Planning for a winter adventure in Atlanta, involving the frozen variety of precipitation, is like planning for the zombie apocalypse. It may never happen, but just in case, you have a plastic sled stored in the basement, or a readily accessible trashcan lid. Here are some ways to enjoy the snow that don't require a polar vortex and crippling Atlanta snow jams.
Most unique way to race down the slope
Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley (Sapphire Valley, NC- 3 hours northeast of Atlanta)
Take a good cause, the Boys and Girls Club, add a little potty-humor mixed with good old-fashioned fun and the result is the Annual Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley. Go for the people watching or construct your own john-on-a-sled at this annual mid-February event. Just don't forget the required toilet paper and seat.
This Blue Ridge Mountain resort also offers snow skiing, snowboarding and a snow tube park. www.skisapphirevalley.com
Unexpected snow combination
Snow Day at St. Patrick's Day Festival (Dublin, GA- 2hrs southeast of Atlanta)
About an hour outside of Macon is the Irish-inspired town of Dublin. Each year events dot the month of March, such as the St. Patrick's Parade, Irish Ballon Fest and the Leprechaun Road Race. What you don't expect to see south of Atlanta is a Snow Day complete with Lucky the Leprechaun. Originally meant to grace the Christmas holiday calendar, a weather reschedule has now made this event a quirky kick-off, on February 28, to Dublin's month-long festivities. This free family event includes snow slides, play areas, train rides, Touch-a-Truck, scavenger hunts and more.
The small-town of Dublin is also home to the Oconee River and offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Event details at: http://events.accessatlanta.com/dublinsnowday
Best bet for the unsure, novice family
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area & Amusement Park (Gatlinburg, TN- 4hrs northeast of Atlanta)
It can be tough to take the leap with that first trip. If your family has never skied, it's daunting to think of spending the money with the chance that not everyone will enjoy it. Before you take the trek out west, take a test-run with plenty of alternative activities.Try your luck with skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. If sliding on snow is not your forte, the resort offers wildlife encounters, ice skating and a scenic chairlift. An onsite restaurant and lounge offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and slopes.
Take the aerial tram down the mountain and into the parkway area of Gatlinburg, where you can walk through shops, sample moonshine and take in some attractions, such as Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and the Aquarium of the Smokies. http://obergatlinburg.com
Out-of-the-box overnight date
Cloudmont Ski Resort (Mentone, AL- 2hrs northwest of Atlanta)
Are you stuck in the date rut of over-priced dinners and ridiculously priced movies? If your nightlife needs a little kick of originality, try this bold date. During the season, Cloudmont offers nightly skiing from 6pm-10pm. Hailing as the "Southeastern most ski resort in the US", around $35 per person gets you an evening ski package including equipment, lift ticket and a beginner lesson. Chalets start at $65 per night. http://www.cloudmont.com
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