The South is known for its iconic resorts — many of which are dotted along the coastline or tucked into mountain valleys — offering golf, outdoor adventures, sun, sand and spa experiences. But with a new year approaching, perhaps it’s time to look at some of these Southern favorites from a fresh — do we dare say refreshing? — perspective as destinations for winter vacations.
From skiing and ice skating to snowy, horse-drawn carriage rides and wintry foxhunts, a long weekend at one of these historic Southern resorts is an ideal way to embrace winter and all it has to offer.
3 Southern Winter Vacation Destinations
Blackberry Farm
Walland, TN
Blackberry Farm has been offering a magical escape for more than 40 years, and while a stay here is magical anytime of the year, when snow caps the surrounding Smokies and provides a beautifully stark landscape in the foothills, Blackberry becomes a true escape from the grind of everyday life. (SB TIP: Cellular service around Walland is spotty at best, so you really can escape. But the folks at the farm can get you fully integrated if you must stay connected.)
Beyond fine dining and spa pampering, winter weekends bring some unique opportunities for guests. From foxhunts to mock truffle demonstrations, there’s something for everyone — take a look …
Foxhunting adventures at Blackberry Farm take place in January, February and March. Image: beall + thomas photography
In February, the farm’s darling truffle dogs — Lagotto Romagnolos — are put to work, sniffing out the tasty black truffles throughout the farm property. Guests can enjoy truffle hunting and dog training demonstrations, meals featuring black truffles, and can even bring their own Lagotto pups to join in the fun. (We are officially smitten with these dogs.)
There are plenty of additional activities planned for the new year, including Taste of the South, Happy is the New Healthy, Behind the Lens photography workshop and more. Visit blackberryfarm.com for a complete list of 2018 activities.
Blackberry Farm’s truffle dogs are absolutely adorable! Image: Blackberry Farm
Happy is the New Healthy take place in January and is sure to reinforce your resolutions — and in a beautiful setting, no less! Image: beall + thomas photography
The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, WV
The historic Greenbrier first welcomed guests in 1778. Back then, guests came to experience the healing qualities of the natural mineral springs. The sprawling resort now boasts 10,000 acres and more than 700 guest rooms, a casino, spa, championship golf and boutique shopping.
When winter releases it’s snowy blanket, the entrance to the historic Greenbrier Resort is absolutely majestic. Image: The Greenbrier
In winter, guests at The Greenbrier can choose from special events and daily activities to create a memorable weekend. The resort’s usual indoor offerings include the casino for adults, an eight-lane bowling alley, laser tag and fitness classes, as well as tours of the Bunker, a Cold War-era, top-secret bunker carved into the mountain beneath one of the hotel’s wings. It was originally intended to house members of Congress in the case of a national emergency. The bunker features dormitories, meeting rooms for the House of Representatives and Senate, and all the facilities needed to keep the U.S. government running in a crisis.
The resort’s winter offerings include a large ice rink that’s open until 10 p.m. daily for guests (skate rental is available for an additional fee), with music and festive light displays, as well as a rink-side firepit to warm chilled fingers and toes.
Going off-road is especially fun when melting snow leaves massive mud puddles. Image: The Greenbrier
Off-roading is better in super-snowy winters — think of all the mud and ice on which to slip and slide around while driving a specially kitted-out Jeep Wrangler through the resort’s rugged terrain. Off-road adventures range from one to three hours, cost $260 and up, and include a guide to instruct guests on advanced driving techniques as they take on some steep and rocky terrain along the 30-mile course.
Those wanting to leave the driving to someone else — and perhaps enjoy not such a rugged outing — can climb into a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage to experience the winter wilderness surrounding the resort. Both group and private sleigh and carriage rides ($48 and up) are offered daily; the caveat is that sleigh rides are only offered when there’s enough of the white stuff.
Take a lovely, snowy sleigh or carriage ride at The Greenbrier — an enchanting way to enjoy winter! Image: The Greenbrier
Guests of The Greenbrier can enjoy special weekends dedicated to wine and mixology (winter cocktails, anyone? Yes, please!), wine tastings and pub crawls throughout the winter months, too.
To learn more about The Greenbrier and to peruse a current calendar of events, visit greenbrier.com.
The Omni Homestead Resort
Hot Springs, VA
The Omni Homestead — more commonly known just as The Homestead — celebrated its 250th anniversary last year, and this historic, luxury resort tucked into the Allegheny Mountains is perhaps the only one that can boast having both restorative hot springs and its own ski slopes all on one property.
Thomas Jefferson frequented the resort’s hot springs-fed pools during a three-week stay in 1818, and today the Jefferson Pools offer men’s and women’s areas, each featuring naturally heated spring water pools that are open year-round. During the winter months, however, just one pool house is open, and all soaking is co-ed. A one-hour soak is $17.
Fall at The Omni Homestead is stunning … Image: Omni Homestead Resort
The Omni Homestead Resort, in Hot Springs, VA, is a wonderland of winter fun. Image: Omni Homestead Resort
… but winter is when it SHINES! This is a gorgeous night view of The Homestead’s skating rink and heated outdoor pool. Image: Omni Homestead Resort
The Homestead’s 45 acres of slopes are open to skiers and snowboarders, and feature nine downhill runs nicely split into thirds when it comes to difficulty, between beginner, intermediate and advanced. At the base of the mountain, a Rossignol Experience Center gives skiers expert rental advice and fittings. The Homestead’s slopes also offer a tubing park this year, complete with a tubing conveyor belt to make repeated runs easy as pie. The final piece of the snow activity puzzle at The Homestead is the Olympic-sized skating rink adjacent to the Jefferson Pools.
Ski, snowboard and tubing lift tickets start at $15, and the ski/snowboard lift ticket and rental packages are some of the best we’ve ever seen, starting at $53 per day.
Ski on-property at The Homestead, where nine downhill runs welcome skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. Image: Omni Homestead Resort
Yes, there really is a winter wonderland in the South. You just have to know where to look — and pray for a snowy winter!
Find more great hotels and resorts in our Travel section — click here!
