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Regional Happenings

Above: Shipley Farm Tours; Banner Elk Book Exchange

Winter Life!

Winter Wonderland, Snow Play, Warm Fireplaces, Holiday Festivities, Indoor Fun and more!

By Karen Rieley

Winter in the High Country is synonymous with snow and a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers. Beech Mountain, at 5,506 feet in elevation, averages around 80 inches of snow per year, earning it the title of “The Snow Capital of the Southeast.” Sugar Mountain averages 50-70 inches of snow per year. Appalachian Ski Mountain receives an average of 40-60 inches of natural snowfall per year; however, its significant snowmaking capabilities ensure a deep, reliable snow base regardless of natural snowfall. Towns like Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk receive around 30-40 inches annually. 

And there’s more than snow and skiing in the High Country for residents and visitors of all ages and interests. This directory lists some of the winter activities for you and your family to enjoy. Be sure to check websites and social media for each listing to find addresses, days and hours of operation, costs, age restrictions, advance reservation requirements, post-Helene updates, and other specifics, as well as town and venue websites for additional offerings!

Festivals

Blowing Rock WinterFest is back January 22–25, 2026! Four days of frosty fun fill the town as families and friends come together to celebrate the season. The festivities begin Thursday night with WinterFeast, a ticketed culinary showcase where local restaurants serve up their best winter dishes. On Friday evening, downtown transforms into a sparkling gallery of Artisan Ice Sculptures, perfect for a festive stroll while browsing the town’s charming shops and restaurants. 

Saturday brings the thrill of the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort & Spa, where brave souls dive into icy waters—costumes encouraged for a shot at the coveted Golden Plunger Award. Later that morning, spice things up at the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge, supporting local non-profits and sampling bold recipes until the pots run dry. In the afternoon, head to The Speckled Trout for the WinterFest Beer Garden, where local beer, cider, and wine flow from 1–4 p.m. 

The celebration wraps up Sunday with the beloved Winter Paws Dog Show at the Blowing Rock Gym, a heartwarming finale that proves WinterFest is truly for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike. Other highlights include steaming hot chocolate, cozy hayrides, and live Ice Sculpture Carvings that bring winter magic to life. For details, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com or call 828-295-7851. “Don’t hibernate. Celebrate!”

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock’s Festival of Lights takes place at Chetola Lake beginning at dusk, with close to 30,000 holiday illuminations creating a Winter Wonderland through January 25. As you stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, a Nativity scene, a colorful train, Rudolph and much more. The Festival of Lights is a High Country tradition, free and open to the public. Chetola.com/events-calendar 

Additional Holiday Festivities are offered in each of the High Country’s towns. Holiday decorations and twinkling lights are especially magical against a background of snow in the High Country. Check out the parades, along with festive Christmas tree and art exhibits.  

Mountain Attractions 

Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk features alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses, pigs, angora goats, dogs and more! Visit this mountaintop alpaca farm and connect to what matters—yourself, your family and a real family-owned, working fiber farm. Take the 60-minute guided tour and leave with a smile on your face and memories to share. Public tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday until January 3, 2026, then Wednesday through Saturday through Memorial Day. Expanded hours are available for private tours. All tours require advance reservations. applehillfarmnc.com, 828-963-1662 

Crossnore Communities for Children has something for everyone—eat, shop, and explore all they have to offer while also supporting the mission of Crossnore Communities for Children. Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery represents regional painters, sculptors, and fine craft persons. Enjoy these beautiful pieces and pick one to take home. Crossnore Weavers is a living museum, preserving the Appalachian art of hand-weaving, while promoting Crossnore’s work through the sale of beautiful hand-woven goods. You can also shop online at crossnoreweavers.com. Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop and Café is a sweet spot to purchase fine coffee, specialty drinks, breakfast, lunch, or dessert. Enjoy tasty treats for a great cause. The Blair Fraley Sales Store is the largest resale shop in the High Country and offers gently used goods to locals and visitors alike—find your next treasure! E.H. Sloop Chapel is well known for its powerful fresco masterpiece, Suffer the Little Children, by Benjamin F. Long, IV, one of only four master fresco artists in the world. The Chapel is open for viewings daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Located at 100 DAR Dr. in Newland, profits from all retail shops go back into the work of Crossnore Communities for Children. When you shop with Crossnore, you help provide hope and healing so children can thrive in their schools, homes, and communities. Learn more at crossnore.org. 

