Our family had a wonderful week at Blue Bear Cabin. The house was welcoming and perfectly set up for our two dogs, and spacious enough to sleep us and our three kids each in their own spaces. We imagined using the screened porch more, but found it not too buggy late June, so enjoyed every evening on the big upper deck for dinner, sunset and games.
The kitchen was well-equipped for cooking, and the beds all comfortable. Since the weather was comfortable, we spent most evenings on the deck, but the main family room with fireplace is also cozy. We never even used the second living area in the basement, though the family did play a few rounds on the Checkers table in the basement. The house was clean and nicely decorated with a fun bear theme -- makes it an extra special getaway! I'm a clean freak, and with two dogs, would have loved better cleaning tools. The old-fashioned broom worked more effectively than the Dirt Devil in the closet :)
There is lots to do nearby. Down the mountain one direction is the little town of Black Mountain, and the other direction is Chimney Rock. For families with young kids, this would be a wonderful family-friendly place with tons to do. For our older kids, in addition to the Chimney Rock and falls hikes, there are fun eating/drinking places along the river, and public access to play on the rocks in the Green River (dogs allowed). We also spent a few hours on the Lake Lure beach (public beach does not allow dogs), and one day rented a pontoon boat on the lake, which the family and our dogs all loved, despite our rainy weather that morning. We ventured a little farther for a few hiking and eating spots, and would have ventured even farther for more adventures if our time was longer. We look forward to more the next time!
P.S. Greybeard team, thanks for making this so easy; communications check-in/out and directions/patience along the way!