Blog Archives ⋆ Page 14 of 16 ⋆ Blowing Rock, NC

two kids crouched down on Boone Fork Trail looking at rocks

5 Great Hikes to Enjoy

Hiking is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are countless trails in the area, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the myriad destination hikes and the 26 mile network at Moses Cone Park, to local sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Mountains to Sea Trail, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. Here’s a short list of some of the most popular hikes closest to Blowing Rock, and they are well-loved for good reason. You’ll find easy parking access, well-defined trails, and sights unique to this region of the Blue Ridge. Take your pick and get out there! Bass Lake LoopEasy | 1 mile loop | Access on Hwy 221, one mile from Main Street in Blowing Rock.This picturesque loop is a regular stop for many locals, and you’ll see plenty of people out walking dogs or taking a jog on most days. The trail is flat, well-maintained gravel, following a path around Bass Lake. The lake was built by Moses Cone as part of his estate, and you can see the Flat Top manor house from various points on the route. The trail is a nice location to see plenty of waterfowl and beavers and is a good fishing spot, too. The loop connects to the other 26 miles of carriage trails in Cone Park, and can be a place to take laps or a great starting point for a longer hike. Glen Burney TrailModerate to Strenuous | 3 miles total, out-and-back | Trail head inside Annie Cannon Gardens on Laurel Lane in Blowing RockThis varied trail follows the path of New Years Creek from Annie Cannon Gardens. It starts out easy, with a wide path that crosses the creek and passes behind properties in the Mayview community. After crossing the water again, the trail descends sharply into John’s River Gorge. Along the way, views of cascades and Glen Burney Falls are a beautiful highlight. Glen Mary Falls awaits at the bottom of the trail. Because of drop offs by the falls, this trail approaches steep and treacherous areas- take care to obey posted signs and stay on the trail. The trail is one way, so once you reach the bottom, the strenuous hike back to the gardens begins. The elevation change is worth it, however, as waterfalls and various stages of wild blooms and foliage are your companions along the way. Boone Fork TrailEasy to Moderate | 5 mile loop | Access at at Price Park Picnic Area at MP 296Following the Boone Fork River and tributaries, this loop provides a varied look at local flora and terrain. Through hardwood forests and rhododendron thickets, the trail also passes by small waterfalls and cascades. The trail intersects and shares some route with both the Tanawha Trail and the Mountains to Sea Trail, so take care to note signage at intersections. Rough Ridge Overlook TrailModerate to Strenuous | 0.8 miles to view | Access at Rough Ridge Overlook parking area at MP 302.8 on Blue Ridge ParkwayThis trail is especially popular because it’s easy to find and provides one of the best views in the area. From the parking area, take the trail up to the fork and turn left to go across the little wooden bridge. This is the shortest route to the top. It’s quite a climb, and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you reach the boardwalks. These have been built to protect the fragile lichen and shrub communities on the ridge- please stay on the boardwalks and trails to help ensure their survival. The trail along the ridge is actually the Tanawha Trail, so there is plenty more to see if you want to keep following the path once you reach the top. Keep in mind that Tanawha is not a loop, and that you’ll need to double back to return to your vehicle. The vista on the ridge is expansive, with views that include Grandfather, Grandmother, Hawksbill, and Pilot Mountains, along with various communities far in the distance. On very clear mornings, you can see the Charlotte skyline. Flat Top TrailModerate | 5.6 miles round trip | Access at Cone Manor at MP 294 on the Blue Ridge ParkwayAnother carriage trail in Cone Park, this route takes you to the top of Flat Top, where a fire tower waits to provide a 360 degree view above the canopy. The distance is long, but the trail is wide and inclines are not very steep so most consider it a moderate trail. About halfway up, the trail crosses a beautiful highland meadow where the graves of the Cone family are found in a small cemetery. From the top of the firetower, the communities of Blowing Rock, Boone, and others can be easily seen. The trail is out-and-back, so your return trip follows the same path. Happy Hiking!

