Weekend Edition (Jan 3–4, 2026)

The Appalachia Daily Podcast

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Weekend Edition (Jan 3–4, 2026)

A quick mountain weather check, a Trail Spotlight update, and a few easy weekend plans around Murphy, Blairsville, and Blue Ridge.

Dee Wayne Anthony

Jan 03, 2026

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Weekend Weather Snapshot (Murphy, Blairsville, Blue Ridge)

We’re starting the weekend with cool temps and a damp start in a few spots, then improving conditions later today.
If you’re heading out early, watch for wet roads and occasional fog in low areas.

Morning showers are possible in parts of the area, then drier conditions later.
Overnight lows stay chilly, so plan for layers.
If you’re driving in the early hours, slow down for reduced visibility.

Sources:

Facebook: US National Weather Service Morristown (covers our area): @NWSMorristown

Trail Spotlight: Scioto Shooting Range scheduled to reopen Jan. 2

If you’ve been waiting on the Scioto Shooting Range, there’s a scheduled reopen date posted after a safety closure.
It’s also a good reminder that public recreation sites only stay open when folks treat them well.

The Forest Service alert says the range is scheduled to reopen on January 2, 2026.
The alert also references illegal dumping and hazard tree work at the site.
If you go, keep it safe and respectful.

Sources:

2025-12-30 | https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/alerts/scioto-shooting-range-safety-closure-extended-due-illegal-dumping

Facebook: U.S. Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest: @CherokeeNF

Blue Ridge on Ice: Final days through Jan. 6

If you want something fun and easy for the family, this is a classic winter option.
It’s also in the final stretch of the season.

The posted January hours include Saturday and Sunday sessions.
It’s located at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market.
Plan for cold nights after skating, and bring gloves.

Sources:

2026-01-03 | https://blueridgeonice.com/
2025-12-26 | https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/january-events-2026

Facebook:

Visit Blue Ridge GA (BlueRidgeMountains.com): @visitblueridge facebook.com
Escape to Blue Ridge: @escapetoblueridge

Swan Drive-In: Double feature weekend (Jan. 3–4)

This is a solid “blanket in the trunk” plan for Saturday or Sunday night.
If you haven’t done a drive-in in a while, it’s a fun change of pace.

The weekend listing includes gate and showtime details.
Expect a colder night after sundown, so bring layers.
Arrive a little early if you want snacks from the diner.

Sources:

2026-01-03 | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/zootopia-2-avatar-3-fire-and-ice-swan-drive-in/

Facebook: Swan Drive-In: @swandrivein

Garden planning season: Master Gardener training starts Jan. 7 in Murphy

If you want to level up your gardening skills for 2026, this is a timely heads up.
It’s also a great way to meet other local folks who love learning and sharing practical know-how.

Training starts Wednesday, January 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location is listed at 699b Connahetta Street in Murphy.
Registration is offered through Eventbrite from the event listing.

Sources:

2026-01-03 | https://cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/event/1411301573999/extension-master-gardener-certification-training/?source=eventbrite

Facebook:

NC Cooperative Extension Cherokee County Center: @cherokeecountycenter
NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (Cherokee County): @CCMasterGardeners

Mark your calendar: Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Nottely on Jan. 24

This is a community tradition fundraiser that tends to draw a fun crowd.
Even if you don’t plunge, it’s a good “cheer folks on” kind of event.

Scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Location is listed as the Lake Nottely TVA boat ramp beach near Nottely Dam.
Additional details and contact information are on the listings.

Sources:

Facebook:

Visit Blairsville GA: @visitblairsvillega
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce: @BlairsvilleUnionCountyChamber

Neighbor Notes: Clay County Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 8

If you like to keep tabs on local government, here’s a quick heads up.
Even showing up to listen helps you stay informed on what’s coming next.

Meeting is listed for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Location is the multi-purpose room of the Clay County Courthouse.
Check the agenda link on the county page before you go.

Sources:

2026-01-03 | https://www.clayconc.com/county-commission-meetings

Facebook:

Clay County, N.C.: @ClayCounty
Clay County NC Chamber of Commerce: @claychambernc

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Notes, methods, and rights

This update was assembled with AI tools using public information and publicly available sources, and it may contain errors. Always confirm details like times, closures, and meeting agendas directly with the official source.