Blowing Rock has many great shops on Main Street, but there are a few stores that are hidden or have secrets that many people do not know about! We’ve compiled a list of shopping secrets that are sure to be useful to new visitors, repeat visitors, or even residents!
Come to Blowing Rock and indulge in a mountain getaway! Take in the natural beauty of the High Country, experience local arts, shopping, and decadent dining options. This itinerary outlines 2.5 days of relaxation and recreation for couples or friends alike.
BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum) will host their annual Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival from August 16-20, 2022, concluding in the Wet Paint Sale on August 20, 2022, from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Be on the lookout August 16-20th and you may notice scores of artists painting outdoors in the fifth annual Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival. “Plein Air” is a French term referring to the practice of painting from life and nature in the great outdoors. BRAHM will once again welcome 120 artists from over fifteen states to draw and paint the area’s many sights and splendors. In addition to watching artists at work over the course of the 5 day festival, BRAHM invites the public to view and shop the Wet Paint Sale on Saturday, August 20th, from 11 AM – 5:00 PM. Tickets are free, but timed entry spots must be reserved online. The sale will be held in BRAHM’s Alexander Community Gallery, located at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, off Main Street in Blowing Rock. The Wet Paint Sale is a culmination of the artists’ work painting the scenes of the quaint village of Blowing Rock, as well as the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway vistas, lakes, trails, and features. Artists may work in any 2-dimensional medium, with oil painting being the most popular. (Since oil paint often takes days or even weeks to dry to the touch, the still wet paintings are framed and hung for display and sale, hence the Wet Paint Sale name.) Participating artists vary from hobbyists to collected professionals, assuring there will be art available for purchase in a wide price range. Proceeds from the Wet Paint Sale go toward the mission of BRAHM to provide cultural enrichment to the High Country communities by promoting the Arts and Southern Appalachian Heritage & History through educational programs, exhibitions, activities, and permanent collections. Proceeds also benefit BRAHM’s Education Outreach programs. What better way to celebrate the purchase of your new home, remember a vacation destination, or give a gift to be treasured for decades, than to support the arts and artists with the purchase of original creations at the Wet Paint Sale. To learn more about the 2022 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival and to register for the Wet Paint Sale on August 20th, please visit BlowingRockPleinAir.org or call 828-295-9099. Thanks to the 2022 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival Sponsors, Blowing Rock Properties Cheap Joes Art Stuff Hemlock Inn Monkee’s of Blowing Rock Patti Turner, Managing Broker, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Sue Glenn, Broker Associate, Blowing Rock Properties The Blowing Rock Related Posts Sculpture & Art in Blowing Rock Blowing Rock Makers
About the Event: Often described as the “pinnacle of the summer season” here in Blowing Rock, the Symphony by the Lake is a must hear event! The Symphony is celebrating its 35th season this year, solidifying its place as a summer tradition. Set against the lake at Chetola Resort and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the atmosphere is truly special. Featuring the Symphony of the Mountains, the 2022 event theme is “Movie Soundtracks.” The selections will cover 80 years of movie music. From Beauty and the Beast to Wagner, the selection is sure to delight all audiences. See the full program here. 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 by the Lake. Essential details: Symphony by the Lake is on Friday, July 22nd. The gates open at 5:30 PM, performance begins at 7:30 PM. $65.00 for General Admission, $125.00 for Audiophile Seating, and $10.00 for a Parking Pass. Children 2 and under are no charge. Tickets are available online. Pick up your tickets at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. They will be available from 9AM – 5PM Monday – Saturday until July 22. Tickets will also be available for pick up at the gate at 5:30 PM on the day of the performance. A $10.00 parking pass is available for purchase and allows guests to park at the Chetola Resort. Tanger Outlets has first come/first serve parking. A shuttle for handicapped or disabled people is running from the Food Lion parking lot. (This shuttle will not start return runs until after the fireworks.) Packing a picnic is allowed! There is a limited cash bar available with some fun specialty drinks or bring a favorite beer or wine to enjoy. Want to get food onsite? Grab a boxed picnic dinner from Chetola- get them quick before they sell out. Consider having dinner on Chetola’s patio or arbor for fantastic views and food! Reservations are needed. Click here to see pricing and menu options. There will be Restroom Trailers with stalls and running water for public use in the parking lot of the Timberlake Restaurant. Here are our top 5 tips for attending the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola! Get your tickets early. This year tickets are limited! Park at Shoppes on the Parkway and enter the Symphony event via the back gate (on the Rack Room Shoes side of the outlet center). Arrive early to get a good spot! Like to spread out? To avoid the crowd, consider sitting around the perimeter of the lake. The symphony performers may not be visible, but they can still be heard and space is much more plentiful. Bring layers or blankets to keep warm after sunset. The event will continue if it rains, so check the local weather forecast so you are prepared with rain gear if needed!
