Asheville often makes lists of top tourist destinations for summer fun and fall colors. Now that leaf season is over, are you wondering what else there is to do in Western North Carolina when the temperature drops? Our area, adorned with diverse landscapes and stunning natural features, is perfect in every season. How unique is winter in WNC? Read on!
The Southern Appalachians in Wintertime
Can you believe the fact that the Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest in the world? They are even the same mountains that make up parts of Ireland and Scotland! Because these mountains are so ancient, the landscape gives way to so much beauty in all seasons. While we experience relatively mild winters in Western North Carolina when it snows, the mountains are covered in beautiful blankets of white. They are gorgeous to see when it’s safe to travel on the mountain roads. We think leaf season is a jewel, but winter is like a diamond.
Activities in WNC
Just because it’s chillier doesn’t mean you have to hibernate inside – there is still so much to do in the Asheville area over the holiday season. Family-friendly events at several of our most popular attractions are great for locals and visitors alike.
- Arboretum Winter Lights
- Our Arboretum is a unique botanical garden that boasts one of the area’s most impressive holiday light displays. Every square inch of this massive gardens is covered in gorgeous lights that create a relaxing and magical winter wonderland. Enjoy hot cocoa or smores by the firepits as a part of this adventure.
Buy tickets here.
- Our Arboretum is a unique botanical garden that boasts one of the area’s most impressive holiday light displays. Every square inch of this massive gardens is covered in gorgeous lights that create a relaxing and magical winter wonderland. Enjoy hot cocoa or smores by the firepits as a part of this adventure.
- Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn
- The National Gingerbread House Competition is held here in Asheville every year. Hundreds of handmade gingerbread sculptures spanning across many categories are displayed at the historic Grove Park Inn. Not only are the gingerbread houses gorgeous, but so is the Grove Park Inn, which opened in 1913 and was a favorite of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Henry Ford, and several other U.S. presidents.
- Christmas at Biltmore
- If Asheville is known for anything, it’s for the Biltmore House. The magnitude of the Vanderbilt southern estate is not overstated, and it’s a gorgeous place to visit. During the holiday season the staff decorates the entire house, including a massive tree. For real holiday-fanatics, this visit is well worth it.
- Hiking in the Winter
- Of course, you don’t need to pay immerse yourself in Western North Carolina’s winter splendor. There are so many trails throughout the area that we couldn’t recommend just one. Seeing frozen waterfalls in the wintertime is magical, and hiking with no leaves on the trees gives you unforgettable views for miles in every direction.
Winter Sports in Western North Carolina
Do you like winter sports? Your mind may instantly go to the Rockies for skiing and snowboarding in Colorado or Canada, but the Appalachian Mountains have plenty of charm and opportunity to stretch your wintery legs.
Check out these local resorts for winter sports:
We want to hear from you!
What are your favorite wintertime activities in Western North Carolina?
Are you looking to relocate to our area? Contact the team at GoPrime Mortgage in West Asheville.
