Memories at Mingus Mill

We met "Flat Lauren" at Mingus Mill, a two dimensional paper doll cut out with the picture of a very loved granddaughter.  We met her grandfather carefully taking photograph after photograph of Flat Lauren proped along the 200 ft. wooden flume, so she could be a part of the mountain memories.  My kids showed interest and so he took photos of the kids with Flat Lauren.

You can be a part of the mountain memories, bring you whole family to Lightning Bug Lodge and visit Mingus Mill.
Interesting facts:
*Historical grist mill built in 1886 located at it's original site
*Cost $600 to build it within 3 months
*Largest mill in the Smokies, serving approx. 200 families
*Able to grind more than six bushels (approx. 350 lbs.) per hr.
*Uses a water power turbine instead of a waterwheel

Last year it was in operation.  This year a part broke and the Mingus Mill volunteer eagerly awaited a government bill to pass for the funding to fix it.  You can still buy corn meal at the mill and help support the non-profit.  We all enjoyed listening to the mill history and walking along the water flowing down the miltrace.
Tip:  Watch for the signs.  The mill is not part of the Mountain Farm at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, but it's only a half mile north.