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Author: Amanda Lugenbell

Installation view of POP-UP: Andy Warhol & the Portrait Impulse

POP-UP: Andy Warhol & the Portrait Impulse is Now on View

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is excited to open the exhibition POP-UP: Andy Warhol & the Portrait Impulse. Theexhibition highlights 96 Polaroids, 27 black and white prints, and 6 silkscreens generously loaned from the Permanent Collection of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University, courtesy of a gift by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts’  Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy program. POP-UP will be on view through June 2nd, 2023 in BRAHM’s Fort Gallery. Photography and its potential for experimental portraiture is foundational across Andy Warhol’s prolific career. In POP-UP, Warhol’s commitment to instant film as a candid documentary medium is explored alongside examples of his iconic silkscreen prints. Synthesizing the photographic, the painterly, and the commercial, the artist’s manipulation of the human visage constitutes some of his most lasting impacts on contemporary photography and image-making. In this exhibition, we see Warhol’s near-obsessive use of the camera—the Polaroid in particular—some examples of which would ultimately be transformed into the high contrast, color blocked images audiences are so familiar with today. For more information on POP-UP, please visit blowingrockmuseum.org/see/warhol-pop-up. Those interested in viewing the new exhibition are encouraged to come to BRAHM’s Spring Exhibition Celebration on Friday, March 24 from 5–7:00pm. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the exhibitions, and light refreshments including a cash bar will be available. This is a free event welcoming all visitors. To learn more about the Spring Exhibition Celebration, visit the calendar on BlowingRockMuseum.org. BRAHM  is an art and history museum nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. Open to the public since 2011, BRAHM provides cultural enrichment by promoting the arts, and Southern Appalachian heritage and history, through educational programs, exhibitions,activities and permanent collections. BRAHM is located in downtown Blowing Rock and is open to the public, free of charge, Tues. – Sat. 11-5 and, beginning May 1 through October 31, Sun. 11-4. February 2023

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Fishing Near Blowing Rock

The High Country’s beautiful streams, lakes, and rivers provide wildlife sanctuaries and many recreational opportunities- like fishing! The best times of year to fish for trout here in in the High Country are the spring, fall, and winter months, when the water temperature is between 45° and 65°. Our waters offer excellent opportunities for catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout.

