Snow, Ice, & Everything Nice: Top 5 Winter Activities in Rockingham County
With the end of the holidays and the start of a new year in full swing, you might be thinking this is the perfect time for hibernation, but the fun has just begun in Rockingham County! Here are our top five picks to make the most of this winter season.
1. Conquer the Slopes at Massanutten Resort
When it comes to winter sports, Massanutten Resort is the king of Rockingham County. You can feed your inner adrenaline junkie with snowboarding, skiing, or tubing, but we find their weekend night skiing events to be a particularly unique experience, coupling the fast-paced sport with bright LED lights illuminating your way. It’s the perfect combination of beauty and exhilaration. Lift tickets are distributed under a dynamic-pricing system, so grab your’s fast!
2. Go for a Twirl at Generations Park’s Outdoor Rink
Located right off Bridgewater’s main street, Generations Park’s outdoor ice skating rink is open Thanksgiving Day through early March for skaters of all levels. Reserve tickets for a 1.5-hour time slot here. You’ll be whirling, jumping, and spinning on the ice in no time! For those who find skating a bit more difficult, Generation’s park offers lessons for both adults and the little ones. It’s frosty fun for the whole family!
3. Snuggle up with a pint at Elkton Brewing Co.
Elton Brewing Co is known for a few things. First, their ever-growing selection of creativity concocted, locally brewed beers inspired by the local history (such as a double jalapeño IPA inspired by a local legend who bit the head off a rattlesnake!). Two, their adored tradition of weekend live music, delicious food trucks, and overall great vibes. They even light up the fire pits during chilly nights, so go on! Have another round!
4. Brave the Trails at George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
It’s no secret that we are a fan of George Washington National Forest, and the winter season is no exception. Take in exceptional views with hikes such as Cliff Trail in Briery Branch and Blueberry Trail in Rawley Springs. Remember to bring lots of water, watch out for any ice warnings/closures, and most importantly, have fun!
5. Warm up with a bowl of soup at Sugar and Bean Cafe
Sugar and Bean’s Bridgewater cafe is a dream for any of us looking for a cozy escape from the dropping temperatures outside. The two-story building keeps all the homey, residential charm of the original 1850s structure, with the addition of comfortable seating around every corner, a small bookshelf, and board games. Sugar and Bean offer a full breakfast and lunch menu, but we are partial to their flavorful soup selection, which you can enjoy by the bowl in-house, or take home frozen to serve your entire family.
