🟦 Module 3: Top 10 Visitor Questions
Speaking with clarity, confidence, and care — so guests feel guided, not bewildered.
In a place like Blowing Rock, people ask questions constantly, but you don’t need to know everything to be helpful. A little local knowledge (and a helpful tone) goes a long way in creating great guest experiences.
Here are some of the most common questions you’re likely to hear, with suggested approaches and tips to help you answer confidently.
âť“ Where is The Blowing Rock?
Guests are often surprised to learn that Blowing Rock isn’t just the name of the town, it’s a specific natural attraction with sweeping views and a unique cliff formation. It’s located just off Highway 321 South, an easy 5 minute drive from downtown
📍 Tip: Offer a simple explanation — “The Blowing Rock is an actual place you can visit. It’s where the town gets its name!”
âť“ How far away is Boone?
Blowing Rock and Boone are about 8 miles apart — a 15-minute drive along Highway 321. Boone is a great place for larger stores, Appalachian State University, and events. Guests often plan to visit both towns in a single trip.
📍 Tip: Offer context — “”Boone is the busier college town, while Blowing Rock is a little more quiet and relaxing. I love going to Boone to (ex. see a show, attend a game, shop at a particular store) OR I go to school over in Boone, but like working over here because it’s a little more quiet!”
❓ What’s the best way to get to Grandfather Mountain?
From Blowing Rock, the most streamlined and scenic route to Grandfather Mountain is the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s about 15 miles to the entrance, usually a 25–30 minute drive, and a beautiful one at that. Visitors can also access Grandfather from Blowing Rock via Highway 221. Blue Ridge Parkway closures can occur during the winter months, disallowing visitors from accessing Grandfather Mountain via the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock.
Remind guests that tickets are required and they can be reserved online in advance.
đź“Ť Tip: If someone asks in the morning, suggest a picnic or hiking option. If they ask later in the day, make sure they know the park closes by evening.
âť“ What do you recommend to eat in town?
There’s no single right answer, it depends on what they’re looking for. Try asking a follow-up like “Are you looking for something casual or a sit-down meal?” Examples you might recommend:
- Casual lunch: Blowing Rock Ale House, Mellow Mushroom, or The Speckled Trout
- Coffee & pastries: Camp Coffee Roasters, Bald Guy Brewing, or Tout Suite Cafe
- Dinner: Bistro Roca, Twigs, Storie Street Grille
*Try not to usher guests outside of Blowing Rock unless they ask specifically. If a visitor is already in town with us, we want them to stick around!
📍 Tip: Recommending local favorites shows you’re connected. Bonus points if you’ve eaten there recently and can speak to it personally!
âť“ Where are some good hikes nearby?
Ask follow ups! All trails are created differently, and each hiker has their own limitations, so it’s important to recommend a hike that works best for them. Some popular options include:
- Bass Lake Loop (easy, flat, walkable from downtown)
- Cone Manor Carriage Trails (wide and gentle with lots of variety)
- Rough Ridge (moderate, with sweeping views of the Parkway)
- Glen Burney Trail (strenuous, scenic waterfall)
đź“Ť Tip: Mention difficulty level and parking availability. It helps guests pick a trail that matches their time and ability.
âť“ What is there to do around here?
This is your time to shine. Everyone’s visit is different, so tailor your suggestions:
- Families: Tweetsie Railroad, The Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill
- Couples: Scenic drive, breweries and wineries, downtown shopping, date night dinner recommendations
- Outdoor lovers: Blue Ridge Parkway hikes, fishing, kayaking at Price Lake
- Art seekers: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, local galleries and artists shops (Martin House Gallery, Bolick and Traditions Pottery, The Mountain Thread Company)
📍 Tip: “Do you have a full day or just an hour or two?” helps you narrow it down fast.
âť“ What time does [blank] close?
Check online listings if you’re unsure, but also let guests know that many local shops close between 5–6 PM.
📍 Tip: If you don’t know the exact answer, offer to call or point them to the business’s website.
❓ Where’s a good waterfall nearby?
Glen Burney Trail (right in town) leads to two beautiful waterfalls. For something larger, Linville Falls is about a 40-minute drive and well worth it, although it is currently closed due to Hurricane Helene. Otter Falls in Seven Devils is also a nice stop, about 25 minutes from Blowing Rock.
đź“Ť Tip: Make sure guests have the right footwear and directions. If they have further questions, encourage them to stop by the Visitor Center for more info before setting out.
âť“ How do I get onto the Blue Ridge Parkway?
There are two main entrances from Blowing Rock:
- Southbound: Turn onto Highway 221 at the Speckled Trout/Mellow Mushroom intersection and head straight about 2 miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway will be on your right, with signage pointing you South towards Grandfather Mountain or North towards Moses Cone Manor.
- Northbound: Go north on Highway 321 toward Boone for about 1 mile, then turn right at Aho Gap near the High Country Host Visitor Center
📍 Tip: Mention that GPS sometimes misses it — offer a printed map if available.
âť“ Is [blank] still open after Helene?
Always speak from up-to-date info. If a guest asks about closures after a weather event, don’t guess. Check online, call the attraction, or direct them to the Visitor Center for accurate info.
đź“Ť Tip: Even if something is closed, be ready with an alternative activity suggestion.
🧠Why This Matters
When you confidently answer a guest’s question or help them find their way, you’re doing more than offering directions: you’re shaping their experience of Blowing Rock. That interaction could impact everything from the tip they leave, to whether they come back again, spend more time (and money) in town, or recommend Blowing Rock to their friends and family.
It all adds up.
These small, everyday moments of helpfulness are part of what makes our town so special. We do this not just because it’s good for business, but because helping people is who we are. That spirit of generosity, friendliness, and pride in our home is what keeps visitors coming back, and what makes Blowing Rock a place we’re lucky to be part of every day.