Last Updated on January 4, 2024
There are two kinds of people in the mountains: There’s the kind of person who can’t wait to get outside in the cold and play in the snow and ice. And then there’s the kind of person who takes a cue from native wildlife and hibernates until April.
If you’re in the latter group, you’re certainly not alone! But luckily, there are still many winter activities you can try in Western North Carolina to enjoy nature without risking frostbite—or at least, without getting chilly toes. Here are three fun ways to escape the cold in WNC.
Explore WNC by automobile
Sometimes pairing the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with cold weather claustrophobia can be a recipe for disaster. Now that we’re in the new year, get away from it all metaphorically and physically by taking a quick drive. Explore the sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway that are still open for the season. Or visit one of the many small towns within a short drive from you. Little Switzerland, located in McDowell County just off the Parkway, is an especially lovely getaway stop with charming shops and restaurants.
Are you from one of our many charming small towns across WNC? Head for the “big city” instead! Maybe you’d want to dive headfirst into the many post-holiday festivities or year-round attractions of Asheville, Hendersonville, or Waynesville (pictured above).
BONUS IDEA: If driving through WNC is not exciting enough, consider taking a passenger rail instead. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers family-friendly diesel or steam routes throughout the year. And a few diesel routes run on weekends from January–March.
Soak your cares away in Hot Springs
Located in Madison County, the town of Hot Springs got its name from one of the region’s most extraordinary features: natural mineral springs with temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes them a perfect way to escape the cold. Treat yourself, take a romantic partner, or share a group tub with friends. The mineral-rich water is said to increase circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body. So before you know it, any tight muscles you have from the winter cold (or from the stressors of the holidays) will fade away. While you’re in town, enjoy the many art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants open throughout the year.
Get your color back at a public greenhouse
After the vibrant season of fiery fall colors in the mountains, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to the gray days of winter until the first spring greens of March and April. Reinvigorate your color receptors at a local greenhouse or botanical garden. Estate guests and passholders can enjoy the elaborate Biltmore Conservatory where pineapples and orchids bloom year round. This glass-ceilinged greenhouse also features a variety of exotic hothouse orchids.
Or, fill the car with friends and family and head over to the North Carolina Arboretum in Bent Creek. In addition to miles of walking trails and outdoor gardens, the arboretum offers regular indoor exhibits, events, and educational opportunities for nature lovers of all ages. Looking for a little quiet time? On the first Tuesday of the month, the Arboretum reserves two hours for “Meditative Mornings.” During this time, the grounds crew refrains from using any electrical equipment, such as leaf blowers and mowers—offering you time to enjoy the sounds of winter birds.
Stay warm at home this winter, too!
The chill of the season has a way of creeping into your bones—and into the corners of your home. If you haven’t already, it’s officially time to winterize your home. It may seem like a lot of work. But winterizing your home is well worth it if it saves you from catching a cold and saves you on heating costs.
We’ve made it easy to protect your home throughout the cold season with this comprehensive list:
Everything you need to do to winterize your home