5 Sunset Views in Blowing Rock

The warm light creates the evening “golden hour” when everything is cast in a glow. Sunset light enhances fall colors, too! Check out these beautiful, no-hike sunset spots for a perfect end to your day whether with your friends, your significant other, or alone with your thoughts. Take your pick for the ultimate keepsake photo and resonant memory. 1. Gideon RidgeThe Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is another great place to view the sunset and to enjoy an elegant and relaxing dining experience. You’ll need reservations, and for good reason: The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is widely considered among the best in the area. This is a bed and breakfast, and the restaurant is open to the public. Their terrace has a great overlook of the Pisgah Forest and will soon be one of your favorite spots to frequent. 2. Moses Cone Manor PorchAlong the Blue Ridge Parkway is the legendary Moses Cone Manor. Around the estate is numerous hiking and horseback riding trails. The front porch of the house is directly facing south which allows for you to see the sun to set on your right and the sky changing colors to your left. You can get cozy on the porch and bask in mother nature’s beauty. 3. Thunder Hill OverlookAlso located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Thunder Hill Overlook offers a sweeping view of the mountains and valleys to the south. It’s popular at both sunrise and sunset. On a clear day you can see the city of Charlotte in the distance, though that’s more common in the morning. It’s the first overlook heading north on the Parkway from Blowing Rock. 4. Raven Rocks OverlookFind this overlook just north of Thunder Hill. This spot offers a view in the opposite direction, toward the north. The view isn’t as wide, but on those days when colorful clouds are collecting in the northern skies, it’s a perfect location. 5. Chetola ResortChetola Resort welcomes visitors to relax by their lake and fire pits and eat at Timberlake’s Restaurant. The historic Manor House is the centerpiece by the lake. Throughout the week during the summer, the resort has nightly features such as live music and s’mores by the firepit. Watching the beautiful sunset colors reflect off the water with a drink or s’more in your hand is what relaxation is all about. PLUS: Access for sunsets is dependent on the attraction hours, but we can’t talk about sunset spots without mentioning The Blowing Rock. With a western vantage toward Grandfather Mountain, the sunset views are incredible and extremely photo-worthy! Just be sure to check sunset time and attraction hours before visiting if you want to be there for one. To see more outdoor fun & activities, click here

BRCHS Nominated for Hall of Fame

The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show has been nominated for the National ShowHunter Hall of Fame. The show has been selected as one of the top ten shows in the country for 2021. Inaddition, the show’s featured event, The Blowing Rock Hunter Derby, has been named among the nation’stop six Derbies for 2021.The Show Hunter Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 to honor excellence by providing recognition,education, and appreciation for the achievements of the horsemen and horses that have given the sport ofshow hunters so rich a history.Each year, nominations are collected from throughout the show hunter world. The top nominees are thenplaced on a ballot for election by Hall of Fame members. Not unlike an Oscar nomination, being includedamong the best hunter shows and derbies in the country is an unparalleled honor. The fact that Blowing Rockhas been consistently nominated as one of the best is evident of the year-in, year-out commitment toexcellence by the Blowing Rock Horse Show Foundation, the Town of Blowing Rock and all those connectedwith the show.Burr Collier, Foundation Chair commented on the recognition: “We are in some lofty company. This is abig honor and a testimony that our exhibitors appreciate the extra efforts to make the shows special.”While many of our fellow Hall of Fame nominees are larger, few shows have the unique atmosphere of thisstoried mountain town, the historic venue and the longevity of the Blowing Rock show. In 2023 theBlowing Rock Horse Show will celebrate 100 years of continuous operation. A unique accomplishment inthe history of American horse shows.The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame awards will be presented at the annual dinner in Haverford,Pennsylvania on June 1, 2022. Additional information about the Hall of Fame can be found atwww.nationalshowhunterhalloffame.com The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is presented for three weeks each summer at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve. 2022 SHOW DATESSaddlebred: June 9-12, 2022 Hunter/Jumper I: July 26-31, 2022 Hunter/Jumper II: August 3-7, 2022 Find more about the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show at brchs.org