Earth to Sky Park, a venture of Mayland Community College, is an environmental educational park for those interested in learning about the natural world. Located in Burnsville, the Park includes the Bare Dark Sky Observatory for stargazing and the Arthur Planetarium, featuring a variety of programming for all ages. The park is open in the winter on Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., with select Friday dates for special programming. The Earth to Sky Park is an IDA certified dark sky site and there is 24-hour access to the parking area for stargazing. Please note that overnight camping is not permitted. mayland.edu/esp, 828-470-7584 

Grandfather Mountain in Linville features the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Weather permitting, the swinging bridge is the perfect spot to take in the endless winter vistas and capture the snowcapped mountains. Afterwards, head down to the Wilson Center for Discovery, and the animal habitats, where you can see how otter, cougars, elk and eagles stay busy during the winter months. “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge” celebrates the beginning of 2026 on January 1 from a mile high. Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m., and park gates open at 6:30 a.m. To help warm up on a likely cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer a complimentary hot beverage bar and doughnuts for sunrise guests in the Top Shop building from 6:30-8 a.m. grandfather.com/event/ 

Hawksnest Zipline is one of the largest ziplines in the country, with 20 zipline cables and more than four miles of zipline fun, a total of four mega zips and three swinging bridges. Zip over trees, through the trees, over creeks and lakes, all with incredible views. Open year round. Ages 5 and up. Hawksnestzipline.com, 828-963-6561 

Hero’s Axe House at Shoppes of Tynecastle in Banner Elk/Seven Devils, is a premier axe throwing venue with unique projected axe throwing targets. Hero’s hosts axe throwing birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, team-building events, company events, and a variety of other special occasions. Plus, its custom-built trailer, “MACK,” brings the excitement of axe throwing to you—at festivals, parties, corporate events, and more throughout North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Open Friday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Schedule updates are posted on their Facebook page. herosaxehouse@gmail.com, 828-898-HERO 

Linville Caverns, located in Marion at the southern gateway to the High Country, are the only show caverns in North Carolina. With a constant year-round temperature of 52 degrees, this is a perfect place to visit on a cold and windy winter day! See the winter hibernation of granddaddy long-legs and unique limestone formations. One of North Carolina’s natural wonders, Linville Caverns is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including trout, insects and bats, as well as rock formations and an underground stream known as “The Bottomless Pool.” The Bottomless Pool is over 250 feet deep! The Caverns are open during the winter on weekends only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., returning to five days a week in March. Bring a raincoat or a coat with a hood—the cave tends to drip! linvillecaverns.com, 828-756-4171 

Original Mast General Store was named in the early ‘70s to the National Register of Historic Places as one of the finest remaining examples of an old country general store. Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you’ll discover a place that Charles Kuralt called “…a destination.” Mast General Store in Valle Crucis has been “Outfitting the Appalachians” since 1883 with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. Warm up by the potbellied stove, mail a letter at the antique post office, and discover why some times are just too good to leave behind. The Mast Store Annex is just two-tenths of a mile down the road on highway 194—don’t miss their massive candy collection. mastgeneralstore.com, 828-963-6511 

Shipley Farms 

Join the Shipley Farms team for a guided tour to learn what makes their products stand out, and see first-hand how responsible farming practices make all the difference for their animals, the environment, and even the flavor of their beef. Travel back in time through Shipley’s history of farming in the Appalachians and learn about how it’s been done for over 150 years! Guided Walking Tours take place Wednesday and Saturday at 11 a.m.; guided Cattle Feeding Tours are held Wednesday and Saturday at 4:40 p.m. Book your tour at shipleyfarmsbeef.com/book-a-farm-tour. 

