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We have been pondering the thought of heading to NC, so that the kids might get to experience snow. From my understanding, it would be about an 8 hour drive from Orlando. Also pondering the thought of relocating to the Charlotte area from Orlando (Lake Mary, Florida).
I'm originally from the Detroit area. but have lived in Central Florida for quite some time. It's too hot here in the summer, and from my understanding, NC offers the four season's, but not too harsh of a winter?
Would there be a chance for us to catch any snow accumulation near Charlotte NC? What month is the best chance for snow in Charlotte?
Not really. Maybe one or two occasional dusting where I have lived and then every 3-5 years a decent amount will fall. Somewhere between 6"-12". That's my recollection over close to 10 years. If you want to catch snow for sure you can always travel to the mountains. Lots there.
My wife and I moved to Charlotte from Oviedo in June 2007 and love it! No regrets.
As for snow, we got one day of snow last year. Nothing yet this year. Charlotte certainly gets cold enough to snow, but unpredictable weather patterns keep snow at bay for the most part. People say it's due to the Blue Ridge Mountains blocking it. So as for Charlotte being a snow destination, there are other better options at the same driving distance. Don't let that discredit moving here though!
For snow, I'd hit Asheville. It's right around 8 hours from Orlando too. Their snow is more predictable. And as long as it's not currently snowing and there isn't bad ice, the Blue Ridge Parkway can take you up to higher elevations (5,000'+) in a 30 minute drive from Asheville where there is guaranteed to be snow.
Depending where you are headed in the Charlotte region, it will be closer to a 9 hour drive (w/ any stops) but who is quibbling, LOL.
You will need to head to the mountains to see snow here. We rarely get snow and it is usually only a dusting when we do get it. More often, it turns into an icy mess, LOL - then melts and is gone quickly.
It snows more often in the northwestern counties of Avery and Watauga than it does here. Sometimes there are huge snow storms in Haywood and Madison Counties, as well. So you would need to add on some drive time (2 hours or so depending on route and weather) to make a trip to Boone, where it is snowing right now, as I write.
Here is a publication from that area - a Leisure Guide from the Mountain Times:
Be aware that the Parkway is not always open to traffic, due to weather or to repairs or rock slides. Check here b/f you take off on a trip that includes getting on the Parkway.
My wife and I moved to Charlotte from Oviedo in June 2007 and love it! No regrets.
As for snow, we got one day of snow last year. Nothing yet this year. Charlotte certainly gets cold enough to snow, but unpredictable weather patterns keep snow at bay for the most part. People say it's due to the Blue Ridge Mountains blocking it. So as for Charlotte being a snow destination, there are other better options at the same driving distance. Don't let that discredit moving here though!
For snow, I'd hit Asheville. It's right around 8 hours from Orlando too. Their snow is more predictable. And as long as it's not currently snowing and there isn't bad ice, the Blue Ridge Parkway can take you up to higher elevations (5,000'+) in a 30 minute drive from Asheville where there is guaranteed to be snow.
The Parkway usually gets closed at those higher elevations when it does snow - so don't count on that.
In fact, it's hard to count on snow anywhere in NC except in the most rugged places. Sure our mountain communities get it (Boone, Banner Elk, sometimes Asheville) but it doesn't sit on the ground all winter - you'd have to know when it was coming, THEN plan to get there.
The Parkway usually gets closed at those higher elevations when it does snow - so don't count on that.
In fact, it's hard to count on snow anywhere in NC except in the most rugged places. Sure our mountain communities get it (Boone, Banner Elk, sometimes Asheville) but it doesn't sit on the ground all winter - you'd have to know when it was coming, THEN plan to get there.
Very true. Otherwise, the only snow you will see will be the manufactured stuff on the ski slopes, LOL.
Be aware that the Parkway is not always open to traffic, due to weather or to repairs or rock slides. Check here b/f you take off on a trip that includes getting on the Parkway.
Well, we all know from your name that you love mountains!!! And I sure do, too . . . especially around Grandfather . . .
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