For the last couple of years, I've posted about North Carolina farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree.
Some are out in western North Carolina and require a weekend trip - one many Triangle families have made a Christmas tradition. In many cases, local inns and bed and breakfasts have teamed up with farms to offer full weekend packages. Other farms are much closer to home.
I've actually gotten requests in the last few weeks for an update to this post this year. So, back by popular demand, here's what's offered this year if you're looking to make a weekend of it. If I'm missing your favorite, please share in the comments below.
I'll focus on farms closer to home tomorrow.
Hemlock Inn in Boone offers rooms and two-room suites. Guests head over to Circle C Tree Farm for their trees, hayrides and hot drinks. Packages are offered through Dec. 22 and include a one-night stay and tree up to seven-feet tall.
Meadowbrook Inn also offers a package that includes a tree from Circle C.
Papa Goats Tree Farm in Sparta has a rental cabin on site. Or you can stay at a local hotel and head over to the farm, which also offers hayrides, farm animals, a children's play area and a free Christmas coloring book and crayons for the kids. Santa will visit on select weekends.
Boyd Mountain in Maggie Valley offers rental cabins and a Christmas tree farm where you can cut your own tree. It's open through Dec. 22. The farm's hospitality tent is stocked (and heated) with hot drinks and holiday cookies. Santa will visit on select days.
Village Inns of Blowing Rock offers a package that includes a voucher for a six to 10-foot Fraser Fir tree from nearby Turtle Creek Christmas Tree Farm through Dec. 22.
Some other farms to consider:
RRR Tree Farm in Todd, just north of Boone, operates two tree farms. Tractor-pulled wagons carry visitors to the fields where they can pick their tree. The farm works with a variety of motels, hotels, rentals and more so you can easily find accommodations. Packages include a voucher for a tree up to seven-feet tall.
Sugar Plum Farms in Plumtree, N.C., has a hayride, visits from Santa, hot drinks and more, including a lot of Fraser firs. The farm works with local lodges and inns on packages.
Little Switzerland Christmas Tree Farm in Little Switzerland will be open select days this month and next month for cut and choose Christmas trees. It also works with local inns and B&Bs in Little Switzerland on packages.
Tom Sawyer Tree Farm and Elf Village in Lake Glenville is open through Dec. 23. You'll find all sorts of activities, including visits with Santa, a horse drawn carriage, elf-sized Christmas tree houses, a post office where kids can mail letters to Santa, and more.
