Itinerary at a Glance
– History, Arts, Shopping, Finer Things
– Any Season
– 2.5 Days
Day One
Morning:
Indulge in some fresh air and stunning views at the Cone Estate. Recently restored to its former Gilded Age grandeur by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Flat Top Manor is representative of the wealth and opulence of the time. The Manor also houses one of the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s shops. Peruse one of a kind crafts, hand made by juried artisans, or catch a demonstration. Nestled on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cone Estate offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and the ever popular Bass Lake loop.
Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the antique vehicles inside the stables, which also house the public restrooms on the property.
Dining Suggestion:
Start your trip to Blowing Rock, on the right foot with a cup of coffee and French pastries at Tout Suite Cafe. This cafe is relatively new an will make you feel practically Parisian with it’s baguette sandwiches, sweet treats, and rich coffees. Tout Suite means “right away” in French and that really embodies this little cafe’s personality. French food and coffee, right away, so you can get on with your day in Blowing Rock.
Insider Tip:
If you’re really enjoying the French wares in Tout Suite, head over to De Provence Et D’Ailleurs on Morris St. for more stunning French imports.
Afternoon
Continue the artistic tour by heading over to BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum). This small town museum leaves a big impression with impeccably curated, rotating, exhibits that are both beautiful and educational. Indulge your curiosity by learning more about the history of Blowing Rock, local artist Elliot Dangerfield, and the exhibits themselves. Visitors can also stop by Edgewood Cottage located on Main St. right in front of the museum for a self-guided tour.
Insider Tip:
From Memorial Day to Labor Day Edgewood Cottage is home to Artists in Residence, where artists are featured weekly in a studio setting. This shows their process, allows people to talk to them and ask questions, and creates the opportunity to purchase art directly from the artist themselves.
Dining Suggestion:
Rest and refresh with lunch from Storie Street Grille, an upscale, casual, American Bistro. Family owned and operated, they emphasize sustainable, seasonal, and locally harvested flavors.
Stop by their new addition, Sidecar Bar, and have festive cocktail, order a drink made with local liquor, or peruse their fabulous and thoughtfully curated wine list.
Evening:
Wrap up the day with delicious food, drinks, and live music! Timberlake’s Restaurant located at the historic Chetola Resort offers all of the above. Featuring live music from local artists Wednesdays through Saturdays it’s the perfect way to wind down the day and indulge in some of the best food and drink in town. Reservations are recommended.
Day Two
Morning:
After soaking up and sleeping on all of the cultural inspiration of yesterday, today is dedicated to shopping! Buy something beautiful that really inspires you. Blowing Rock has excellent opportunities for antiquing and curating rustic, local furniture. There are also great options for perusing apparel and accessories. From Hanna’s, a family-owned antique store that has been open over 100 years, to “the French Shop” that carries stunning French imports, you can find unique and beautiful accents and gifts all over town.
Insider Tip:
Don’t be afraid to venture off of Main Street! There are some excellent shops located all around town.
Dining Suggestion:
Breakfast, or Brunch if rest and relaxation is in order, at The Famous Toastery for a great start to the day. Have a cup of joe or indulge with a mimosa or Bloody Mary. Breakfast, brunch or lunch, they’re sure to have all cravings covered.
Afternoon
Make sure to stop at Sunset & Vine, a wine shop that offers wine by the glass and wine flights anytime. They hand select their wines to reflect the best taste and value of each wine region locally and around the world. More of a beer person? The Blowing Rock Ale House is right next door to Sunset & Vine and is Blowing Rock’s first brewery. They offer 15 of their locally micro-brewed beers on tap.
Insider Tip:
Sunset & Vine works hard to ensure that they are offering unique wines that cannot be found at larger stores. The Blowing Rock Ale House actually brews some of its beer right here at the back of their beer garden.
Dining Suggestion:
Right down the street there is Hellbender Bed & Beverage, which is an excellent stop for lunch. In the former home of the historic Sunshine Inn, Hellbender has worked to bring that same hospitable energy to their business. With eight rooms upstairs and an excellent restaurant and bar downstairs they have preserved a Blowing Rock tradition with their own modern flair. Hellbender Bed & Beverage was named after the largest local amphibian that is now endangered. They named it that to raise awareness and help this important part of our ecosystem thrive.
Evening:
For a more elevated evening, the Restaurant at Gideon Ridge offers up high end cuisine as well as breathtaking views. Feeling exotic? Gamekeeper Restaurant is serving a blend of the traditional and exotic with the freshest local ingredients and humanely, farm raised meats. Both the Restaurant at Gideon Ridge and Gamekeeper Restaurant require advanced reservations.
Day Three
Morning:
Head over to The Blowing Rock, the town’s namesake and North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction. Make a quick stop or stay awhile and take in the sweeping views of the Johns River Gorge. The Blowing Rock Attraction has a gift shop that carries great Blowing Rock themed t-shirts, hats, and souvenirs.
Photo Credit: IG@ashleyforemanproductions
Coffee Suggestion:
From a regular cup of joe to an elaborate latte, the coffee shops of Blowing Rock have it covered. Stop by Bald Guy Brew, for locally-roasted, artisan coffee to jump start your day. Bald Guy Brew really excels with drip coffee and straight forward espresso drinks. However, they also offer lattes, cold brews, and iced drinks for the warmer summer days.
Photo Credit: IG @spencerpartyof6
Looking for more?
- Peruse fine art at one of our local galleries
- Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University
- Take in a show with Ensemble Stage or Lees McRae Summer Theatre in Banner Elk.
- The Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University features a variety of concerts, readings, plays, and more performances throughout the year. In July, the offerings really ramp up during the Appalachian Summer Festival.
See more travel ideas on our Itineraries Main Page!