Author: Lindsay Garcia

Blowing Rock Hometown Heroes

After the devastation of Hurricane Helene the High Country banded together and worked to help those who lost everything. It was a very emotional time but it was also a time of hope as we saw the strength in our communities. 

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Blowing Rock Fall Bucket List

Blowing rock offers picturesque, storybook scenery that is enhanced by the colors of Fall. Head over to the Blowing Rock Attraction, the town’s namesake, and take in the majesty of the mountains.

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Blowing Rock is a NC Trail Town

Blowing Rock is thrilled to announce its designation as a Outdoor NC Trail Town and celebrate the launch of the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide! Join us and Outdoor NC in celebrating 15 destinations across the state offering beautiful trails and championing efforts to encourage responsible travel and outdoor recreation.

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Blowing Rock is Great for Birding

The Blowing Rock area is an ideal spot for birding. Whether you’re brand new, or a seasoned veteran, there are birds to be spotted all over the High Country of North Carolina. To help educate us on why this area is so great for birding, and to guide us on how to get started, we reached out to Jesse Pope, President and Executive Director of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. and avid birder.  This area is important for both native and migratory birds, and that makes it a great spot for birding. “The High Country of Western North Carolina is one of North Carolina’s premier birding destinations. Our rich biodiversity and unique high elevations provide critical habitat for some of the world’s most critically imperiled bird species,” says Pope. He also pointed out the importance of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the edge of the Appalachian Mountains swiftly descends into the Piedmont. Pope explains, “A hike from the base of the escarpment, near Lenoir, to the summit of Grandfather Mountain mirrors the life zones one would experience driving from Atlanta to Maine. This variety of climates and habitats provides ideal stopover conditions for migratory birds.”  Since this area has so many unique and endangered species, it draws birders of all stripes. “Watauga and Avery Counties offer pristine nesting habitats for species such as the Golden-winged Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, Black-billed Cuckoos, Cerulean Warblers, and Vesper Sparrows, to name just a few,” said Pope. These are native birds that nest in the area. However, we are a critical stopover for migratory birds as well. Pope extrapolated, “Many neotropical migrants, such as Canada Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, Hermit Thrushes, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Scarlet Tanagers, frequent our area. Additionally, we host one of the few Peregrine Falcon nesting sites found in North Carolina.” It’s no wonder birders travel here to experience these species! Starting out as a birder is relatively easy and popular as birds can be found everywhere. “Whether in local parks, greenways, or even your backyard, it’s easy to start birdwatching, yet it offers a lifetime of learning and challenges,” explains Pope. He also goes on to explain that birders keep life lists that detail what birds they saw and where as well as local lists. “Seeing a new species, a life bird, is very fulfilling even for a novice birder,” says Pope. He also suggests doing a little bit of research on birding hotspots before you go out because birds nest on both public and private lands.  If you think birding is for you, there are a few things that can help you get started. We asked Pope what he thinks novice birders should know. “If you’re keen on birding, consider investing in a pair of binoculars—even an inexpensive introductory pair can greatly enhance your bird-watching experience. Utilize resources like the iBird and Merlin Bird ID apps from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. eBird is another excellent platform where you can view local bird sightings and contribute your own findings, connecting with local birding communities, says Pope” He also suggests getting involved in local birding communities, “Reach out to organizations like the High Country Audubon Society for local bird walks and birding trips led by experts familiar with local birds and hotspots. Joining bird watching activities is a fun way to connect with a community of enthusiasts who enjoy the outdoors.” His top tip? “The best advice for new birders is to go birding with experienced birders. It’s the most effective way to learn the tips and tricks for finding and properly identifying birds.”    We couldn’t agree more, and are excited to start birding here in Blowing Rock right away! Maybe we’ll see you out there. Images taken and generously provided by Judi Sawyer, GMSF.  For more on Birding in Blowing Rock, CLICK HERE!

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5 Things To Do In Spring In Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is a premier tourist destination year round. In Summer we have festivals and moderate temperatures, in Fall we have colorful leaves, in Winter we have skiing. Spring is the often overlooked season that offers so much more than expected. The buds are just coming out on the trees, the air is still crisp making views spectacular, and everything moves just a little slower in Spring. Enjoy the flavors, sights, and smells that Spring has to offer here in Blowing Rock.  We hope you’ll consider visiting Blowing Rock in the Spring. This way you can skip the busiest days, and enjoy all Blowing Rock has to offer in a relaxed manner.

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