Backroad Bulletin: January Events ❄️
First Day hikes, oyster roasts, wildlife viewing, and winter festivals
Welcome to 2026! Let’s kick off January and the new year with First Day Hikes across the Southeast, then mark your calendar for oyster roasts, wildlife viewing opportunities, and winter festivals.
First Day Hikes Across the Southeast
First Day Hikes at Virginia State Parks
First Day Hikes at Tennessee State Parks
First Day Hikes at North Carolina State Parks
First Day Hikes at South Carolina State Parks
First Day Hikes at Georgia State Parks
Jones Oyster Co. Oyster Roast
January 11, 2026; 2 to 4 p.m.
Greenville, South Carolina
The Jones Oyster Co. hosts its monthly oyster roast series with freshly harvested oysters roasted over open fires, accompanied by sides, drinks, and live entertainment. In addition to all-you-can-eat roasted oysters, the menu includes select favorite Jones Oyster Co. light bites, beer, wine, and bubbles.
Blowing Rock WinterFest
January 22-25, 2026; times vary
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
WinterFest captures the charm of small-town Appalachian winters and transforms this rural mountain village into a winter wonderland with ice carvings, hayrides, live music, and a Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake. Visitors savor wine tastings, explore snowy trails, and enjoy cozy mountain hospitality amid the Blue Ridge scenery.
Winter Wildlife Festival
January 24-February 1, 2026
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Experience guided excursions to nearby rural refuges and parks for birding and wildlife viewing, nature walks, and educational programs on coastal ecosystems. Participants often venture into quieter, less-developed areas of Princess Anne and surrounding counties to observe winter migrants and raptors.
Firefly Sunday Oyster Roast
January 25, 2026
North Charleston, South Carolina
Spend the day along the scenic Noisette Creek, enjoying all-you-can-eat oysters, live music, and Firefly cocktails in a 5-acre field. Savor fresh Lowcountry oysters while enjoying the distillery’s waterfront views and relaxed vibe.
Haywood County Smokies Ice Fest
January 29-February 1, 2026
Towns in Haywood County, North Carolina
Watch live ice carving demonstrations, enjoy games, shop vendors, listen to a jazz concert, take a spin on the ice skating rink in Canton, and run in the Frosty 5K in Clyde. The event showcases mountain craftsmanship and winter fun amid stunning mountain views.
ChocolateFest Knoxville
January 30-31, 2026; times vary
Knoxville, Tennessee
ChocolateFest, which takes place at The Standard, indulges chocolate lovers with tastings from local chocolatiers, bakers, and candy makers. Enjoy daytime chocolate pairings with nonalcoholic drinks, and after-dark chocolate pairings with cocktails. Boutique vendors will be set up offering a variety of sweets and gifts.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
February 1, 2026; 10 a.m. to 5 pm.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival at historic Boone Hall Plantation is billed as the world’s largest oyster roast, drawing visitors to this rural coastal area outside Charleston. Attendees enjoy unlimited steamed oysters, live music on multiple stages, oyster shucking and eating contests, local food vendors, wine and beer, and family-friendly activities.
Winterfest Lights in Pigeon Forge
Through February 15, 2026
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest Lights dazzles with over 12 million twinkling bulbs along rural Smoky Mountain backroads. Stroll the Riverwalk Nature Trail’s sparkling displays, enjoy trolley tours, craft fairs in rustic barns, fireside storytelling, and family coaster rides through snowy coves—pure Appalachian holiday magic.
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