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Rumple church

History Trail: Downtown Historic Walking Tour

This Downtown Walking Tour offers a look at some historic properties in downtown Blowing Rock. It was originally featured in the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Map (some minimal updates have been made here). Take a leisurely walk around our charming downtown area. Begin at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce – The Robbins House – and meander past historic B&Bs, unique restaurants and fascinating shops. Experience local lore and history within just a few blocks of Main Street. Structured in an easy-to-walk loop, it’s a great trail to follow and enjoy! 1. The Robbins House (The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce)132 Park Avenue Built in 1903 by Grover Robbins, Sr., the “Father of Tourism in the High Country.”The Robbins family started Tweetsie Railroad and Hound Ears Club, and gave the land to the town for Memorial Park. The building is constructed of chestnut wood before there was “wormy chestnut.” The next building is across Park Avenue on the corner of Main Street and Park Avenue.  2. Community Library/Community Club 1022 Main Street Built in 1923, the building has handsome native stone architecture. Miss Annie Cannon of the Cannon Mills family was a major donor to the building fund. May have housed the Community Club since its inception. Continue south on Main Street toward the park. 3. Memorial Park Main Street Deeded in 1945 on land donated by the  Robbins family, Memorial Park was built in remembrance of the veterans of World War I and World War II.  Continue south on Main Street. 4. 1888 Museum 1094 Main Street This tiny building is the last remaining cottage of the Watauga Hotel and is one of the oldest in Blowing Rock. Maintained by the Blowing Rock Historical Society, this building is open for self-guided tours every day. Visitors get a glimpse of what vacation loding looked like in the early days of the town.  Continue south on Main Street. 5. The Martin House 1098 Main Street Built in 1870 as a private residence, this house is also one of the oldest of the town’s buildings. In 1914 it became a boarding house and was home to seasonal residents. From 1936 to 1938, it housed the offices of the Blowing Rock School of English. Margaret Mitchell was a guest lecturer in 1937, the same year she received the Pulitzer Prize for Gone With The Wind. Turn right onto Laurel Lane. 6. Annie Cannon Memorial Gardens/Broyhill Park Laurel Lane Broyhill Park was created, with some additions, from the older Mayview Lake area and commemorates the 1989 Centennial of Blowing Rock. Cannon Gardens is the starting point for the Glen Burney Trail (1.5 miles) to two waterfalls. The Glen Burney Trail was built in 1891 as a path along the gorge to Green Park Inn.  Turn left on Wonderland Trail. 7. Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar 143 Wonderland Trail Originally built as a drug store for the doctor’s office next door in 1932, the building became a bar and food establishment and is now the oldest continuously serving bar in North Carolina. During Prohibition, booze and bookmaking were run out of the basement. Retrace your steps back to Main Street and turn right to head south.  8. Schenck Cottage (Rumple House)1200 Main Street Built in 1886, this was the former summer residence of Major Henry Franklin Schenck. His grandfather built the first cotton mill in the south (1813). Many of the original features are still present including the unusual dormers.  Continue south on Main Street. 9. Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church 1218 Main Street Built in 1906, this was a typical mountain-style rock church. Four stained glass windows commemorate the seasonal ministers, including Rev. Jethro Rumple, who was the first minister and one of our earliest summer residents. Continue south on Main Street. 10. Edgewood Cottage 115 Ginny Stevens Lane The site of the first home and studio of famed local artist Elliott Daingerfield. A sculpture by Brenda Mauney Councill depicting Daingerfield at his easel stands outside on the lawn. Originally constructed c. 1890, it is a fine example of a simple box-board style house built for summer residents of that time. Reconstructed in 2008 by the Blowing Rock Historical Society, the cottage features exhibits inside and is open daily for self-guided tours. It also houses the Artists in Residence program from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Continue south on Main Street. 11. Old Coaching Inn 116 Johns River Road Over 100 years old, this building was an old coaching inn at the turn of the 20th century. Globe Road, the earliest road leading from Lenoir to Blowing Rock, passed by the inn. The building was later owned by the mother of Eli Springs, head of the NY Stock Exchange. *Please note: this building is managed as a vacation rental, so please be courteous and maintain distance from the house when viewing. Continue south on Main Street. 12. Blowing Rock Methodist Church 1314 Main Street  Built in 1904 on land donated by Charles D. Waller, the church served Methodist, Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic pastors and hosted numerous lectures and prominent authors. Dr. Morris Lazaron, one of four chaplains chosen to officiate at the Burial of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 1921, spoke often at the church.  Retrace route back to intersection of Ginny Stevens Lane and Main Street, then cross Main Street. 13. St Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church 140 Chestnut Drive Built in 1918, this picturesque church is constructed of native stone. Elliott Daingerfield’s painting “Madonna of the Hills” hangs behind the altar. The “Mary Garden” to the right of the church contains a sculpture by one of Daingerfield’s daughters, Marjorie Daingerfield. Continue north on Main Street (back toward the tour starting point). 14. Randall Memorial Building (Village Cafe)1105 Main Street (follow path beside Kilwin’s Chocolates) Built in 1907, this building housed a traditional mountain crafts co-op. The Blowing Rock Community Club later used it as the town’s first lending library. It was placed on the

