north-carolina-winter-activities-belmont-lake-preserve

The colder winter months can at times drag down the spirits of anyone. A yearning for the flowers of Spring and the warm, Summer sun is easy to imagine as we move through January. However, since relocating to Belmont Lake Preserve, your new home in Rocky Mount puts you in a central location to all points in NC. Thus, with some planning, there is some fun awaiting and reasons to get out from under the blanket and enjoy the winter. This can be done by planning a trip for any of the following North Carolina Winter Activities.

Many different people certainly have many different tastes when it comes to events and activities in the winter. North Carolina offers plenty for all, whether they enjoy hitting the mountains to ski, cozying up at a spa or resort, or any other “getaway.” Below, we will briefly remind you of the great options you have for North. Carolina Winter Activities.

North Carolina Winter Activities: Hitting the Slopes

Skiing is no question one of the most popular sports, especially for people to take part in themselves. The wintertime is in many cases and locations, actually the only time of year that you can ski. Whether a lifelong skier who loves a trip to the mountains to ski or an interesting first timer, who needs help and instructions, if skiing is your choice among North Carolina Winter Activities, the fun will be certainly in the forecast. Likewise, that fun awaits at each of the following spots.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort

Located at 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway in Beech Mountain, NC, this is the actual highest ski area on the east coast of America. Your veteran skiers will love the slopes at Beech Mountain, while the less experienced also have trails and options for them to enjoy, too. Don’t forget once night falls to warm up and have a few cold brews at the on-site Beech Mountain Brewing Company. Consequently, this is one of the only craft breweries nationwide that is run by a ski resort.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

When we talk North Carolina Winter Activities, there may be no spot on this list with more try out than at Sugar Mountain. Of course, this resort features some of the best skiing in the “Tar Heel State.” That being said, if you are only familiar with tackling the slopes on skis, there are a few other ways “down the hill” that you may find fun at Sugar Mountain. Snowboarding has become increasingly popular at this location, as has snow tubing. The onsite skating rink also gives you a chance to “lace ’em up” for a skate. There is even an area and trails for snowshoeing here at 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive in Sugar Mountain!

Appalachian Ski Mountain

A trip to Blowing Rock, NC, and the Appalachian Ski Mountain might be the most intriguing of these three for the beginner who wants to learn more about North Carolina Winter Activities. For the more experienced ski and snowboard enthusiasts, you can stay out all day on the slopes. But for those with less “mountain time” under their belts, there is professional help on-site at the French Swiss Ski College. Likewise, the Burton Learn How to Ride Center is available for lessons to those wanting to give snowboarding a try. Regardless, no matter the day’s activities, be sure during your stay at 940 Ski Mountain Road to reserve a cozy and comfy chalet at the Appalachian Ski Resort to settle in come nighttime.

Inns and Spas with North Carolina Winter Activities That “Aren’t so Cold”

Yes, many people are looking for the thrill of the slopes as part of their North Carolina Winter Activities. However, it is safe to say that there are just as many folks looking to stay warm and be pampered to some extent on their trip. What follows are several Inns and Spas that \you can enjoy in NC.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

First up among the inns and spa-type resorts for our North Carolina Winter Activities one covering both of these. At 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC, is the perfect winter getaway, Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Bask in the awesome scenery as you sit in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to the spectacular scenery, the spa treatments at Old Edwards are amazing. Beat the cold of winter with treatments such as a vitamin-A facial or fight of illness with their immunity-boosting aromatherapy massage.

Hot Springs Resort and Spa

When many people set out on vacation for some North Carolina Winter Activities, they look for comfort and relaxation. Well, look no further than 315 Bridge Street in Hot Springs, NC. Stay while in town at the Old Edwards! The Hot Springs Resort and Spa is “relaxation central” among stops for North Carolina Winter Activities. Unwind and enjoy a mineral bath with natural mineral water directly from the NC hot springs. It is actually said in Cherokee legend that the water from these springs has healing powers. If nothing else, that’s worth testing out I’d think.

Other Stops for North Carolina Winter Activities: Some Familiar Names and Some Fast-Downhill Games

Your personality and demeanor would no question affect your decision process in the following few North Carolina Winter Activities destinations. The first two would seem a good choice for a getaway to somewhere at least somewhat familiar. They could be visited year-round actually. But something about the beauty of these places in the wintertime is almost magical. Bullet pointed below are the two stops.

