Sample Our Wines This Winter

There is no better way to relax this season than over a glass of wine shared with friends. Here in North Carolina, our wine-producing roots run deep, and we have more than 100 wineries across the state for you to enjoy.

In addition to fantastic wine, many wineries are offering special events and festivals this time of year. Check out Jazzy Fridays at Cypress Bend Vineyards, happening twice each month, or if you’re a sports fan, try Weathervane Winery’s annual Super Bowl Party in Lexington. Experience six wineries in one place at the Yadkin Winter Reds Event 2012 happening through February or indulge yourself at the Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival. For a more complete listing of upcoming wine events, visit our calendar.

With these events and regular tastings at the wineries, there is plenty to do this winter to stay warm and experience something new. Double check the wineries’ winter hours before heading out, and if you have a favorite wine or story to tell, please share it with us in the comments section below.

Get Outside this Winter

Our mountains are home to slopes and ski resorts to help keep you active this season cure the onset of cabin fever. Take your pick from traditional downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding terrain parks, ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing or ziplining over snow-covered peaks. We have it all here.

Beech Mountain Resort’s claim to fame is that at 5,506 feet, it is the highest ski and snowboard destination in the Eastern United States. We aren’t new to the snow sports world: Cataloochee Ski Area is our oldest ski and snowboard resort having opened in 1962, and Appalachian Ski Mountain is celebrating its 50th year this season. If snow tubing is your favorite activity, Hawksnest is home to the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast.

You can check out our park and resort listing and our updates for the 2011-12 season. Many resorts have upgraded their snow guns to keep the slopes ready-covered in snow, added runs for skiing and snowboarding and expanded their terrain. This is the season to make this trip.

Plan your next visit today for anytime through mid-March, and the conditions should be just right for winter fun. Share your adventure with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear your stories!

Vote for Raleigh in Southern Living’s Tastiest Towns Contest

During the month of January, Southern Living is hosting a contest to determine the South’s Tastiest Town. Our very own Raleigh has been chosen to compete against the likes of Birmingham, Louisville, Houston, Decatur, Charleston, Lafayette, New Orleans, Charlottesville and Baltimore.

Needless to say, Raleigh wants your vote, and here is why. Known for its farm to fork mentality, most Raleigh restaurants boast scrumptious dishes made from local ingredients. Two well known local ingredient options include the Southern American cuisine at 18 Seaboard and the tapas restaurant, Humble Pie. If pizza is more your style, try out Lilly’s at Five Points.

Also home to seven breweries, Raleigh has a great beer scene. from the Big Boss Brewing Company to Boylan Bridge Brewpub and the Roth Brewing Company, there is a draught for you.

The voting ends on Jan. 31, and the winner will be announced in the April edition of Southern Living. Click on over to cast your vote once a day for one of our own, and best of luck to Raleigh and its delectable food scene!