Adventure changes with the weather on Sugar Mountain in NC’s High Country, but the magic sticks around. Come for the slopes, wildflower hikes, chairlift rides and flavor-packed pit stops.

North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction has been pulling people to the edge of the High Country since 1933. Fun fact: The Blowing Rock got its name because strong winds rush upward due to the gorge's shape — strong enough to lift light objects back into the air.

Appalachian Ski Mtn. in Blowing Rock has been a go-to for winter fun in the High Country since 1962. With twelve slopes ranging from beginner-friendly to black diamond, plus two terrain parks and night skiing, the mountain offers something for every skill level. Lifts include two quad chairs, a double chair, two conveyor lifts and a handle-pull – all designed to keep lines moving and riders shredding. 

The marketing manager has spent decades exploring the High Country — now he’s sharing the ski runs, trails and small-town spots that keep his family happy all winter long.

Haywood County — home to the mountain towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton and Clyde — in NC's Great Smoky Mountains offers an unforgettable blend of outdoor adventures, unique experiences and cozy accommodations for families looking to create lasting memories. From scenic hikes and lake activities to quirky museums and fun-filled attractions, this itinerary is packed with opportunities for every member of the family to enjoy the best of the Western NC mountains.

From quiet beaches to easygoing adventures, Onslow County is where our family makes room for more memories every fall — more sunsets, more shark teeth and more second helpings.

Alamance County sits in the center of NC’s Triad, where heritage and imagination meet on main streets, riverbanks and restored mill floors.