Lake James: Lake James is an impressive waterway located on the line between McDowell County and Burke County. The lake spans more than 6,500 acres and offers 150 miles of shoreline. With construction beginning in 1916, the lake has since become home to Lake James State Park, a marina and several planned communities of lakeside homes. Lake James also served as a site for the filming of Last of the Mohicans.

Lake Lure: This historic mountain lake resort was created in 1926. Located in the cradle of the Hickory Nut Gorge, the 700-acre lake offers a full array of luxury homes, condos, lakefront cottages and golf properties with breathtaking views of the surrounding rock cliffs. The exceptional real estate in Lake Lure has drawn people from around the nation. The lake has also served as the filming site for several motion pictures including Dirty Dancing and My Fellow Americans.

Lake Toxaway: Located west of Brevard, Lake Toxaway is a private golf community on North Carolina's largest private lake.  This lake was originally developed in 1903 as a recreational playground for America's wealthy, including the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers. Today, Lake Toxaway offers a distinguished country club featuring a Tom Fazio designed golf course, tennis, fitness center and numerous lake activities.