This summer, our little family of three (my husband, our toddler, and I) escaped to the peaceful beauty of Lake Nantahala in North Carolina. Instead of a busy travel schedule, we decided to truly slow down and enjoy the lake life. We rented a cozy Airbnb that became just as much a part of the trip as the lake itself.
The home was tucked away with a welcoming patio where the owners had petunias, fresh produce, and even hummingbird feeders. Throughout our stay, we spotted hummingbirds visiting several times a day. It felt so magical to watch them flutter and hover just a few feet away.
Most of our days revolved around the lake itself. We walked down to the dock every day, where my toddler proudly wore his little life jacket and watched ducks float by. Sometimes we fed them, which quickly became his favorite part of the trip. My husband took refreshing swims in the lake, while we even tried letting our toddler dip his toes in the water. He wasn’t too sure about swimming, he much preferred to stay perched on the dock, waving at the ducks and watching boats pass.
I loved spreading out a picnic blanket by the lake with fresh blueberries in hand while soaking in the serene views. Life felt so still and simple in those moments, and it was exactly the kind of reset we needed as a family.
It wasn’t about seeing how much we could squeeze into our itinerary—it was about being present together. And honestly? That made it one of my favorite trips yet.
What to Pack & Wear for Lake Nantahala
If you’re planning your own lake getaway, here are a few things I recommend bringing along:
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Comfortable Loungewear: Think comfy shorts, lounge pants, or an easy maxi dress for mornings on the deck.
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A cozy layer: Lake evenings can get cool, even in summer. A cardigan or lightweight sweater is perfect.
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Swimsuit & cover-ups: Swimsuits for lake dips, a towel, and a life jacket if you’re traveling with kids.
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Practical shoes: Sneakers for walks and sandals for dockside, and maybe water shoes if you’re planning to swim.
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Picnic essentials: A blanket, snacks (we loved our blueberries!), and a cooler for drinks by the lake.
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Outdoor-friendly accessories: Sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen.
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Bug spray & sunscreen: A must for lake life!
- Swimming floats: Our Airbnb actually provided these but it’s good to check beforehand.
Lake life is laid-back, so keep your wardrobe simple and functional while still true to your style.
Xo,
Jessica
