Beat the Winter Blues
January 3, 2022
By Ashley Stewart
It took a while, but winter has finally begun in Cashiers. We received our first snow of the year (and the season) on January 3rd when the temperature plunged from fifty degrees to a bitter twenty-six. It’s much too cold to be outside working. Here on the Plateau, the only thing we can do is hunker down and wait til spring. Being cooped up during those long winter months can make a person crazy. The holiday season has passed, so watching Christmas movies feels weird and you can only do so many puzzles before you drive yourself bonkers. Instead of beating your head against the wall, we have assembled a list of fun and creative activities to keep you and your family entertained all winter long.
1. Binge watch that new TV show
Remember when we used to have to wait an entire week for the new episode of our favorite show to air? Thankfully, we don’t have to suffer like that anymore. With Netflix, Hulu, and a dozen other streaming services, you can watch an entire season in a single sitting. What better way to spend a cold winter day than spending six hours with your favorite characters?
2. Take a Hike
I know, I know. This list is supposed to be for alternatives for working outside, but hiking on the Plateau is spectacular any time of year. Winter hikes are particularly captivating because all of the leaves are down, making the views even wider and clearer than in the summer. Hiking in the snow is even more beautiful and makes for fantastic photos.
3. Take the Polar Bear Plunge
Do you dare to jump into Lake Glenville in the middle of winter? Braving the icy waters isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up to the challenge, it’s a fun way to ring in the New Year! Polar Bear Plunges are more often held in the Northeast, but the North Carolina Special Olympics hosts a Polar Bear Plunge as part of their annual fundraising. Take the plunge and support a good cause!
4. Make apple cider
There’s nothing more comforting on a cold day than a warm mug of cider. Just the scent of apples, citrus and spices is enough to make you feel cozy. Whether it’s an old family recipe, or one you found on Google. Personally, we’re partial to Aspen Mulling Spices.
5. Clean out your closet
You’re off to a good start this year: exercising more, eating better. Keep the improvement train rolling by purging all those clothes you never wear. Removing excess clutter will make you feel refreshed, and donating your clothes to charity will make you feel good too. Think about all the room you’ll have for the new clothes and shoes you’re going to find this year!
6. Game Night!
Pull out the Monopoly or Scrabble board. Not a fan of board games? Surely you have a deck of cards stashed somewhere. If you can’t decide (or if the Monopoly pieces are missing), then come check out our selection of new and nostalgic games in our Cabin Fever Room.
7. Visit the Library
Did you make a resolution to read more and stay off your phone this year? So did we. The Albert-Carlton Cashiers Library is a great place to find your next novel or biography. The best part is that they also have access to six other library collections in the Fontana Regional Library System. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask! The library is more than just books. They also have movies to rent and a great children’s program.
8. Go Sledding
Or snow tubing. Or skiing. Or ice skating. We don’t get much actual snow here on the Plateau, but that doesn’t stop the fine people at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort or the Highlands Ice Rink from providing residents with a fun winter experience. Click here to learn more about Sapphire Valley Ski Resort or Click Here to learn more about Highlands Ice Rink. When it does finally snow, we have sleds and saucers available!
9. Learn a new skill
Have you ever seen someone on Facebook or Instagram with beautiful artistic skills and thought “I wish I could do that”? What better time to learn than now? Whether it’s knitting, scrapbooking, nail art or makeup, there are thousands of tutorials online to help you get started.
10. Start a home improvement project
Of course, we saved the best for last. Our favorite winter activity. If you’re stuck inside and tired of staring at that ugly dresser, outdated wallpaper, or being driven to the brink by that dripping faucet, then stop by Zoller Hardware! We’ve got everything you need to get that project started. Refurbish that dresser, take down that wallpaper, replace that faucet, and whatever else is on your home improvement to-do list. Need a little help? Talk to one of our staff. We have a directory of plumbers, electricians, and contractors to help you get the job done right.
