Western NC offers an opportunity to actually celebrate ice with the Haywood Ice Fest, while the racing and fishing communities stick together in their respective off-seasons.
If you’re like me, you have no interest in hearing anything more about ice. If I step 2 feet out of my house from either entrance at the time of this writing, it’s tough to even get my footing. I won’t even mention ICE — that’s another story altogether.
All that said, we will all thaw out and want to do something after feeling stir crazy for the weekend. I’m here to let you know what’s going on around the state.
I hate to do it, but I’m going to start with ice (complimentary). Just humor me…
For past editions of “3 things happening in NC,” tap here.
Haywood Ice Fest in Haywood
I understand that it’s tough to respect ice as the center of festivities after the storm that we just saw, but it’s a great way to connect with the North Carolina winter to experience the Haywood Ice Fest. Fun fact: This festival actually takes place over five different towns. Here are some of the highlights:
Jan. 29: Cool Jazz Concert, featuring renowned saxophonist Walter Smith III, at Haywood Arts Regional Theater
Jan. 30: Ice Block Party in downtown Waynesville, 5-8 p.m.
Jan. 31: Frosty 5K at Haywood Community College, 9 a.m
Jan. 31: Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, 4-9 p.m.
Head over to Canton to skate on the rink on Friday evening (4-8 p.m.) or over the weekend (noon-5 p.m.). There’s also a Frosty 5K taking place in Clyde on Saturday morning. If you like moving at a slower pace, join Haywood County Parks & Rec for one of their morning birding walks around Lake Junaluska on Friday or Sunday, 9 a.m.- noon.
As you might imagine, the Ice Extravaganza on Saturday is the main event, featuring ice carving demonstrations, ice games, light features, and a slate of local vendors. Be sure to check out this cool event map so you have a better idea of what you’re looking at during the block party.
There isn’t a better party in western North Carolina this time of year.
Cook Out Clash in Winston-Salem
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, opened in 1938. An annual non-championship preseason NASCAR Cup Series exhibition, the Cook Out Clash used to be held at Daytona until 2021 until it went to Los Angeles until 2024.
Those were fine homes for a friendly race, but let’s be real; North Carolina will always be the home of real racing.
Everybody likes to talk about Charlotte Motor Speedway for the big races or the return of the North Wilkesboro Speedway for nostalgic races, but Winston-Salem is home to a great, underrated race track. Check it out while you can.
Fayetteville Fishing Expo
If you’re a big fishing Carolinian like me, you might be taking your boat out these days (I’m not doing that). Most of us fishing hobbyists are waiting until the sun comes out and sticks around for awhile when the boating season begins.
The best way to engage with the offseason is to check out this expo, allowing attendees to check out the latest gear, learn from industry professionals, and discover ways to enjoy the region’s natural resources responsibly.
It’s a family-friendly event, as is the third annual Mid-Atlantic Hunting and Fishing Expo, taking place in Greenville from Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
