Feb 1, 2025
Well, we have so far survived the cold and the little bit of snow that Mother Nature has conjured up for us here in North Carolina. Heading into February, things are warming up. Will it last? Probably not, but we will enjoy every moment of it that we can.
February, the month that is synonymous with “Love” is here. I feel it is a perfect time to share some reminders as to why you love camping and Sycamore Lodge.
Sycamore Lodge is a beautiful, historic landmark and you can see that the moment you drive onto the resort.
The lodge itself was built in 1910 by the Lovering family. They built the carriage house first, which is where the General Store is located and had their living quarters upstairs.
When they outgrew that space, they had a new home built using trees timbered from the property. This is now our beautiful Member's Lodge. Each room boast a fireplace, quality craftsmanship, right down to the original wood-burning stove in the kitchen.
When Mr. Lovering's creative daughter "outgrew" her parent's estate, he decided to build her a loft apartment of her own on the property, now known as our Artist Studio Cabin.
The Lovering's planted many trees over the vast span of the property, including the beautiful Sycamore trees that line (appropriately named) Sycamore Lane and the entrance to our resort. Mr. Lovering had them planted for the simple elegance that they would someday bring to the property. He was certainly right about that!
Over the years, the property has been a private residence for other families and even a hunting lodge, before the first 50 campsites were completed. In June 1988, the land was purchased, and the resort became known as it is today, Travel Resorts of America.
The historical factor and overall beauty of the resort is just one of the many reasons members return to Sycamore Lodge.
There's no denying that one of the best things about Sycamore Lodge is when you're here, you're with family. That goes with not only the staff but with other members as well. Camping goes hand in hand with family, friendships, nature, swimming, fishing, campfires, walks, lots of laughter and sweet memories that have been made already and those waiting just around the corner.
So much has been lost and/or taken for granted, with the invention of electronics in our lives. Television, computers, phones and gaming systems, to name a few, have taken us away from these simple pleasures.
In times like today, I am reminded of the line, “the only constant is change”. The only thing that never stays the same in life is change itself.
That being said, due to the changing times, Travel Resorts of America is having to make some tough changes that we understand will have an impact on our members when you come to our resorts.
Recreational Activities have always been a huge drawl and staple at Sycamore Lodge and not having those scheduled and on a regular basis is a hard pill to swallow.
We, the staff here at Sycamore Lodge, want you to know our commitment to you and your family's cherished visits here, is unwavering and unchanging. We are in our "huddle" and looking at different plays to make 2025 one of our best years yet.
We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how together we can make that happen.
As I wrote in the beginning of this newsletter, we are family here and working together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
Rod and I's door is always open, and you will always get an honest conversation when you come visit with us.
Don't forget, we are offering seasonal sites here. If you would like more information about those, come see me.
Be sure to grab a copy of our Guidelines at check-in. Please remember the speed limit is 5mph in the resort, all pets must be leashed and cleaned up after and absolutely no aggressive animals are allowed on property. If you bring your personal golf cart, you have to register it at the General Store when you check in. Be sure and bring your Declarations page for proof of insurance.
Let's make this upcoming camping season the best we ever had, full of fun, laughter and making new friends. We are proud to play a part in your family's cherished memories.
Jennifer, Sycamore Lodge