Chetola Resort Cancels 2022 Polar Bear Plunge; Other WinterFest Events Still On

Concerns over COVID-19 safety and extreme weather forecasted for Saturday, January 29 have led to the cancelation of the 2022 Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort. As the centerpiece of the annual Blowing Rock WinterFest, the Polar Bear Plunge has often taken place in very cold temperatures, but potential for some blizzard-like conditions and extra impacts from COVID-19 have tipped the scales. In a Wednesday night email to the Chamber of Commerce, owner of Chetola Resort, Kent Tarbutton, expressed frustration over the necessary measures. “The 9:00 am temperature will clock in with a wind chill factor of -8. We found little choice when considering the additional COVID spread factor, the frostbite potential, and our attempt to keep people protected.” “Safety is always a top priority at the Polar Bear Plunge,” says Suzy Barker, Event Director for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of Blowing Rock WinterFest. “Every precaution is taken and when temperatures are very cold, we have participants come to the dock in smaller groups so they spend less time waiting to jump. The need to keep participants together indoors more is a special concern for public health right now, and snow combined with high winds raises issues of visibility and safety for participants and attendees alike, so we understand Chetola’s decision to cancel.” Other Blowing Rock WinterFest events and activities are still on for this weekend. Ice carving demonstrations in Memorial Park, Curling Exhibitions at the Blowing Rock School Gym, and the Beer Garden on the Chamber of Commerce lawn are among a calendar full of various activities and restaurant specials. More details can be found on the official event website: BlowingRockWinterFest.com. “We appreciate the generosity and support of this year’s Polar Bear Plunge participants,” Suzy Barker added. “We will be communicating with them regarding registration fees and refunds.”

Kellan Wilsonwithers photo of Yadkin River

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum to Host WFDD’s Photo of the Year Exhibition

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) will host WFDD’s Photo of the Year contest, taking place in the Alexander Community Gallery from February 8th to March 19th. Beginning in February, BRAHM will display 53 images taken from the surrounding region, all highlighting the beauty of our local communities. Featuring all of the 2021 winners of WFDD’s Photo of the Week challenge, these images range from sunsets to sunrises, rivers to mountains, plants to animals, and plenty more. Each image captures the wonders and joy that our communities have continued to find in the past year. To learn more —or to get a preview of the photos—please visit https://www.wfdd.org/2021photooftheyear. Patrons will be able to vote for their favorite images, and the winner will be listed as WFDD’s Photo of the Year. This contest will take place starting Tuesday February 8th and end on Saturday March 19th. This event is free to participate in, and we highly encourage the community to come and view these captivating photos. BRAHM and its members are excited for this community partnership, as stated by Lee Carol Giduz, Executive Director, “BRAHM is so thrilled to host this exhibit that represents the beauty of both the natural world and everyday lives in our region. We are especially pleased to host this exhibition in partnership with our friends at WFDD.” The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is a 501-c3 non-profit arts and history museum nestled in the village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. BRAHM’s mission is to provide cultural enrichment to the High Country communities by promoting the arts, and Southern Appalachian heritage and history, through educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections. The museum offers FREE ADMISSION and is open to the public, Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00AM – 5:00PM. Photo: 11/5/2021, Kellan Wilsonwithers, Mount Airy. “Chilly November morning, watching the Yadkin River flow and allowing my racing thoughts and fervent prayers to flow away with it.”

Ring in the New Year in Blowing Rock, NC

What better place to ring in the New Year than the vibrant Village of Blowing Rock? From winter hiking and skiing to shopping, family attractions, amazing views, creative restaurants, and a variety of accommodations, Blowing Rock is the perfect destination to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024!

