Family Fun Time

Winter Wonderland – Family Adventures

Cozy sweaters, crackling fires, and hot apple cider are just some of the things we cherish in the cooler months. As each of our towns become its own winter wonderland, we can’t wait to enjoy some of our favorite holiday traditions. We’ve assembled our cherished cold-weather activities that are sure to delight kids and parents alike!

BELVEDERE PLANTATION

Belvedere

Belvedere

For a good old-fashioned harvest festival, head to Belvedere Plantation in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The 645- acre heritage farm is full of activities for kiddos, big and small. There’s a gigantic maize maze with a different design every year. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, partake in face painting, pedal carts, and pony rides. Visit the old barnyard where chickens, pigs, turkeys, and goats await your snuggles.

JOE’S TREES

New River Valley

snow covered tree

Over 50 years ago, Joe Sublett began growing Christmas trees, almost by accident. In 1962, the first evergreen tree was planted as a 4-H project. The pine trees flourished and within a few years, Joe’s Trees was established in Newport, Virginia. Visiting the tree farm to choose the perfect Christmas tree and holiday wreath has now become a holiday tradition for families throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Earlier in the fall, the farm also offers free hayrides, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch every weekend in October.

WILMINGTON ICEHOUSE

Skates

Icehouse

Get your blades sharpened and head to the Wilmington Icehouse in Wilmington, North Carolina, for an afternoon of skating. The indoor ice skating rink is home to local hockey teams and camps, but also offers frequent public skating sessions. A little shaky on the ice? Skate sleds are available and group lessons are offered. You can even start a new holiday tradition—rent out the entire rink for a family skate party!

MCCORMICK OBSERVATORY

Observatory

During the winter months of December, January, and February, the night skies appear to be clearer and sharper. Ever wonder why? Head to the Leander McCormick Observatory at the University of Virginia to find out. Throughout the year, on the first and third Friday of the month from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., the observatory opens for a “Public Night” where visitors are welcome to peer through the 26-inch refractor telescope, and gaze up at the night sky. Be sure to visit on a clear night, and include time to visit the History of Astronomy Museum, where astronomy students will happily share their knowledge with eager ears.

HICKORY NUT GAP FARM

Asheville

Asheville

Nestled in the rolling hills of Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll find the Hickory Nut Gap Farm. A truly beautiful 90-acre property where the Ager family raises beef cattle, pigs, poultry, and organic produce. The farm is open year-round, and brimming with activities in the fall. There’s an animal barn, goat walk, corn maze, cider press, pumpkin patch, and hayrides.

In the winter months, you can visit the wonderfully charming farm store, filled with bounty from the farm as well as local vendors. Enjoy a hot cup of cider by the wood stove, and be sure to visit the pigs and goats in the barn, where they’re snuggled-in for the winter.

Ready for more Winter Wonderland suggestions? Check back next week when we round up our top wintertime libations. 

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Posted in Asheville, Charlottesville, Fall/Winter 2015, Fredericksburg, NEST Magazine, New River Valley, Wilmington
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