Sugar Creek Mining Company in Banner Elk at the base of Sugar Mountain lets you experience the thrill of prospecting for your very own authentic gemstones. You’re guaranteed to find precious and semi-precious gemstones in every bucket. The expert staff will set you up on the heated flume line and then help you pan for gems and identify them. If desired, expert gem cutters can cut your rough gemstone and set it into a piece of jewelry. Sugarcreekgemmine.com, 828-898-GEMS 

The Blowing Rock in the town of Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. It is also North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction and is deemed by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Enjoy the endless winter views and read the legend behind the attraction. Weather permitting, The Blowing Rock is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., so call ahead during inclement weather. Theblowingrock.com, 828-295-7111 

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk is the first alpine coaster in the NC mountains. Each cart accommodates one or two people. The track’s length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Fun for all ages, this thrill ride reaches up to 27 mph at the control of the rider. Open daily, Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com, 828-898-7866 

Ice and Snow 

ICE SKATING  

While others are skiing or snowboarding on the slopes, you and your children may enjoy ice skating. Appalachian Ice Arena on Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock has a refrigerated outdoor ice floor and is fully lighted for skating under the stars seven nights a week. It is the only ski area in North Carolina with a Zamboni to scrape the ice floor on its ice skating rink. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort’s 10,000-square-foot refrigerated ice rink has the added advantage of a being located next door to restaurants, retail stores and other amenities.  

SLEDDING 

Sledding is the easiest and most accessible winter activity for all ages. It can be done almost anywhere there is a hill and public property—an inexpensive plastic sled will do—and snow in the High Country is almost certain throughout the season! The Town of Beech Mountain offers the only municipal sledding hill in the southeast. Designed for kids, ages 12 and under; parents or other responsible adults are allowed on sleds with preschoolers. Located across the street from the Visitor Center and behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria, it can be accessed from Bark Park Way, adjacent to a large pay-per-hour parking lot. Strawberry Hill by Boone Jaycee Park is located next to Horn in the West at 527 Oak St. in Boone. The hill is wide, offering lots of different runs and plenty of space to spread out. There are smaller hills for the little ones in the playground area. 

TUBING 

If snow tubing is more your speed and comfort level, you have several great choices in the High Country. All offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, plenty of lanes, snowmaking, plus moving carpet lifts to quickly transport you back to the top. Check out Beech Mountain Resort; Hawksnest in Seven Devils with four different tubing areas and up to 30 lanes of fun; Sugar Mountain Resort located on the Sugar Mountain Golf Course with 700-ft-long tubing lanes, snowmaking and lights for night tubing; and Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing in Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, with 400-ft. long slopes that are steep and fast. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING 

Cross-country, or Nordic skiing, can be a lot like walking on skis, but proficient skiers stride and glide with ease and speed. The flat terrain is best for novices, and there’s plenty along the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially on Moses Cone Park’s 25 miles of broad carriage paths. Other Parkway sites include the Price Lake Trail; the Grandfather Mountain portion of the road near Linville for easy skiing across the Linn Cove Viaduct; the trails at Linville Falls; Roan Mountain, a place for serious Nordic skiers; Beech Mountain’s well-maintained trails and Emerald Outback Trail System; Elk Knob State Park, where cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter recreation are a main attraction for many; and the Greenway Trail in the town of Boone. 

KIDS’ CAMPS & LESSONS  

There is nothing more exhilarating than hitting the slopes in the winter! Skiing is not only fun, it’s also great in so many ways for you and your little adventurers. Skiing builds confidence, and the balance and coordination needed increases body awareness. It’s also great exercise helping to improve flexibility, strength and overall wellbeing. There are several camp options in the High Country offering ski lessons for children. 

Appalachian Ski Mountain’s SKIwee and Cruiser Camp programs are designed to teach beginning skiers, ages 4-10, and snowboarders, ages 7-12. The SKIwee program is for first-time and beginner skiers only and is offered daily. The Cruiser Camp program is for first-time and beginner snowboarders only and is offered on weekends and holidays. appskimtn.com 

Beech Mountain Resort offers several kids’ camps. Snow Kamp has everything you need to keep your little ones, ages 3-5 years old, entertained while you enjoy the slopes. Its daily program offers winter-themed activities, including art, games and more. Snowboard Learn to Ride for ages 6-12 offers hands-on lessons from expert instructors, making snowboarding fun and easy. Traxx Ski is a specialized ski program for children ages 6-12. Also, Ski & Ride School offers hourly lessons for ages 4 and older. beechmountainresort.com 