Blowing Rock: A Bucket List Destination

Our new friends Ingrid and Marcus came to visit Blowing Rock and take a look around in mid-September. Marcus had visited Blowing Rock many years ago, so our town had been on their list for a while. They arrived on a Sunday and stayed two nights. Ingrid and Marcus packed a ton of fun into their three days in town! A Concert in the Park, dining around town, visiting Grandfather Mountain and The Blowing Rock, shopping, and more. Here’s a bit of what Ingrid had to say about their experience: “Let me say from the start that we’ve found another destination that really belongs on everyone’s bucket list and that we hope to visit next year once again as there is so much more for us to do and experience in and around the historic, charming, beautiful mountain town of Blowing Rock. The famous Rock, less than two miles from our hotel, that we visited the next morning, is the oldest tourist attraction in North Carolina and features an immense cliff jutting 4,000 feet above sea level. Blowing Rock is a year round destination, but fall is especially beautiful in the mountains when the leaves are turning, and The Blue Ridge Mountains, with Blue Ridge Parkway access right in Blowing Rock, offer one of the most colorful and longest running fall leaf seasons in the world. One of the reasons is the varied elevations that show prime fall colors for over a month. Lucky us, a little of these famous fall colors were already becoming more noticeable around the Blowing Rock area during our visit in mid September.” “We arrived in town on a blue-skied early Sunday afternoon and fell instantly in love with its beautiful, blooming Main Street…” “We had reservations at the Meadowbrook Inn, a charming 62-room eco retreat surrounded by still blooming gardens and located just a block from all these cute shops, restaurants, and galleries on Blowing Rock’s Main Street. A couple of ducks, who demanded the right of way, welcomed us by the main entrance. They seemed to be on the way to the duck pond which is part of the surrounding ‘Certified Wildlife Habitat by National Wildlife Federation.’” Ingrid shares many more details on her website. Head over to Ingrid’s blog, Escape From Paradise, to see their entire Blowing Rock adventure, and SO MANY more photos: Mind-blowing Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Looking to recreate Ingrid’s trip? Start at Meadowbrook Inn in downtown Blowing Rock! “I especially liked The Final Touches Home & Garden boutique.” “Sunny Rock Eggs turned out to be a cozy, warm place with a hot breakfast and perfectly basted eggs! Btw our waitress Sheila rocked.” “Little will match the exhilarating feeling of being on top of the world while looking out across views of mountain ridges cascading to the horizon. Here we met other free spirits like us.” “Superb, is an understatement. Timberlake’s at Chetola Resort is a destination restaurant.”

