Lake Toxaway Wooden Boats: Traditions Run Deep
Nestled on the shores of the largest private lake in North Carolina, immersing yourself in everything The Greystone Inn offers this summer is best done by water. People have been drawn to water for thousands of years now, which is no different for the modern-day explorers of Lake Toxaway. Whether you dive into a refreshing local watering hole at the base of a breathtaking waterfall, swim in the restorative waters of this secluded lake, or opt for a kayak, paddle board, or fishing trip, you will discover that traditions run deep here, especially in our crystal waters.
As far back as 8,000 BC, humans have used boats to cure our insatiable need for discovery. There is something nostalgic and beautiful about a wooden vessel. Since the turn of the century, a favorite past-time here has been discovering the nooks and crannies of Lake Toxaway by boat – from the Fords and the Edisons to the Rockefellers and beyond. With three wooden ships in our fleet here at The Greystone, we offer boat rides on these magnificent vessels to our guests and the surrounding community. Miss Lucy sets sail once daily during the boating season, a complimentary adventure that we offer guests of The Greystone.
As we forge ahead in the modern age, the art of wooden boats offers a glimpse into time-honored traditions. “My major hobby for the last forty years has been restoring antique wooden boats,” Les Rue says. Les, a retired business school professor at Georgia State University, is a passionate local restorer known for his expertise and care for the art of wooden boats and canoes. Before modern technology, boaters relied on peak craftsmanship and expert handbuilding, which is alive and well here today in our region. Les began woodworking as a boy, and his admiration for antique boats and the stories they tell keep him as captivated today as he was when this unique hobby first began. He continues, “We have a wooden boat club here on Lake Toxaway and we have between fifteen and twenty wooden boats.” With plans to restore a canoe this summer and a boat this fall, Les Rue’s passion for antique wooden vessels is alive and well here in Western North Carolina.
The storied traditions of wooden boats are a unique characteristic of the waters here, with the Lake Toxaway Boat Parade being a highlight of the summer season. For the modern-day boater, participating in the Fourth of July Boat Parade on Lake Toxaway is a quintessential expression of patriotism. In a fast-paced world, slowing down this summer on the waters of Lake Toxaway might be just what the doctor ordered to soothe the soul and quiet the mind.