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort’s Children’s Snowsports School includes Sugar Bear Ski and Polar Bear Snowboard schools to teach skiing to children, ages 5-10, and snowboarding to children, ages 7-14. skisugar.com 

WINTER HIKES & WALKS 

The winter can be a great time to hike in the NC Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the North Carolina State Parks. The lack of humidity in the air and leaves on the trees can create endless crystal-clear views. Sometimes you can have the trails all to yourself and you can hear the sounds of winter. A few well maintained trails with great view opportunities are: Bluff Mountain Trail, Doughton Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5, 7.5 miles; Elk Knob Summit Trail, Elk Knob State Park, 1.9 miles; Flat Top Mountain Trail, Moses Cone Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294, 6 miles; Stone Mountain Loop Trail, Stone Mountain State Park, Wilkesboro, 4.5 miles; and Rich Mountain Trail, Moses Cone Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294, 3 miles. 

Boone Greenway Weekly Nature Walks occur every week on Tuesday until Dec. 30. Friends of the Blue Ridge (High Country Chapter) offers free guided community hikes. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Watauga Community Rec Center main entrance for the 3-mile Greenway and Kennedy Trail loop. Registration is suggested. Facebook.com/highcountryfriends, 800-228-7275 

More Fun & Games 

Pottery Night Out at The Pottery Lot on Hwy 105 near Boone, NC, is an open-studio session with no formal instruction, perfect for curious beginners and seasoned makers alike. Everything is provided: clay, glazes, firing, and studio time. Make a mug, planter, or a little mountain keepsake at your own pace while you unwind in a friendly, community studio setting. Just passing through? No problem—finished pieces can be mailed to you after firing. Come solo, bring a friend, and get your hands in the clay! All levels are welcome every Monday, 6-8 p.m. thepotterylot.com 

Replay Arcade is the go-to destination for parties, corporate events, and simply kicking back with friends. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere buzzing with excitement, laughter and the unmistakable sound of games being conquered. Replay Arcade has curated a collection of both classic and cutting-edge games, ensuring there’s something for every kind of gamer. From retro arcade classics that’ll transport you back in time to the latest games that’ll blow your mind, they’ve got the whole spectrum covered. Come on over, grab a controller, and let the good times roll at Replay Arcade. bannerelkvillage.com/replay-arcade 

Rock Dimensions Tower, next to the Footsloggers store in downtown Boone, stands about 40 feet tall and has more than 4,000 square feet of varying climbing terrain to accommodate both beginners and seasoned veterans. The “Tower to Rock” program combines a tower experience with climbing out on real rock, all in one day! Staff belays as well as belay classes and certification opportunities for belaying at the tower are also offered. rockdimensions.com/climbing-tower/ 

Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf, in the Shoppes on the Parkway, Blowing Rock, offers a round of golf in a warm, comfortable environment. Play more than 1,000 courses (and counting) from all around the world, all in beautiful realistic graphics of the most famous courses you can name off the top of your head as well as our own local courses, like Blowing Rock Country Club, Boone Golf Club, Grandfather, and Diamond Creek. Enjoy watching a game while enjoying beer and wine from self-service taps and lounge seating. Tee2greenindoorgolf.com 

Williams YMCA of Avery County has something for everyone! Visitors can get a day pass and access everything the YMCA has to offer, including the indoor swimming pool with water slides and aerobics classes, a wide variety of group exercise classes, the Wellness Center with cardio and strength machines, basketball courts, indoor batting cages, golf simulators, drop-in childcare and more! If you’re staying longer, ask about YMCA membership opportunities. Also, check out the Y’s newest local facility, A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County, in Spruce Pine, NC. ymcaavery.com 

