Creating Cherished Memories: Planning a Family Reunion at Earthshine Lodge
Family reunions are special occasions that bring generations together, fostering bonds and creating lasting memories. One exceptional venue for such reunions is Earthshine Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its breathtaking natural beauty, cozy log-cabin accommodations, and a range of activities, Earthshine Lodge provides the perfect home base for unforgettable family gatherings.
THE SETTING
Earthshine Lodge is situated on 76 acres of pristine wilderness in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, bording Pisgah National Forest. The lodge offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodge’s rustic charm, with its log-cabin stye and scenic views, makes it an idyllic setting for reconnecting with family members.
Plan a family takeover – the property is yours for the duration of the exclusive use rental. This includes the main lodge, common areas, cottage, rolling pasture (perfect for chasing fireflies), acres of forest and hiking trails to explore, and two streams to wade in. And don’t forget llamas! Family reunion guests at Earthshine Lodge love to check in on our mama llamas and their babies at the barn during their stay.
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
The property offers a variety of accommodations to suit the needs of different family sizes and guest preferences. From spacious lodge rooms with mountain views to cozy cottage units with kitchenettes, there’s a perfect option for everyone. Everyone staying on-site ensures that your family can spend quality time together, whether gathered around the outdoor fire pit or enjoying a meal in the lodge’s dining room or playing cards in the lofted common area.
What makes the accommodations at Earthshine well-suited for family gatherings?
- Each room is what we call “family style, ” meaning that it can sleep multiple people from the same family unit. Each room in the lodge has a queen bed, lofted area with two twin beds, balcony, and private bathroom. The cottage units each sleep four to six people and have kitchenettes and private bathrooms.
- Earthshine Lodge provides linens and towels for the length of your stay.
- The main lodge has four rooms on each of two wings, which are connected in the middle by a two story common area, which is a wonderful gathering area for meals, board games, live music, or simply drinking coffee around one of two stone fireplaces.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
One of the highlights of Earthshine Lodge is that the access to the entire property throughout your stay offers a wide range of activities available to guests. Family members of all ages can find something to enjoy, from hiking and fishing to bird watching and stargazing. The lodge also offers guided adventures with seasoned instructors, everything from hiking with a llama to guided nature hikes to nature and art programs, providing opportunities for family members to learn new skills and bond over shared experiences.
Helpful staff members can help you plan activities for your whole family to enjoy. Here is a list of current options and group pricing.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Our tagline – disconnect | connect| reconnect is exemplified in the simple pleasures that are part of a family reunion rental at Earthshine Lodge. When you escape to the mountains of North Carolina and get your family members away all of the noise from day-to-day life, Earthshine offers opportunities to bring your family together over simple and timeless traditions. Perhaps one of the most cherished traditions at Earthshine Lodge is gathering around one of the many fire pits on property for a campfire in the evenings. Roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and gazing at the starry night sky create magical moments that will be remembered for years to come. Ask about organizing a special event around the campfire, such as storytelling or live music, which add to the sense of community and togetherness.
MEALS AT EARTHSHINE
To make things as easy as possible on guests planning their family getaway, Earthshine Lodge offers a meal option for any or all of the reservation. Great food is an important part of the Earthshine experience. At Earthshine, we call it healthy southern lodge food, but we think you’ll call it delicious. Our chef plans menus to appeal to all and includes kid-friendly options. The kitchen staff at Earthshine Lodge is adept at adjusting menus to accommodate anyone in your group with food allergies or special dietary needs. With all exclusive use reservations, someone from Earthshine Lodge’s staff will work with you to customize menus and meals to fit your family’s needs.
CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR FAMILY
Every family is unique and Earthshine Lodge understands that every family reunion should reflect this, offering customizable packages to meet each family’s specific needs and desires for the perfect get together. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a large family reunion, the staff at Earthshine Lodge can help you create a memorable event tailored to your preferences.
THE LOCAL AREA – THE STAR OF THE SHOW
Each family reunion at Earthshine is different – some groups decide to stay on site, crafting an activity schedule with Earthshine Lodge’s experienced instructors and some groups plan activities in the area. Whichever, your family prefers, Transylvania County offers something for everyone. Earthshine Lodge is located in the middle of the “Land of the Waterfalls” so there are countless hikes to view waterfalls, for all experience levels. Check out our blog post (Earthshine Top Ten: Waterfalls) to see which ones are our favorites and for more information. If members of your family are fly-fishing aficionados or would like to learn, check out our neighbors, Headwaters Outfitters and their world-class guides. They also lead paddling and float trips on local rivers, which are always a crowd-pleaser in the summer months. Nearby DuPont State Forest, Gorges State Park, and Pisgah National Forest offer exciting adventures from some of the best mountain-biking on the east coast to gorgeous hikes with incredible views. Western North Carolina is a world class destination for vacations so your family will not be disappointed!
For more insight on outdoor adventures in the area, check out previous staff members, Matt and Jessie’s, travel book, North Carolina Adventure Weekends!
IT’S TIME TO MAKE MEMORIES
Family reunions at Earthshine Lodge are an opportunity to escape the ordinary and reconnect with loved ones in a breathtaking natural setting. The lodge’s warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and a wide range of activities make it the perfect destination for creating cherished memories with your family. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness, catching fireflies in the meadow at dusk, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Earthshine Lodge provides an unforgettable backdrop for your next family reunion. So, gather your family and embark on a journey to create lasting bonds and memories that will last a lifetime at Earthshine Lodge.