Around Town

Explore lakes in Charlotte and beyond: From dream homes to recovery efforts

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

It might be winter, but we've already got summertime on the mind.

The curated articles below focus on lakeside adventures around Charlotte, exploring both recreational opportunities and recovery efforts after natural disasters. Common themes include enjoying water activities, focusing on restoration, and appreciating scenic views.

Several articles explore the beauty of Lake Wylie: The HGTV Dream Home is built on Lake Wylie, highlighting an upper and lower deck for enjoying sunsets and water activities. Another article discusses a dream house on a private lake in Charlotte, emphasizing its picturesque views and natural surroundings.

In another aspect of lakeside life, Lake Lure in Western North Carolina faces reconstruction efforts after Hurricane Helene. Though damaged, the town of Lake Lure aims to restore and reopen its area, symbolizing resilience and community strength.

The primary bedroom at Heather Harjes’ home opens up to a lake that’s private to the neighborhood. By Katy Perry

NO. 1: MY BEST FRIEND BUILT A DREAM HOUSE ON THE LAKE. AND I GET TO LIVE IN IT (SOMETIMES).

Home tour: House sitting for a friend is fun — especially when it’s a midcentury modern on a private lake with a swimming pool and an espresso machine. | Published September 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

Families walking across a bridge along the Hickory Riverwalk. By Ryan Donnell

NO. 2: DIVE IN: A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE-AREA LAKES FOR KAYAKING, SWIMMING & MORE

Just moved to Charlotte and ready to get on the water? This guide breaks down the best public access points for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing and more. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

Lake Lure Beach is one of the most popular spots on Lake Lure, North Carolina. By Sara Kendall

NO. 3: WHEN WILL LAKE LURE BE REFILLED? IT WAS LOWERED AFTER HURRICANE HELENE HIT NC.

To say Lake Lure has seen better summer days would be an understatement, a year after Hurricane Helene damaged the lake known for its “Dirty Dancing” fame. | Published September 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

In the dining room, Flynn paired terracotta wainscoting with a teal-known-as-Still-Water paint above, an unexpected combination that, he said, reflects colors found together in nature. By Laurey Glenn

NO. 4: BOLD OUTSIDE, TERRACOTTA INSIDE: HGTV’S CHARLOTTE DREAM HOME EMBRACES THE DARK SIDE

The 2025 HGTV Dream Home has landed on the shores of Lake Wylie, and it has more to offer than its views. | Published December 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.