Last Updated on January 5, 2026
Western North Carolina has a long and rich history of fine visual arts and traditional crafts. And that tradition continues today throughout our small towns and cities. It’s easy to discover local art at dedicated galleries, studios, events, and even along street corridors.
If you’re searching for local art in Lake Lure, you don’t have to go far! Here are four places you can discover local art in Lake Lure, NC.
Art galleries in Lake Lure
This year, purchase local art for your home at one of Lake Lure’s dedicated galleries. The main stop for art collectors seeking contemporary wildlife art is Doug Bowman Galleries. Bowman handcrafts red oak lamp bases with shades made from 12-gauge copper sheets. Framed art prints and custom furniture are also available. Bowman’s American-made decor is the perfect addition to any mountain home!
Buildings and businesses in Lake Lure
With comparatively few galleries in which to showcase their work, Lake Lure artists have found innovative solutions. For instance, the Mountains Branch Public Library in Lake Lure displays local art on a rotating basis. A number of gift shops also carry work from local artists, as well as varieties of homegoods, decor, and more. We recommend Willow Creek and Natives Rest Candles. HipHen Uniques is a vintage and antique store that also carries upcycled products from local artisans.
Nearby Chimney Rock Village is decorated with a collection of vintage postcard murals painted outside the public restrooms and along the nearby wall. It’s one stop along Rutherford County’s self-guided Art Mural Tour. Another stop is at the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
Mother Nature has created a series of masterpieces in the vistas surrounding Lake Lure! And at least one local volunteer group works hard to concentrate that beauty along the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. In recent months, a new vision for the bridge has emerged, which has caused the group to rethink their 30 themed gardens. However, they are currently operating from their Education Center and will share new gardens—likely chock full of artistic items—as they become established.
Art events in Lake Lure
Held twice annually, the Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival has been a local tradition since the 1980s. Each iteration is a celebration of Appalachian arts and crafts in a gorgeous mountain setting. Enjoy shopping for wonderful art and handmade crafts from the festival’s 90+ artisan vendors. Quite a few artisans demonstrate their artistic talents and crafting skills by creating new works at the event. Take a break from shopping to enjoy great music, dancing, and food and refreshment vendors. A kids zone offers mini golf and face painting. Mark your calendar now to attend this year’s events!
The Lake Lure Artists collective also hosts an annual art sale each November.
Create your artistic masterpiece in Lake Lure, NC
Enjoy nature’s art from your picture window each day!
Waterfront mountain real estate is something that is rare, indeed. Along the shoreline of Lake Lure, there is a unique variety of homes ranging from the historic to the modern, from the somewhat rustic to the state of the art. No center of leisure would be complete without good options for wining and dining, punctuated by the beauty of local art. Lake Lure satisfies in this respect, as well. The town and its environs offer no shortage of amusements and something for just about everybody.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home now in Lake Lure, NC!
