Story and Photos by Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com

Looking for a new mountain vacation spot? Whether you’re searching for a camping site, a quaint cabin or a luxury log home, you’ll find the perfect summer getaway at Leatherwood Mountains Resort.

Even if you live nearby, a day or two at this quiet haven will make you feel like you’re worlds away from your everyday routine. Drive along the gravel road that leads to the resort and you’ll feel your worries drift away as you travel by pastures of grazing horses.

This equine-inclusive resort community is great for family vacations, weddings and special events, corporate retreats, romantic getaways or a simple afternoon trail ride.

Whatever brings you to Leatherwood, there’s so much to do on-site and so much natural beauty to enjoy that you may decide to stay a little longer than you’d planned.

“Leatherwood is the destination for people that are traveling here. They come here because they’ve found a home they want to rent, and when they’re here they rarely ever leave,” said Abbie Hanchey, Leatherwood’s event and marketing director. “If they do leave, they’re going to Boone or Blowing Rock to do a little shopping.”

The resort offers a vast array of lodging options in addition to campsites with full hook-ups, so you’ve always got a place to stay that meets your every need.

“We have 45 homes in our rental program, ranging anywhere from one-bedroom honeymoon lodging all the way up to amazing five plus bedroom, 8,400 square foot log homes,” Hanchey said. “Most houses have hot tubs, gourmet kitchens and Blue Ridge Parkway views.”

Welcome to Horse Country

While you’re on site in the summer months, enjoy a swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground for the kids, miles of hiking trails, fishing along a one-mile section of North Carolina hatchery support trout waters and, of course, horseback riding. You’re welcome to bring your own horses, too.

“We offer one- and two-hour guided trail rides for the public, and riders need to be at least seven years old,” Hanchey said. “For younger kids, we do leadline rides where we can put them on a horse and our trained staff will walk the horse so they can experience riding.”

Don’t feel like cooking while you’re on vacation? Leatherwood features an on-site restaurant and bar that offers great burgers, ribs, wings and salads, as well as four taps and a full liquor license if you’d like to wet your whistle. Don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes — there’s also live music every weekend.

If you can’t get enough of Leatherwood, you’re not alone, and you certainly don’t have to leave. The resort also sells real estate, with options ranging from lots, already built homes and custom-built log homes.

The variety of lodging options and luxury amenities combined with a pristine natural environment make the perfect recipe for your next mountain getaway, whether you’re crossing the country to get here or just driving down the road.

There’s a lot to do at Leatherwood, but the amenities are not the only thing that keep folks coming back.

“It’s absolutely the feeling that they get when they come here. It’s not necessarily the view or the house, but it’s absolutely the vibe that just puts people at ease,” said Hanchey. “It makes them forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are getting more able to dial out on our cellphones and things like that, but a lot of times you’re kind of unplugged while you’re here, and you just don’t get that this day and age.

“People just love it and they can’t get enough. They come once, fall in love and then they just keep coming back year after year with their families.”

Sold on visiting this one-of-a-kind resort? Visit leatherwodmountains.com for more information and start planning your trip today.