Museums, Galleries, Art Trails & Workshops 

MUSEUMS 

Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone offers free admission to six galleries featuring rotating exhibitions and permanent collections. Visitors are invited to enjoy guided Gallery Conversations, ARTtalks, and Drop-In Artmaking sessions. Current and upcoming exhibitions include: “Contributing Structure through April 4”; “Telling of the Bees: Jake Eshelman” through April 4; “Dear Body of Water: Gretchen Ernster Henderson” through May 2; the “23rd Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition and Exhibition” through May 2; the “39th Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition” through May 10; and the “Campus Arts Corridor,” with installations on view through August 7, 2026. Admission is free. The galleries are closed on Sunday and Monday. tcva.appstate.edu, 828-262-3017 

The Avery County Historical Museum in Newland is housed in the old county jail. The museum collects, preserves and displays information, photographs, audio, video and other artifacts about people, events and places that make up the history of Avery County, North Carolina, and the surrounding Toe River Valley area. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. averycountymuseum.org 

Banner House Museum is unheated and closes for the winter season; however, history minded people can learn more about 19^th century life in Banner Elk and the High Country by using the museum’s free cellphone application walking tour highlighted on the website’s Calendar of Events page. bannerhousemuseum.org/calendar/, 828-898-3634  

Beech Mountain History Museum is run by the Beech Mountain Historical Society and operates seasonally with both permanent and rotating exhibits. The collection includes early life on Beech Mountain; chronicles on its earliest known visitors, the Cherokees; logging, milling and railroads on the mountain; and the Beech Mountain Music exhibit, with a featured area highlighting local storyteller Ray Hicks. Call 828-287-4478 to learn about special hours during the ski season. 

BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art and History Museum) in Blowing Rock lives by four powerful words: curate, preserve, educate, inspire. It offers free admission, dynamic changing exhibitions and a growing permanent collection plus educational programs and activities. The Patrick Dougherty: Pilgrimage exhibition runs through May 17, 2026. The acclaimed environmental sculptor has transformed landscapes around the world for more than four decades with his immersive, building-sized stickworks.  

During the Winterfest weekend in Blowing Rock (January 23-24), head to BRAHM for Cork & Canvas where you can paint in a relaxed atmosphere, with inspiration from A.Y. Jackson’s work, “Smart River (Alaska).” Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. A trained instructor will lead you step-by-step. Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary. Online ticket purchase is required in advance of the event, and several sessions are offered throughout the Winterfest weekend. blowingrockmuseum.org, 828-295-9099 

Building Sweet Futures: Gingerbread Competition at Chetola in Blowing Rock is presented by The Children’s Council of Watauga County. Handmade original gingerbread creations will be on display throughout the Festival of Lights at beautiful Chetola Resort. https://thechildrenscouncil.org/support-our-mission/#events

The NC High Country Fresco Trail throughout the High Country includes a selection of frescoes painted in small mountain churches in the 1970s by artist Ben Long, a North Carolina native. Follow the trail to see the following: 1849 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Fresco, downtown Wilkesboro; Holy Trinity Church Fresco, Glendale Springs; St Mary’s Church Fresco, West Jefferson; and the fresco at Sloop Chapel, Crossnore. The two newest frescoes to join the trail were unveiled in the spring of 2025 at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. One depicts the 23^rd Psalm while the other depicts The Good Shepherd. rumplechurch.org/fresco 

The Museum of Ashe County History, housed in Jefferson’s historic 1904 courthouse, preserves and interprets the rich history and culture of Ashe County, NC, and the surrounding region. Artifacts, photos, and interactive displays educate the public about life in the Southern Appalachians. View exhibits such as The Virginia Creeper Railroad, Veterans Hall of Honor, Music and Moonshining, Native Americans, Ashe County’s Timber Industry, Education in Ashe County, Local Furniture and Craftsmanship, the 1904 Courtroom, the Ashe County Victory Garden, the Ore Knob Copper Mine and Ashe County’s First Century. The museum hosts several events throughout the year, such as educational lectures, living histories, live music, and more. ashehistory.org, 336-846-1904 

Wilkes Heritage Museum is a private, non-profit organization located in Wilkes County, NC that is dedicated to the preservation of the rich history and heritage of Wilkes County. The museum operates and maintains the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Old Wilkes Jail, and Robert Cleveland Log Home. All of these sites are museums open to the public. Wilkesheritagemuseum.com, 336-667-3171 

ART GALLERIES  

Visiting the many art galleries, admiring the creativity of local artists in the High Country, and participating in art workshops and other indoor events is a great way to come in from the cold during your winter stay. One of the best resources for finding listings and details of all art venues in the region is the Blue Ridge Craft Trails website: blueridgeheritage.com/blue-ridge-craft-trails. You can also visit our local Arts Councils’ websites, including Ashe County Arts Council, Watauga Arts Council, Toe River Arts, the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes, and the Johnson County Center for the Arts in Mountain City, TN.  