The first concert of the series is held on June 30, 2025 and runs through July 28, 2025. 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. 2025 Concert Line Up! June 30th – 3 Toe Possum with Krista Jo and Amy MarieJuly 7th – The ConundrumsJuly 14th – Abby Bryant and the Echoes July 21st – Carmen TateJuly 28th – 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
Lots of people ask about when the rhododendrons bloom, and that depends on species, elevation, and local climate. The Rosebay, also known as the white rhododendron, is a prominent rhododendron along the Blowing Rock areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The blooms vary from white to very pale pink/purple and typically begin to bloom in mid- to late-June in this area. Best viewing usually continues into mid July. This is later than the Catawba Rhododendron, the bright pink species found in masses at nearby Roan Mountain. Peak bloom for Roan Mountain is usually around mid-June. The darker, sometimes near-fuschia, blooms of the hybrid rhoddies in downtown Blowing Rock and in nearby parks and gardens peak in May. The Rosebay Rhododendron puts on a pretty show in Blowing Rock. The pale clouds of rhododendron along the local section of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be beckoning you to pull over. “Stop and smell the roses,” right? Where to see blooms: The blooms will be opening up into early July. There are many of these plants all over the Blowing Rock area. Price Park is an excellent location to see large collections of the shrub, and the sheer number of blooms during peak is stunning. Take a hike around the lake on the Lake Trail to get a real immersion into the rhoddie growth, or rent a canoe from the docks and enjoy the blooms from the water. The amphitheater is a nice spot to sit and enjoy, as rhododendron growth surrounds the seating. Also in Price Park, the Green Knob Trail offers a walk through a blooming tunnel when you access the trail by the Sims Creek Bridge. More Rosebay Rhododendron shrubs heavily line the Mountains To Sea Trail near Goshen Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway (about 5 miles north from Blowing Rock). Many trails on the Parkway wind through thickets of this plant as well, so you can hike almost anywhere to enjoy some blooms. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway is also a great spot, along the Cone carriage trails or by Flat Top Manor. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 285 to milepost 300 for gorgeous displays of the flower during peak bloom. The roadway winds between walls of the shrub in some spots and it’s simply breathtaking to drive alongside the flowers! In late June, mountain laurel is still showing clumps of white and pink blooms, though most spots of laurel are past peak. Though rhoddies are of interest to many visitors, there is always something to see, from flame azaleas in May to asters in September. For a full list of wildflower blooms along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Bloom Schedule page on BlueRidgeParkway.org.
