Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance as we look back on and thank those who gave their lives serving in the armed forces. While a somber observance, Memorial Day is also a great reminder to spend time with the ones we love and to celebrate the freedom that the fallen sacrificed their lives to protect. One of the most popular celebrations is a great day on the Lake; we’ve got a few tips for you to help make your Memorial Day celebration at Lake Nantahala the best yet.
1. The perfect entertaining venue
Reflections on Lake Nantahala provides the perfect, scenic locale for a lake day celebration. If you have access to a beautiful back deck or a porch, or if you own a dock by the lake, set up enough seating for your guests. Make sure that chairs are grouped to encourage conversation by grouping them in sets of three or more. By separating the sets, you encourage attendees to get up and move around between smaller, more intimate conversations, bringing everyone together.
The boat is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
2. Activities at the lake house
While lounging in the sun or spending a day out on the boat are the perfect agenda for a holiday, have back up plans in case of rain or activities to enjoy while at the lake house. Popular games such as ladder ball or corn hole are easy to play on the shore or in the back yard, while card games provide great entertainment indoors. If your family has lost someone in the armed forces, share your favorite memories of them to honor them on Memorial Day.
3. Activities in the area
If you plan to stay in town for more than just weekend, local activities are a great way to round out your Memorial Day and vacation week celebrations. Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center, just minutes from Lake Nantahala, for rafting, kayaking, and more. Get out your fishing line and enjoy a day of fishing on the lake or in the local rivers. Take the family to enjoy a sporting event, such as the 10th Annual Fletcher Flyer Bike Ride, heading through Western North Carolina on June 2.
Make a summer cocktail or a refreshing lemonade to enjoy at the lake house.
4. The right food
Memorial Day is all about the grill or the barbecue, so break out the smoker or the charcoal and get ready to cook up some goodness. Spread the table with North Carolina favorites like barbecue ribs and potato salad with a fresh pitcher of sweet tea, lemonade, or a Summer inspired cocktail. Consider your guests as you plan your menu–Are there any vegetarians? Is anyone allergic to anything? Have at least one dish that each person can enjoy.
5. The right mindset
While this may seem like a no-brainer, too often we use long holiday weekends to catch up on work or in a frazzled state trying to complete a project at home. Instead, spend some time in the “lake house state of mind.” This weekend, focus on relaxing, spending time with you friends and family, and being happy. You’ll be glad that you did!
Are you spending Memorial Day at Reflections on Lake Nantahala or around the Topton, NC area? Share a photo of your festivities with us on Facebook!
Photos via Flickr CC users DavidYuWeb, Ada Be, and 3Liz4.
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