There’s a special kind of magic during the holidays in North Carolina’s High Country. With so much natural beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond, fall and winter set a stunning backdrop for your festivities.

This month, we’re featuring the best reasons to host the holidays at your Eagles Nest oasis — or begin new Thanksgiving traditions with our unique array of mountain rental properties perfect for your whole family.

Festive Fun for Everyone

The fall and winter season brings both indoor and outdoor fun in the Banner Elk area — and right here in our very own backyard. From snowy sports to our on-site amenities, there’s no shortage of activities to accommodate your whole crew.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

Banner Elk to Sugar Mountain: 10 minutes (4.1 miles)

Get in on the snowy action early in the season at North Carolina’s largest ski area, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. With ski lessons, plus snowshoeing, ice skating, snowboarding, and more, it’s the perfect Turkey Day destination for the whole family. After the adventures, be sure to check out their array of shopping and dining options for a full day of fun!

While opening dates may vary, they always strive to kick off their winter season by Thanksgiving. Check out the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort schedule, hours, and more here.

Grandfather Mountain

Banner Elk to Grandfather Mountain: 27 minutes (12.6 miles)

While this famed mountain is closed on Turkey Day itself, you’ll still find tons of fun during the rest of the week. Bring your group to Mile-High Bridge, explore wildlife exhibits, hit the trails for a winter hike, and so much more. Make your reservation ahead of time here.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

Banner Elk to the Coaster: 14 minutes (6.9 miles)

Built by Germany’s top coaster company, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster offers an experience unlike any other! North Carolina’s first coaster of its kind, this outdoor thrill reaches speeds up to 27 miles per hour. Experience the stunning scenic beauty of Banner Elk in your 2-person cart that cruises down the track. Open 7 days a week, it’s the perfect way to make memories this Thanksgiving season! Make your reservation here.

Explore Local Festivals, Parades, and Holiday Markets

Around Thanksgiving, the holiday magic kicks into high gear in High Country. Get your group into the spirit of the season with plenty of parades, tree festivals, and holiday markets made for gifting. Don’t miss this local guide to Thanksgiving Week Events in the area.

Ditch the Dishes and Dine Out on Turkey Day

With a unique selection of Banner Elk restaurants just around the corner, it’s easy to let someone else do the cooking this Thanksgiving.

The ever-popular Stonewalls Restaurant is serving up traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 12-7p. Reserve your table in advance here. Reid’s Cafe in Sugar Mountain (just about a 17-minute drive) will be offering classic Thanksgiving staples to-go. Pre-order your Turkey Day favorites here so that you can bring your favorites back to your Eagles Nest oasis to enjoy!

Hungry for more Banner Elk restaurants? Don’t miss this list of High Country favorites ready to serve up Thanksgiving dinner.

Celebrate On-Site at Eagles Nest

Make Memories at the Sportsman’s Lodge

Our very own selection of amenities makes it easy to stick around our community while still enjoying plenty of holiday fun. Explore the beloved Sportsman’s Lodge and enjoy hiking trails, pickle ball, basketball, fire pits, a dog park, our very own restaurant, and so much more at this exciting on-site gathering place.

Grab Last-Minute Thanksgiving Supplies at our NEW On-site Dollar General

Located right here at Eagles Nest in the Toy Barn at Great Camp, our first-of-its-kind Dollar General concept store is ready for all your basic needs this Turkey Day and beyond! Stop by for food and supplies 24/7. It’s the perfect place for our out-of-town visitors searching for just a few staples during their stay, too!

Rent an Eagles Nest Property — or Rent Your Home Out for the Holidays

Whether you’re just visiting, want to get a feel for making a move to the mountains, or are leaving your property behind for the holidays and want to earn extra income, there are options for everyone at Eagles Nest!

Enjoy a new Thanksgiving tradition when you rent one of our large properties spacious enough to host your whole family. The Rock at Eagles Nest is a standout, with stunning views and space to sleep 14 — all on 8 amazing acres. Check out the amazing reviews for The Rock at Eagles Nest and see why it’s the perfect place to call home this holiday season.

Leaving your mountain escape behind for the holidays? With our exclusive Eagles Nest Homeowner Rental Program, you can earn extra income simply by renting out your empty home. In fact, on average, homeowners who rent out their homes can earn between $30K-$100K per year.No matter how you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving at Eagles Nest, you’re sure to make lasting family memories right there in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Book your Discovery Tour today.