Valle Country Fair Returns Live in 2021

VALLE CRUCIS, NC — The celebratory shouts that went up when it was announced that the 2021 Valle Country Fair would be back live and in-person could have rivaled the enthusiasm that burst forth when Noah threw open the doors and let all his passengers off of the ark! Now in its 43rd year, the fun and fellowship enjoyed by the volunteers who put on the Valle Country Fair is almost as meaningful as knowing that their efforts manifest the tagline “Community Supporting Community.” “A community is about people,” said John Heiss, Co-chair of the 2021 Valle Country Fair. “This Fair provides a perfect venue for the people of our community to come together, talk, smile, laugh and enjoy the camaraderie of neighbors, friends and visitors with a common goal – supporting those in need within our community.” “Even though the Fair was “virtual” in 2020,” Heiss continued, “the outpouring from the community through donations and online sales made it a success and provided the means to continue our mission of community support.” Now returning to an in-person event, and in keeping with over four decades of precedent, the Valle Country Fair is held on the third Saturday in October (Saturday, October 16, 2021). The festivities spread out across a large hay field on the grounds of the Valle Crucis Conference Center on NC Highway 194. Admission is free and parking is available in the adjoining field for $10 per car. NO PETS are allowed. New for 2021 is the addition of a second entrance into the field. During the morning hours, traffic managers will direct vehicles off of NC 194 and onto the fairgrounds via two different portals, meaning that fairgoers should spend considerably less time in traffic waiting to get into the event. When traffic coming into the Fair slows down around mid- day, the second entrance will revert to a second exit, allowing cars departing the fairgrounds to get back on the highway quickly and easily. One-hundred-fifty craft exhibitors set up tents along wide lanes that meander back and forth between a picturesque red barn and a field of sorghum. Bales of hay are stacked in the intersections of these walkways to offer fairgoers places to sit while they ponder which craft booths to visit next. Exhibitors submit to a jury process designed to bring together the highest quality handmade crafts available and to assure fairgoers that there is a wide variety of unique products to choose between. As a show of support, exhibitors donate 10% of their earnings back to the charitable work of the Fair. Two stages host entertainment throughout the day. The stage located near the dining tent showcases the best in local bluegrass, country and gospel music. A second stage located near the Kids’ Activity Area features cloggers, magicians and more. Diversions offered in the Kids’ Area include games like Twister and pumpkin bowling, arts and crafts and creating Halloween treats. Eat all you want at the Valle Country Fair because almost all of the food concessions are operated by the church or by other non-profit organizations that return 100% of their earnings to local charities. Tables and chairs are provided under a large tent next to the music stage so that fairgoers can enjoy the entertainment while they dine. You can take a vacation from cooking on the night of the 16th as well, because the Brunswick Stew, barbecue and chili can all be purchased by the quart for later consumption – as can baked goods, jams & jellies, apple cider and apple butter! Some of the most scrumptious and beautiful cakes to come out of the Valle ovens go up for auction at 12:00 noon, so don’t miss the entertaining bidding wars! “To promote the health and safety of our visitors and volunteers, the Holy Cross food tents will, for the first time, be accepting credit cards,” Heiss said. “By establishing a ‘contactless’ credit card payment option we can reduce wait times and be mindful of our guests’ COVID concerns.” In continuing response to the pandemic, sponsors are following NC safety guidelines. Organizers increased the number of hand washing stations and hand sanitizing stations placed strategically around the fairgrounds. And, although it is an outdoor event, fairgoers are encouraged to wear masks when shopping in the busy craft booths. “The origins of the Valle Country Fair are deeply rooted in supporting the community,” said Heiss. “The growth and popularity of this annual event takes the involvement of the entire community. It is not simply a local church event – from exhibitors and musicians, to individual volunteers and donations from local businesses – it takes a village (a community) to generate the joyful celebration that is the Valle Country Fair.” The single-day harvest festival is held in a large pasture located beside NC Highway 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. Admission to the Fair is FREE and parking is available in the adjoining field for $10 per car, $25 for a small bus or van, and $50 for a motor coach. NO PETS are allowed. The event is sponsored by Holy Cross Episcopal Church in cooperation with the Valle Crucis Conference Center. All proceeds are used to help the community’s most vulnerable citizens. Recipients of the 2021 Valle Country Fair grants are Appalachian Senior Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, Blue Ridge Women In Agriculture, the Children’s Council, Community Care Givers, High Country Caregivers, the Hunger and Health Coalition, LIFE Village , Mountain Alliance, Parent to Parent Family Support Network, Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center and Watauga County Schools Extended Learning Centers. The outreach committee at Holy Cross Church distributes all remaining proceeds to individuals and families in crisis. Media sponsors for VCF 2021 are Curtis Media Group and Mountain Times Publications. For more information, contact Holy Cross Church at 828-963-4609 or visit the Fair on the web at www.vallecountryfair.org. Images Top: Apple Cider Press with John Goodrich, Bill Welch, Jim Toomey. Photo by Karen Lehmann. Middle: The Holy Smokes. Photo by

