Fall Can Wait. The Water’s Still Open!
Go ahead and leave the sweater in the car. September still has plenty of lake-day potential, with swimming, paddling, and long afternoons at the lake still on the table.
The Sweet Spot Between Seasons
At Lake James State Park near Nebo, the Paddy’s Creek swim area stays open through September 30, giving summer one last lap before fall takes over. September park hours also stretch until 10 p.m., so there’s plenty of room to make more of the trip than a quick swim.
The park also offers hiking trails, camping, paddling, fishing, and miles of shoreline against the Blue Ridge Mountains. That makes September particularly handy for anyone who wants a little of both seasons. Hit the water during the warmer part of the day, then take a trail when the afternoon cools off.
Best of all, you can do it before October sends everyone toward the mountains in search of fall color.
From Lake Day to Dinner
Lake James State Park is a short drive from downtown Marion, which makes the town an easy addition to a day at the water. For lunch, Bruce’s Fabulous Foods on Main Street serves homemade soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and its popular pimento cheese, appropriately named Carolina Caviar.
If the plan is to stay out through dinner, Blanton House Restaurant & Venue offers a completely different setting. The restaurant occupies a restored early-20th-century Greek Revival home in Marion, with seven dining rooms, balconies, and courtyards. Their menu mixes Southern comfort with Caribbean influences, seasonal ingredients, and local produce.
That combination makes a September trip to Lake James refreshingly easy to build. Swim while the beach is still open, squeeze in a hike or paddle, then head into Marion when hunger wins.
October can have the scenic drives, sweaters, and fall-color crowds. There’s no reason to rush there yet. September still has one foot in the lake, and that’s a pretty good place to keep it.
Discover more places to get out and about across the state at https://www.guidetonc.com/sports-recreation!
