Lake Lure Flowering Bridge — Attraction in Columbus

This amazing example of community gardening just gets getting better and better! Every season brings something new. Individual or groups work on small gardens ranging from cultivated to whimsical to fairy to wildflowers and each is a show stopper. On a hot day, well it can get hot! But a recent visit showed me that a "misting" archway is now there and the kids especially loved that! On a practical note, there is a port-a-john, wheelchair accessible, parking, cool shaded gardens, most with benches, and the gardens have grown over the years and extend off the bridge and down the embankment (paths everywhere) to the river the bridge crosses. Easy access for parking as the Flowering Bridge is right next to the new bridge. Free for your enjoyment so be considerate of the huge amount of work this non-profit has put into reclaiming the bridge (read the history) which translates into please don't vandalize or pick the flowers (I mean really, how stupid is that?) There are security cameras in place. Whether you stop for 15 minutes or for a half day, it truly.is a special oasis between very busy Lake Luhr and Chimney Rock in the summer....

Honestly, the only reason we went there was that a power line was down in Chimney Rock State Park, but I'm really glad we did. It is really beautiful, and I'm really glad the community could envision such a beautiful use of the beautiful old bridge. Our 12 year old wasn't terribly interested, but had he been a little younger, he would have loved the tiny garden gnome settings placed throughout the garden as well as the children's book replicas. There were also age-appropriate scavenger hunts (that our 12 year old wasn't in to). It was really sweet that they had a literal rainbow bridge where folks could place memorials (pet tags, collars, etc.) to loved but gone pets. I loved the variety of plants that worked well with each other visually, and it was so fun to watch the bees, butterflies, and moths doing their job pollinating. They were so busy they hardly paid any attention to us. Finally, this is clearly a labor of love for the community who were there in force watering, pruning, and more! They were all very friendly and helpful. You really should make a visit if you are in the area -- and make a donation to...

This is such a nice activity to do whether its you and your better half or whether you're with the whole family. Its a nice walk over the water with plenty of things to see and do. They have a scavenger hunt for everyone. It is not entirely kid friendly by the way its worded and it has no pics for little ones to look at, but its a clever riddle scheme for parents and or couples to read and complete together. There are several benches to sit and enjoy yourself for a little bit, as well as fun stone books to find throughout the garden. Friendly lizards sit in the trees watching all the visitors and scurry across the paths. The kids loved see all the wildlife that was available. There are plenty of bumble bees too that scared the kids but are entirely friendly and will not sting. They have a lovely children's garden in the theme of Peter Rabbit and Mr. MacGregor, with a fun game of tic-tac-toe waiting to be played. There is a touch and smell garden for children to learn about different herbal plants. With so much magic and whimsy around every corner we had such an enjoyable time...