If you’re staying close to home this season, December offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the soul of the Southern Appalachians. From cozy mountain lodges to winding scenic byways, our region is steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty that feels especially alive in winter’s stillness.

Just a short drive from Asheville, the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, Georgia, is a retreat that captures the warmth and spirit of the season. Nestled among rolling hills and horse pastures, it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort—ideal for those seeking fireside dining, spa indulgence, or a peaceful walk beneath the pines.

Not far away, the Smoky Mountain Railway transforms into a wonderland this time of year, offering scenic rides through frost-tipped forests and mountain valleys. Whether you board for a nostalgic daytime journey or an evening holiday train, it’s a beautiful way to take in the landscape that defines our home.

For a quieter, star-filled evening, head to Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College. The intimate dome invites visitors to travel beyond the mountains and into the cosmos—a reminder of how vast and interconnected our world truly is.

If you’re craving open air and mountain views, the Cherohala Skyway delivers both. The high-elevation drive between North Carolina and Tennessee offers sweeping vistas and quiet overlooks where you can pause, breathe, and feel the stillness that defines this time of year.

Closer to home, consider venturing out along the Southern Wine Trails. Wineries across Western North Carolina and North Georgia welcome visitors year-round with tastings, live music, and breathtaking vineyard views. From Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville to Crane Creek Vineyards near Young Harris, each stop celebrates the region’s craftsmanship and community spirit.

This winter, rather than rushing through the holidays, take the scenic route. The Southern Appalachians remind us that beauty is found in the pause—in the curve of a mountain road, the reflection on a glass of wine, or the quiet glow of the stars above.