- Leaf Looking in town and the surrounding areas. 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. Often still green when we are experiencing color change due to the difference in elevation, The Blowing Rock is a great place to come see color after the leaves have fallen here in town. About 25-30 minutes away, depending on traffic, is Grandfather Mountain. One of the earliest places color changes due to its elevation, Grandfather Mountain is a must see attraction. Climb to fully panoramic views of the High Country after crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
2. Attend a Fall Festival. Here in the High Country we do Fall Festivals right. From racing Woolly Worms to Crafts and Apples we like to celebrate the change of seasons. Check out this list of Fall festivals and see which one is right for you!
3. Get your Pumpkins and Apples! ‘Tis the season, and Blowing Rock delivers. We have apples and pumpkins within a few blocks of each other. There will be a pumpkin patch located in front of the paid parking lot next to Rooster Rock. It runs on the honor system and you can pay inside Rooster Rock. They carry gourds of all shapes and sizes so you’re bound to find one that delights you. Then stroll down Main St. to Sunset Tees & Hattery where owner, Jack, stocks around 25 different types of heirloom apples. Try types of apples you’ve never heard of before then buy a bag of your favorites!
4. Find a cozy fall scent. Head over to High Country Candles and smell all the delicious smells. They have multiple enticing Fall scents to choose from. There is also Firelight Book & Candle that has a scent called Autumn. Take them home with you and remember crunching in the leaves under a clear blue sky. Hopefully that’s the weather you have on your trip!
5. It’s sweater weather, and you know what that means… Sweaters and boots! What a great time of year for fashion. Stroll through our boutiques and find sweaters, cashmere popovers, scarves, and jackets to regale yourself with this fall season. Monkee’s has a great selection of both, and if you’re looking for sweaters try: Funky Tulip, The Gilded Lily, Almost Rodeo Drive, and many more! Finish up your shopping trip at Shoppes on the Parkway with their excellent selection of retailers.
6. Warm up with local coffees and hot teas. There is nothing better than strolling around town and nursing a hot beverage. We have excellent coffee shops in Bald Guy Brew and CAMP Coffee. They offer both delicious seasonal options and your classic cafe brews. Then you have The Spice and Tea Exchange. You can smell all of their loose leaf tea selections and choose one you like. They will brew you a cup of hot tea right there in store and steep it perfectly. Take home a bag of tea to lift you up, relax you, or even ward off colds!
7. Cozy hand-made options. Nothing says fall like luxurious leather. There is a leather artisan here in Blowing Rock named Hunter Allen. Everything is cut, stitched, and accessorized by hand in his store, Grounded Works, which doubles as a workshop. Grab a mug or serving platter with a fiery glaze at Bolick & Traditions Pottery where Janet Calhoun carries on six generations of tradition. In the mood for something shiny? Visit Gaines Kiker on Morris St. and choose from his handmade jewelry featuring silver, gold, gemstones, and wood.
8. Pick up a new hobby for winter. Speaking of handmade, why not learn a new skill and let that carry you through the winter months. We have many inspiring artisans here in Blowing Rock. From quilts and crochet to fine jewelry and pottery there is someone out there making it and that could be you too! Mountain Thread Company offers fun fabrics, high quality threads, and their specialty, rope! Unwound has beautiful yarns, hooks, needles, and stitch savers for the aspiring knitter or crocheter. Get inspired and create your own masterpieces!
9. Carriage Trails & Trail Rides. Put on your boots and hit the trail. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers 25 miles of carriage trails for walking or riding. Explore the Fall on horseback with Vx3 Trail Rides or Blowing Rock Trail Rides. Bring your own horses and keep them at Broyhill Equestrian Preserve. If horses sound good to you, but you don’t feel like riding, you can also book with Carriage Run and ride in a horse pulled carriage!
10. Enjoy a Spooky Halloween Activity. Celebrate Halloween with one of our fun, family-friendly activities! Tweetsie runs its frightfully fun Ghost Train on weekends from Sept. 20 – Oct. 26 and the town has its Halloween Festival and Monster March on Oct. 26. There are also many trunk-or-treat get togethers, a haunted trail, and other options in the area.
For more on Fall, click here!