8 North Carolina Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
The winter months can bring other states to their knees with the ice, snow, and fierce winds. And while North Carolina gets its share, it is normally mild in comparison. However, some of these activities might bring more of a challenge, such as fishing out in the ocean, horseback riding in the snow, and hiking to an icy waterfall. But instead of keeping it safe this winter, put on your warmest winter gear and test the elements on one of these cool, winter day trips in North Carolina. And afterward, reward yourself with a warm bowl of soup, a frosty beer, or a nice, calming massage. Are you ready for the possibilities?
You can do it! Since 1968, Appalachian Ski Mountain has expanded to 12 slopes, with staff offering lessons to newbies. Be sure to book tickets in advance for a great day on the slopes.
Appalachian Ski Mtn., 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Arcadian Massage is a practice offering therapeutic massage services for relaxation, pain relief, injury recovery, and improved mobility, with licensed massage therapists. Book your appointment today.
Arcadian Massage, 133-6 Morris St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Enjoy these sweet animals while viewing the gorgeous mountains. An experienced trail guide will lead you through easy pathways. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
Bass Lake, Blowing Rock NC, 1 Bass Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Try The Ale House at Blowing Rock Brewing Co. and the crunchy onion rings with a side of your favorite beer made with fresh, mountain water.
Blowing Rock Brewing Company, 152 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Enjoy a winter wine-tasting at Six Waterpots Vineyard and Winery, a family-owned and operated business in the foothills of the gorgeous Blueridge Mountains. The winery is open every weekend with all other days available by appointment.
Six Waterpots Vineyard & Winery at Sullivan Estate, 4040 James Dr, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Here, Karon takes you back to her early years at Hudson School and her eighth-generation legacy.
The Mitford Museum, 145 Cedar Valley Rd, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Our Place Eatery & Tavern, 107A Fairway Ave, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Antique Corner, 4535 Lower Cedar Valley Rd, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Are you ready to have a blast in the snow? You can at Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park with more than 500 feet of slippery, steep fun and excitement on a first-come, first-served basis.
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park, 5865 Willow Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, USA
Order fried chicken biscuits, breakfast platters, or sandwiches, and get a load of these luscious S’mores donuts, for when it's too cold to make a fire outside.
HenDough Chicken & Donuts, 532 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, USA
Appalachian Pinball Museum, 538 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Most interesting are displays of minerals found in Henderson County and North Carolina, one of the nation’s most diverse mineral deposits.
Mineral & Lapidary Museum, 400 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center offer permanent and traveling exhibits exploring the old ways of mountain life and culture. Permanent exhibits offer a history of southern Appalachian culture, such as spinning, folk medicine, and moonshining.
Mountain Gateway Museum, 24 Water St, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
The Catawba Angler, 750 Ebenezer Church Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
If you're brave enough, try these hot babies in a special sauce of cranberry Chipotle, or have the signature burger or healthy kale salad.
78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
This gravity-fed piece of art was built in 1879 as an attraction for those visitors reaching Old Fort by train.
Andrews Geyser, 2111 Mill Creek Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Located in the Historic Hotel Troy, Uwharrie Mercantile is a place to gather, celebrate, create, and love, offering a decent beverage menu, homemade baked goods, and lunch.
Uwharrie Mercantile, 401 N Main St, Troy, NC 27371, USA
The 51,546 acres span three counties, offering picnic tables, benches, a shooting range, and wild, wooded hiking trails.
Uwharrie National Forest, 789 North Carolina 24, Troy, NC 27371, USA
Before you visit Flintlock Valley Shooting Range, be sure to purchase a daily or yearly pass at one of the designated vendors.
The approximately 14-mile-long Thermal Belt Rail Trail is gorgeous this time of year and becomes a winter wonderland in the snow.
Thermal Belt Rail-Trail, Spindale, NC, USA
Pilgrims Pathway Thrift Store, 225 W Main St, Spindale, NC 28160, USA
Spin City's Corner Cafe, 107 W Main St, Spindale, NC 28160, USA
"My Sweet Love" Vineyard, 241 Greer St, Spindale, NC 28160, USA
The Wilkes Heritage Museum was established in 1968 to restore the Old Wilkes County Jail to its original 1860 condition and bring an educational center to the community. Self-guided and guided tours are offered.
Wilkes Heritage Museum, 100 E Main St, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA
Look for seasonal road closures along the parkway before heading out.
E.B. Jeffress Park-The Cascades Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 272.5, Purlear, NC 28665, USA
What about trying this zesty black and bleu burger with hot, salty fries?
Dooley's Tavern and Grill, 102 E Main St Ste 1, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA
With more than 100 vendors, you will surely find something you have been looking for, such as these rare, colorful mugs.
Key City Antique Mall & Shops, 502 Main St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, USA
In addition to Bald Head Island, Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters are available at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington, Southport, Topsail Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle, and Holden Beach.
Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters, 5419 Peden Point Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
Winter is one of the best times to catch tuna, striped bass, king mackerel, trout, redfish, and snappers in the cold North Carolina waters.
Or better yet, let the staff do the cooking at the Market Café with this delightful, beer-battered cod combo.
Maritime Market, 8 Maritime Way, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA
Bald Head Island Chapel, 105 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA
We hope you have fallen in love with one of these cool winter day trips. If you visit one of these enchanting places, please tell us about your trip in the comments below. And for more unique North Carolina day trips, here are 9 more to check out.
Address: Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters, 5419 Peden Point Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
Address: Bald Head Island Chapel, 105 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA
Address: Maritime Market, 8 Maritime Way, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA
Address: Wilkes Heritage Museum, 100 E Main St, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA
Address: E.B. Jeffress Park-The Cascades Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 272.5, Purlear, NC 28665, USA
Address: Dooley's Tavern and Grill, 102 E Main St Ste 1, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA
Address: Key City Antique Mall & Shops, 502 Main St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, USA
Address: Uwharrie National Forest, 789 North Carolina 24, Troy, NC 27371, USA
Address: Uwharrie Mercantile, 401 N Main St, Troy, NC 27371, USA
Address: Thermal Belt Rail-Trail, Spindale, NC, USA
Address: Pilgrims Pathway Thrift Store, 225 W Main St, Spindale, NC 28160, USA
Address: Spin City's Corner Cafe, 107 W Main St, Spindale, NC 28160, USA
Address: Andrews Geyser, 2111 Mill Creek Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Address: The Catawba Angler, 750 Ebenezer Church Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Address: 78 Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Address: The Mitford Museum, 145 Cedar Valley Rd, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Address: Six Waterpots Vineyard & Winery at Sullivan Estate, 4040 James Dr, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Address: Our Place Eatery & Tavern, 107A Fairway Ave, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
Address: "My Sweet Love" Vineyard, 241 Greer St, Spindale, NC 28160, USA
Address: Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park, 5865 Willow Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, USA
Address: Mineral & Lapidary Museum, 400 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Address: Appalachian Pinball Museum, 538 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Address: HenDough Chicken & Donuts, 532 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, USA
Address: Appalachian Ski Mtn., 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Address: Blowing Rock Brewing Company, 152 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Address: Bass Lake, Blowing Rock NC, 1 Bass Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Address: Arcadian Massage, 133-6 Morris St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Address: Mountain Gateway Museum, 24 Water St, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Address: Antique Corner, 4535 Lower Cedar Valley Rd, Hudson, NC 28638, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.