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Our weekend took us to Lake Toxaway (a surprise trip!), so I thought I would compile a list of Lake Toxaway things to do.

Lake Toxaway is the largest private lake in all of North Carolina. It covers 640 acres!

This was a surprise trip for my birthday – All I knew was that we were going somewhere “a few hours away,” and that our weekend would likely include hiking and lots of eating.

I packed as best I could.

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On the way to our final destination on Friday, we stopped at Sierra Nevada Brewery to enjoy some beers and an early dinner.

I got a flight and chicken wings for my entrée. We also enjoyed some duck fat fries.

We were staying in Lake Toxaway for the weekend, a part of North Carolina I’d never explored.

Ed found a perfect Air BnB that was somewhat central to our weekend plans.

The Blind Mule

On Saturday morning, we were up early (thanks to Cam) and decided to just start our day.

We got coffee and some pre-hike fuel at The Blind Mule –  we split a cinnamon raisin bagel and blueberry muffin. I also got a full fat latte for some espresso energy.

It’s a cute little spot to help start your day in Lake Toxaway!

Gorges State Park – Lake Toxaway Hiking

If visiting Lake Toxaway, you must do some Lake Toxaway Hiking!

We hiked Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park, which was about 3.5 miles roundtrip.

It took us about an hour and a half, which I thought was pretty good.

Cam did awesome and took a 20 minute catnap, but mostly, enjoyed looking out at everything.

She loves being outside, so I can just imagine all the new sights, sounds and smells in the trails around her.

There really is a rainbow at the waterfalls, so the waterfall is perfectly named, “Rainbow Falls.”

We enjoyed some mini Kind Bars for our fuel during the hike.

Oscar Blues Brewery

I was more than ready for more food after our hike, so we headed to the Oskar Blues Brewery in nearby Brevard.

They had a pizza food truck so we ended up getting 3 slices to split. Cam looks very interested in the beer.

After lunch, we headed back to the Airbnb to shower and rest a little before dinner.

Ed said dinner was the main point of the weekend and had been alluding to it every so often, so I was really excited.

We left just before 5 to head to the “surprise dinner spot,” which brings me to the next thing to do in Lake Toxaway.

Canyon Kitchen

You HAVE to check out Canyon Kitchen in Lonesome Valley, a BEAUTIFUL farm-to-table spot in Cashiers, surrounded by granite cliffs.

If you’re a foodie and love craft cocktails, it’s a dream come true.

I had never heard of it, but it was breathtaking.

Ed had found it while looking through “Our State Magazine” (a magazine that talks all about North Carolina and different food spots to visit).

It was so stunning. We had a cocktail out back while looking out at the mountains.

I walked through their garden (which they use for their food) and was in awe at all their local produce. Amazing!

We got sat around 5:30 and enjoyed a 4 course dinner.

I had a glass of Syrah – I would have ordered another cocktail but I tend to drink them way too quickly to justify the price.

I started with a peach and duck dish with peanuts. I really enjoyed the peach and duck together!

Next up were some clams.

I never order clams (although I like them) so I felt like I should!

For the third course (main entrée), I got the sirloin. So good. Ed got the poussin (chicken) which was also delicious.

We both decided on the peanut butter pie with peanut butter ice cream for dessert, because how can you not?

All in all, it was a wonderful experience and delicious food.

Camryn wanted to be a part of the whole experience, so we just took turns holding her at the table.

They even brought an extra dessert with some macarons for my birthday – sooo nice of them.

I would definitely come back and eat here.

The whole night (and views) were spectacular. So glad Ed found it!

Greystone Inn

We didn’t get to stay here or visit Greystone Inn, but it seems to be a gem and main point of visiting Lake Toxaway. It’s a historic inn and spa with many chances for activities and adventure.

When we return, I definitely want to check it out. They even have summer camps for kids!

Fireside Pancake Inn

Depending on which way you’re traveling from Lake Toxaway, check out the Fireside Pancake Inn in Hendersonville for a nice homemade breakfast.

I got blueberry pancakes with some eggs and bacon, and Ed got blueberry French toast with hashbrowns.

We had fun letting Cam taste a tiny tiny piece of eggs. She is SUPER interested in our food right now and it’s so fun.

I can’t wait until we introduce solids.

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