Instead of leaving your dog behind when you go on vacation, bring your four-legged family member to beautiful Blowing Rock! Below, we’ve outlined a great one night adventure of activities and sights that are perfect for you and your pet. Morning -Start your day off by taking a hike on one of our Blue Ridge Parkway trails! Many of our great hikes are located on the Parkway, including Moses Cone Carriage Trails, Price Lake Loop Trail, and more! If you’re looking for something serene and relaxing, you can check out the Price Lake Loop Trail. This easy 2.7-mile loop circles the beautiful 47-acre Price Lake. It is a great short hike for you and your pup to explore. Note that for all trails on the parkway, dogs should remain on a leash. Afternoon -To refuel your system after the hike, head over to one of our fantastic pet friendly restaurants. Many of our restaurants offer great outdoor seating and they love for pets to stop by. If you need ideas for places to eat with you and your pet, visit our pet friendly dining page. -Next, take a stroll around downtown Blowing Rock. Downtown Blowing Rock is very pet friendly and we love seeing dogs on Main Street! Our store owners love dogs and many of our shops have dog bowls sitting outside to make sure you pet stays hydrated while you’re walking around. Evening -Finally head over to one of dog friendly breweries for a beer and some food! We’re lucky here in North Carolina to have some amazing breweries take scene in recent years. Both Blowing Rock Ale House here in town, or Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone have great outdoor seating and are very dog friendly! -After a long day, head back to one of our dog friendly lodging locations. We have many hotels that allow pets to stay with you during your vacation up here! Or if you decide to rent a home for a longer stay, there are many rental groups that will accommodate your pup! Click here to visit our pet friendly lodging page. The Next Day -On your next day, wake up and and grab some coffee over at Camp Coffee on Main Street! They have a wonderful selection of locally roasted and organic coffees as well as great pastries to start your morning out right. You can also go to Blowing Rock Market for a quick breakfast with outdoor seating! -Before you make that trip back home, head over to see the Blowing Rock itself with your pup! The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level. It promises breathtaking views of our surrounding mountains that will give you something to talk about to all your friends and family. Enjoy the scenic views from the observation tower and their wonderful gardens. Visible from “The Rock” are Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and Mount Mitchell. The Blowing Rock welcomes you and your pet to explore the magical views, as long as they are on a leash and it is not during a special event. Need more ideas? -Broyhill Park- Just behind downtown Blowing Rock is Broyhill Park. You and your dog can explore the gazebo and a walking trail through beautiful gardens.-Wineries around the area– We have awesome wineries that are very dog friendly around the area! Sip on some wine and enjoy the views with your dog by your side.-Boone’s Greenway– Located in Boone, the Greenway is a great trail that is a very popular spot for dogs.-Grandfather Mountain– Did you know that you can also bring your pooch to see the famous swinging bridge and great views of Grandfather Mountain? Dogs are more than welcome but must be on a leash. Want to see more dog friendly ideas in Blowing Rock? visit https://blowingrock.com/dogs/
Nestled off the Blue Ridge Parkway, only 16 minutes or 10.7 miles from downtown Blowing Rock is the Rough Ridge Lookout. Rough Ridge is just off mile marker 303 on Tanawha Trail and accessible via a wooden walkway. It offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is truly a treasure in the area and needs to be protected. Due to visitors leaving the trail for photos, wildlife is being trampled and destroyed at an alarming rate. In response to this the Blue Ridge Parkway is recruiting Rough Ridge Rovers. A Rough Ridge Rover is a volunteer who will educate visitors on how to recreate responsibly for their own safety and the safety of the natural plant species, some of which are in peril of extinction. Healthy Trampled Direction Sign Broken Boardwalk The National Park Service released this on their website: “The National Park Service is actively recruiting interested volunteers for a new program based along the Rough Ridge area of the Tanawha Trail, near milepost 303 in the vicinity of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The goal of this new volunteer role is to educate park visitors about recreating responsibly for their own safety, as well as that of globally rare species found in this area. The rocky outcrops at Rough Ridge are home to critically imperiled plant species that are commonly trampled by park visitors who venture into closed areas for photos and views.Rough Ridge Rover volunteers will be asked to spend a minimum of one, 3–4-hour shift per week on the trail through the busy summer and fall season talking to park visitors, answering questions, and serving as an important on-site presence. Ideal volunteers should enjoy working with people, have a basic knowledge of Appalachian plants, animals, and the park itself, and feel comfortable working independently on-trail, away from their vehicle for several hours at a time. Volunteers will be provided with training, a volunteer uniform, and all equipment needed to complete their roving assignment successfully. Interested volunteers can learn more and apply at volunteer.gov or contact the park’s volunteer office. Support for this program comes from the Parkway’s philanthropic partner, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.”
