When you begin to see rustic red barns, wrap around porches, and large fields with grazing cattle you have made it to Walnut Cove, North Carolina. Walnut Cove is a quaint mountain town where the tea is sweet and the accents thick with a southern twang. Located nearby Winston-Salem and Hanging Rock State Park Walnut Cove is an unexpected find. Don’t let this little town fool you Christmas in Walnut Cove has plenty of activities for a fun and festive three-day adventure.
Day 1
Tanglewood Festival of Lights & Market
Location address:Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Manor House Circle
Clemmons, NC 27012
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights will put Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. Cars line up nearly twenty miles away from the festival waiting to see the light displays. Upon arrival there are small teases of what the lights to come. There are light displays of twinkling snowflakes, trumpet players, and a manger scene. All of the lights can be viewed from the comfort of your car.
There is however, a pit stop you won’t want to miss. The gift shop is a market with local venders selling baked goods, clothing, and other homemade items. I tried my first homemade preacher/no bake cookie and with each bite I enjoy the sugary sweetness. Kids can also visit Santa, but by the time we arrived at the shop Santa was getting ready to go back to the North Pole. The extravagant light festival is certainly worth a visit.
Day 2
Hiking at Hanging Rock
Location address:Hanging Rock State Park
1790 Hanging Rock Park Road
Danbury, NC 27016
The terrain changes drastically within the fifteen-minute drive to Hanging Rock State Park. It is a rainy day so when we drive up to park there is no one else there. First, we hike to wolf rock on the Moore’s Wall Loop. The trail is moderate, but the scenic views are impeccable.
Next, we head up to the more popular hiking trails, but today we have the trails all to ourselves. The Winnow Fall Trail and Hidden Falls Trail are the two trails to the waterfalls you cannot miss.
We hiked Hanging Rock Trail at sunset, arriving at the top just as the sun is going down. Seeing the top of the mountain is one of those pinnacle moments that puts everything into perspective, but as soon as the sun set we began hiking in the dark. Night hiking is not the best idea, and it is spooky to say the least. When we arrived at the bottom and saw our car I felt a sense of relief.
If you are looking for a calorie-burning adventure the Moors Knob trail is for those thrill-seekers hoping to work up a sweat. The trail is two miles at a high incline and then two miles straight back down. You will surly burn off all the Christmas cookies with this trail.
Day 3
Antique Shopping at Just Plain Country Store
Location address:The Arts Place of Stokes
502 N. Main St.
Danbury, NC 27016
Just Plain Country Store is anything but plain. This local shop has an eclectic array of homemade, antique, and brand new products. Since it is the Holiday season their Christmas selection is particularly full. Manger scenes, snowman decor, decorative pillows, and Christmas dish-ware are on display.
This antique shop has a huge selection with multiple levels. The moment you think the store ends you find another section on display. The prices are reasonable and the products are unique. This country’s antique store is full of hidden treasures. Needless to say, my friend and I spent two hours picking through the store for the perfect Christmas finds.
Omas Chocolate Factory & Coffee Shop
Location address: Oma’s Coffee Shop
335 N. Main St.
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
Omas is the perfect place to order a peppermint latte during the holiday season. Don’t miss the festival fudge flavors such as red velvet and maple walnut. A local customer who was knitting away at a corner table claimed, “if you haven’t had her fudge you haven’t had fudge”, and I agree with her.
Danbury Apple Art Gallery
Location address: Just Plain Country Store
405 N. Main St.
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
The Danbury Apple Art Gallery displays exhibits from local artists and the pieces are available for purchase. The art gallery is also attached to a coffee shop and gift shop with homemade soaps. While visiting we accidentally stumbled upon a high school’s band concert and quietly slipped out.
Walnut Cove has small town charm with local mom and pop shops, friendly people, and refreshing nature spots. Stop by for a relaxing weekend during your holiday season and celebrate Christmas in Walnut Cove.
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