In North Carolina: 

ASHE & WATAUGA COUNTIES 

The Ashe County Arts Council houses a popular gallery with rotating exhibits, and the Watauga County Arts Council features a gift shop offering local arts/crafts, four galleries and classrooms filled with arts workshops, classes, music lessons and “Arty Parties.”  

BAKERSVILLE 

Mica Gallery in Bakersville, NC, is a cooperative gallery of fine crafts and contemporary craft, showcasing the work of its artist members whose creative lives have been nurtured by the energy of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Mica Gallery is located just 15 minutes from Penland School of Craft, 20 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, one hour from Boone, NC, and one hour from Johnson City, Tennessee. The Penland School in Bakersville is home to Penland Gallery.  

BANNER ELK 

In downtown Banner Elk check out the Art Cellar Gallery, Mountain Hugger Gallery and the BE Artists Gallery (open on select weekends and by appointment through the winter months). Near Banner Elk, on Hwy 105 heading toward Boone, you’ll find It’s All About the Art Gallery, and Carlton Gallery near Grandfather Vineyard & Winery. Carlton Gallery features a spirited collection of artwork in all mediums with more than 150 local, regional and national artists. Just east of Banner Elk, on the road to Valle Crucis, stop and peruse the Sally Nooney Gallery. 

BOONE 

Hands Gallery is a cooperative of local artists, and The Pottery Lot is a community pottery studio and gallery focusing on clay, and more. First Friday Art Crawl is a monthly celebration of art and culture, February through December, 5-8 p.m., in downtown Boone, primarily along King Street. Local businesses, organizations, and artists come together to showcase creativity through various art-related festivities, inviting the community to celebrate Boone’s vibrant artistic spirit. Mazie Jones Gallery in the 1908 Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone features local and regional artists in changing monthly exhibits.  

CROSSNORE 

Crossnore Weavers & Gallery, “A Working Museum,” offers visitors an opportunity to watch hand weavers at work and shop their fine crafts and art produced by local artisans. All proceeds benefit the children of Crossnore Communities for Children. crossnore.org/crossnore-weavers/  

LINVILLE FALLS 

If local sculpture is your interest, check out Anvil Arts Studio Sculpture (by appointment). Studiosculpture.com 

VALLE CRUCIS 

Filled with a collection of items handmade in U.S., Rivercross Made in the USA features pottery, paintings, jewelry, woven works, and more. There’s even a cool collection for kids! Rivercross is located next to the Original Mast General Store in the heart of Valle Crucis. facebook.com/rivercrossmadeinusa/ 

In Tennessee: 

MOUNTAIN CITY 

Johnson County Center for the Arts is a comprehensive art center serving the residents of Johnson County and surrounding communities and visitors to the area who are seeking authentic Appalachian artwork as well as meaningful events and enrichment experiences. With a primary focus on young artists, the local art community, and Appalachian culture, the objective is to provide a place for artists of varying ages, abilities and interests to flourish by offering a venue to showcase, sell and encourage growth and learning.  

Reading & Educational Programming  

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a book. The Banner Elk Book Exchange operates on a “Bring a Book, Take a Book” policy, and has a huge collection of current titles, plus great spaces for reading, working on puzzles, and kids’ activities. The Appalachian Regional Library System is known for its wonderful collections, librarians and special programming throughout the year. Visit the Ashe County Public Library in West Jefferson, the Watauga County Library in downtown Boone, and the Wilkes County Library in North Wilkesboro. The Toe River Valley Regional Library provides outstanding resources, experiences and opportunities to Avery and Mitchell counties, with branches in Newland, Bakersville, and Spruce Pine. BannerElkBookExchange.com, ARlibrary.org, amyregionallibrary.org 

