Hotel at a Glance: The Cabins at Healing Springs

In North Carolina in the late 1880s, if you had an ailment you were looking to cure, you might’ve wound up at Thompson’s Bromine and Arsenic Springs. The natural mineral springs, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, were thought to cure an array of conditions from poison ivy to indigestion.

• Cabin amenities include a small kitchenette with complimentary coffee, while select cabins feature a full kitchen.
• Fire pits: Snuggle up around one of three fire pits scattered around the grounds.
• Add-on packages: You can order snacks to enjoy in your cabin, such as a fruit and cheese tray or chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Head into town: West Jefferson is an ideal spot to spend the afternoon; you can go shopping, peruse art galleries, and grab a bite to eat.

Ashe County, North Carolina: Trails and Waterfalls amid the Blue Ridge Mountains

Ashe County occupies a large, forested swath of land in northern North Carolina, just shy of the Virginia border. There are several state parks in the area where visitors can appreciate the great outdoors. In New River State Park, go for a canoe ride down the tranquil New River, whose banks are lined with wildflowers in the warmer months.

Winter activities might include catching a set of bluegrass or roots music, exploring the intricate paintings at the Churches of the Frescoes, or driving along the winding length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the springtime, take a hike amid the 5,000-foot peaks and waterfalls of Grayson Highlands State Park, which lies just across the Virginia-North Carolina state line. You might even catch a glimpse of the park’s famous wild ponies. Rock climbers flock to the park to scale its 700 named climbing routes and try their hand at bouldering.

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