If they are looking, fans of Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series may easily see Fraser’s Ridge, Jamie and Claire’s North Carolina homestead, here around Blowing Rock. We certainly do! First of all, Diana Gabaldon herself once said that Fraser’s Ridge is up near Boone and Blowing Rock. It has been remarked before that North Carolina’s High Country strongly resembles the Highlands of Scotland- perhaps that is in part why this place would speak to the Highlander in Jamie. The two making their way to NC fits perfectly, as well, as Scottish settlers made their home in NC in large numbers in the mid- to late-1700s. In fact, many followed much the same path as Jamie and Claire, arriving at the port of Wilmington, and going through the town of Cross Creek (now Fayetteville). These settlers were among the largest groups to colonize the mountains of western North Carolina, with many more coming from northern routes from Pennsylvania. This rich connection to Scotland provides lots of historical context for, and possible connections to, people and places that Jamie and Claire would have known. It would also appear that Blowing Rock was a recommended destination for Sam Heughan, who portrays Jamie Fraser in the STARZ television series. Heughan posted a photo of himself in Blowing Rock on a foggy day in November 2016 to Instagram with the caption, “Go to Blowing Rock, Diana said… It’s beautiful, Diana said… Nothing like Scotland, Diana said… #rain #FindingFraserRidge ” The rain was unfortunate; someone please tell Sam that we have pretty days, too! He recently mentioned this visit in an interview while talking about the upcoming season four of the tv series, commenting that he came to see the Fraser’s Ridge area. The mountains surrounding Blowing Rock are still largely undeveloped, protected by the boundaries of National Forests and National Park lands. Even now, it’s so easy to look out over the views and imagine Fraser’s Ridge, to envision rustic cabins tucked into the hills. It’s no great stretch to think of Jamie asking Claire if she would like to settle with him in those hills. Blowing Rock is the perfect hub for an inspired adventure- book your stay and get to exploring! So where should you go to find your Fraser’s Ridge in Blowing Rock? Check out these locations, events, and activities! Blue Ridge Parkway Blowing Rock is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service. Along the Parkway, dubbed America’s Favorite Drive, you can enjoy countless views, trails, and historic locations. For a breathtaking view of the very area that could have been home to Fraser’s Ridge, we recommend Thunder Hill Overlook and Yadkin Valley Overlook, both just north of Blowing Rock on the Parkway. Portions of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail are accessible nearby along the Blue Ridge Parkway, too. How fitting to take a hike along a route that connects the ocean to the mountains, while thinking of possible paths Jamie and Claire would have traveled on their journey from Wilmington to Fraser’s Ridge! There are many more trails available from points on the Parkway, like Tanahwa Trail, Boone Fork Trail, and Green Knob Trail. See more local hiking information here. Head north along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock to view a cabin built sometime before 1840, a structure surviving from the very homesteads that early Blue Ridge settlers built. The Jesse Brown Cabin is accessible by following a 1/2 mile trail from Tomkins Knob Overlook at milepost 272.5 (for reference, Blowing Rock is at milpost 294). Two more beautiful historic cabins, albeit built later toward the end of the 1800s, are located further north in Doughton Park, at milepost 241. Brinegar Cabin is just along the Parkway, and features demonstrations and events. Caudill Family Homestead is found by hiking into Basin Cove. Camping is available at Doughton Park. Hickory Ridge Homestead For a more immersive experience in what life might have been like in the mountains when Fraser’s Ridge was settled, visit the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Boone. A set of historical cabins and buildings are staffed with interpreters in Revolutionary period clothing. Demonstrations of skills like hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and candlemaking offer insights into life of the time. The grounds are rightnext to Horn in the West. Horn in the West Drama An outdoor Revolutionary War drama, Horn in the West tells a story of a family and their journey in the Blue Ridge, along with Daniel Boone and Cherokee allies. Shows are presented Tuesdays-Sundays between late June and early August. Gates open at 7:30, and you can enjoy the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum starting at 5:30pm on show nights! Horseback Trail Rides Travel the trails of the Blue Ridge in the way that Jamie and Claire would have: on horseback. One very excellent trail riding service is Vx3 Trail Rides here in Blowing Rock. The guide, Tim, leads riders on the carriage trails of Moses Cone Memorial Park. This trail network, while close to town, feels worlds away- lined with ancient rock walls, passing idyllic lakes, and leading to wide, wide views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tim is exceedingly entertaining and informative, too, and he is always happy to oblige any questions with history and yarns from times past. He might even point out his idea of the location of Fraser’s Ridge. