Find the festive, the peaceful and the just-plain-fun
Hi, I’m Alex! After 43 years in NC, the holidays still feel most magical on the Northern Outer Banks. There’s something unforgettable about seeing the Whalehead aglow during a candlelight tour or strolling Historic Corolla Village with a warm drink in hand as Santa makes his rounds.
When the events quiet down, the area’s natural beauty steps in: sunrises on the beach, wild horses wandering the shores, even a warm winter afternoon spent on the golf course. Whether I’m walking the Estuarine Trail or having a great cup of coffee at The Kind Cup, winter out here is the gift that keeps on giving.
Here are just a few of my favorite ways to make the season bright.
Santa’s got options — and you’ve got a chance to win
At Körner’s Folly, perhaps the quirkiest house in NC, even Santa has to stop and scratch his head. Where would you enter if you had 15 chimney options? Pick your favorite fireplace and you could score a two-night Winston-Salem getaway and more.
Step into a storybook this holiday season. Multiple of Thomas Dambo’s larger-than-life trolls, crafted entirely from reclaimed materials, now call North Carolina home. Hidden in forests and parks in Raleigh, Charlotte, High Point and Asheville, these whimsical sculptures are perfect for a wintry walk filled with art, adventure and imagination.
LeBauer Park stands out as a go-to gathering space in this Triad city, especially during the holidays. With seasonal lights, ice skating at Piedmont Winterfest (through Feb. 1!), and walkable access to restaurants and local shops, it’s a festive place to meet friends, warm up with a hot drink or simply enjoy a winter day in the city.
Sugar Mountain: Where winter starts and adventure stays
Carve fresh tracks on North Carolina’s largest ski area, glide across an outdoor ice rink or take it slow on a snowshoe trail. Then come back in spring, summer or fall — Sugar Mountain doesn’t take the offseason off.
The end of the year isn’t just a time to celebrate the magic of the holidays, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to practice a little trail magic with small acts of stewardship, like Trashing Your Trash. Plan a short hike during this season’s festivities and bring a disposable bag with you to pick up any debris you find along the way, giving the gift of a clean trail for other hikers.
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