Packing for the North Carolina mountains catches people out. It can be warm and sunny in the valley at lunchtime and cold and windy on a summit an hour later. Here’s what we suggest bringing for a stay at Valle View Retreat in Valle Crucis, and what you can leave behind.
Layers, whatever the season
The higher you go, the cooler it gets. The top of Grandfather Mountain is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the towns below, and evenings in the valley cool down quickly even in summer. Pack a warm layer and a rain jacket for every person, plus hats and gloves from late fall to spring.
Good shoes
Bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with grip. Trails on Grandfather Mountain, around Price Lake and along the Blue Ridge Parkway can be rocky, roots are slippery after rain, and Linville Caverns is damp underfoot.
Seasonal extras
- Summer: swimsuits and water shoes for the Watauga River, sunscreen, bug spray and a picnic blanket for Friday night Music in the Valle.
- Fall: a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings by the fire pit.
- Winter: ski or snow gear, waterproof boots and warm layers for tubing. Hawksnest doesn’t rent clothing, so bring your own.
Don’t forget
- A swimsuit for the hot tub, all year round
- Chargers for everyone (every bedroom has USB and USB-C charging)
- Any medications, plus a small first-aid kit for the car
- A cooler bag for picnics and winery trips
What you can leave at home
The house is stocked like a home, not a hotel, so there’s plenty you don’t need to pack. There’s a Pack ‘n Play, toddler tableware, books and toys for little ones, sound machines in every bedroom, and folding chairs for Music in the Valle in the front closet. The kitchen has a double oven, sous vide, stand mixer, blender, coffee machines and serving trays, and the wine bar has glassware. Fiber internet and a dedicated workspace mean you don’t need a hotspot either.
One last tip
Mountain roads are winding, and in winter they can be icy. Leave extra time for the drive in, and plan to arrive in daylight if you can. Check-in is from 4pm.