As published in The Florida Villager
Having lived in Miami 15 years, I know that when winter comes, people that ski are making their reservations to head out west. But what if you have the need to feel the swoosh under your feet, the chill in the air and only have a weekend? Ponder no more. North Carolina is only a short flight away and there are three resorts, which I will cover in a series, that can offer you a winter wonderland if only for a few quick days.
Beech Mountain Resort, with its alpine village, offers everything you need for a family or romantic getaway weekend. The night I pulled into my condo, Klonteska (beechgetaway.com), the snow had already made drifts along the road and the glow from the lamp posts and the crisp air on my face brought me back to my New England childhood days.
The snowflakes drifted down as I walked to the Mile High Tavern where I had heard that their Blueberry BBQ Baked Wings were a must have. Grabbing one of their Carolina crafted beers on tap, I bundled up and took a seat by their fire trough outside. Breathing in the cold air, I knew this was going to be a nice respite from the Miami weather.
The next morning I watched deer outside my window with a fire going and coffee in hand. Before heading to the slopes I stopped at Fred’s General Mercantile, and as I crossed the threshold I stepped back in time. The smell of the old wood, the candy dispensers, everything a general store should have was at my fingertips. Walking to the back I took up a seat by the picture window and stared out at the most amazing collection of birdhouses dangling from snow-covered trees. A few cinnamon rolls later I vowed to ski all 16 trails to work them off.
Beech Mountain consists of an ice-skating rink, terrain park, and 99 acres of skiing, it even has the highest sky bar in the east called 5506’. I made a mental note to have an après ski cocktail up there after I worked off those amazing cinnamon roles. As an aside, I did make it up there and was spellbound by the view off of the deck. It was a fun place to end the day.
A quick shower and I was out the door to a beer tasting at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Of course, I had to give wine equal billing so it was at the cozy bar at Jackalopes View that I had an aperitif. Jackalopes has three wine cellars and 300 selections of wine to complement one of the best views from the dining room.
As I drove out of the village the next morning I noticed the sledding hill and pulled in, but alas, I was over the age limit (only slightly). So much for being able to tap into my inner child, but I was on my way to Sugar Mountain and perhaps there I could build a snowman. Note to self, pick up a carrot on the way.