Make this season even brighter

While many areas of Western North Carolina work to recover and rebuild from the impact of Hurricane Helene, one way to support the state is to visit the cities and counties that are open and welcoming guests. Explore our interactive map below and discover destinations currently ready and able to receive you.

Explore What's Open

Snowy peaks and festive treats

While holidays shine in signature events throughout the state, there is a special kind of magic made every day among the warm hospitality of local seasonal happenings throughout the region.

Explore Events

Close interior landscape of person's hand reaching for pint glass featuring North Carolina decals on display at DECO retail shop in downtown Raleigh.

Shop local from anywhere

Share in the joy of shopping Western NC’s main streets from wherever you are. Now more than ever, local businesses are grateful for the support of holiday customers near and far.

Shop Now

A red barn stands amidst a snowy winter landscape at a Western North Carolina choose-and-cut tree farm.

Support local tree farms

Western North Carolina is celebrated for being a top source for lush and fragrant Christmas trees. Discover a choose & cut farm near you and enjoy a day out in the fresh air.

Find Locations

Let responsible outdoor stewardship lead the way

 As you explore, embrace the seven Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles. These practices will help our diverse ecosystem heal and flourish anew.

Plan Ahead & Be Prepared

Welcome to a winter wonderland

Share your cozy views using our #visitnc hashtag for your chance to be featured.

instagram icon @highcountryoutfitters

#FlashbackFriday to January 2018 in North Carolina when the the HC crew hit the ice! Remember to tag us in all of your winter adventures: #HCintheWild for a chance to be featured. #Nantahala #NorthCarolina #WinterAdventures

instagram icon @antidote.bar

Grab your Asheville friends and stop in tonight for Local’s Night! Tonight beer, wine and food will be 25% off. 🍻 Stop by for a night of community and cocktails that are anything but common. #antidotebar #asheville #localsnight #supportlocal #wncstrong

instagram icon @fairfortunephoto

12.02.20 - Appalachian Trail I wish I could have this view through my windows at home. I wish this could be how our mountains look every day, all winter long. Instead I've been in a funk and checking the weather for snow multiple times a day. I'll take a long, cold winter as long as I get snow

instagram icon @jasynk

Tsali & I had a great hike on Grandfather Mountain from 221 since the Parkway was closed. Chilly, sunny & crisp. - - - - #blueridge #exploreboonearea #boonenc #mountains #mountain #hike #hiker #hikking #grandfather #northcarolina #anatoliansheppardmix #dog #hikingdogsofinstagram #hikingdog #hikingdogs #winter #trails #traildog #traildogs

instagram icon @hollis_uncorked

Same chair... different scenery. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 #skibunny #whitechristmas

instagram icon @feedingyourwanderlust

Starting on Wednesday last week I had almost no internet for 3 days and I can’t lie, it was pretty nice! - We went back to Hot Springs, NC for some camping. The weather was amazing. Not hot and not freezing cold.🙌🏼 - On Friday we did some hiking on the Appalachian trail and was treated with this view over the French Broad river. It’s called Lover’s Leap and boy was the view incredible! It was definitely worth the hike up!⛰ - Do you like hiking? 🥾 #hiking #appalachiantrail

instagram icon @districtscott

A delicious brunch and awe-inspiring views omnigrovepark visitasheville visitnc

instagram icon @brindleyy

@boydmountainfarm is something out of a fairyland dream. ⁣ ⁣ Nestled in the mountains of Waynesville, NC you’ll find log cabins, rolling hills of Christmas trees, peaceful ponds, hiking trails, bonfire spots and more. If you’re looking for your next retreat and recharge spot, bookmark this one.⁣ ⁣ You should see my IG collection of “Places to Go” in my “Save To” folder (lil bookmark icon to the right under photos) I’ve got a lot of places to go to!

instagram icon @sberryphotography

Arctic Cathedral forming at Dry Falls 🧊❄️🥶 . 📍Highlands, North Carolina 🇺🇸 . 📸 © Seth Berry Photography #sethberryphotography #dryfallsnc #dryfalls #waterfall #waterfalls #frozen #frozenwaterfall #frozenwaterfalls #highlandsnc #wncwaterfalls #winter #amazing #wonderful_places #amazingplaces #landscape_captures #naturephotography #northcarolina #getoutside #godscreation #wow #explore #nantahala #nantahalanationalforrest visithighlandsnc

instagram icon @phoebeswildlife

There is a clash of seasons at the higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains! A cold front brought in a fresh layer of snow to the colorful autumn forests, and I was lucky enough to be able to photograph it yesterday! 📣 I have prints available on my website (link in bio!!) as well as lots of information on elk and other wildlife! If you are interested in my work or the incredible creatures of the Smokies and beyond, check it out!! Image: A layer of snow blankets the mountains near Kuwohi. Taken: October 2024

instagram icon @ashevillepictures

I hear we have snow on the way. I certainly don’t begrudge winter one last hurrah, but not sure I’ll be able to get out to photograph any of it. So, here’s one from one of my favorite winter outings this year (and of all time).⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #wnc #ashevillenc #asheville #avltoday #blueridgemountains #blueridgemoments #northcarolina #visitnc #explorecarolina #optoutside #adventureappalachia #sonyalpha #landscapephotohub #outside_project #wildernessnation #liveoutdoors #keepitwild #liveauthentic #wildernesstones #master_gallery #earth_shotz #earthoutdoors #folkscenery #ig_nature_naturally

instagram icon @biscuitheadavl

The table is set with all the goods, the only thing missing is you! 😻 #breakfasttime

Statewide Travel Information

The Visit North Carolina Call Center provides updated statewide travel information from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Call 1-800-VISITNC (800-847-4862). Travel counselors at North Carolina’s official Welcome Centers also provide live assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Recent travel updates are also available online as a part of the Western North Carolina Travel Advisory.