The Children’s Playhouse in Boone provides children from birth to age eight with an enriching, educational play environment while at the same time offering their parents and caregivers friendly support in the important job of raising children. Children pretend, build, paint, create, romp, stomp, and sing together. Children’s Playhouse features Sunday Funday every third Sunday of the month through February 2026. goplayhouse.org, 828-263-0011 

Music, Live and Indoors  

Check out the many restaurants, breweries and wineries mentioned throughout this issue to find live music, from jazz to traditional mountain jams, all season long. Also, check out this issue’s Cultural Calendar for winter and early spring concert performances. The Blue Ridge Music Trails website is your guide to the traditional music of the North Carolina mountains and foothills. You’ll find a complete listing of events, including listening and playing opportunities, at blueridgemusicnc.com. 

Old-Time Jam at the Jones House occurs every Thursday evening from 7-10 p.m. at the Jones House Cultural Center in Boone. Join local and visiting musicians and bring your banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin—or whatever old-time acoustic instrument you have—and spend a few hours playing along with fellow musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. On warm evenings, circle up on the Jones House lawn and porch; on cooler evenings, move the things indoors to the parlor and galleries. Guests and visitors are welcome to observe and enjoy the music but are asked to be respectful of the musicians. joneshouse.org/jam, 828-268-6280 

Theatre 

When the weather turns blustery and cold, a matinee or night at the theatre may be in order. Check out the offerings around the region, such as the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, several groups at Appalachian State University (Department of Dance, Hayes School of Music, and the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts); Ashe County Little Theatre in West Jefferson; Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA; BeanStalk Community Theatre and Blue Ridge Community Theatre in Boone; CoMMA in Morganton; Ensemble Stage and Lees-McRae College performances in Banner Elk; and the Walker Center in Wilkesboro, among many others. See this edition of CML’s Cultural Calendar for a complete listing of upcoming productions and contact information for each theatre.  

If the “Big Screen” is more your style, check out one of our area’s restored historic theaters showing both new movies and classics—you’ll step back in time when you visit the Parkway Theater in Ashe County, and the Appalachian Theatre in Boone.  

New Year’s Celebrations 

Ringing in the New Year is extra special in the High Country with most communities and some venues hosting celebrations. Typically, nearby state parks (Grandfather and Elk Knob) have first day hikes as well. Check their websites for details. 

At Appalachian Ski Mountain on New Year’s Eve, you can ski or snowboard at a holiday price. Slopes close at 11:30 p.m. for the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks display. Anyone on the property can watch the show from the balconies or lodge—even the parking lot has a wonderful view. appskimtn.com 

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. hosts its biggest party of the year on December 31 at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom & Grill (18 and older). DJs kick off the night, and the Red Baron Room Speakeasy becomes a Silent Disco with wireless headphones and rotating sets. Music on the main stage begins at 9:30 p.m. with Ashes & Arrows. Outside, a live DJ keeps the Village moving alongside a lineup of food trucks. Fireworks light the sky at midnight. Expect drink specials and a photo booth throughout the evening. beechmountainresort.com/event 

Grandfather Mountain provides guests a rare opportunity to experience sunrise at the mountain outside of regular operating hours and on a holiday. Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m., Jan. 1, 2026, and Grandfather’s gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, participants may only visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge area during the event. To warm up on a cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer a complimentary hot beverage bar and doughnuts for sunrise guests in the Top Shop building. Admission includes an entire day’s access to Grandfather Mountain, grandfather.com, 828-733-2013 

Sugar Mountain invites everyone, free of charge, to an alpine torch light parade at 11:45 p.m., followed by a fireworks show over the mountain at midnight to ring in 2026. The indoor festivities take place in the Last Run Lounge from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and require reservations and the admission price includes hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight and live music by The Collective. Skisugar.com/events/, (828) 898-4521 ext. 261  

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Have an event for us to consider listing in a future issue of CML? Email your press release to CML’s Managing Editor at tamara@NCexplorers.com.

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Many other events will take place here in the High Country throughout the season. Some of the best resources for event listings and schedule changes are our local Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Development Associations. Be sure to visit the following websites before planning your visit to take advantage of all that our region has to offer.

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