Family Trip Tips: Blowing Rock Winterfest In North Carolina

Blowing Rock in North Carolina will be transformed into a real winter wonderland fron Jan. 23 to 26, 2014, as the 16th annual Winterfest returns to the town. Bringing together the elements of fire and ice, the four-day winter celebration will include the "fiery elements" of bonfires, toasted marshmallows, warm hospitality, and the Chili Cookoff,  with the cold contrast of the Polar Plunge in the Chetola Lake, ice carving, winter temperatures, and skiing and snowboarding.

This year, family activites are the  focus of the Winterfest, but more "adult" events such as a cocktail party are also included. Here are a some of the top new events for 2014:

Fire and Ice at Meadowbrook Inn: A cocktail party featuring an open fire, ice and vodkas, models in furs, and an array of diamonds for sale. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets go for $25 in advance, $35 at the door.

Cocoa and Canvas at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum: A fun, two-hour art class with a take-home painting for children (and adults) more than 10 years old. Tickets are $40 per person; art supplies, cocoa, and light refreshments included.

Winterfest Family Night at Appalachian Ski Mountain: Learn to ski or snowboard from the experts at the French-Swiss Ski College with special Winterfest pricing. Includes an ice-skating session with s'mores and roasting by the rink-side bonfire.

For more information, visit the Blowing Rock Winterfest website.