  • Blowing Rock, NC
  • The Biltmore Estate

These next two may not be as well-known as those above. But for North Carolina Winter Activities that specialize in relaxation, try the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. On the contrary, some folks want adventure and fast fun. For this, we suggest the Hawksnest Tubing Park in Seven Devils, NC. With 30 different tubing tracks and terrain lasting up to 1,000 feet long, this is your place for speed!

These North Carolina Winter Activities give you plenty of ideas to get “extreme” or get comfortable. Plus, you can really choose your level of comfort somewhere in the middle. Wherever fits you best will be a perfect way for you to drive away those winter blues and blahs. For more information on your location at Belmont Lake Preserve in regards to other attractions in NC, visit our “Lifestyle Redefined” section at belmontlakepreserve.com.

best-burger-joints-in-nc-blp

Now that you’ve relocated to Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, you are becoming accustomed to the “Carolina Way.” Not that it is a huge change. Just certain things, places, and tastes that everyone seems to want to tell you about. For good reason, mind you, as the Carolina-style BBQ is fantastic, as are Krispy Kreme donuts, Bojangles biscuits and sweet tea, and plenty of other NC delicacies and classics. But sometimes, you just want a great burger. If you’re like me, many times you would like a great burger. Now, you can always grab some fast food or try a local spot, but for the true burger enthusiast, the listing below is 5 “can’t miss” Burger Joints in NC, you have to try. 

As you are well aware, your new home in Rocky Mount places you in a prime location to basically anywhere across the state. Now, obviously, you aren’t going to take a drive for a few hours with the kids one night after school for a burger. However, I don’t think anyone familiar with these Burger Joints in NC would fault you for such a “burger-seeking” mission. But, with some planning and centering around a day or weekend trip, if you love burgers and you now are an NC resident, you almost have to give these a try at some point.

Best Burger Joints in NC: Special Places and Their Special Tastes

Ok, let’s be straight upfront with you. There are many great Burger Joints in NC and may of which I’m sure are not listed here. That being said, we are always open to try any patty referred to as a “great burger.” We are by no means meaning to disclude anyone, however, you certainly cannot go wrong on a “perfect burger search” when the Burger Joints in NC listed below are your destination

Johnson’s Drive-In, Siler City

Siler City and Johnson’s Drive-In are just about an hour’s drive away from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve community. Scratch what I said about not going here on some weeknight. This one is worth it! Many people consider Johnson’s signature “Velvet Burger” to be the best of at any of the Burger Joints in NC. We can’t really argue. Serving mouth-watering burgers since 1946, this place is truly a throwback to great times and great food, too.

Brooks’ Sandwich House, Charlotte

Okay, so this one is a little further away, but you are “true tar heel blue” now, living in NC, so at some point worth the journey. Much like Johnson’s above, this is one of the many NC Burger Joints that just never changed. No frills, no-nonsense, just a killer cheeseburger, and similar type sandwiches and food. The bacon or chili topped burger is always a favorite at Brooks’. Just remember that this is a cash-only establishment and they are open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Melvin’s, Elizabethtown

Another on our list of best Burger Joints in NC and another classic establishment. Melvin’s initially opened their doors in 1938 and for almost 80 years have been flipping some of the tastiest burgers statewide. This iconic burger joint is not even two hours from your new home in Rocky Mount.But with Melvin’s call it what you will. Basic, historic, “old school,” whatever, but for the better part of a century, these burgers are as good as things that come with a side of chips and a drink can get!

Clyde’s, Waynesville

The Smokey Mountains of North Carolina are a bit of a drive from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve But they are certainly an area that at some point you will want to take in and enjoy. Much like those mountains, when you make that trip, you will also want to take in and enjoy another of the Best Burger Joints in NC, Clyde’s. Known locally as one of the best comfort food restaurants you can find, when opting for one of Clyde’s classic burgers, this truly is “Where the Home Folks Eat.”

