Live music is a great way to let loose and relax during your visit in Blowing Rock. Many restaurants feature talented local artists throughout the week. There is entertainment for all to enjoy- no cover for these regular performances!
We asked some local kids and teens about their favorite summer things to do around Blowing Rock. Here’s what they told us! -Porter, age 5, said his favorite things are fishing at Broyhill Park, riding down the water slide at the Pool, and Harrison, age 10, spends a lot of time outside with his family. He likes to go river tubing and kayaking, and camping. Atlas, 6, likes to hike around Price Lake with his family and go to the August is 3 and a half, and she likes to play in the Park . Oliver, 10, says he usually goes to the playground in the Park (opens in a new tab)”>Memorial] Park or at the school for fun, and that the Glen Burney Trail is really fun with the family. Susanna, age 9 (almost 10), likes to go get ice cream and play on the school playground. Genevieve, age 7, says she loves Tweetsie! Knox, age 9, says skateboarding is his favorite. He also likes to go to the Pool and get ice cream and candy from Cylee, age 10 (and 3/4), visits family in Blowing Rock a lot. She likes watching candles being made at High Country Candles, getting fudge at Kilwins, and drinking hot chocolate and lattes from Camp Coffee. Ellie, 15, likes to spend time at Thunder Hill Overlook, get ice cream at Kilwins, and go to the Pool. Parents of these children also mentioned beloved pastimes like playing with frisbees at Price Park Picnic Area, riding the kids’ zipline at Sky Valley Zip Tours, visiting the Fossil Museum at Doc’s Rocks, and picnicking in Memorial Park. And, of course, every parent was sure their kid would say Tweetsie Railroad! Many of the favorite kids activities mentioned here are free or low-cost, and it’s clear that most kids just want to get outside and play! Blowing Rock has excellent parks, and the Blue Ridge Parkway offers so much so nearby. Come and bring the family soon! For more on local attractions, like Tweetsie Railroad and Grandfather Mountain, click here. Recreational services like horseback riding, ziplining, and more can be found here!
1.Waterfall HuntingGetting close to water is a great way to cool off, and few experiences are as exhilarating as getting close to a waterfall. Hikes vary from easy to strenuous, and a handful of area waterfalls even have a swimming hole. Blowing Rock has waterfalls right in town- just take the Glen Burney Trail. This shady hike follows the New Year Creek, offering views of the Glen Burney and Glen Marie Falls. When enjoying waterfalls, be sure to note posted signage on all local trails, and take care around steep spots. If you are curious to know more about local waterfalls, click here to see which ones spark your interest. 2. White water rafting or TubingIn Blowing Rock and our surrounding area, we have a collection of rafting companies that are great for groups of all sizes and ages. Make a reservation for an excursion that will take your group to the region’s best white water! Many of the rafting companies also provide a river tubing guide service on calmer waters. Some companies even offer cooler floats so you can stay hydrated while you’re out there on the water. Be sure to pack the sunscreen, because these trips can take a few hours! The New River is the most popular river to float down because it has a steady and calm current, and the depth ranges from 2-8 feet deep. Our rivers stay a very cool temperature year round, and you will be able to witness the natural beauty of the High Country while having fun with friends and family.To view white water and adventure companies, click here and choose the one that fits your needs. 3. Kayaking at Price LakeIf you prefer a self-guided way to cool down this summer, then stop by Price Lake. Price Lake is a 47 acre lake with calm water, perfect for canoeing and kayaking. You can rent watercraft if you don’t have your own, including canoes, single and double kayaks, and stand up paddle boards. Prices include the life jacket, paddles, and taxes. You are not allowed to swim in Price Lake, but it is very enjoyable to get out on the water and see the wonderful views.For more pricing information regarding Price Lake rentals and hours, click here
The twenty-first annual Cycle NC Mountains To Coast ride will run from Blowing Rock to Atlantic Beach on September 28 to October 5, 2019. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists are expected to participate in this unique ride. Weekend Schedule for Cycle NC Blowing Rock will welcome the riders with true mountain hospitality! Participants can expect rides along beautiful mountain roads, a Welcome Party, plus some ongoing late summer events: Friday, September 27Cone Life & Collections Exhibits at Blowing Rock Art & History MuseumMusic on the Lawn at Ragged GardensBonfire & Live Music at Chetola ResortLive music at Town Tavern, Twigs, Woodlands BBQ, and Green Park InnOyster Roast at Blowing Rock Market on Main StreetGhost Train at Tweetsie Railroad Saturday, September 28Cone Life & Collections Exhibits at Blowing Rock Art & History MuseumUpstairs Tours of Flat Top Manor at Moses Cone Memorial ParkCycle NC Expo by Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters– at Davant Field 10am-6pmWelcome Party at Davant Field- Local brews and live music by The Neighbors & brews from Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boonshine Brewery, & Blowing Rock Brewing! 