Mystery Hill Itinerary – Winter Warm Up
The winter season can be a magical time, especially if you are planning to venture somewhere where snow may be drifting from the skies or settling across trees, the ground or even mountaintops. If you’re considering a visit to Mystery Hill during the winter, you’re in for a treat – not only at the attraction itself, but also through the many ways you can engage with the surrounding area and enhance your visit.
This itinerary highlights several ways to get the most out of a winter visit to Mystery Hill while also embracing the seasonal charm of the Boone and Blowing Rock areas.
Day One
Your winter exploration through North Carolina’s High Country region starts with the journey there! A drive through the mountains at any time of year can be awe inspiring and exciting, but winter brings an added sense of magic as snow blankets the landscape. As you make your way into Blowing Rock, consider safely pulling off at scenic overlooks to take in the views and start your adventure with breathtaking scenery that sets the tone for the experience ahead.
Once you arrive, check into your lodging and get settled. Whether you choose to stay in Boone or Blowing Rock, each area offers a wide range of accommodations – from hotels to cozy resorts to vacation rentals. No matter your travel style, you’re sure to find a comfortable place to rest and recharge.
After settling in, step back out and head to downtown Blowing Rock’s Main Street for a classic winter experience. This inviting mountain town will entrance you with its shops and boutiques, walkable streets and the gentle bustle of locals and visitors moving in and out of storefronts. It is an ideal place to warm up, explore and enjoy the season.
When you’re ready for dinner, you will also find plenty of dining options to suit a variety of tastes – from casual fare from Town Tavern or Storie Street Grille & Sidecar Bar, to international cuisine from The Six Pence Pub, to more regional Appalachian dining at The Speckled Trout – you’ll have these and several other options to choose from.
Day Two
As you wake up on your first morning, you’re likely ready for something delicious to start the day. Stop into Betty’s Biscuits, which features a great coffee bar, hearty breakfast plates or bowls, and of course a variety of biscuits that live up to the name and can suit whatever you’re craving.
After your meal, take some time to explore King Street, where you’ll find a collection of shops that are perfect for browsing while soaking in the local atmosphere and getting a stronger sense of place.
When you’re ready to embark on your Mystery Hill adventure, make your way over and prepare for a full day of fun! Begin with a guided tour that leads you to the famous gravitational anomaly and widen your curiosity with hands-on activities at the Hall of Mystery and the giant bubbles of Bubblerama.
During the winter months, there are plenty of activities designed to help you warm up, including indoor gem mining, an indoor bull riding experience, and visits to the Native American Artifacts Museum or the historic Dougherty House. Up for embracing the winter air? Tomahawk axe throwing is a great way to stay active while adding excitement and fun to your visit. (And these aren’t even all of Mystery Hill’s attractions, so be sure to check out the website and view ticket options to find the perfect combo for you!)
If you happen to visit in December, you’ll also experience Mystery Hill’s Crazy Christmas, where you can search for lost elves hidden across the property, view or walk through the magical Light Walk tunnel, and take in the overall holiday lights and decorations.
When you’re ready for a pick-me-up, you won’t have to go far: Located right on the Mystery Hill property, Front Porch Eats offers everything from light bites and snacks to sweet treats.
After your Mystery Hill visit, consider exploring more of the area. Tweetsie Railroad offers a three-mile steam engine train ride where you can relax and enjoy scenic views, as well as the festive Tweetsie Christmas experience during November and December. You can also stop by Grandfather Mountain, which offers incredible views of the surrounding area along with wildlife exhibits, hiking and more (weather permitting).
Following a full day of adventure, take a breath and return to your lodging to rest and reflect before heading out for dinner.
Winter is the perfect time to seek out a cozy restaurant where you can warm up (preferably by a fireplace!) and enjoy a comfort meal. For a more upscale dining experience, consider The Beacon, which is known for its inviting ambiance and elevated menu offerings (reservations are highly recommended), or the Chetola Resort, where dining can be paired with a special seasonal experience in January during their Festival of Lights. If you’re looking for something more casual, Lost Province Brewing Company offers a relaxed atmosphere with wood-fired pizza and in-house craft brews. The Cardinal is another casual favorite (particularly for burger lovers) and provides a comfortable and welcoming setting to end your day.
Day Three
Though your winter adventures in the High Country may be coming to an end, there is still plenty of fun ahead on your final day!
Start your day with a warm coffee or hot beverage at Mountain Dog Coffee, an inviting and cozy café known for its fun dog-themed drinks. (They also offer a dog park for its members!) From coffee and matchas to tea and hot chocolate, there are plenty of beverage options to help you warm up. You can also grab a bite to eat and settle in at a comfortable table to enjoy your meal. If you prefer to grab and go, their drive-in window makes it easy to take your food with you and find a scenic winter view where you can enjoy your morning fare.
After you’ve had time to relax and refuel, you’ll find several ways to continue embracing the winter season. If you are eager to get outdoors, the area offers a variety of cold weather activities, including skiing, snow tubing, sledding and ice skating. For those who prefer to stay indoors, there are just as many inviting options, such as visiting the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, or spending some quiet time reading at the Watauga County Library.
Or, you might choose to return to Mystery Hill to enjoy additional activities, especially if there was something you didn’t get a chance to experience during your earlier visit!
Before hitting the road and heading home, consider making one final stop at the Wildwood Community Market to pick up a sandwich for the drive, or to browse the market for a fresh selection of produce, dairy, meats and more – sourced from local vendors. It’s a great way to take a little piece of the High Country with you.
While winter can sometimes feel like an intimidating time to travel and explore, we hope this itinerary has shown how easy it can be to enhance your Mystery Hill visit with nearby attractions and activities that make a winter getaway to Boone and Blowing Rock both memorable and fun!
