of options to choose from.

This is a great time of year to visit. Come hiking in Western North Carolina to see the spectacular foliage, do some trout fishing or just exploring. It’s worth taking time to see what we have to offer you in mountain living.  You’ll find unique mountain homes, from cozy cottages to estates on equestrian parcels, all designed to take full advantage of their natural surroundings and remarkable mountain and river views. 

Living at The Coves is affordable, and the area’s rich with opportunities to enjoy your life to the fullest.   It’s only after spending time here that you begin to appreciate just how much there is to see and do.  It’s the best of both worlds:  fresh air, clear night skies and the countless other blessings of living in the country, along with easy access to nearby towns and cities for shopping, dining, entertainment and culture.

By the way, if you’re planning to be here this fall, be sure to make your arrangements early. As at any popular vacation destination, the best bed and breakfasts, family-owned inns and hotel chains are booked up early and/or get more expensive as the season approaches.

We’d love to show you around our remarkable community, nestled on the bank of the Johns River at Wilsons Creek.  Join us at the Pisgah Mountain Lodge to share a glass of wine and the nightly show as the sun disappears over the mountains. 

This is your retirement dream come true!  This is The Coves Mountain River Club, our very special home in the foothills. 

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 84 page Complimentary Magazine