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Winterfest plunge

Blowing Rock WinterFest Celebrates 25 Years

2023 brings the 25th Blowing Rock WinterFest event, with a calendar full of seasonal activities. From Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29, everyone is again encouraged: don’t hibernate- celebrate! The first Blowing Rock WinterFest was presented in 1998, created to bring celebration to a sleepy season. Since then, the festival has grown to present a wide variety of activities and events. Many have become highly anticipated, and festival coordinators are very excited to be able to bring them back this year. Back for 2023, the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake is arguably the most-loved event. Register to take a chilly dip in the icy water, or help countdown participants from beside the firepit, if that’s more your speed. John Carter of WBTV Charlotte returns as emcee, and the participant costumes are sure to delight. There’s so much more packed into the weekend that you won’t want to miss, starting with WinterFeast, presented at Green Park Inn.  Sample a variety of culinary treats provided by several popular restaurants from the area. So many choices and an opportunity to expand your palate with some top picks from our local chefs! The Chili Challenge and Beer Garden are a couple of staple events getting a refresh for this special milestone year. The Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge is a crowd favorite. Guests are invited to warm up and place their own vote for the best chili in town! All donations go to helping out the community through local non-profits. The WinterFest Beer Garden gives attendees the opportunity to experience some of the best local beers from around the High Country. New this year: these two events will be presented together in adjacent, indoor spaces. “We had a lot of feedback of wanting to have the Beer Garden and Chili events closer together,” says John Goheen, festival coordinator. “And it makes a lot of sense, they really are a great combination!” “Presenting the Beer Garden indoors offers a comfortable atmosphere that isn’t dependent on unforeseen weather conditions,” John adds. “And this year’s Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge will be easily accessible again; attendees can try all the chilis under one roof in Meadowbrook Inn’s beautiful Four Seasons Ballroom.” While admission to WinterFeast, the Chili Challenge, and the Beer Garden are limited and require advance tickets, other festival activities are general admission and free of charge. The Ice Stroll, opening Friday night of the festival, features a collection of custom ice carvings hosted at local businesses. Be sure to stop by each one to take a look and maybe a photo or two. Live Ice Carving Demonstrations in Memorial Park are a centerpiece of the Saturday schedule. The talented team from Artisan Ice Sculptures will create masterpieces throughout the afternoon. Also in Memorial Park, catch Snow Making Demonstrations hosted by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte. He explains the science of snow with the assistance of a simple snow-making rig. Plus, he’s always happy to answer questions about weather, so stop by to watch the snow and say hello! “Brad’s demonstrations are an excellent way to learn while having a ton of fun,” John says. “Especially for visitors who don’t usually get to experience snow!” Festival attendees can also look forward to the return of the classic Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at Blowing Rock School and a fresh update to this year’s Downtown Hayrides. Cue up for a unique hayride pulled by a Humvee, courtesy of Speckled Trout Outfitters! There’s even more, including the Silent Auction, Wine Seminars, Square Dancing, and Cork & Canvas classes. Don’t miss great activities all weekend just off Main Street, too, like the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort and the Tomahawk Hill Winterhawk Tournament, Winter Duck Derby and Frozen Heart Adventure at Mystery Hill. Several festival activities are free, some are ticketed. For a full schedule of events, tickets, lodging partners, event packages, and participation information, go to blowingrockwinterfest.com. Tickets and info are also available by calling 828-295-7851. “With WinterFest back in full swing, we encourage everyone to come out and celebrate this exciting season that offers so many fun opportunities that are unique to our beautiful mountain town,” John says. Blowing Rock is accessible from anywhere in the region, less than two hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, three hours from Knoxville and Raleigh, and five hours from Atlanta and Charleston. A wide range of accommodations is available; visit blowingrock.com/lodging for details. WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group.

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Holiday Glow Time in Blowing Rock

n the Rockwellian town of Blowing Rock, the glow of festive lights and holiday hospitality bring warmth to the chilly days and nights. Enjoy memorable holiday activities and events and a twinkling, yuletide village throughout the holiday season!

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Dining tables set for diners in a wooded setting, with tablecloths and candlelight.

