Written for “On The Lake” Summer ‘09 (Premier Issue)

LARKIN’S TAKES ON A NEW LOOK…  AND LOOKS AHEAD!

by April Adams

Situated on the southern banks of Lake Lure is one of the Hickory Nut Gorge’s longest-running restaurants. Larkin’s on the Lake is a rustic yet distinctive log cabin peeking over its mirror image along the smooth waters of the lake. Locals who live here know it as one of Lake Lure’s established landmarks- a comfort to a small community where businesses sometimes struggle to survive the see-saw nature of the quiet winters and fast-paced summers.

 At first glance, Larkin’s is the same restaurant it’s always been- serving up its famed Herb Encrusted Prime Rib and fresh Mountain Trout. But upon closer examination, there are some new sights around here. Owners Mark & Larkin Hammond have spent most of the winter renovating the two-story building. Following the restaurant’s 10-year anniversary in October 2008, they felt it was time to update the look. “Think of it as a little botox,” says Larkin Hammond. “We wanted to look ahead to the next ten years, and a little freshening up was in order”.

 For starters, there’s a beautiful new addition of native river rock to the lower level’s exterior walls. What was once just a slab of concrete is now a lovely representation of the surrounding mountain setting. Inside at the always-lively “Bayfront Bar & Grill”, where golden margaritas and juicy burgers are the main attraction, something else is anew. No, the dollar bills have not been replaced; those are still dangling from the ceiling baring love notes and initials from patrons of summers past. But the bar in particular has received a face-lift. Well, not really a lift… it’s more like a resizing. The bar has actually been shortened. Contractors were hired to reduce the bar’s height in order to create more comfortable seating for those wanting to sidle up for a cold one.

 But perhaps the biggest and most dramatic changes are upstairs in Larkin’s main dining room. Much has changed here- all in an effort to update the restaurant’s look and create a more comfortable, cozy atmosphere. “We want our guests to feel welcomed here,” notes General Manager Lewis Bentley. New walls, ceilings, and lighting were installed to enhance the ambient noise and to modernize the room’s look. While the décor has always been rustic, there are some fun new pieces like a giant canoe that is now the centerpiece- and conversation piece- of the dining room. The porch area, which overlooks the water below, has a new wooden ceiling making the highly popular seating area more attractive. Other add-ons like rugs, lamps, and lake artifacts have enhanced the renovation project.

Larkin’s on the Lake is the perfect spot for enjoying fine cuisine and great wines, relaxing over candlelight while looking out at the moon-drenched lake, and creating fond memories with family and friends that are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Yes, much about Larkin’s on the Lake is still the same. But the changes they’ve made inspire delightful thoughts about the next 10 years to come.