If you’ve been keeping up, we recently featured a blog post all about how to make the most of autumn while visiting the High Country. In just a little over a month from now, gone will be the fall foliage and it will swiftly be replaced by fresh powder here in Boone and surrounding Appalachian mountains.

We will officially be in the winter (brrr!) so we thought we’d keep pace with the changing seasons and introduce you to all the fun activities you can participate in when the temperatures drop. Snow be darned.

To make the most of your trip, and to get the full experience of vacationing in the North Carolina mountains, we obviously suggest renting a cabin with us at Kilkelly. After a jam-packed day out and about in the High Country, there could be nothing better than nestling up in a cozy cabin, fuzzy socks on, and sipping hot chocolate by a fireplace. But before you book your stay, let’s dive into all that you can do while here.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Chances are you’ve been cooped up in a house for the past eight months or so. We all need a chance to stretch our legs and ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain fits the bill perfectly. Open seven days a week, from morning to night, this ice skating is North Carolina’s only Zamboni maintained outdoor rink which means it will always be at the ready, whether it is frigid or mild out. Skating under the stars . . . how heavenly. Bonus? It’s a less-expensive and less-involved option than skiing the slopes, although that would certainly be fun, too.

Cavern Tours

One of the coolest (and driest!) activities you can partake in while here is visiting Linville Caverns. With year-round temperatures of 52 degrees, you won’t be too cold if you don a proper coat. The limestone caverns are only open on the weekends so make sure to plan accordingly and prepare for one heck of a tour!

Winterfest

Just a short drive from Boone, you will wind up in the quaint town of Blowing Rock. With festive twinkle lights and a magnificent Christmas tree in the town square, this little town is both picturesque and full of history (and things to do!). During January, they host a Winterfest celebration that includes a polar bear plunge for those brave enough, a chili cook off, hayrides through the streets, and so much more. Make an evening out of it and stop into a local favorite restaurant like Bistro Roca while there. Did we mention the restaurant is located on Wonderland Trail? We can’t make this stuff up.

Skiing

We’d be totally remiss if we didn’t mention the amazing skiing in the Western North Carolina. Since 1969, Boone area winter resorts have offered the longest and largest slopes in the Southeast. Explore all three ski resorts—Sugar Mountain Resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Beech Mountain Resort. So get out there and make the most of the season.

We hope that the above have enticed you enough to book a nice long weekend here in Boone. It’s truly such a magical experience and one within driving distance if you happen to live along the East Coast. 2020 has been a tough year for all so why not make the most of it and end the year on a high note with a little wintery vacay in the High Country? Need any other advice on what to do or where to stay? Kilkelly’s Cabins have you covered.