Winter roars in like a lion, but adventures, events and fun experiences are waiting to be had in Stokes County, North Carolina. A brisk winter hike along the trails of Hanging Rock State Park reveal views and natural beauty not normally experienced in summer months when trees and flora are in full bloom. Once the weather turns cold enough it’s not unusual to see icicles nearly two feet long, hanging from rock outcroppings along the Hanging Rock Scenic Byway. Twisting throughout the county, this unique byway is named for an outcropping in the Sauratown Mountains, the byway also crosses the Dan River multiple times before making its way into Danbury. Fishermen enjoy casting a line in the northern Dan, near Jessup’s Mill in the Francisco community, with hopes of catching a few brown trout in the breed’s eastern most natural area of the state.
December is a season of holiday magic and time spent with family, lasting memories are made throughout the county. Carolina Ziplines and Canopy Tours invites visitors to add Zip lining to your Christmas Traditions as they host “Christmas at the Ziplines” on December 7th and 14th. Have your picture taken with Santa and Homer the Donkey, enjoy hayrides, crafts, refreshments and more. Family and Friends will enjoy racing into the breeze and cool temperature on zipline. Maybe its your first time zip lining or you have done it before, add 4 zip’s across the meadow for $20.
Step back in time to the 23rd Annual Old Fashioned Christmas at Priddy’s General Store. This is truly a wonderful family tradition experiencing what Christmas was like out in the country years ago. Santa will visit from 11am-2pm and the store will be open for shopping for that unique heart felt gift. Every kid visiting Santa will be registered for a chance to win a teddy bear radio flyer wagon. Sample old fashioned candies and delicious hoop cheese while you sip on a cup of hot apple cider. Sit by the bonfire to warm up as you fellowship with one another and roast marshmallows.
Christmas Parades, holiday shopping, downtown tree lightings, and fun for all the CHILL seekers at the 2020 Hanging Rock Polar Plunge on New Years Day. Participants flock to the lake at Hanging Rock donning their favorite outlandish costume, ready to dive fearlessly into the New Year and the icy waters of the Hanging Rock Polar Plunge.
Find your winter fun closer than you think. www.hangingrock.com
