Winter weekends invite North Carolinians to explore the cozy nooks and crannies of their state. From Durham’s walkable downtown to the Blue Ridge foothills in Morganton and museums in Fayetteville, our state presents a wonderland of adventures to help you embrace the winter season.

Experience James Beard-nominated Chef Oscar Diaz’s “pocho cuisine” at Little Bull, which blends Mexican flavors with American influences. photograph by Lauren Vied Allen

Experience Arts and Culture in Durham

Chef Oscar Diaz stands at the helm of Little Bull, the Michelin-recommended Latin-fusion restaurant in Durham. Long before he opened Little Bull, Diaz knew about the city’s strong sense of self. “Durham has an identity. Even the way the downtown is set up with the brick buildings and old signage from back in the day. It’s very artistic,” he says. “Duke is a great university. The food scene is spectacular. When you mix all those things together, it allows space for creativity. When somebody comes here with a passion project, it’s well received because this is a flourishing space for that.”

Revived in 2023 by Chef Matt Kelly, Nanas offers carefully curated seasonal menus showcasing local ingredients and farm-driven selections. photograph by D.L. Anderson

He points to Nanas, for instance — a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Durham’s Rockwood neighborhood. “Before I moved to Durham, one of the chefs I’d hear about the most was Matt Kelly,” Diaz says. “His food is so fantastic, so elevated, so well-done. It’s the perfect balance of creativity and deliciousness.”

Diaz spends most of his time cooking or dreaming up the next project to join his three restaurants in the Triangle. But lately, makes it a point to discover the world outside his restaurants’ doors. “I’m new to the city, and there’s a lot to do,” he says.

Stroll through Sarah P. Duke Gardens, where native and non-native plants cohabitate in a lush, year-round display. photograph by Bill Russ

For the Chicago native, there’s no better time to explore than winter. “I like a little bit of colder weather. The sun is out, but it’s brisk — you feel like your lungs fill up with fresh air.” One of his first stops is the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in the heart of Duke University’s campus. Here, landscapes unfold like living works of art. Five miles of paths and trails lead to shaded woodland corners and distinct spaces: the Garden of Native Plants, the Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens. Here, terraces and reflecting pools mirror the sky. “Walking through the gardens is a peaceful way to clear your mind,” Diaz says.

Head inside the Museum of Life and Science and check out a life-size replica of the Apollo 15 lunar module, which was used as the final test mock-up prior to the 1971 launch. Photography courtesy of Museum of Life and Science

Another nature-rich cultural destination, the Museum of Life and Science gives visitors of all ages a chance to see animals like the American black bear and endangered red wolf in habitats enriched with waterfall pools and rock quarry walls. Head there with the kids and pack your binoculars to get a closer look at the other animals, birds, and flora that thrive here.

Take a mid-afternoon pastry and coffee break at Cocoa Cinnamon, fueled by the brilliance of co-owner and head roaster Areli Barrera de Grodski. “Whenever I get to go over and try her coffee, she tells me where it comes from and shows me videos and pictures of the women she buys coffee beans from — and the coffee they’re making is fantastic,” Diaz says.

One of the Carolina Theatre’s most celebrated programs is the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, which highlights nonfiction cinema and calls the venue home each spring. photograph by Eric Waters

As the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham celebrates its 100th birthday, there’s no better reason to sit back and relax as musicians, actors, and comedians take centerstage to entertain you for the evening. Even before you take your seat, the theater’s Beaux-Arts architecture surrounds you with a sense of grandeur. Fluted Corinthian pilasters frame monumental windows, and decorative pediments give a sense of classical antiquity. Check the calendar of events for upcoming films and live events.

