Walk in a Southern Winter Wonderland
Winter is full of wonder in the South. While you may have to hop in the car to chase snowfall, ski resorts and cozy destinations are waiting to be discovered in cities across the region.
From iconic towns likening to gingerbread villages in West Virginia and North Carolina to ski resorts operating in cities all across the area, cozy getaways and snowy adventures are waiting throughout the Southern region. This year, bundle up and plan a getaway to one (or all!) of these Southern winter destinations.
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Self proclaimed as having the best snow on the east coast, Snowshoe, a small, unincorporated town in West Virginia has three distinct areas for every type of traveler.
On “The Mountain,” indulge in a variety of snowy adventure with more than 60 trails and glades, five terrain parks, night skiing and activities like snowmobiling, tubing, swimming, and backcountry adventuring. Visit Autumn Breeze Stables for a guided trail ride, or embark on an RZR adventure through the mountains that brings you to The Backcountry Hut for a three course meal. If relaxation is more your speed, enjoy a spa treatment at The Spa at Snowshoe, warming up with a hot stone massage or pampering with a spa manicure.
Off the mountain, stroll The Village, an “island in the sky” with picturesque cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, lodging and a spa. Stay at the iconic Allegheny Springs located directly in the Villa Central. Options range from a studio to a three bedroom condo, complete with concierge service, a heated outdoor pool, sauna and more. Enjoy a meal at The Junction Ale House or Cheat Mountain Pizza before an afternoon of shopping – the Village has no shortage of boutiques packed with outdoor apparel, dessert shops and even a liquor store.
Up the ante at Silver Creek, an adventure-forward destination. Here, visitors can discover night skiing or try their hand at a high flying adventure park. For a more beginner-friendly option, enjoy snow tubing from the six-story tube park.
Asheville, North Carolina
The downtown area of Asheville, North Carolina, offers the energy of a city with the crisp air of a mountain town. While fall is peak season for Asheville, winter is an excellent time of year to visit. With bare trees, Asheville’s many hiking trails and scenic destinations have the most unobstructed views each winter, not to mention fewer crowds and lower lodging prices.
Just a few miles outside of downtown stands the iconic Biltmore, a breathtaking destination year-round made even more beautiful each winter. At the base of the 8,000-acre estate stands Biltmore Village, a picturesque small town that will have you feeling like you’re inside a snowglobe. Bundle up and stroll through the historic, English-inspired shopping district, stopping in boutiques, antique shops and bakeries along the way.
Thirsty for more? Visit one of Asheville’s many famed breweries – like Hi-Wire and Bhramari Brewing Company – to warm up over a cold beer.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg has grown into a destination for year-round tourism. The city, however, comes alive each winter, with charming lodging options like cabins and chalets backdropped by snow capped mountains.
This winter, visit Ober Gatlinburg, touting a “mountain of fun for the whole family.” The adventure center’s main attraction is its skiing and snowboarding capabilities each winter, where visitors flock for a fun day on the slopes. With 10 runs in total ranging from beginner to advanced, Ober offers equipment rental and lessons for all ages. The park also operates an aerial tramway transporting visitors more than 2 miles in an enclosed suspended car. Or, enjoy an open air adventure on Ober’s Scenic Chairlift, each offering breathtaking mountain views.
Other winter activities include snow tubing, ice bumper cars and ice skating, as well as year-round attractions like a ski mountain coaster and a wildlife encounter.
Off the mountain, Gatlinburg’s charming downtown area is riddled with attractions. Snap an old time photo, visit one of the city’s many museums (including a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum), sample Ole Smoky Mountain Moonshine or pull on your coat to enjoy a knee-slapping round of Hillbilly Golf.
Boone, North Carolina
The charm radiating through the mountainous town of Boone, North Carolina, would warm up any chilly winter day. The historic downtown area features an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, backdropped by the tallest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. In 2021, the town became a Main Street America Accredited Program.
A few miles outside of downtown stand three ski resorts – Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain. As the oldest, Appalachian Ski Mountain operates 10 slopes and two terrain parks running tentatively from Thanksgiving through early April. The onsite, Bavarian-inspired lodge offers meeting and event space alongside its restaurant, ski shop, gift shop and more.
With the highest ski area at 5,506 feet peak elevation, Beech Mountain is a skiing and snowboarding destination with 15 slopes and seven chair lifts. Visit the Beech Tree Village to warm up around cozy fire pits or wind down with a cocktail from the Sky Bar aprés ski. Round out winter in Boone with a visit to Sugar Mountain, the largest ski and snowboard area in North Carolina with 20 slopes ranging from beginner to expert.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
In the heart of the Ozarks stands Eureka Springs, a secluded and peaceful mountainside town. The picturesque streets are lined with Victorian homes hugging cliff sides. Its entire downtown area, rightfully earning its spot on the National Register of Historic Places, has blocks of unique shops, boutiques, fine art galleries, craft emporiums, spas, museums and restaurants. As with many Southern destinations, crowds dissipate in the winter, leaving plenty of room for charming exploration and bare trees for views unable to see during the warmer months.
Cozy up indoors with a stay at one of the city’s quaint bed and breakfasts, like the Hidden Springs Bed & Breakfast, which features a jacuzzi for a relaxing end to a chilly day of wandering. For a more wooded retreat, stay at one of the tree lined cabins welcoming visitors throughout the town.
While crowds may be lower in winter, Eureka Springs boasts a number of seasonal events to keep locals and visitors alike entertained and engaged – including a three-month-long Mardi Gras celebration. “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) this winter with a getaway to the off-the-beaten path Eureka Springs.
Wintergreen, Virginia
As its name suggests, Wintergreen, Virginia, is a winter travel lover’s paradise. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the population of Wintergreen caps at 400, with the sweeping Wintergreen Resort comprising the bulk of the town.
The resort draws more than just skiers and snowboarders to visit, with renowned onsite restaurants, wineries and breweries, a golf course and lodging housed within the mountain retreat. Enjoy a meal at The Edge, a chef-led haunt with burgers, pastas, salads and an expansive cocktail menu, or plan brunch at Devils Grill to pair elegant fare with beautiful views.
Once ready to take to the slopes, enjoy one of 26 runs at the region's best ski area. Notably, Wintergreen Resort operates the region’s only high-speed, six-pack chair lifts to keep the adventure going as quickly as possible.
Plenty of winter adventure can be found across the South, with unpredictable Southern weather often painting small towns and major cities with unexpected blankets of snow. Whether enjoying the season at home or embarking on a chilly road trip, keep the mittens warmed and the hot chocolate in stock as you enjoy your own version of a Southern winter wonderland.
Links:
https://www.snowshoemtn.com/
https://www.exploreasheville.com/
https://www.gatlinburg.com/
https://www.exploreboone.com/
https://www.eurekasprings.org/
https://www.wintergreenresort.com/
