Escape to the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains for an unforgettable winter getaway. See everything there is to do while getting into the holiday spirit with exciting winter activities around Asheville, North Carolina. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you get started, that way you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the best winter activities in Western North Carolina!
Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Train
Explore the beautiful countryside of western North Carolina on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Easily one of the top things to do in the area, you can experience a traditional steam engine ride with a variety of destinations and special events, including a holiday-themed Polar Express train ride full of Christmas cheer! Enjoy all these and more with a ride on this famous railway and explore the surrounding area in style.
Enjoy Holiday Decor at The Biltmore
Make your North Carolina winter getaway truly memorable with a visit to The Biltmore. Extravagant decor and an old-fashioned Christmas awaits in the hallowed halls of the venerable Biltmore, an expansive Victorian-style mansion known as “America’s Largest Home.” Explore the beautiful interior during the day and see the estate grounds covered in glittering lights at night. The surrounding Antler Hill Village is also decorated for the season, and you should take the opportunity to explore the area’s many wonderful shops, restaurants, and an award-winning winery during your stay. After a busy day of adventuring you can head back to the Engadine Inn and warm up in your cozy room by the fire.
Try Snow Tubing at Cataloochee Ski Area
Snowy fun for all ages, Tube World at Cataloochee Ski Area is sure to bring out the inner kid in you! No need to search for the perfect hill with Tube World’s groomed slope ensuring plenty of speed and spectacular views from the top. There’s no better way to relax and have some fun in the midst of a busy holiday season.
Be Dazzled at the Festival of Lights
One of Candler’s truly essential and most popular events is the annual Festival of Lights, hosted by the North Carolina Arboretum. Stroll through the outdoor gardens and see the wonder of thousands of lights all coming together to create a feast for the eyes, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Created with artistry in mind, each year beautiful scenes are made with lights in addition to their famous 50-foot lighted tree that occupies the center of the displays. We highly recommend a visit for new and returning visitors alike as it’s easily one of the best events in town during this time of year.
Get Outside & Try a Winter Hike
Make sure and dress up in your warmest clothes for a brisk winter hike to see some spectacular formations only visible in the winter. Both Dupont State Forest and Looking Glass Falls feature gorgeous frozen waterfalls that make for amazing photos to post on social media. Looking Glass Falls is also a popular proposal spot, so it might just be the perfect place if you’re looking to pop the question. Both falls are stunning sights surrounded by the beauty of nature in wintertime and make for wonderful opportunities to take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping.
Warm Up at the Inn
If you’re considering a winter getaway here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, then a stay at Engadine Inn and Cabins might be just the ticket. A beautiful country retreat with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay close to a wide variety of activities and events. Come back to your room after a day out in the cold and bundle up in private rooms and comfy cabins with king and queen beds, fireplaces, and luxurious jetted tubs available in some rooms. Plan the perfect winter getaway at our private cabins near Asheville and have an unforgettable time here at Engadine. We hope to see you soon!
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