Savor a seasonally inspired meal in Washington Duke Inn’s Fairview Dining Room. photograph by Eric Waters

For an enchanting night’s sleep, two of Durham’s most iconic hotels invite visitors to warm up in their Southern hospitality during the winter months. The Washington Duke Inn, tucked into a bed of pines and hardwoods on the Duke University Campus and Golf Club, gives guests the feeling they’ve arrived at a classic English country estate for a cozy nature-rich retreat — complete with gourmet chocolate turn-down service. A short walk from downtown’s restaurants and shops, Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast brims with historic charm. Each colorful room boasts a distinct personality, whether it overlooks the home’s garden bench swings, comes with a sitting area for late-night conversations, or has its own electric firebox and writing desk.

Owners Katy and Michael Stevick opened the MacPherson House Bed & Breakfast in 2020 after renovations to restore the historic home’s original charm. Photography courtesy of Distinctly Fayetteville

Step Into History in Fayetteville

Time it right, and the aroma of cookies baking will greet you as you enter MacPherson House Bed & Breakfast. With local art, clawfoot tubs, and restored hardwood floors, the warm and welcoming 1920s home retains the charms of its early days when it served as the dwelling of Samuel MacPherson and his family. Wake up to full breakfasts with freshly baked biscuits, and plan your day in Fayetteville’s thriving downtown, just a short walk away.

Dive into history at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, which includes a museum, a restored Victorian home, and the former site of a military arsenal. Tracing the cultural heritage of the region, the museum’s exhibits focus on Indigenous Americans, European settlers, and enslaved people. Prominent industries, such as textiles and naval stores, are also highlighted.

Tour the E.A. Poe House, a late Victorian-style residence known for its elaborate woodwork and grand wrap-around porch. Photography courtesy of Distinctly Fayetteville

At the E.A. Poe House, guided tours give visitors a glimpse into one family’s home life during the early 20th century. A diary from the last surviving member of the home has provided a window into daily life of a very specific time in history, when the world experienced great change. “A lot of inventions came around. Electricity and so many modern conveniences started being introduced into their lifestyle,” says tour guide Ruth Aldridge.

Walk over a pedestrian bridge to Arsenal Park. There you’ll find the last remains of an arsenal that was destroyed by General Sherman’s march in the final months of the Civil War. At the park, bricks mark the foundations of various buildings used by Confederate troops in the creation of guns and ammunition.

In front of the museum stands The Airborne Trooper, affectionately known as “Iron Mike,” a 15-foot bronze figure symbolizing preparedness and heroism. Photography courtesy of Distinctly Fayetteville

Also within walking distance, the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum exhibits create life-sized scenes that let visitors feel like they’ve stepped into previous decades of military life. Retired aircraft suspended from soaring ceilings and helicopters once used in battle add to the immersive experience.

At the 5,000-square-foot 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum on Fort Bragg, retired aircraft are displayed on the lawn, and artifacts chronicle the renowned airborne infantry division of the U.S. Army from its inception to the present, allowing visitors to learn about and honor this elite group of service members. Take note you’ll need a visitor pass to access the museum; just click here to secure one.

Located 10 minutes north of Fayetteville, Little Heathen’s Brewery is a community-focused, family-friendly spot for enjoying craft beer and good company. Photography courtesy of Distinctly Fayetteville

When you’re ready to unwind over a beer, check out one of the newcomers to Fayetteville’s craft brewery scene. Little Heathen’s Brewery, North South Brewing Co., and Heckler Brewing Company are each veteran owned.

North South Brewing Co.’s owner James Orlando explains that during winter months, the brewery rolls out a few seasonal beers — Great Scotch, a Wee Heavy, and Chains of Krampus, a Belgian tripel — that are great for sipping in the cold weather. In addition to these seasonal brews, North South continues its weekly farmers market through the winter. “Our space is large enough that we can actually host the market indoors.”

Hike the Hawksbill Mountain or Shortoff Mountain trails for stunning panoramic views. Photography courtesy of Burke County Tourism Development

Explore the Outdoors in Burke County

Avid hiker Keith Suttles, who works for the Nature Conservancy, particularly enjoys hitting the trails in Burke County during cooler weather, when fewer hikers and bare trees mean better views. “The trails, they look totally different in the wintertime than they do in the summer,” he says.

