Winter Activities in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
I am locked in a merciless conflict against an army of leaves invading my lawn. No matter how many times I subject them to the mechanical might of my gas-powered leaf-blower, new partisans always descend from the branches to take up the fight.
Amidst all this senseless strife, one fact keeps me going: soon, it will be winter, and then my struggle against the leaves will come to an end. Once I’m liberated from the travails of war, I’ll be free to enjoy cocoa, crisp winds, and flurries of snow.
Winter is my favorite season by far, but too often I find myself staring out into the stark beyond, uncertain of what to do with myself in such inclement weather. Luckily, winter in Asheville, NC, can be just as enjoyable as the warmer months, given some local lore. I invite you to read on, and discover some of the best winter activities in Asheville.
One winter in 2006, on the banks of a snowy backyard, I had the joy of plowing my sled directly into a rhododendron thicket. As a hung there in the branches, it occurred to me that this all could have been avoided if I had gone sledding in a more suitable environment, devoid of such obstacles, i.e., a proper ski slope.
Fortunately, Asheville lies within about an hour’s drive from a plethora of ski resorts, many of which also offer snow-tubing, perfect for children, and those who’d prefer not to be troubled by convoluted ski-paraphernalia.
Just last winter I had the joy of skiing at Wolf Ridge (now Hatley Pointe), incidentally one of the closest and cheapest resorts, about forty-five minutes from downtown. As I careened down their bunny slope, rapidly realizing that I would never make the Winter Olympics, my heart was filled with thanks, as there was not a rhododendron in sight. I hope the same can be said on your own winter visit to Asheville.
Little says “winter” as sweetly as chocolate, hot or solid. As befitting such a culinary bastion as Asheville, the town hosts many artisan chocolatiers, as well as cafes and lounges just perfect for luxuriating in their creations.
If you’re after delicate, hand-crafted chocolates, the Chocolate Fetish is your answer. Their cases of truffles, dipped fruits, and their decedent sipping chocolate are enough to satisfy even the sweetest-toothed connoisseur. Open through the afternoon weeklong (save Sundays), the Chocolate Fetish lies within walking distance of Malaprop’s Bookstore and indoor shopping at the Grove Arcade. Both excellent places to obtain non-edible holiday gifts.
For a more intimate look at the art of chocolatier-ing, French Broad Chocolate Factory offers hour-long tours Monday through Saturday at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, as well as wine and chocolate tastings on select Sundays and Thursdays. Conclude your visit with a stop at their café in the front of the factory, and you’ll see you have a newfound appreciation for the ancient and irreplaceable chocolate-arts.
No matter the season, somehow I always find myself back at my favorite Asheville tea-house: Dobra. In the dark months of winter, Dobra expands their menu to include hot chocolate of tremendous quality. In terms of my own preferred winter activities in Asheville, little beats a stop here at Dobra, especially paired with a slice of their matcha cheesecake.
For countless eons, it has been my family’s yearly tradition to view the gingerbread house competition at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn. Each winter sprouts up confectionary architecture of unparalleled creativity; everything from castles to mock-wilderness, all made from that infamously difficult and sugary material.
On display throughout the Inn’s environs until early January, day-visitors are allowed to view the exhibition only at select times, so be sure to visit their website for details, and set out early. The past few years, it’s been one of the most popular events in Asheville.
Winter in Asheville, NC, for all its delights, cannot reasonably encompass the full slew of boreal activities. Fortunately, as the Paris of The South, Asheville lays claim to all territories west of Charlotte and east of Tennessee, thereby encompassing the small town of Hot Springs, forty minutes to the north.
A visit to their Hot Springs Resort and Spa offers opportunities to soak in hundred-degree mineral water, piped into modern jacuzzi-style tubs. Rates fluctuate given the size of one’s party, but typically sit around $60 per hour.
If one thing can be said about winter activities in Asheville, it’s that despite one’s best efforts, they tend to be cold. But a visit to Hot Springs is the perfect remedy.
5: Winter Hikes
When the skies turn gray and the air bites, it’s understandable to seek refuge in the warm indoors. However, some of the best winter activities in Asheville lie out in nature, beyond the comforts of human civilization. There are sites to be seen and trails to be walked, and remember: every calorie of body warmth you sacrifice can be reclaimed by a visit to a cafe or bakery later in the day.
Deep Creek
Lying about one hour out from Asheville, Deep Creek consists of a variety of trails lying at relatively low altitude, resulting in infrequent snowfall. And although snowfall may be what you’re after on your winter hike, Deep Creek gets out there in the bracing fresh air without having to contend with weather complications.
The trails wind through no less than three waterfalls, all of which can be viewed in a three-mile loop, peppered with bridges, steps, and few benches to make your promenade that much easier.
Looking Glass Falls
With easy roadside access, and a roundtrip running at about a half mile, Looking Glass Falls is as convenient as it is stunning. With luck, you may catch the falls at below freezing, when they are petrified in crystalline beauty, and the nearby Looking Glass Rock is covered in a reflective sheen. Since the walk to the falls is so short, this hike invites you to stay for as long as you can stand the cold, perhaps even settling down for some hot chocolate along the fall’s banks.
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
During the summer, cattle graze at the summit of this one mile trail, seeking shade under the historic lookout tower. In the winter, once all the leaves have been blown away, and the cattle have moved on, the summit provides 360-degree views of the surrounding wilds.
Your ascent can take place either along a series of rough switchbacks—designed for adventure—or up a gravel-access road, with a smoother incline. Either way, the sights from the summit are some of the best in the area.
Businesses Mentioned
Hatley Pointe Ski Resort
(828)-689-4111
578 Valley View Cir, Mars Hill, NC 28754
The Chocolate Fetish
(828)-258-2353
36 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Café
(828)-348-5187
821 Riverside Dr #199, Asheville, NC 28801
Dobra Tea
(828)-575-2424
78 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Omni Grove Park Inn
(800)-438-5800
290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Hot Springs Resort and Spa
(828)-622-7676
315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
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