As the temperatures drop and the Holiday Season draws near, what could be better than enjoying a cocktail and a meal next to a toasty fire? We’ve made a list of restaurants that offer fireside drinks or dinner that are sure to entice you to brave the cold.
Back for 2023! Enjoy the wonder of the Tweetsie Railroad dazzlingly lit for the holidays! The train ride will feature over one million lights on its open-air route. Dress warmly to enjoy this special treat. See Santa in his Ginger Bread House, warm up to a campfire at the Hacienda, enjoy the lights on Main Street and the Christmas trees, visit the shops, and more.
Chetola Resort features a sparkling display of lights each winter season! The “Festival of Lights” is free and open to the public, and you are invited to enjoy thousands of dazzling illuminations throughout the resort.
Did you know there are three ski resorts in the High Country? And a snow tubing park! All season long, they supplement natural snowfall and maintain awesome conditions for your enjoyment. The snow sports season generally runs through Mid- March. When there’s a natural snowfall, Blowing Rock is an excellent location for snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience. Here are some great hikes to check out during the winter. Carriage Trails at Moses Cone Park Moses Cone Park has 25 miles of carriage roads that offer great opportunities for hiking. Take the trail up to Flat Top Tower, where you can see great panoramic views of our mountains. On the way up, stop by Cone Cemetery which contains the tombstones of Moses H. Cone, his wife, Bertha Cone, and his wife’s two sisters. You can also stroll around both Bass and Trout Lake to observe the beautiful winter scenery as well as admiring the Maze and apple barn. Also in the winter, it is a great spot for cross-country skiers! You can access the Carriage Trails through the Blue Ridge Parkway, or they can be accessed by 221 and Shulls Mill Rd. See more details and a trail map on the National Park Service website. Mountain to Sea Trail Segment 5 of the Mountain to Sea Trail features many of our great natural landscape spots. Depending on how much you hike, you can see views of areas such as Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct,Table Rock, Thunderhill, and Moses Cone. This section of the Mountain to Sea Trail also can be enjoyed as a series of 14 different day hikes. To view these hikes and to learn more information, visit Mountain to Sea Trail online. Blue Ridge Parkway The Parkway is home to many fabulous hiking spots. Some amazing trails on the parkway include Rough Ridge Lookout, Boone Fork Trail , Beacon Heights Trail, and more! Even though there are trails and overlooks that are beautiful in winter weather, there may be times where the Parkway closes to inclement weather. To see whether certain parts of the Parkway are closed, make sure to either call (828) 298-0398 or visit them online. Many of them can be accessed by overlooks. Check for Blue Ridge Parkway closures here Boone Greenway The Greenway is perfect for anyone that wants to take a quick stroll to see beautiful winter weather! The Greenway runs from one end of Boone to the other and hosts hikers, walkers, runners, cyclists and more. Parts of the greenway are paved, so it’s easily handicap accessible. The paved portion of the trail is less than 4 miles long. Following rivers and crossing several scenic bridges, it is a great excursion in the winter. There are gravel and light trails that weave through the paved part of the greenway, if you want to wander and see more! The Greenway also features plenty of parking, water fountains, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities! See more details and get a map on ExploreBoone.com. Elk Knob State Park Elk Knob State Park has one of the highest peaks in North Carolina’s high country at 5,520 feet. The entire park features 4 different trails that you can choose from, that offer great fun and beautiful views. Embark 1.9-miles on then Summit Trail, where you will catch panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and more! You can also take their one-mile loop, kid friendly, Beech Tree Trail. They also feature great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing! The park attempts to stay open throughout the winter. Between November and February, Elk Knob State park is open from 8am – 6pm. For more information, visit Elk Knob State Park’s website For more winter hiking ideas, visit High Country Host’s top 5 winter hikes To see other recreational activities in Blowing Rock, click here
Starting mid-November, area tree farms are ready to help you find your perfect tree. Walk among the rows to find just the right height, width, and type! Local farms specialize in the well-loved Frasier Fir, but you can also find White Pine and Blue Spruce trees, wreaths, and garlands at farms in the High Country.
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock delivers with snowy slopes and outdoor ice skating for the holidays! Enjoy a variety of slopes and exciting terrain parks at this family-friendly resort.
What better place to ring in the New Year than the vibrant Village of Blowing Rock? From winter hiking and skiing to shopping, family attractions, amazing views, creative restaurants, and a variety of accommodations, Blowing Rock is the perfect destination to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024!
© 2024, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
