Apple Valley at Rumbling Bald Reopens

If there is a perfect place to enjoy the Fall colors in North Carolina, my vote would be for the Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure, a 3,000-acre resort and residential community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains set on the north shore of the beautiful 720 acres Lake Lure, shaped like a Maltese cross with 21 miles of breathtaking shoreline.

I have been visiting Rumbling Bald for close to 40 years and have always found it to be awe-inspiring, relaxing and enjoyable. There are so many things to do right on property or in the nearby village of Chimney Rock. The picturesque community takes its name from the 3,200-foot mountain, Rumbling Bald, with its towering cliffs perched high above the lake and resort that is rich with amenities and activities: scenic lake boat tours and rentals, miniature golf, tennis, pickleball, hiking, biking and just casual walks. Families can enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River that winds its way through the outdoor pool area where guests can relax under fan-cooled cabanas, plus a full-service spa for the ultimate pampering. The resort is like the perfect "base camp" for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The resort's 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for any size golf group, full-field or buddies, and have lovely golf course and mountain views. The resort is located in what is known as the 'thermal belt' of North Carolina, which provides for moderate climes during the autumn, extending the prime golfing period right up to mid-December.

Rumbling Bald is home to two outstanding golf courses that are very different in style. The original course, Bald Mountain, is a 6,300 yard W. B. Lewis creation renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s that winds its way up and down the mountainside. Movie buffs will appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from the movie 'Dirty Dancing.' A protege' of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to design, which is reflected in Bald Mountain's playability. The scenery is stunning so do take time to enjoy it while stepping up to every tee.

In 1986, Dan Maples, the award-winning and highly acclaimed golf course architect who resides in Pinehurst, designed the Apple Valley Golf Course which is the rarest of layouts routed through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort's marquee course was laid out with the vast majority of the holes playing either level or downhill, stretching to 6800 yards from the tips with five sets of tees for everyone to enjoy their round with subtle undulating green complexes. In August Apple Valley reopened after a transition from bentgrass to Champion Bermuda on the greens, and with ample rain and sunshine throughout the summer season allowed the new southern turfgrass to flourish and quickly take root. Now Apple Valley takes its rightful place at the pinnacle of the western North Carolina golf course offerings and is a must-play.

"With everything that's happened this year, we feel incredibly fortunate that Apple Valley is reopening ahead of schedule," says Jeff Geisler. "We now have the entire fall golf season ahead of us with 36 holes available, and look forward to safely welcoming players from around the region."

"Champion Bermuda is naturally heat tolerant, easier to maintain in this climate than bentgrass and has speeds faster than other ultradwarf cultivars as measured by a stimpmeter," says Matt Lovell, Director of Golf Course Maintenance. "Golfers are going to love putting on it and appreciate the speed and consistency it provides."

The resort offers golf packages combining rounds at both courses with lovely accommodations. Players can grab and go meals from the Legends on the Lake, the resort's casual dining restaurant on Lake Lure. The Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley Clubhouse serves hearty comfort food favorites.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald's stay and play packages visit RumblingBald.com, call 828-694-3072 or email JDoran@RumblingBald.com.