By Pamela Hale
Macon, NC sits in the heart of the Lake Gaston region in Northampton County, and one of the things that draws people here is how naturally it lends itself to slowing down. The destinations within a short drive offer the kind of relaxed, unhurried experience that is increasingly hard to find. Here are some of my favorite places to unwind in and around Macon.
Key Takeaways
- WatersView Restaurant on Lake Gaston offers lakefront dining with views from every table, a menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, and chicken
- Rosemont of Virginia Vineyard and Winery, a short drive from Macon just across the Virginia border, is a 450-acre estate winery that has been in the Rose family since 1858 and produces 100 percent estate-grown wines in a setting unlike anything else near Lake Gaston
- Lake Gaston Outfitters in Littleton offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, premium outdoor gear, and community-organized paddle trips
- Lake Gaston itself remains the anchor of daily life near Macon, from fishing and boating to a quiet afternoon on the water
WatersView Restaurant
WatersView Restaurant sits directly on Lake Gaston at the north end of Eaton Ferry Bridge, with the dining room positioned so every table has a water view. Executive Chef and Partner Ryan Grimm leads the culinary team with a menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, and chicken, plus weekly Chef Specials that change with the season.
The kitchen accommodates most dietary restrictions, and the restaurant has private event space for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private celebrations on the water. For buyers considering lake properties near Macon, WatersView is the kind of restaurant that makes a community feel complete.
The kitchen accommodates most dietary restrictions, and the restaurant has private event space for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private celebrations on the water. For buyers considering lake properties near Macon, WatersView is the kind of restaurant that makes a community feel complete.
What WatersView Restaurant Offers
- Lakefront dining with views of Lake Gaston from every seat
- Steaks, seafood, pasta, and chicken by Executive Chef Ryan Grimm
- A small private room and a larger banquet room for weddings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and private events
- Year-round dining that reflects the character of lake life in the Macon and Northampton County area
Rosemont of Virginia Vineyard and Winery
Rosemont of Virginia is closer than most people realize, located in La Crosse, Virginia, just a short drive north of the NC-VA border and right beside Lake Gaston. The Rosemont Estate spans 450 acres that have been in the Rose family since 1858. In 2003 the family planted over 32,000 grapevines across 22 acres and began the transition to winemaking, producing its first estate vintage in 2007.
Every wine Rosemont produces is 100 percent estate-grown, produced, and bottled on the property. The tasting room is housed in an early American-style building with vineyard views, outdoor seating, and an arts and crafts gallery. The estate has hosted the Virginia Wine and Art Festival since 2008. For a relaxed afternoon away from the lake, Rosemont rewards the drive.
Every wine Rosemont produces is 100 percent estate-grown, produced, and bottled on the property. The tasting room is housed in an early American-style building with vineyard views, outdoor seating, and an arts and crafts gallery. The estate has hosted the Virginia Wine and Art Festival since 2008. For a relaxed afternoon away from the lake, Rosemont rewards the drive.
What Makes Rosemont Worth the Trip from Macon
- A 450-acre estate just across the Virginia border, with wines 100 percent grown, produced, and bottled on site
- An early American-style tasting room with vineyard views, outdoor seating, an arts and crafts gallery, and warm baguette available alongside wine flights
- Award-winning wines including Governor's Cup medals, with whites, reds, and sparkling options available for tasting
- Rolling vineyard views, open grounds, and Southern hospitality that makes an afternoon here feel restorative
Lake Gaston Outfitters
Lake Gaston Outfitters in nearby Littleton has built a reputation as one of the most community-minded businesses on the lake. It carries a fleet of more than 40 premium rental kayaks and paddleboards, offers delivery to the water's edge, and organizes community paddle trips, hikes, and cycling meetups throughout the active season.
The rental program is designed to make getting on the water easy for both experienced paddlers and first-timers. For Macon area residents who want to experience the lake from water level, a rental from Lake Gaston Outfitters makes that possible without owning any equipment at all.
The rental program is designed to make getting on the water easy for both experienced paddlers and first-timers. For Macon area residents who want to experience the lake from water level, a rental from Lake Gaston Outfitters makes that possible without owning any equipment at all.
What Lake Gaston Outfitters Provides
- A fleet of more than 40 premium rental kayaks and paddleboards available for single-day and multi-day rentals, with delivery to the water available for residents who need it
- Retail gear from Hobie, Wilderness Systems, Perception Kayaks, Aqua-Bound, YETI, and other premium brands
- Community-organized paddle trips, hikes, and cycling meetups that make outdoor recreation near Macon a social activity rather than a solitary one
- Hours Wednesday through Sunday and a short drive from the Macon side of the lake
Lake Gaston Itself
No guide to unwinding near Macon would be complete without the lake itself. Lake Gaston stretches roughly 35 miles, covers more than 20,000 acres, and offers more than 350 miles of shoreline. From the Macon side in Northampton County, access to the water is close and the atmosphere is quiet.
Fishing is a year-round pursuit. Lake Gaston is well-stocked with striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Boating, kayaking, and simply spending an afternoon facing the water are as legitimate a plan as any restaurant or winery nearby.
Fishing is a year-round pursuit. Lake Gaston is well-stocked with striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Boating, kayaking, and simply spending an afternoon facing the water are as legitimate a plan as any restaurant or winery nearby.
Why Lake Gaston Remains the Best Way to Unwind Near Macon
- More than 20,000 acres of freshwater with 350 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling
- Year-round fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish that draws both serious anglers and those who want a quiet morning on the water
- A peaceful, unhurried character on the Northampton County side that reflects Macon's small-town pace
- The kind of daily quality of life that is difficult to put on a listing sheet but immediately understood by anyone who spends an afternoon here
FAQs
How far is Rosemont of Virginia from Macon, NC?
Rosemont is in La Crosse, Virginia, just north of the NC-VA border and approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Macon. The winery sits right beside Lake Gaston, so the route follows the lake corridor through some of the most scenic stretches of the region.
Is WatersView Restaurant open year-round?
WatersView is open for dining and private events throughout the year. Hours and seasonal menus vary, so I recommend checking directly before planning a visit. Chef Grimm's weekly specials give longtime area residents a reason to return throughout the year.
What is the best time of year to enjoy the Lake Gaston area near Macon?
Every season has something to offer. Summer brings the most activity on the water. Fall’s leaf color along the shoreline and the quieter pace make the area feel especially peaceful. Winter is excellent for fishing, and the year-round restaurants mean there is always somewhere warm to land after a morning on the water.
Contact Pamela Hale Today
I have spent years helping buyers find their place in the Lake Gaston area. If you are curious about what living near Macon or anywhere along Lake Gaston actually looks like, I would love to show you.
Reach out to me, Pamela Hale, to start the conversation.
Reach out to me, Pamela Hale, to start the conversation.
