Friday, January 13, 2012

My Travels: Visiting North Carolina’s High Country

During the winter holidays, there’s really nothing better than a little snow, but for most South Floridians the closest views we get are from wintery snow scenes on holiday cards and TV commercials.

Our family has been fortunate to enjoy a few winter breaks with lots of white fluffy snow at the top of Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America and an ideal vacation spot in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The elevation is at 5,506 feet! It’s a great place year round, but the winters up in these mountains are breathtaking.

For those who enjoy winter sports there are two great ski resorts: Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain, which feature ski slopes, ice skating, snowboarding, sledding and adventure hiking.
There are tons of lodging options and rentals available for short or long stays; to stock up on supplies and firewood, visit my favorite traditional general store, Fred’s Mercantile.

As per cuisine, there are many options for all price ranges. My pick is Melange Mountain Bistro in Banner Elk at the bottom of Beech Mountain. They blend local game with traditional cuisine. If you go, make sure you try the lamb-stuffed meatball and the quail appetizers. For main entrée, you cannot go wrong with the filet or fresh trout…they melt in your mouth. Reservations are a must!

Finally, to warm up in front of a fireplace and revel in the view of the winter landscape outside is a treat, especially to get away from the warm South Florida winter, but it’s always nice to come back and thaw out.