If you’re as surprised by the title as I was by the idea…welcome to the club!
Now I will say if you have expectations for Colorado or Whistler, you may be let down by the quality of the slopes. You will however be happy to pay much, much less and get a warm, sunny day more than likely.
This trip of ours was before a trip to Gatlinburg, TN and you could also make the trip to Asheville.
We stayed in Boone, NC which meant we only traveled 30 minutes out to the mountains.
If you’re near the Fort Bragg area this is only 3.5 hours away!
December 27, 2019
The Hampton was perfect for us for being so inexpensive and very nice accommodations. An earlier supper (5:30 p.m.) was the perfect time to hit up Dan’l Boone Inn because we only waited a few minutes to be seated and, by the time we left, the line was out the door.
While you’re here no need to worry about the menu. They seat you by your group size and serve you family style. The menu and price (inexpensive) are set and you can get as many refills as you want of home style cooking. While several dishes were delicious and others were okay this is a historic location that should be visited at least once while you’re in the area.
If you want to see all the ‘live time’ or saved highlights head over to my Instagram!
After just an hour of eating and driving we arrived at Booneshine Brewing Co. This location was set off from the others but had the best atmosphere and indoor/outdoor arrangement because of the lot size. The Blood Orange Dubbel was the favorite from my flight.
As you head back into town (past Dan’l Boone Inn) was Appalachian Mountain Brewery. I was let down that this was right next to a mall but they were trying to showcase the mountain lodge theme. They’re widely distributed and have a large beer list inside. We tried multiple IPAs, beers and sampled a flight.
December 28, 2019
Great continental breakfast at this hotel! No exaggeration…it might have been our favorite part haha.
It was only a 30 minute ride out on the two lane roads to our gear rental store, Extreme Ski Rentals, by 8:15 a.m and were done by 8:40 a.m. I would highly suggest showing up earlier than that because the crowds flood in right before 9 a.m. Here’s a very high quality picture of the road sign. 😉
Our total was $170 for two pairs of skis, two pair of poles, two pairs of boots, two helmets on weekend rates for two days. We were also given a really kind military discount so make sure to ask if that applies for you! Another tip- reserve your gear online before.
Day one of skiing was sunny and warm in the 50s on Sugar Mountain.
Starting out the slopes were a little busy and they only had three lifts to three to four runs open (that we could actually ski on…no black slopes here!) By 3:30 the slopes were slushy and mud was showing through.
They didn’t have any of the snow machines going so numerous people were being brought down on first aid sleds. It also took 10-20 minutes or so waiting in line for the slopes along with large crowds so, again, more perks to getting out there early!
We spent dinnertime at an amazing wood fired food and brewery called Lost Province Brewing Co. ABSOLUTELY recommend coming here!
They had live jazz music but we were there for the bowl games. We loved their beers: the jalepeno beer and the non-profit Christmas ale were favorites. Order their wings and the big red pizza. (Don’t judge…we were there for a LONG time!)
When you feel like you’ve overstayed your welcome, or it’s just halftime, you can walk to Ransom Pub which is casual bar for a few drinks and finish watching the game.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
We got to Beech Mountain at 10:45 a.m and parked our car by 11. This was definitely a longer, windier drive up and around the mountain.
If you’re walking in with your gear try to park in Lot 2 first. For a full day pass with military discount for two people we only paid $100. This day was rainy which kept the crowds away yet still made for fantastic overcast weather. We basically had the place to ourselves!
After the full day of skiing the slopes turned muddy and rocky in some exposed areas. There was even a service road partly exposed. Besides the friendly customer service, our ski rental gear was on the drive back home and they keep your information on file should you ever go back.
Everything in town was closed from the holidays and no one notified us online so we got lucky at our third stop, Macados.
The Pig Picker beer was excellent and Totchos? YUM! Sandwiches were HUGE. It’s so hard to choose from their gigantic double-sided menu (seriously…all kinds of food. Especially for such a casual restaurant) but I had the Tonto and Drew had the Barnyard. You will definitely need a box for your leftovers.
Looking for a revamp to your brand? Check out all of our past revamps, face lifts and special lil’ creations here.
Monday, December 30, 2019
This day was a mile marker for us…It was the first time we’ve ever slept past check-out let alone that late! I guess that’s what happens when you stop sharing the bed with two dogs. If you’re in Boone you have to check out Appalachian State University and their football stadium.
It was a small campus but their statues and little touches were charming. We had a brunch to kill some time at the Red Onion.
In case you’re familiar with the chain and interested in trying it out I would suggest passing on this one. It wasn’t all it was hyped up to be as the one Drew went to in Colorado Springs and I’m not picky but realllyy didn’t like the food.
For those heading out to Gatlinburg after this, here we go! Sing it with me “Johnson City, Tenneseeee”
We left Boone at 1:30 and arrived to our cabin just after 4 p.m. If you’re looking to book a large space for your getaway I want you to check out the Bear Tooth Lodge!
I didn’t personally book it to get the link but it’s located at 615 Rainbow Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862 and only 30 mins to downtown. I will say the most annoying thing was not having a dishwasher otherwise it was the BEST space.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Breakfast at the cabin was easier than trying to go out with 15 people and what a good call that was! Downtown was insanely packed.
I recommend doing as much in your rental as possible or parking on the outskirts if possible. Driving in you could still see the remnants of the fire that tore through the area a few years back.
We started at the Ripley’s Aquarium to buy the bundled tickets. Their military discount was purchasing the base price but getting admission for all the attractions.
Perk for everyone? Tickets are good for one year from purchase! Educators also get a big discount but you can find small coupons and discounts online or in any of the print advertisements.
The aquarium was cool to touch and interact with all of the exhibits and it was very well done! We had a blast. A few minutes walk got us to the Ripleys Believe It Or Not Museum.
The traveling exhibit was the fertility statues which was our main draw to wanting to visit.
It was a fun kids museum mixed with science and things you read about in the books. We were pleasantly surprised by both Gatlinburg and the skiing in North Carolina! Whether you head out in the winter or summer, with your partner your friends or your family you will have a blast.
Cheers!
Marin
Marin
Looking for a revamp to your brand? Check out all of our past revamps, face lifts and special lil’ creations here.
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