A seasonal escape is just a flight away in Jackson County, NC. | Photo provided by Jackson County TDA
How does a front row seat to frost-covered mountains, frozen waterfall hikes, and the best seats at award-winning restaurants sound? Some may say it sounds like a dream, but it’s actually the charming reality of Jackson County, NC’s Secret Season — the time of year when thecrowds thin out in January to March.
In addition to offering great lodging specials(read: a very affordable time to visit), Secret Season transforms the North Carolina county into the perfect place for a winter getaway with family, a significant other, or friends.
Here’s what there is to see and do:
🛍️ Hit the Town
Less crowds in the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva mean more time to freely explore all that the picturesque streets have to offer, including:
Shopping experiences that abound, with everything from clothing boutiques to upscale antiques to one-of-a-kindmountain goods, like pottery by local artisans and Appalachian-inspired handmade crafts.
World-class, luxury spa options for those needing some R+R.
Restaurants with little to no wait times. (Read: Trying the local eats just got better.)
🏔️ Experience the great (winter) outdoors
See the scenic views open up as the leaves fall from trees and reveal the landscapes around them. Some must-see natural wonders + winter activities include:
The beautiful spectacle of frozen waterfalls.
A naturally-occurring phenomenon known as Shadow of the Bear, which will return mid-February to March.
Outdoor sports for tubing-loving families and beginner skiers and snowboarders, who will love hitting the slopes at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort.
Winter fly fishing, which is oft considered to be the best time to go fly fishing.
Ready to escape the crowds and take in the clean mountain air and long-range mountain views? Get more travel tips below (and start planning).*
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | Beach Dr. Parking Lot, 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | $44 | Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour.
Weekday Yoga | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 9-10 a.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | Free | Practice yoga with your community and then grab a bite at one of the vendors within Heights Public Market.
Mountain Top Murders | Tuesday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 4-9:30 p.m. | Great Escape Room, 300 Madison St., Tampa | $35 | The escape room experience is for folks of all ages, and you must book your time in advance.
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Wynwood Wired Wednesday: Whale Happy Hour Tampa Bay | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Zudar’s Bourbon St. Bar & Grill, 201 W. Platt St., Tampa | Free | Wired Wednesday is an evening for startups, investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Thursday, Nov. 24
Art on the House | Thursday, Nov. 24-Thursday, June 22 | 3-7 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art, 120 Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | Bring the family and celebrate 100 years of art in Tampa with exhibitions that emphasize ancient, modern, and contemporary art.
Friday, Nov. 25
Sunset Paddle Happy Hour | Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 23 | 4:30 p.m. | Urban Kai, 700 S. Florida Ave., Tampa | $25-$35 | Enjoy a prime sunset view of Tampa’s skyline + a post-paddle cocktail with your fellow paddlers.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Travelers beware — a rainy week leading up to Thanksgivingmay affect holiday travel plans for Floridians. If you’re planning a road trip or flight, keep your eye on forecasts and itineraries for updates. As for Turkey Day itself, you can expect a mostly-dry day, with a few stray showers possible. (The Ledger)
Sunrise + sunset
Rise: 6:57 a.m.
Set: 5:35 p.m.
Tide Old Tampa Bay
High: 1:14 a.m. + 3:19 p.m.
Low: 8:38 a.m. + 7:46 p.m.
Clearwater Beach
High: 10:56 a.m. + 9:44 p.m.
Low: 4:17 a.m. + 4 p.m.
Announced
Would you like to live in the tallest building on the state’s west coast?Residences at 400 Central in St. Pete is now taking reservations. These luxury units feature terraces, floor-to-ceiling glass, and access to a heated pool. 🏢 (I Love the Burg)
Outdoors
Florida Fish and Wildlifeis proposing new fishing rules to protect the brown pelicans from getting tangled in fishing lines. On Mon., Nov. 21, the FWC gathered public input on potential regulations for Skyway Fishing Pier, which is close to the pelicans’ nesting area. A recording of the meeting will be on its YouTube page. 🎣 (FOX 13)
Seasonal
Music and mayhem are getting married this Drinksgiving on Wed., Nov. 23, out in Seminole Heights. The band Between Bluffsis turning out 90s grunge classics on the Independent Bar and Cafe’s patio (5016 N. Florida Ave.) — for the low, low price of free. (Creative Loafing)
Asked
Tampa Bay is home to many festive events, festivals, and happenings. So we want to know: What local holiday tradition do you love? Whether it’s community-wide or something you love to do with your family, let us know, and we may share it in an upcoming newsletter.
Shop
Why wait to start shopping this holiday season? Check out our gift guidesfeatured on our online shop, Six & Main. Shop for the pet lover, party host, and foodie in your life. There’s something special for everyone. Let the shopping begin. 🛍️
Travel
Love nature? Take the ~1 hour away drive to Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park — the newpublic park full of century-old trees and seasonal Florida foliage. Pro tip: Make a full weekend of it by booking a VRBO stay. 🌳*
The Buy
Unbox the best holiday gift of all: a smile you’re proud of.SmileDirectClub is the easiest way to straighten your teeth in as little as 60 days — for 60% less than Invisalign or braces. 👀 *
Sports
If you’re into (or even sort of into) sports: The GIST is a must-subscribe newsletter that provides a refreshing female voice and perspective on sports four times a week. Read: If ‘do the thing and score the points’ is your baseline understanding, you might enjoy this to uplevel your knowledge. *
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Until we meet again, Taylor. | Photo via GabboT on Wikimedia Commons
If you don’t have $35,000 to spend on Taylor Swift tickets in Tampa, we know your pain all too well. But we’re trying to shake it off with these events from April 13-15, so you can tolerate it.
Tampa Bay Blues Festival | Fri., April 14-Sun., April 16 | Hours vary | Vinoy Park | $60+ | Get your music fix and sing the blues with acts like Robert Cray and Tower of Power.
Tampa Bay Screams | Fri., April 14-Sat., April 15 | Hours vary | Holiday Inn, 700 N. Westshore Blvd. | $35 | Taylor won’t be the only celebrity haunting Tampa Bay this weekend — meet horror celebs like Tamara Glynn of “Halloween 5.”
To Kill A Mockingbird | Tues., April 11-Sun., April 16 | Showtimes vary | Straz Performing Arts Center | What do Richard Thomas — who will play the role of Atticus Finch — and Taylor Swift have in common? An Emmy.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Jessalin.
Editor’s pick: If you’re still hurting for Taylor Swift events, Orpheum’s Swiftiemas is right around the corner. On Fri., Dec. 9, head to 14802 N. Nebraska Ave. for a Swift-themed holiday dance party. Tickets are $20.
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