Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to
Download a printable checklist here. Beginner Skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area Who are we to judge? There’s no shame in preferring a mellow ride on a “magic carpet” conveyor belt
Download a printable checklist here. Beginner Skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area Who are we to judge? There’s no shame in preferring a mellow ride on a “magic carpet” conveyor belt
Who are we to judge? There’s no shame in preferring a mellow ride on a “magic carpet” conveyor belt to the top of the slope. Whether you’re learning to “pizza” or easing in the kids, you can’t go wrong with this ski area’s novice hill.
Snow Tubing at Sapphire Valley Resort’s Frozen Falls Tube Park
Even without an ounce of skiing talent, the whole family can get in on a snowy adventure. All it takes is a running leap onto this 500-foot-long tubing hill — and its 60-foot drop — to get your heart racing. Warning: A face full of snow is still possible.
If you prefer to have options, head to Hawksnest, where you can zip down more than 30 lanes in four different snowy areas. Yes, that means there are gentler slopes, too, for risk-averse riders.
Ice-Skating at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
While this spot isn’t located in the mountains like the other winter wonderlands on our list, its ice-skating experience is so unique that we couldn’t resist adding it: A 17,000-square-foot “ice trail” is surrounded by festive lights and encircles a charming, on-ice Airstream serving hot cocoa — and cold craft beer.
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28214
(704) 391-3900, usnwc.org
Sledding at Beech Mountain’s Youth Sledding Hill
At this popular sledding spot in town, you can feel the wind in your hair even if you can’t feel your toes — no rentals required. You don’t even need a snow day: When Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, Parks and Rec breaks out the snow gun.
Twirling beneath the sparkly lights at this picture-perfect outdoor rink in downtown Highlands might just be the closest you can get to experiencing life in a Hallmark holiday movie.
Catch some air at one of the most progressive terrain parks in the South. Appalachian Terrain Park prides itself on design creativity and variety, and is a favorite among thrill-seeking snowboarders from nearby Appalachian State University.
Après-Ski Drinks at Beech Mountain Brewing Company
After a long, cold day, there’s nothing like an après-ski craft beer — at one of the only breweries owned and operated by a ski area — to bring feeling back to your fingers and toes. Try the 5506 Pale Ale, named for the town’s elevation.
Glide over the state’s only Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice-skating rink while enjoying a view of the ski slopes on one side and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the other. Take a spin beneath the stars, then warm up by the rinkside bonfire.
Most of North Carolina’s black diamonds can’t compete with those out West — but Sugar’s can. Its double-black is so steep, the crew hooks their snow groomers up to winches to reach the most vertical pitch. Watch out below.
When it comes to matches made in the kitchen, North Carolinians believe in soulmates. From breakfast to dessert, dig into a few of our favorite pairings.
Around 150 years ago, a group of freedmen and -women established a kingdom in Henderson County that flourished, faded, then disappeared. New research is bringing the true origins of the community to light.
In the southern Piedmont, a quartet of musicians share their Mexican heritage through colorful folk songs, passing their traditions on to the next generation.