Couple brings new life to 'pumpkin center'

Brightly colored orange and creamy, pale white pumpkins adorn the yard of Brad and Jaimee Peters Lake Lure yard. It's a sight those in the community are excited to see again.

The Peters, who own Lake Lure Marine, own the home that was the former "Pumpkin Center of the South," a business owned by the Whiteside family. The couple moved to the area in the spring of 2014, after discovering Lake Lure on a family vacation.

"We never wanted to leave," said Jaimee. "We returned several times and began searching for a vacation home, and our dreams came to life when found an old farm for sale."

It wasn't long after, she continued, that the family decided to make Lake Lure their permanent home. Both Jaimee and Brad have a background in the marine industry; Lake Lure offered a place for them to use this experience to open Lake Lure Marine.

After moving to the farm, the couple said people began to ask them about pumpkins. Talking with the Whiteside family, they learned how important the pumpkins had been to the area.

"We thought it (growing and selling pumpkins) would be a great tradition to bring back to the community," Jaimee said. "When we met Ronnie (Whiteside) and he mentioned the possibility of growing and selling pumpkins again on our property, it was not a difficult decision to move forward. We love having the pumpkins out front."

Having the pumpkins available is just one way the family can give back to the community that has embraced them. Brad recalls moving into the house before Jaimee and daughter, Skylar, joined him. He was invited to join other community members for dinner, something he hadn't encountered while living in Wilmington.

"People coming from a big city don't have the community like is here. Everybody is super helpful and supportive," he said.

The family is adjusting to small town life and are excited to offer pumpkins on site each year as they continue to grow Lake Lure Marine.

Pumpkins are available for sell now; "pumpkin center" is open until just before dark. Pumpkins have a great shelf life, so now is the time to stock up for Thanksgiving and Christmas pies and desserts, Jaimee said. The heritage pumpkins, which are a lighter orange, make the best pies, muffins and cakes.

And as for what is best for carving for Halloween?

"Whatever moves you," she said. "We have a variety of decorative pumpkins and gourds."

For more information, visit lakeluremarine.com or their Facebook page at Facebook.com/lakeluremarine.