Price Lake Closure on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Repair attempt will close the motor road on Friday, Aug 27, 2021. Official release from the Blue Ridge Parkway: (Blowing Rock, NC) – Blue Ridge Parkway officials announced today that staff will try to repair a damaged gate at Price Lake Dam on Friday, August 27, 2021. To safely attempt the repair, the Parkway will close at Milepost 297, between the entrances to Price Park Campground and the Price Park Picnic Area. The closure will go into effect at 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning, and is estimated to last approximately five hours. While repair work is underway, this section of the Parkway will be closed to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians. Park staff will be on site to help visitors navigate the closure area safely. If normal gate function is restored tomorrow, park staff will conduct a thorough inspection of the dam while the water is low, and then begin the process of restoring the lake to normal levels. It is estimated to take approximately two weeks for water levels to return to normal. The lake will remain closed to all uses, including fishing, boating, and all other activities, while lake levels are restored. An area closure is in effect at the lake, and violations of this closure can result in fines. A variety of hazards can be found on the lakebed which create a dangerous situation for anyone who enters the lake. The public’s cooperation with these closures is important to personal safety as well as the protection of Parkway resources. If it is determined that more extensive repair work is needed, park staff will begin planning that work and an extended closure period is anticipated. Once the road opens tomorrow afternoon, updates regarding the repair attempt will be provided. Price Lake Dam was constructed in 1958 and impounds the 47-acre Price Lake located near Blowing Rock, North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway. When significant rain events are forecasted such as a hurricane or tropical storm, park staff preemptively open a slide gate within the dam to release water from Price Lake to accommodate a potential rapid increase in water flow into the lake from contributing streams. On August 18, 2021, once Tropical Storm Fred had moved out of the region, park staff attempted to close the slide gate. The gate did not close and staff realized the gate had suffered a mechanical failure. As a result, water that would normally be impounded by the Price Lake Dam was released through the open gate, causing the lake water level to drop approximately 15 feet below its normal level. www.nps.gov/blri August 26, 2021 Contact: Leesa Brandon, 828.348.3420

Mid-week Fall Itinerary

With its incredible views and recreational activities, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts visitors year round. The fall can be especially busy as people flock to see the vibrant colors as the trees change. If you’ve visited on a Saturday in October, you know that it can get quite crowded at popular overlooks and trails. Next time, skip peak times with a weekday visit! Blowing Rock has an excellent location on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and offers plenty of fun activities in the middle of the week. Wednesday The Blue Ridge Parkway Morning: Start the day at the Cone Estate. The manor house has recently been restored to its original beauty! A Southern Highland Craft Guild gallery is inside on the ground floor. Learn about the house ahead of a visit by checking out this fantastic virtual tour! Afternoon: Blowing Rock has many trails to wander, and crisp fall days are perfect for hiking. For a moderate hike, follow Flat Top trail from the manor to the Tower. 360° views at the top! Want to ride instead of hike? Book a trail ride with Vx3 Trail Rides and enjoy the Cone Carriage Trails from horseback. Evening: Skies over the Parkway are full of stars at night due to lack of streetlights and most other light sources. Cooler fall temperatures reduce haziness- great for stargazing! Price Lake is an ideal spot for it. When the lake is still, it reflects the sky. Thursday Downtown Blowing Rock Morning: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum always offers intriguing exhibitions and events the entire season! General admission is free, however, check ahead for events as they may require a fee or registration. BRAHM sits right on Main Street, alongside downtown boutiques & galleries. Check out their gift shop and get a head start on shopping after your see the exhibitions. Afternoon: Try a wine flight at Sunset & Vine, where they’ll help you pick wines you’ll love. Sunset & Vine makes sure to carry unique wines that cannot be found at larger retailers. Prefer beer? The Blowing Rock Ale House is right next door with locally made brews. They brew some of their beers right behind the beer garden! Evening: Wrap up the day with live music! Try The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop for a laid back atmosphere and fun folk music, or Timberlake’s at Chetola Resort for an upscale, jazzy feel. Both locations offer delicious food and live music on Thursday evenings. Insider Tips for Fall Trips: Stay at one of the 20+ hotels, inns, & rentals within easy walking distance of downtown, and skip looking for parking spaces in town. Consider staying at The Embers for a high end feel, or at Homestead Inn & Cottages for a convenient and homey feel, Autumn mornings and evenings are chilly but afternoons can be warm, so dress in light layers. In September, don’t miss the Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market, Thursdays 2-6pm. 25+ local restaurants offer many dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Consider getting takeaway for a picnic on the Parkway (please remember to pack out your trash)! Make reservations when possible to cut down on possible wait times. Looking for More? Most local attractions are open mid-week in September & October so you can easily extend your trip with more fun. Check out ziplining and climbing, gem mining, wildlife habitats, and even gravitational anomalies! Book ahead to be assured of entry, as many attractions are still reducing crowding with limited sales. See even more recommendations on our Itineraries Page!

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