Inquisitive Adventures

One of our first stops on this trip was Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. If I could describe this post as anything, it would be a hopeful, lament-filled love song to both of these places. They are more than destinations to me. They have become places of respite and restoration throughout my life.

These are sacred spaces where I go to escape the noise of the world and sit at God’s feet. My family has been coming to this area since before I was born. Some of my favorite memories are connected to these mountains, trails, and lakes. Over the years, these places have woven themselves into the story of my life, becoming a part of who I am.

My husband and I intentionally came here on our honeymoon ten years ago, and it has since become one of our places of rest.

Because of that connection, my heart broke when I heard the news of Hurricane Helene. It is impossible to write about Lake Lure and Chimney Rock without recognizing what these communities have endured. While I visit as a traveler, many people here have experienced loss firsthand. That reality adds another layer to why these places matter, not only because of their beauty, but because of the people who love them.

We spent half our trip hiking at Chimney Rock State Park, eating and shopping at local businesses. Re-exploring these two places we love. As we climbed 499 stairs, thoughts drifted through my mind: First, this used to be way easier, and I need to exercise more. The second. Why do some places become a part of us? The world is filled with beautiful wild places. I would like to see more of them. Yet these two places are distinct. I have been visiting my whole life, and never tire of returning. 

As I stood at the top of Chimney Rock looking out over Lake Lure, I realized that the view itself isn’t the whole reason I keep coming back. I think places become a part of us because they hold pieces of our story. These mountains have watched my family come and go. They have been the canvas for vacations, conversations, celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection. They have become companions to my memories, drawing me back to people I love and seasons I have walked through. They are a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout it all.

Perhaps that is why certain places feel different. We do not simply visit them. We return to them. Over time, they become intertwined with our memories until it becomes difficult to separate the place from the story.

As these communities continue to reopen, I hope you’ll consider visiting them for yourself. Support a local business, hike a trail, and take time to enjoy the beauty of this corner of the world. You may discover, as I have, that some places become more than places. They become part of your story.