Emma Key’s Flat Top Grill, Greensboro

Once again, just a little more than an hour separates you in Rocky Mount and this next trip to “burger paradise.” Any local resident would know by the mention of the word burger that next up on our Burger Joints in NC is Emma Key’s Flat Top Grill. Bringing “Mississippi cooking to North Carolina” and offering the hugely popular “Hotel California” burger, you could say Emma Keys is a true American classic.

Looking for More Burger Joints in NC, We Got You Covered

While we list five iconic Burger Joint in NC above, there obviously are many more that restaurants deserving of “great burger” status. We will follow this post with five more Burger Joints in NC at some point. To see more information on the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, visit belmontlakepreserve.com..

nc-holiday-events-belmont lake preserve

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That’s how the classic Christmas carol goes, and many NC residents would agree. Since you have chosen a new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, you will be in a great location to experience some of the fantastic tradition and iconic NC Holiday Events that people look forward to year after year. Likewise, you probably will feel the same once you’ve experienced the “yuletide” fun.

There are a good variety of NC Holiday Events and traditions and they literally span across the entire state. There are light shows, tours of decorated holiday gardens, outdoor ice skating, and much more. Below, we look at some of the annual NC Holiday Events that are cherished by families every winter about this time of year.

NC Holiday Events: Holiday Light Shows

Once the holiday season is upon us here in North Carolina, one decoration that “brightens up” everyone’s spirit is lights. Among the many traditional NC Holiday Events, some of the most breathtaking and impressive displays are at the annual holiday light shows. Below, we will detail a few of the iconic and spectacular light displays that have become traditional NC Holiday Events.

Speedway Christmas , Concord, NC

The first of our NC Holiday Events is actually one of the most anticipated light shows nationwide. Speedway Christmas is a 3.75-mile course that boasts more than 3.5 million lights. As if that was not enough, the infield turns into “Christmas Village, “with live actors, animals, Santa’s Workshop, and a 50-foot Ferris wheel make this a special time for the whole family.

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, NC

A 3-acre nightly walking tour in Asheville is the next stop among our NC Holiday Events. This is much more than just a stroll in the park, however. The arboretum’s nationally known gardens including the Quilt and Bonsai Exhibition Garden displays are part of the tour. In addition to many other fun holiday activities, crafts, and games the displays at “Winter Lights” are all programmed to follow with specific corresponding holiday tunes.

Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo, NC 

Another spectacular annual entry to our classic events. Each winter, in Mateo, the Elizabethan Gardens are the home to numerous animals, birds, and such that are brought in to be part of their Winter Lights celebration. 

It isn’t strange to see butterflies, peacocks, order amongst the enchanting lights in this wonderful display. In addition to all this are the gorgeous flowers and natural elements of Elizabethan Gardens, which only add to the festive atmosphere.

NC Holiday Events: The Classics

The last two NC Holiday Events that we will document take us to a couple of classic holiday themes. No matter where you live or what traditions you have, a certain train ride and lacing up skates in an outdoor setting scream the holidays. Especially when done in the spectacular fashion that each of these destinations produce every winter.

The Polar Express, Bryson City, NC

The next of our NC Holiday Events was one that was actually a bit ahead of its time, given its name. Obviously, most know of the movie, “The Polar Express, ” however, years before that title hit the screens, The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City’s own “Polar Express” was a family favorite of the season. The once-popular train ride turned into a Christmas-time phenomenon after the movie release over a decade ago. Thousands now call and book reservations for this event annually and enjoy every inch down the tracks right up until Santa greets them at the “North Pole.”

Holiday on Ice, Charlotte, NC 

Another classic Christmas time activity that as part of the NC Holiday Events has an amazing setting is Holiday on Ice in Charlotte. This tradition sees Ceremonial Plaza at the NASCAR Hall of fame turn into a 7,000 square foot ice rink. The backdrop for the seasonal rink is breathtaking, with a striking view of the Charlotte skyline. The skating surface sees several different events in its time open each year. Be sure you don’t miss out on this classic wintertime activity.

You’re Never Too Far from NC Holiday Events

One of the major selling points of Belmont Lake Preserve and a new home in Rocky Mount is location. As we state on our website, at Belmont Lake Preserve, “when you’re here, you’re never too far from.”, meaning basically you are not too far from anything in NC. To see more on the location of BLP in regard to other NC attractions, visit belmontlakepreserve.com