WINTERFEST 2013: 15th Annual WinterFest Roundup

Jan. 22, 2013. WinterFest returns for a 15th time to Blowing Rock Jan. 24 through 27, mixing the fiery heat of chili, bonfires and toasted marshmallows with the frozen-crusted Polar Plunge and ice carving. Set in one of Travel & Leisure magazine’s “prettiest winter towns,” WinterFest activities are perfect for families, with fun a major focus of the four-day event.

New this year is WinterFashions, which includes soup-and-sandwich lunch at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort and a showing of winterwear and new spring arrivals from Blowing Rock’s finest apparel retailers.

Daily highlights are as follows. For a full schedule of events and ticket sales, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Thursday, January 24: WinterFest gets underway with the first of four days of “shop ‘til you drop” at downtown shops and at the Tanger Outlet Shoppes on the Parkway. That evening is WinterFeast, hosted by Timberlake’s Restaurant, with menu items from Timberlake’s and other upscale Blowing Rock restaurants. 
After each seating, enjoy winter ales craft beer tastings and then meet the distributors at Foggy Rock Restaurant.

Friday events include “shop ‘til you drop,” WinterFashions, live music. Wine, Cheese & Art on Sunset Drive and special prices at Appalachian Ski Mountain.

Saturday is packed with events, highlighted by the mid-morning Polar Plunge into icy Chetola Lake. There will also be a chili cook-off, “shop ‘til you drop,” children’s activities, a raffle and silent auction, hot chocolate, ice carving demonstration, wine tasting at the Green Park Inn, wine auction, an evening bonfire and live music. Chilly and Crystal — the WinterFest SnowFolks — will be “married” in a downtown ceremony at 3 p.m.

WinterFest wraps up on Sunday, January 27 with a pancake breakfast, followed by “shop ‘til you drop,” jazz brunch at Canyons and the “Winter Paws” dog show.

Overnight accommodations in Blowing Rock include cabins, hotels, bed & breakfasts, resorts, condos and family inns. Many have put together vacation packages; visit blowingrockwinterfest.com for details and for ticket sales on line. For more information call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce toll free at 877-295-7801 or the Visitor Center at 877-750-4636.

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce produces WinterFest, which is presented by Hendrick Automotive Group.