4-7pm. Pig Pickin’ at Blowing Rock Market on Main StreetBonfire & Live Music at Chetola ResortLive music at Twigs, Woodlands BBQ, and Green Park Inn Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad Karaoke Night at Town Tavern Sunday, September 29Route opens at 7:30am. Have a great ride!Excursions for non-riders begin at 8:30am. Can’t-miss location: Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters is your base for information on the best local rides, gear questions, and outfitting. Plus, they have Blue Ridge Parkway jerseys! The shop is on Sunset Drive, just a short walk (or ride!) from the CNC Campsite. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out some of our incredible restaurants! From delicious, down-home fare to creative culinary delights, Blowing Rock has variety of cuisine on offer. A walkable downtown will invite you to step into our local shops, galleries, and boutiques. And if you’d like to fit in a little bargain shopping, check out Tanger Outlets.Multiple hotels in Blowing Rock will be hosting some participants, most within walking distance of the celebrations and downtown attractions. Camping participants will enjoy camping near downtown in the pop-up campsite with traveling amenities. See the Route Announcement Video Here! Cycling in Blowing Rock Blowing Rock is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoys direct access to all points in the High Country. This means that challenging circuits and routes are easy to plan and enjoy on local roads. The Town of Blowing Rock welcomes cyclists often, most of whom come to enjoy the views along a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With plenty of eateries and a variety of overnight accommodations, our town is a natural choice for cyclists looking for a getaway riding experience. Businesses like Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters and Footsloggers are trusted sources for cycling and outdoor equipment, respectively. Plus, Rhoddie helps cyclists plan the ideal route, whether challenge or sightseeing is the goal. More About Cycle NC’s Mountains To Coast Ride Riders will bike an average of 60 miles per day over the course of the week. Hickory, Spencer, Siler City, Clayton, Greenville and New Bern are the stops on the route between Blowing Rock and Atlantic Beach. The Cycle NC “Mountains to Coast” Tour is the state’s only cross-state, fully-supported ride. It was created in 1999 with the N.C. Division of Tourism, Capital Broadcasting Company, the N.C. Department of Transportation and North Carolina Amateur Sports as founding partners. Cycle NC promotes North Carolina’s scenic beauty, heritage tourism, visitor attractions, historic sites, state parks, fitness, healthy lifestyles and the benefits of bicycling to individuals and our state. During the past 20 years, Cycle North Carolina has stopped overnight in more than 100 North Carolina towns and visited over 700 North Carolina communities. Register at www.ncsports.org. Cycle North Carolina is capping registration at 1,100 riders. So, interested riders should register early to enjoy the highlight of the year for bicycling in North Carolina! Cycle North Carolina is presented by Retire NC. Partner organizations of Cycle North Carolina include: Powerade, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, BB&T, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Harris Teeter, Morningstar Law Group, the N.C. Department of Transportation and Cycling Spoken Here.
It’s apple season! In the fall, High Country produce stands and farmers markets are bursting with unique apple varieties. In Blowing Rock, local apples are available at Sunset Tees & Hattery and Blowing Rock Market during the fall season. Which apples are best for making apple pie? What about cider? What makes the NC High Country ideal for growing so many varieties of apples? Bill Moretz of Moretz Mountain Orchard was happy to answer those questions and many more at his apple tasting & presentation at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum‘s Scholars & Scones program. We’ve compiled some facts from the event for you here! Moretz Mountain Orchard grows over 100 varieties of apples, specializing in some heirlooms that can be hard to find elsewhere. Bill brought eight different apples to sample; all so different and all delicious. Here’s what he told us about each one: Winter GreeningThis is an excellent apple for cooking. It comes in a little early so it’s available sooner than some other varieties. It’s bit tart, and tends to brown very fast after cutting. Moretz Mountain Orchard also grows blueberries, huckleberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, pears (European and Asian), plums, Goumi, Quince, persimmons, paw paw, and peaches and nectarines if the weather cooperates. Produce they grow includes potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and winter squash. They offer dried apples and dried sweet potatoes. The products are distributed directly to local buyers at the Watauga County Farmers Market and the High Country Food Hub. Apples are a special part of the food identity of the High Country. If you’re interested learning more about regional foods and how they affect our culture, check out the archive page for the Farm, Forage, Feast: High Country Foodways exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. The archive includes video interviews of local food producers! See more posts about Fall in Blowing Rock