If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Blowing Rock, NC, Blowing Rock Food & Wine Tours offers an unforgettable way to experience the town’s culinary scene, history, and artistic charm — all in one afternoon.
Symphony by Chetola Lake has been considered the jewel in the crown that is Blowing Rock’s Summer Season for 37 years. This
event brings approximately 3,000 people around the lake at Chetola Resort to hear Symphony of the Mountains perform a curated selection of music based around the year’s theme.
If you love art, and are planning on spending any amount of time in Blowing Rock during the Spring or Summer seasons, Artists in Residence is a must-see experience! Drop by on your trip, or stop in every week and see all of the talented artists displaying their skills and selling their works.
The Art & Sculpture Trail meanders through Blowing Rock, stopping at all of the installations that have popped up over the years making the town more beautiful and interesting. In addition to numerous galleries and the first-class Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Blowing Rock is home to a growing collection of art that can be enjoyed by strolling through town. See conceptual and portrait sculpture, outdoor murals, carvings, and paintings on a self-guided tour.
Blowing Rock’s Concert in the Park Series is an annual set of free outdoor concerts at the Rotary Gazebo in Memorial Park. Always on Sundays following Art in the Park shows, the performances offer entertainment from a variety of musical genres. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Memorial Park on Main Street to enjoy the music.
The Blowing Rock History Walk opened June 1, 2023! This downtown feature presents 21 History Stations. Each station offers images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history on a bronze relief plaque atop a handsome stone pillar. Each station also has a QR code linking to online “back stories” that amplify the narratives. The trail follows the sidewalk from Main Street down Laurel Lane. It then meanders through Broyhill Park, arguably one of the prettiest parks in NC. It is approximately ¼ mile in length and handicapped accessible. The trail is lined with welcoming benches through Broyhill Park. “We are excited to open this wonderful new trail during NC’s Year of the Trail,” said Tom O’Brien, then President of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. “The History Walk will be a significant venue for folks interested in heritage and culture, and will create a greater connection between Main Street and beautiful Broyhill Park.” The History Walk was funded and constructed by a public/private partnership among the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock. In recognition of the opening of the History Walk, the Town of Blowing Rock has proclaimed that June 1 shall be “Blowing Rock History Day.” As a new cultural and educational attraction, the trail is a welcome addition to Blowing Rock’s many other attractions for residents and visitors alike. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to tell engaging stories,” Tom adds. “We’re excited to share them!” More information, including the additional in-depth narratives, will be available on the Blowing Rock Historical Society’s website. For more information about the Blowing Rock History Walk, visit blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com.
Blowing Rock has a rich history of being called home by artisans and artists alike. There is something about the atmosphere that uplifts and inspires people and that includes artisans of all stripes. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Craft Trail, a trail committed to preserving and promoting the distinct crafts of Western North Carolina, has a large presence in Blowing Rock because of some of the special artists and locations we have here.
About the Event: Often described as the “pinnacle of the summer season” here in Blowing Rock, the Symphony is a must hear event! The Symphony is celebrating its 39th season this year, solidifying its place as a summer tradition. Set against the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the atmosphere is truly special. Featuring the Symphony of the Mountains the music concludes around 9:30 PM and is followed by a fabulous firework display that lasts approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy an evening of picnics, music, beautiful scenery, and festive fireworks at Symphony. Essential details: Symphony by the Lake is on Friday, July 17. $85.00 for General Admission, $180.00 for Audiophile Seating. Get your tickets early. This year tickets are limited!
The first concert of the series is held on July 6, 2026 and runs through August 3, 2026. The concerts are located at 173 Lakeside Dr. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 and are set up in the gazebo at Broyhill Park. They begin at 6:30 pm, run approximately one to two hours, and are free and open to the public. Performances will cover a little bit of everything from jazz, to country, to show tunes. Attendees will want to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating comfort. 2026 Concert Line Up! July 6 – Scarlet Lemonade BandJuly 13 – Steve SensenigJuly 20 – 3 Toe Possum July 27 – Carmen TateAug. 3 – Surefire Please note that the lineup is subject to change. How it began The Monday Night Concert Series is steeped in local history. It begins with the Farm House Inn and Restaurant, a Blowing Rock staple from the 1950’s until 1997. Blowing Rock has many amazing restaurants, but The Farm House Inn stands out in people’s memory. They were known for their food, view, and talented, singing, waitstaff. Guests would have a meal and be serenaded by some of the best singers in the area. The owners, EJ and Shirley “Shirl” Blackwell are remembered fondly by their former staff, and Shirl is credited with supporting and inspiring the young performers. Performers at the Farm House Inn and Restaurant would sing solos and put on larger scale productions such as Godspell. The restaurant often served up to 700 people a night! Many longtime Blowing Rock residents and visitors remember The Farm House Inn and their experiences there warmly. Monday Night Concert Series Amy Marie Young Escalante is a previous performer at The Farm House and a creator of The Monday Night Concert Series. She began the series with the help of EJ and Shirl Blackwell continuing the Farm House’s mission to support and showcase rising, local talent while sharing a variety of music with residents and visitors of Blowing Rock. First called “The Farm House Live,” the now Monday Night Concert Series is embarking on its 24th season this summer. Last year Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation took over the management of Monday Night Concert Series and tries to book familiar artists. Photographs courtesy of Amy Marie Productions
Welcome to Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, celebrating 28 years in business! The gallery represents 25 local artists and has framed over 33,000 works and photos. Owner Tim is a Certified Picture Framer, as is his shop manager, Alex, and they are among the only ones in this part of the state. Tim even studied in England at the Fine Arts Trade Guild to earn the title of Guild Certified Framer. Photos of milestones like births, graduations, new pets, and other memories are treated with the same meticulous care as works of art, and customers often return for each new commemoration. Tim takes pride in the selection at the gallery. As a friend of each of the artists represented, he can give special insights on the works for sale. Works are available in a wide range of sizes and mediums, and all original pieces from artists like Lita Gatlin, Wes Waugh, Karla Mann, and Jason Drake. The gallery also keeps collector pieces from artists like Phillip Moose and Elliot Daingerfield, and is even the nation’s leading seller of Daingerfield work. The gallery hosts special shows often, and available works change constantly.