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

Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Update

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.

Dog Gone Good Time

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/

Blue Ridge Parkway Recruiting Rough Ridge Rovers

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.”

Finding Fraser’s Ridge

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

A Mountain Getaway: Three Things To Do in Blowing Rock This Summer

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.

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.”

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