The county’s Fonta Flora State Trail will eventually extend from downtown Morganton to downtown Asheville. Today, with about 20 miles complete, part of the popular trail follows the curve of Lake James’s shoreline. “But here again, it’s totally different in the wintertime than it is in the summertime because you have great views of the lake,” Suttles says.

The Fonta Flora Trail’s signature orange feather marker was inspired by the bald eagle, which can often be seen soaring above Lake James. Photography courtesy of Burke County Tourism Development

He notes that the trail west of the Fish Hatchery Road parking lot passes through areas seen in the blockbuster film The Last of the Mohicans. “[It] goes through the section where the fort was built and the island where they were paddling away from the fort while it was burning.”

Another hike he recommends begins at Patty’s Creek Educational Trail at Lake James State Park and connects to the Overmountain Victory Trail. He and his wife enjoy taking this short walk to Fonta Flora Brewery for a beer.

South Mountains State Park and the hidden gem, Oak Hill Community Park, also have great hiking. With 11-miles of trails within Oak Hill Park, visitors can see Grandfather Mountain, Dobson’s Knob, Mount Mitchell, and the South Mountains from the Sassafras Trail.

Pick up a pair of hiking boots and explore the snow-covered views of Linville Gorge. Photography courtesy of Burke County Tourism Development

For more active outdoor winter play, head to Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing in Newland. At the top of the 400-feet-long tubing slopes, you grip the handles of a blue tube and set off, whizzing down the packed snow. Once at the bottom, step on the conveyor-belt-style lift, and you’re on your way to the next run. Take a break at the viewing area, and watch tubers zoom by. Although colder temperatures make ideal conditions for tubing, Jonas Ridge’s snow-making equipment ensures the slopes are covered, even if snow’s not in the forecast.

After playing outdoors, warm up by visiting a few of Morganton’s local businesses. Whether you’d like to settle into a cozy reading nook or sip a toasty beverage, you’ll find a variety of options.

At Little Guatemala, the coffee beans, roasted in-shop, bring a taste of Central America to Morganton. A warm Guatemalan spirit infuses the unique restaurant and coffee shop, where families come to for breakfast, coffee, or a soccer game — there’s an indoor field and an outdoor field at the restaurant.

Thornwell Books combines owner Jean VanNoppen’s favorite things: coffee and reading. And with literary-inspired drinks, like a dark chocolate and peanut butter latte named The Poe and a vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut named The Hemingway, the theme extends to the drink menu.
“Ours is sort of the third space where people meet or even work from here,” VanNoppen says. “We’re a bookstore where you come and sit and stay a while.”

The long-time resident encourages patrons to explore downtown. “We’ve always had a vibrant downtown,” she says. “There’s always something going on.”

Nearby Brown Mountain Bottleworks is a great place to grab a beer. Suttles’s sons founded the establishment in 2014, and Suttles continued bartending even after a loyal customer bought the shop. He frequents the bar every Wednesday, sitting among the collection of second-hand finds he and his sons used to adorn the walls — like the Linville Falls Forest Service sign and rusty tin from a barn — and give the place a casual, local feel.

Suttles appreciates the bar’s rotating selection of beers on tap. These include many from North Carolina, like Sky Blue, a Kolsch from Carolina Brewing in Pittsboro, and Native Sun, a pale ale from Lookout Brewing Co. in Black Mountain.

A half-mile away, the vintage vibes at Epic Speakeasy evoke the elegance and decadence of the 1920s. A wide selection of premium cigars and menu of classic cocktails, like Grampy’s Gin Rickey, made with gin, lime juice, and seltzer, bring back Prohibition-era nightlife.

Where will you go first? From the foothills to the Coastal Plain, destinations across the state offer fun to inspire your next road trip.