The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Wins Multiple Tripadvisor Awards

Trip Advisor has named The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge a top dining destination. In their 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, the online travel review giant ranked The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge as #1 Date Night Restaurant and #2 Fine Dining Restaurant in the US. The restaurant also ranks as the #11 Date Night Restaurant globally. It is the only North Carolina restaurant honored in either respective category this year.   According to Tripadvisor, Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best is their highest honor. The award “takes into account the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings, and ranks the very best accommodations, destinations, beaches, attractions, restaurants, airlines, and experiences in specific categories and geographic areas, as rated and reviewed by travelers. Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award winners are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor.”   The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge has been a fine dining staple in Blowing Rock for many years. It is renowned for locally-sourced fare, artfully crafted with French influences. Views of stunning mountain sunsets surround the intimate dining area. Dining staff is always attentive and well acquainted with the flavors of each dish, able to offer friendly guidance on course selection and beverage pairings. Hunter Womble, Executive Chef of The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge, even takes time to personally greet each table whenever possible, making each guest feel welcome.   Reservations are required for dining at The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge, available at gideonridge.com on a rolling 2-week schedule.   October 2022  

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wreath on Tweetsie train

Tweetsie Christmas

Back for 2023! Enjoy the wonder of the Tweetsie Railroad dazzlingly lit for the holidays!  The train ride will feature over one million lights on its open-air route. Dress warmly to enjoy this special treat. See Santa in his Ginger Bread House, warm up to a campfire at the Hacienda, enjoy the lights on Main Street and the Christmas trees, visit the shops, and more.

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Winter Hiking

If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience.  Here are some great hikes to check out during the winter. Carriage Trails at Moses Cone Park Moses Cone Park has 25 miles of carriage roads that offer great opportunities for hiking. Take the trail up to Flat Top Tower, where you can see great panoramic views of our mountains. On the way up, stop by Cone Cemetery which contains the tombstones of Moses H. Cone, his wife, Bertha Cone, and his wife’s two sisters. You can also stroll around both Bass and Trout Lake to observe the beautiful winter scenery as well as admiring the Maze and apple barn. Also in the winter, it is a great spot for cross-country skiers! You can access the Carriage Trails through the Blue Ridge Parkway, or they can be accessed by 221 and Shulls Mill Rd. See more details and a trail map on the National Park Service website.  Mountain to Sea Trail Segment 5 of the Mountain to Sea Trail features many of our great natural landscape spots.  Depending on how much you hike, you can see views of areas such as Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct,Table Rock, Thunderhill, and Moses Cone. This section of the Mountain to Sea Trail also can be enjoyed as a series of 14 different day hikes. To view these hikes and to learn more information, visit Mountain to Sea Trail online. Blue Ridge Parkway The Parkway is home to many fabulous hiking spots. Some amazing trails on the parkway include Rough Ridge Lookout, Boone Fork Trail , Beacon Heights Trail, and more! Even though there are trails and overlooks that are beautiful in winter weather, there may be times where the Parkway closes to inclement weather. To see whether certain parts of the Parkway are closed, make sure to either call (828) 298-0398 or visit them online. Many of them can be accessed by overlooks. Check for Blue Ridge Parkway closures here Boone Greenway The Greenway is perfect for anyone that wants to take a quick stroll to see beautiful winter weather! The Greenway runs from one end of Boone to the other and  hosts hikers, walkers, runners, cyclists and more. Parts of the greenway are paved, so it’s easily handicap accessible. The paved portion of the trail is less than 4 miles long. Following rivers and crossing several scenic bridges, it is a great excursion in the winter. There are gravel and light trails that weave through the paved part of the greenway, if you want to wander and see more! The Greenway also features plenty of parking, water fountains, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities! See more details and get a map on ExploreBoone.com. Elk Knob State Park Elk Knob State Park has one of the highest peaks in North Carolina’s high country at 5,520 feet.  The entire park features 4 different trails that you can choose from, that offer great fun and beautiful views. Embark 1.9-miles on then Summit Trail, where you will catch panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and more! You can also take their one-mile loop, kid friendly, Beech Tree Trail. They also feature great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing! The park attempts to stay open throughout the winter. Between November and February,  Elk Knob State park is open from 8am – 6pm. For more information, visit Elk Knob State Park’s website For more winter hiking ideas, visit High Country Host’s top 5 winter hikes To see other recreational activities in Blowing Rock, click here

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