The Blue Ridge Mountains have always held a sort of reverence for Carolinians. It’s an inexplicable enchantment that’s captured best by the natural serenity of the land and the beauty of the forests at sunrise. Experiencing it all during the holiday season just makes it that much more special. That’s why the dedicated staff at the Chetola Resort work so hard to keep the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains alive—even during the winter months. From those looking for a holiday vacation destination to those just looking to spend a winter weekend away from home, the Chetola Resort welcomes all kinds of travelers to join in on the fun.
Located right on the Chetola Lake in Blowing Rock, NC, the Chetola Resort includes 78 acres of land and a multitude of amenities. Guests can stay in the Chetola Lodge, Chetola Premier Condominiums or The Bob Timberlake Inn; each offers a different aesthetic and different amenities. The Chetola Lodge is an excellent choice for travelers who want a more traditional hotel setting. For those traveling with a larger group or simply looking for more privacy, the Chetola Premier Condominiums are likely going to be the better choice.
Chetola Amenities
While both the Chetola Lodge and the Condominiums make for comfortable accommodations, it’s the Bob Timberlake Inn that truly brings out the best in the resort. This inn has been a beloved bed & breakfast in the area for years. With locally-sourced ingredients used in each meal, the Bob Timberlake Inn pays homage to the bountiful Blue Ridge Mountains at every turn.
Another dining space that takes pride in its Blue Ridge Mountain culinary roots is Timberlake’s Restaurant. Inspired by North Carolinian artist and designer Bob Timberlake, this restaurant features many of his favorite dishes. Patrons can find everything from Carolina quail to made-from-scratch desserts and vegetarian options. To celebrate the holiday season, the restaurant also puts together mouthwatering buffets for those staying through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hoping to hang out somewhere a little more casual during your stay? Headwaters Pub is in the same building.
Outside on the sweeping grounds, the team works for months on end to create the annual Festival of Lights display that runs through the season. The result is a unique charm and dedication to holiday decor that’s sure to delight adults and children alike. No two festival set-ups are ever exactly alike. The event is free and open to the public. You can drive or walk to enjoy thousands of lights all over the property and many dazzling, illuminated displays all around Chetola Lake. There is also music.
Holiday in the Blue Hills
In addition, Chetola Resort offers a wide range of unique opportunities that are perfect for a holiday trip. The resort’s Kids Camp is open year-round to keep the little ones entertained while the parents relax. A heated indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi make it easy to swim even when the winter temperatures start to drop. During the weekend, guests can also enjoy lakeside bonfires snuggled up with loved ones. The resort even provides round-trip shuttle transportation to Appalachian Ski Mountain every winter.
For those with a club membership or guest pass, the Chetola Sporting Reserve is a well-known place to test one’s skills. The reserve offers a variety of shooting activities, including archery and a 13-station sporting clay course.
Thinking about heading into town for a night? The winter wonderland at Tweetsie Railroad is just right for kids and adults of all ages. Visitors during November and December will get to see all kinds of light displays as they ride the open-air train. Plus, Tweetsie Railroad always features local vendors and artists, so the perfect Christmas gift could be right around the corner.
With everything Blowing Rock and the Chetola Resort have to offer during the winter, visitors won’t regret spending their holidays here.
