Set Off on a Wintery Appalachian Adventure

Cozy cabin retreats, skiing, and snowy towns to discover this winter 

By Kellie Walton 

Southern winters may differ from those out west, where mountain ranges are dusted with white and travelers flock in droves to spend time skiing and snowboarding. But, the Appalachian Mountains rival those out west, and it’s one of the south’s best secrets. Starting all the way in Canada and running to central Alabama, the Appalachian Region sees some of its most noteworthy points in southern cities like Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, and we’ve got your guide to the best spots along the way.  

The mountains are calling, and you must go… here are six destinations you should add to your Appalachian adventure list.  

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia 

Tucked just west of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a crown jewel in Virginia. The 105-mile stunner spanning nearly 200,000 acres often features snow-covered trails and stunning scenery in winter, perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing throughout the park. Embark on some of the park’s most famous hikes, like the Range View Overlook, the Buck Hollow Overlook, the Point Overlook, Crescent Rock, or Hazel Mountain. As long as the roads are open and not icy, the Skyline Drive provides an opportunity to see the sights from the comfort of your car. Bring your camera as you can expect to see wildlife like deer, squirrels, and plenty of birds.  

While shorter days may be a bummer in winter, longer nights are a blessing in the national park. On clear nights, the skies absolutely stun with twinkling stars coating the sky. Bring binoculars or a telescope for premium stargazing.  
www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm  

Asheville, North Carolina 

Winter and Asheville go hand-in-hand. You can find stunning hilly landscapes, impressive properties, and plenty of craft beer to warm you up from the cold. A craft brewery tour is a perfect way to experience the city (if done so responsibly), and Explore Asheville notes several ways to embark on a boozy adventure. Consider the Brews Cruise, which comes with a designated driver/guide, book the Pubcycle that doubles as a brewery and party bus, or wander the streets on your own to uncover all the best of Asheville’s breweries. Might we recommend Wicked Weed, Asheville Brewing Company, Hi-Wire, and Highland Brewing.  

No trip to Asheville would be complete without seeing the Biltmore, the largest house in the country that’s situated on approximately 8,000 acres. The property is extra stunning in winter as the surrounding mountains are more visible, and if you catch it on a snowy day, you’re in for an extra special treat. The Omni Grove Park Inn is also not to be missed. It’s a historical resort hotel that faces Sunset Mountain (part of the Blue Ridge Mountains), and has been frequented by countless celebrities and prominent figures throughout history.  
www.exploreasheville.com/  

Wytheville, Virginia 

Tucked near the western wall of Virginia, Wytheville is a hidden gem worth visiting in winter. Head to the West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery, a family farm in a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain setting that produces small batch wines made annually onsite from each year’s harvest. The property is open year-round, so you’re welcome to sip in any season.  

Downtown Wytheville is a perfect option for a wintry stroll. Browse the classic shops, museums, and restaurants, to learn more about the city’s history and that of its residents, like the Thomas J. Boyd Museum that unpacks the town’s history or the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is dedicated to the former first lady. Wytheville also houses… drum roll please… the largest pencil in America! Stop by the Wytheville Office Supply to see the phenomenon in person.  

Wear your stretchy pants to Wytheville, there’s plenty of decadent dining options around town. Grab a glizzy from Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs, which was established in 1925 and is one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. Or, opt for dinner and a show at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, a 200-seat German-themed venue which presents outstanding Broadway style professional musical productions.  
www.visitwytheville.com/  

Boone, North Carolina 

North Carolina’s most charming mountain town, Boone, is one southern destination that’s more popular in cold weather than it is when it’s warm. Boone sits at a higher elevation, so it sees more snow than anywhere else in the state. Make plans to go skiing or snowboarding at Appalachian Ski Mountain or Beech Mountain, which combined offer nearly 30 trails and runs to explore – accommodating everyone from beginners to experts. Sledding and snow tubing are also offered if preferred, as well as horseback riding, snowshoeing, and winter ziplining.  

The adorable downtown features old-time shops, historic homes, and modern touches like the Horton Hotel’s rooftop lounge, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding sights like Howard’s Knob, Appalachian State University, and the downtown district. If indoor activities are more your speed, head to attractions like the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, or the Turchin Center for Visual Arts. Of course, there are plenty of breweries, wineries, and cocktail bars sprinkled throughout the city to warm you up from the inside out.  
www.exploreboone.com/  

Charlottesville, Virginia 

Charlottesville has much to offer in the winter – this adorable college town (home to the University of Virginia) is perfect for wine enthusiasts. There are more than 40 wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail, including one owned by former resident and renowned musician Dave Matthews. Swap grapes for apples and plan to go apple picking on your Charlottesville adventure. The family-owned and operated Carter Mountain Orchard is open for visitors year-round, and depending on the season, the community is invited to pick apples and pumpkins, plus browse produce like peaches, nectarines, vegetables, and flowers.  

Make plans to stay at The Clifton, a 20-room property on 100 acres about 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. The property provides an elegant, cozy wintertime home base in a “feels-like” remote setting. The rooms are well spread out throughout the property, so each location feels like its own private destination. While onsite, guests can dine at 1799 helmed by Chef Matthew Bousquet, who formerly worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The cuisine is largely inspired by the surrounding area and what can be foraged from their own garden.  
www.visitcharlottesville.org/  

Jackson County, North Carolina 

Winter is known as the “secret season” in Jackson County, North Carolina. There are fewer crowds at the lookouts, the mountains show off their frost-covered peaks, and the waterfalls freeze into a twinkling spectacle. The county is home to Sapphire Valley Resort, which offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating, among other activities. Considering it’s surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, there’s also ample opportunity for hiking along trails and taking in the stunning sights of the surrounding area.  

With winter being Jackson County’s off-season, prices are traditionally lower for lodging and you’ll find shorter wait times at the area’s most popular restaurants. There are a number of bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages, and hotels that dial up the coziness around town, so settle in with a warm drink and a good book before setting off and adventuring all over again tomorrow.  
www.discoverjacksonnc.com/