Anyone who has visited the town of Lake Lure will attest to the fact that it is one of the most picturesque locations in the Carolinas. The town is so beautiful that no one was surprised when the producers of the classic movie Dirty Dancing decided to shoot several of the film’s scenes at Lake Lure’s own Rumbling Bald Resort. Located at the base of 2,800-foot Rumbling Bald Mountain, deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure has a reputation for excellence. Home to two premier golf courses and an almost endless number of family-friendly activities, Rumbling Bald Resort is just a short drive from some of the region’s most popular metropolitan areas, including Charlotte, Asheville, and Atlanta. This renowned resort stands out from the many other golf destinations in the Carolinas because it offers visitors great golf, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a private beach, all at surprisingly affordable prices.

Lake Lure was created in the 1920s by the Dr. Lucius B. Morse. The 720-acre lake was formed by the damming of the Rocky Broad River at Tumbling Shoals and provided the area with 27 miles of shoreline—perfect for the construction of prime lakefront real estate. In the 1950s, the land at the northern end of the lake, which was then owned by heirs to the Maxwell House Coffee fortune, was sold to Roland King, the visionary behind what would become known as Rumbling Bald Resort. From its humble beginnings, Rumbling Bald Resort has blossomed into a sprawling four-season getaway that is home to amenities like two championship golf courses, a recreation center and spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a marina, and much more.

Thousands of people visit Rumbling Bald Resort each year to take advantage of the unparalleled scenery and numerous activities the resort has to offer. Each season at this year-round resort is full of exciting things to do, one of the most popular of which is North Carolina Golf. Rumbling Bald is home to two meticulously maintained Golf Courses in Western North Carolina, both of which received 4-star ratings from Golf Digest in 2009 and are considered “Places to Play” by the magazine and its many readers. Created by Dan Maples, Apple Valley Course has been hailed as one of the most aesthetically pleasing mountain courses by Golf Digest, but is also full of challenging shots, great bunkers, and changes in elevation that make it ideal for players of all abilities. Named for the “bald” rock face that towers over it, Bald Mountain Course is just as demanding. While its beautiful views will take players’ breath away, the intricate shots require their most imaginative approaches. Because it is located in the isothermal belt, Lake Lure’s climate tends to be mild, with cooler summers and warmer winters, often making it possible for visitors to play these two fantastic courses all year round.

In addition to premier NC Golf Courses, Rumbling Bald Resort offers a variety of interesting activities that are perfect for any vacationer. In keeping with the peaceful, scenic feel of the resort, the Spa at Rumbling Bald Resort provides an ideal place to unwind. Offering customized care for individual needs, the spa’s decadent treatments will leave every visitor not only relaxed, but rejuvenated. The Resort Shuttle transports guests to some of the area’s most visited attractions, including Biltmore House and local wineries. Scenic lake cruises are the perfect way to enjoy Lake Lure and learn more about its history, and dinner cruises are also available. The wellness center is where Rumbling Bald Resort’s guests go to stay in shape, and the business center provides visitors with the ability to keep in touch with business contacts—if they so choose. Tennis is available year round, and the Mountain Kids Club, for ages 7 to 13, provides numerous recreational opportunities for children while giving their parents the free time to enjoy some of their favorite activities. The resort is home to a private beach where guests can go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing, and Rumbling Bald’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools provide yet another way to enjoy the water. The resort has something for everyone, and enough lodging to accommodate any party. Those who visit Rumbling Bald appreciate the fact that they are not forced to choose between fantastic year-round golf, awe-inspiring mountain scenery, or a relaxing beach getaway because Rumbling Bald Resort offers all three in one unforgettable location.

With spectacular scenery and activities to match, the charming resort has been drawing visitors to the area for over half a century, so its owners weren’t surprised when the producers of the movie Dirty Dancing decided that Rumbling Bald Resort would be the perfect place to film what would become some of the movie’s most memorable scenes. The scene that takes place on the golf course, the scenes that show where the resort workers stayed, and the scene in which Johnny lifts Baby out of the water were all filmed at Rumbling Bald. “The resort was filmed for its scenic beauty,” said Rumbling Bald’s Lodging Director Steve Rickert. However, there were other factors to consider, as Marketing Associate Bill Ashman explained. Some of the filming took place in the northern states, but when the leaves began to change color, another location had to be settled upon in order to preserve the film’s continuity. Since the leaves in western North Carolina start to turn roughly a month later than those in more northerly regions, Rumbling Bald was the perfect spot. But the location was chosen for more than just the color of its foliage. According to Ashman, it was “the outcry of the community and how they supported the crews and the actors, giving them cars, access to their homes, driving them around—volunteer things.” The actors felt safe and protected in the small, helpful town, and they returned the favor by reciprocating the kindness they were shown.

“Some of our employees,” said Rickert, “were here and interacted with stars such as Patrick Swayze, and can share a few stories of meeting him and his pleasant, friendly manner with our staff.” Upon the late performer’s untimely passing, Rumbling Bald’s Director of Security Gary Wilson recounted his first meeting with the amiable actor, which occurred when the cast was staying on the property. According to Wilson’s recollection, the two originally met when Swayze “was coming from our Lakeview Restaurant across the parking lot, and I greeted him: ‘Good morning Mr. Swayze; welcome to our resort!’ He immediately stepped over to me and said ‘Good morning—and it’s Patrick. What’s your name?’ We talked briefly, and a couple of days later, our paths crossed again, and he immediately said, ‘Good morning, Gary. How are you?’ I was, to say the least, impressed that, with his schedule and our brief meeting a couple of days earlier, he remembered my name.” This kind of friendliness was not uncommon for Swayze. Local artist Mary Carr was lucky enough for forge a friendship with the actor, who came to her home and even used one of her paintings in the movie. “[The crew] came and appreciated the people and the area,” explained Rickert. Today, a plaque on the 16th green of Bald Mountain Golf Course commemorates one of the spots in which Dirty Dancing was filmed, and Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure is proud to have had a part in the making of the beloved movie.

During the upcoming months, the resort will be hosting a variety of special events for visitors to enjoy. “We have four fireworks shows planned for the summer and events such as the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad with the triathlon held here at the resort,” said Rickert, who also alluded to the upcoming Valentine’s Day dinner, the Memorial Day beach party, and the annual July 4th Celebration, all of which will be taking place at the resort in 2010. There is always an exciting event planned at Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure. “We offer the unique blend of mountains, lake, and golf in a resort that allows affordable lodging and dining all in one place that is still filled with scenic beauty and family-friendly activities for everyone year round,” Rickert mused. “Our courses are magnificent and the atmosphere is ideal for groups, family vacations, or getaways for family reunions or business retreats.”

This gorgeous resort is home to two of the best Golf Courses in Western North Carolina, and is enveloped in some of the most magnificent scenery the region has to offer. With dozens of fantastic activities and unbeatable views, there is no more ideal getaway for golfers and their families than Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure. From fantastic golf to spectacular mountain views to a private beach, Rumbling Bald literally has it all. “Dollar for dollar,” said Rickert, “we think Rumbling Bald is one of the best values for North Carolina golf.” We at GolfSC.com would have to agree.