staci1

Our extended family (ages 8 - 80) will be taking a trip to NC from Dec. 21-Dec. 28. We are staying in a cabin in Waynesville, but plan to spend most of our time in the Asheville area. I would like suggestions on places to visit that will appeal to kids, adults, and seniors (Not necessarily all at once!). One of my biggest questions is whether the shops, galleries, drives, etc. will be open during that time of year. Will we have a chance to see snow?

A few of us love hiking through the woods and exploring nature, while the rest enjoy antiquing, shopping, crafts, etc. We all love to eat, so any suggestions on special restaurants will be much appreciated. I am also wondering if there is anything of interest to do in the Waynesville area. I looked at their website, but didn't really see much.

We plan on going to the Biltmore House and the Grove Park in to see the gingerbread competition. I look forward to any suggestions!

Gretchen

Snow will be maybe, maybe not, but you could go on up to one of the ski areas that will at least have man made snow on the slopes (unless it is 40*!!).
Should be a nice time to go.
You could drive up and/or down the Parkway to sightsee.

palmettoprincess

If you are not a skier there are several sledding slopes near Asheville.

It is possible to see natural snow in the NC moountains in December but you are not likely to have any signifinat accumulation. January is snowier.

starrs

Cataloochee has tubing and is 14 miles from Waynesville -
http://cataloochee.com/index-home.php

If you are interested in a scenic train ride, it's not far to Dillsboro -
http://www.gsmr.com/ride-us/2013-tra...mily-adventure

There will be plenty of shopping, antiquing, etc. in Waynesville and other towns in the mountains. Go to Brevard, maybe even down to Highlands. The driving in that area is gorgeous. But you very may not want to get in the car every day and just enjoy the wonderful mountains and the cabin. Jigsaw puzzles, card games, sitting by the fire and talking = a wonderful way to spend part of the week.

staci1

Thank you for all of your suggestions. Cataloochee tubing looks like a lot of fun and its guaranteed snow!I will check out the train ride link. My father-in-law will like that.
So everyone things the shopping areas will be open in December?

willowjane

Starr's is right on! We stayed the week last year in asheville for christmas and everything was open. We even did Christmas dinner at Grovepark and it was fabulous! Brevard is a great little town for everyone and there are some good "waterfall" hikes inthat area. I am wondering if the Flatrock playhouse might have an interesting show on?? There are So many good places to eat! My current favorite is Curate - Spanish tapas. It is such different food and favors. Hope you enjoy.

palmettoprincess

Smaller places in the mountains will close after New Years and will re-open early Spring. You won't have any problems with stores/restaurants closing the last week of December.

staci1

Thanks again. Willowjane, is Curate in Asheville? We really enjoy tapas. I will check out the Flatrock playhouse as well. I'm glad to hear the stores will be open during that time of year.

dlynne

Not sure of all the locations, but Mast General Store could be a fun place for all ages. Good outdoor clothing/shoes/accessories, kitchen food/products, plus the old fashioned candy barrels and toys give everyone something to shop for.

skbarker

We have a cabin in Waynesville. Definitely stroll Main St. in Waynesville but know that stores close around 5 pm. The NC Arboretum near Asheville has a lego exhibit thru January and it looks impressive. We are taking our grandchildren. Go to Grove Park Inn for their gingerbread house display. You can eat there and try the gallery on the grounds (called Grovewood?) Look into what Lake Junaluska is doing as there may some Christmas concert around that time. HART is the Waynesville art theatre so look into their productions at that time. Try and make reservations at Cataloochee Ranch for their dinner. It is pricey but worth going up earlier than supper to look around, sit by huge fireplace, and sometimes they have entertainment after supper. If there is snow, it will be there as they are high up.

starrs

"Go to Grove Park Inn for their gingerbread house display."

They have changed their policy and only allow access to guests. I hope they change their policy back to allow the public to see the amazing gingerbread houses.