Business

Equestrian Center buys the Lodge on Lake Lure

By Bill Moss, Published: June 29, 2015

Tryon Equestrian Partners has acquired the Lodge on Lake Lure, a lakefront lodge with 17 guest rooms that began as a retreat for North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers and their families in 1937 and opened to the public in 1990. The lodge is within 18 minutes of the newly opened Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring.

Mark Bellissimo, managing Partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, announced the acquisition on Monday.

The lodge has spectacular views of Lake Lure – “one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets” according to Waterski Magazine – and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The Tree Top Restaurant at the lodge is nestled in the canopy of leafy shade above the shore of Lake Lure where the views are both plentiful and breathtaking. Furnishings in the restaurant are clean and minimalist in design, focusing attention on the richness of beautiful hardwoods and native stone.

The Tree Top Restaurant is ranked by Trip Advisor as the #3 restaurant out of 2,371 in western North Carolina and has a “farm to fork” menu with ingredients sourced from local farms. The menu changes daily according to what is in season locally creating dishes like “Caribbean Jerk Brined Shrimp” served with pineapple pico and “Frenched Chicken Breast” with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, capers and veloute. Traditional favorites like choice cuts of steak are available, too.

With a consistent five-star rating on Trip Advisor, Executive Chef Ben Beasley infuses his passion for design into his menu. Most of the products, including the rainbow trout that is caught daily, are purchased from local farms. The pastry chef also keeps the dessert menu freshly varied. The restaurant now has a full liquor license and plans on offering a wide variety of regional spirits to round out its dedication to the local food and beverage industry.

For $65 (before tax and tip), two people can enjoy a meal complete with a choice between two to three appetizers, three to five entrees and two to three desserts. Located at 361 Charlotte Drive in Lake Lure, the restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday evenings 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Both the restaurant and Lodge are available for weddings and special events. For more information, visit www.lodgeonlakelure.com or call 800-733-2785.