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Among the largest gathering of Scottish Clans in the world, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is presented in early July of each year in nearby Linville. Annual attendance is around 30,000 over four days. Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding area evoke the Scottish Highlands, and offer a truly special setting for the cultural assembly. The Games feature plenty of demonstrations of strength at McCrae Meadows, and the lovely sounds of bagpipes in every corner. Clan tents are erected around the Meadows, with members offering information on family histories and lineages. Perhaps the most moving portion of the event is the Torchlight Ceremony and
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and nestled along ridges against the Pisgah National Forest, Blowing Rock is a Rockwell-esque town with rugged nature in its backyard. Offering the feeling of seclusion without isolation and the quality of being old-fashioned but not outdated, the town has an individual charm. Long cherished as an escape from the summer heat of the lowlands, the town has been welcoming visitors since its incorporation, growing to feature dozens of distinctive local shops, galleries, restaurants, and inns. Now, year-round events entertain and delight, many of them part of long-standing traditions. All of this, plus a laid-back mountain attitude, make Blowing Rock a pretty little town worth noting. The “village” has been featured by Travel & Leisure among a dozen “Prettiest Winter Towns in America,” which followed behind a summertime granting of the title “Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina” by a group of southeastern travel writers. The town is appealing in any season, to be sure, but it’s also close to a wide array of attractions and activities from National Parks to fine dining, climbing to fishing. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of mountain adventures or the slow pace of relaxation (or both), Blowing Rock is an ideal hub for a mountain getaway. Three Things to Do This Summer Visit an Iconic NC AttractionThe Blue Ridge Parkway is, rightfully, at the top of everyone’s to-do list when they visit the High Country. But did you know that Blowing Rock is also home to NC’s oldest travel attraction AND its first theme park? The town is named for The Blowing Rock, a unique rock formation jutting over broad forests far below; it’s been a landmark destination since 1933. The Blowing Rock is the site of an old romantic legend and home to near-constant winds, where even the snow blows upside down. Tweetsie Railroad, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is a rip-roaring Wild West theme park featuring the historic steam engine No. 12 that once ran the commercial rails in Western NC. Enjoy trips on the train and other classic amusement rides, themed performances, gem mining, and even a small zoo. Special guests and events fill the calendar, too, from the Grammy-award winning Riders In The Sky to the Railroad Heritage Weekend. Hit the TrailsBlowing Rock is surrounded by natural beauty, and there is a huge network of nearby trails that provide up-close access. If you are looking for relaxing leg-stretchers, try one of the loops or byways within the 26 miles of carriage trails at Moses Cone Memorial Park, just a stone’s throw from downtown. The Blue Ridge Parkway features more paths to explore, like the Boone Fork and Tanawha trails, which offer glimpses of a wide variety of mountain streams, coves, glens, and vistas. Up for a real challenge? Take on the Grandfather Trail on Grandfather Mountain. This ridge-and-peaks trail is a rugged path that features a series of ladders for access. There’s even a trail right off Main Street in Blowing Rock- the Glen Burney Trail follows the path of New Year’s Creek, ending at a picturesque waterfall. You can also access the extensive Appalachian Trail and the cross-state Mountains to Sea Trail in Blowing Rock. Take in the CultureThe Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is a distinctive place, offering an impressive permanent collection alongside engaging rotating exhibits that highlight the regional culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. BRAHM is also dedicated to highlighting creators of art with regular concerts and lectures and encouraging budding artists with workshops and classes, all open to the public. This preoccupation with creativity is itself part of the culture in Blowing Rock, as the town has been a haven for generations of artisans inspired by the Blue Ridge. This tradition is celebrated in local galleries, recurring concert series, and events like the long-running Art in the Park. Right next door to BRAHM in the historic Edgewood Cottage, regional artists are celebrated at Artists in Residence each July and August. Edgewood was the summer cottage of famed artist Elliot Daingerfield, who called Blowing Rock home and taught classical painting classes for ladies (still taboo at the time) at the cottage.