When the weather outside is frightful, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is delightful! During the winter, our area transforms into a winter wonderland! From Roanoke to Natural Bridge, there are plenty of winter activities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge to explore. We recommend starting your winter journey in Roanoke and ending it off the beaten path in Natural Bridge. Read on for more information on how to plan the Blue Ridge Mountains getaway of your dreams!
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, request our free Natural Bridge Vacation Guide. This online guide is filled with local insight into how to spend any time of year in Virginia’s Blue Ridge!
Request Your Natural Bridge Vacation Guide
Top 4 Winter Activities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Learn about four of our favorite winter activities below to craft the perfect itinerary for your Blue Ridge Mountains vacation!
1. Outdoor Ice Skating
Please note that Elmwood Park’s outdoor ice rink is closed for the 2020 season. The park hopes to find a new, larger space to resume regular operations in 2021.
Begin your winter getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, VA. Here, you can enjoy some classic winter activities like outdoor ice skating. During the winter months, Elmwood Park, located in downtown Roanoke, offers an outdoor ice-skating rink. From December to February, enjoy spectacular ice skating for only $8!
2. Virginia Museum of Transportation
Make the Virginia Museum of Transportation your last stop before heading to Natural Bridge, VA. This museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city, so you don’t want to miss it! Here, you can view several rail, road, ship, and air collections. Admission is $8 for adults.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 63
After you explore Roanoke, complete your Blue Ridge Mountains winter getaway in Natural Bridge. Our area is only a 45-minute drive, so it’s easy to travel between the two cities. At the end of your drive, stop off at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 63. Weather permitting, you can stop off here to enjoy some of the best hiking near Natural Bridge. Just be sure to come prepared with proper hiking boots and layers!
4. Stay at the Natural Bridge Hotel
Cozy up at Natural Bridge Hotel after a day exploring the winter activities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Our historic hotel is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and has more than 150 rooms for you to choose from. Browse our Main Inn Rooms, Premium Second-Floor Balcony Rooms, Guest Rooms on Cottage Hill, and Veranda Rooms to see which best suits your needs.
Our “A Night by the Fire” Package is perfect for any winter getaway to the mountains! This vacation package includes overnight accommodations, s’mores and hot chocolate by a bonfire, and breakfast-for-two the next morning. You can even add a $75 credit towards dinner at the Colonial Dining Room or the Red Fox Tavern.
Check our availability to start planning your winter getaway!