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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to a winter wonderland
Share your cozy views using our #visitnc hashtag for your chance to be featured.
#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
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
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
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
Same chair... different scenery. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 #skibunny #whitechristmas
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
A delicious brunch and awe-inspiring views omnigrovepark visitasheville visitnc
@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!
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
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
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
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.