My husband and I have lived in North Carolina since 2008, however, this is our first ‘mountain winter’. We both grew up in the Midwest and have memories of winters filled with a lot of snow and cold temperatures. Winter in the Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina has been a significantly different experience.

We have witnessed snow, rain, flash floods, winds, sunny days, and temperatures ranging from 20-60 degrees. The Smokey Mountains winter season is proving to indeed be a place where if you don’t like the weather just wait because it will change soon.

Within the past couple of weeks, we have had guests enjoy hiking trails with some waterfalls wearing just sweatshirts, and then a week later guests enjoying a snowy day snow tubing at Tube World. There have also been many days that guests have been able to enjoy exploring restaurants and shops in nearby towns.

I must admit, one of my favorite things to do in these winter months after a day of activities is to enjoy a cozy, wood burning fire as I look out across our view of pastures and mountains.