JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the snow drifts closer to Jacksonville this weekend, we often wonder: How far do we really have to go to see snow?
If you’re willing to drive 351 miles to Miami to see a concert, football game, or hop on a cruise, you can pack up the kiddos in the car and drive to Greenville, South Carolina to see the flakes falling.
RELATED | Georgia governor declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm, asks residents to stay off roads
Greenville is 388 miles away from Jacksonville and one of the best spots to soak up the snow this weekend. By bypassing Atlanta, where ice, sleet, and some snow are expected on Friday, traveling north along I-95 through Savannah is the better option for safer travel.
The National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina is preparing for a Winter Storm Watch from Friday through Saturday morning. They’re expecting snow across the mountains with an accumulation of 2-5 inches.
Getting there safely
While snow is nice in the mountains, the hazards of these conditions are treacherous and impassable roads. If you plan to make the drive, it’s recommended you leave early Saturday morning and make sure you have a winter storm kit with you, including tire chains, booster cables, flashlights, a shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. An All-Wheel Drive (AWD) car is also recommended, but not as effective for turning and braking on snow/ice.
We made some calls and found that (surprise!) tire chains are elusive in Jacksonville; therefore, I highly recommend stopping in Columbia, SC to purchase tire chains if the roads aren’t cleared by the time you pass through.
Icy roads are hazardous for all drivers, even those with experience driving in wintry weather.
“Black ice” is a term you hear when referring to icy road, according to the U.S. Forest Service, if you do hit black ice, your first reaction must be to remain calm and avoid overreacting. The general rule is to do as little as possible and allow the car to pass over the ice. Do not hit the brakes, and try to keep the steering wheel straight. If you feel the back end of your car sliding left or right, make a very gentle turn of the steering wheel in the same direction. If you try to struggle against it by steering in the opposite direction, you risk skidding or spinning out (see below for what to do if this happens).
Where to stay
As for lodging, there are plenty of options ranging from $88 to $180 for Saturday night, Jan. 11, for a family of four.
Now, what to do in Greenville after a snowstorm? It didn’t take a lot of searching to find there’s plenty of snowy fun to be had for all ages.
What to do
Ice on Main is an outdoor skating rink located at Village Green in the heart of downtown Greenville. Even beginners can skate here with assistance, using Skate Aids!
Forty-five minutes north of Greenville in Hendersonville, North Carolina, fly down a powdery mountain in a snow tube. Black Bear Snow Tubing’s website says it will be open on Saturday, Jan. 11. This would be my top choice of family-fun! Dress accordingly - waterproof clothing is a MUST. Pro tip: swing by your favorite consignment shop to find cold-weather gear for a good price!
When does the snow end?
The wintry weather is expected to move out of the region early Saturday morning leaving behind a winter wonderland and temperatures in the low 40s.