Winter Escapades (December Issue)

It’s the holiday season, a time of year known for being spent with family and loved ones. My family is fairly spread out throughout the East Coast and some are still living in Jamaica, so typically a lot of traveling is made this time of year.

 I find that if I’m not with my family then it’s the most opportune time to do some vacationing with loved ones or friends. I’ve never been to Vegas so I would save that thought for New Year’s Eve. Though for Christmas, I tend to prefer a trip to a warmer climate like Jamaica’s for some fun in the sun! But let’s face it, unless you’re Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon in Four Christmases, you’re probably not going to a Caribbean island for the holidays, instead venturing to log cabins or ski resorts. Gone are the times for jet-skiing and zip-lining, here are some ideas for winter vacationing activities.

SKIING

If you’re staying in North Carolina, be sure to visit www.skinorthcarolina.com for a listing of resorts and their activities. Most resorts have beginner’s classes for the novices, before jumping on the big girl slopes. Some popular slopes can be found on Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain due to their high elevations, as well as in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains (http://www.appskimtn.com/).

  

SLEDDING

Sledding is a fun activity for all ages and is popular in this area as well as in neighboring states of Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Some resorts even offer free sledding for adventurists who are less than 12 years old.


TUBING

 Having graduated from Western Carolina University, I’ve frequented several nearby towns like Maggie Valley, which is home to “Tube World!" Tube World opens in December and continues throughout the winter. Depending on the weather, some of the snow may be manufactured but is still fun and functional!

ICE SKATING

The Charlotte area has an indoor skating rink called The Ice House in Pineville that has been local since 1995, www.pinevilleice.com. There is also an outdoor skating area that transforms The Green in uptown Charlotte! Skating rental/admission is a total of $10 and is available from Thanksgiving Day through January 8.

However, should you decide to skip the snow for some sun tanning on a Caribbean resort, here are some previously listed activities I mentioned in my September issue:

• Windsurfing
• Sea kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Biking
• Tennis
• Water Aerobics
• Beach Volleyball
• Table Tennis
• Archery
• Rifle Shooting

 Whatever you choose to partake in during your winter travels, be sure to have fun and be safe!

 Til next time…