Let me start this review by saying that my visit to Fairfield Mountains occurred during the dead of winter, so please keep that in mind.

Otherwise, here we go!

We were able to spend a week at the Fairfield Mountains Resort thanks to a trial program my mother had signed up for a year earlier in Pigeon Forge. Designed to help convince her to buy into the ownership program, she was given a certain number of points which she could redeem for lodging at any of their numerous locations.

We chose Fairfield Mountains because it seemed to be the closest location to us. Because it was the off season, we were able to reserve a two-bedroom deluxe suite with a full kitchen and a whirlpool tub for a full week and not even use up half the points she had been given. The condo we were given was beautifully kept and fully livable, even including a small washer and dryer. We were amazed by the number of houses and condos in the complex- one right on top of the other, it seemed. For us this was not a problem because there were few other families visiting. We pretty much had the place to ourselves, but no doubt that the case would be very much different in the peak tourist season.

Although many of the amenities and features were closed for the winter, we were still quite impressed by everything that was available right on the premises. Dining, swimming, golfing, horseback riding.... it was all there. There was also a small convenience store located nearby, and even a Curves for Women facility.

Venturing out of the Fairfield Mountains complex there was also plenty to do, if you were willing to drive a little. The complex itself rests on part of Lake Lure, and in the summertime there are plenty of water activities available. Within ten minutes was the actual town of Lake Lure, which snakes itself around the huge 26-miles of shoreline. Right past Lake lure is Chimney Rock, a quaint little place full of interesting shops and restaurants, all nestled below the fantastic Chimney Rock rock formation. Another 25 miles past there was the city of Asheville, and home of the famous Biltmore Estate. In the opposite direction of the complex was the town of Rutherfordton, about a half hour away. This was the closest place to go to obtain major shopping and dining. It was not a bad drive at all, and we made it several times during our visit.

Also within a couple of hours was the town of Cherokee and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. We made the drive there, mainly to visit the casino, but were not that impressed with our visit. Had we been able to visit the actual Indian village we probably would have enjoyed ourselves more, but it too was closed for the winter. We all found Harrah's Casino to be little more than a tourist trap, and couldn't even find good slot machines to play. They were all video slots, with strange games and minimal payouts.

About an hour past Rutherfordton is the town of Boone, home of Grandfather Mountain. It's a curvy, mountainous road there, and a very treacherous drive to the top of the mountain, but it is well worth it. Known as the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the view from the Grandfather Mountain lookout area is just about the most beautiful I have ever seen. I was even brave enough to cross the infamous "Mile High Swinging Bridge" so that I could climb even higher and take in the miles upon miles of misty mountain ridges. It was truly gorgeous.

I would like to be able to write more about the amenities and activities, but as I said our visit took place in the off-season and many of them were shut down. We truly enjoyed our stay in spite of this, however. We had a lovely house, surrounded by majestic mountains, all within a reasonable distance of "civilization." If you're anything like me, and just enjoy being in the mountains, then this would be a great place for you to visit. The mountains are just beautiful, and no matter which way you go it is a fairly easy drive.

Added Feb. 28, 2004- At the request of some of the advisors, here is a little more detail about the facility itself. I would call it more of a development, really. You drive through a security gate into a huge complex of buildings. Acres upon acres of condominiums, some duplex-style, others all to themselves. Every way you turn there is another road leading to another set of them. The houses and landscaping are meticulously kept, and our particular condo was just immaculate. Everyone we dealt with during our stay was very friendly and oozing with, as they say, "southern charm." (They are as nice as they can be, they just can't drive very well!) Almost everything you could possibly want is right there inside the development. A restaurant, bar, golf course, swimming, you name it. Most of these activities were shut down during our stay, but I am sure they would be opened back up during the peak season. Incidentally, you can visit their website for more information. www.efairfield.com



Recommended: Yes