We’ve all been there – you plan your summer getaway, you pack your bags for swimming and hiking, and then it rains. Never fear, however, because there are plenty of fun family activities in and around Lake Lure for a rainy day. Here is a rundown of my top 5 things to do in Lake Lure in the rain, roughly listed by the distance from The Enchanted Cottage.
THE RIGHT TRACK TRAIN MUSEUM
This is a small model train museum right down the street from the cottage. It is dedicated to the memory of Larry Keyes who died from pancreatic cancer in 2007. His wife, Peggy, now runs the museum, which is made up of their large personal collection of model trains. All proceeds go to support pancreatic cancer research. Kids can run the trains themselves, and they have a collection especially set up for small children.


CHIMNEY ROCK GEMSTONE MINE
Pan for gold and precious gems (are at least semiprecious) and even fossils! This is a great rainy day activity in Chimney Rock. The friendly staff will help out all along the way and teach you something about the stones you find. Definitely worth a trip.
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KID SENSES INTERACTIVE MUSEUM
Kid Senses is an interactive children’s museum located in downtown Rutherfordton, NC, about a 35-minute drive from the cottage. It is right in the heart of downtown Rutherfordton (pronounced ‘Rufferton’ by the locals), which is in itself worth the trip. It is a classic old time main street, with plenty of fun shops to stop by.


HANDS ON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Another great children’s museum, this time in Hendersonville, NC – about a 40-minute drive from the cottage. Hendersonville has the largest downtown in western North Carolina (outside of Asheville that is), with lots to do.
EPIC THEATER
If all else fails – there is always the movies! The closest theater to the cottage is also in Hendersonville.
