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Category: Blog

Helene Recovery Information

The NC High Country has bounced back from Hurricane Helene, which hit the area on September 27, 2024. We are so grateful for the outpouring of concern for our town and our community. Blowing Rock was incredibly fortunate through the storm, and our neighbors are now open and welcoming visitors as well! Learn more about local recovery and how you can help those in need. For comprehensive NC resources, see NC Department of Public Safety’s information about Hurricane Helene here. Hurricane Helene Impacts: Updated Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Town of Blowing Rock infrastructure is undamaged and operational. All Blowing Rock businesses are open, and all utilities are restored.  Roads in our area are safe and open for travel. Local businesses are open and eager to serve and visitor support is vital to their survival. Western North Carolina needs you!  ClosuresBlowing Rock attractions are operating on normal schedules. Nearby NC State Parks have some trail and campsite closures- check ahead with individual parks before visiting. Some Blue Ridge Parkway areas will be closed for some time, though the motor road and trails are open in the Blowing Rock area. Getting AroundTravel on main routes and major secondary routes is open. Check ahead confirm the status of routes for more remote activities. Twenty miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open near Blowing Rock (weather permitting). NPS warns that visitors should be aware that trail trail conditions can’t be guaranteed and caution should be exercised when hiking.  Areas to AvoidAll High Country towns are welcoming visitors!  The spirit of the NC High Country is strong, and we stand together in support of those affected by this storm. We are deeply grateful to all those helping western NC- Thank you.  If you are visiting soon, we urge you to visit thoughtfully and keep a few things in mind. For more on how to visit thoughtfully, see our tips here! Local Updates Follow these accounts and local news sources for updates about Hurricane Helene impacts on our immediate area: Watauga County Emergency Services on Facebook High Country Press– local news Watauga Democrat – local news Boone Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook Avery County on Facebook Ashe County on Facebook NC Department of Transportation- road closures & updates Where to Donate Funds These are some of the organizations are coordinating drives for monetary donations that will stay in the community and NC for Hurricane Helene relief. Follow these links to donate or to learn more. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list! Feeding Avery Families Casting Bread Blowing Rock Cares Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Build For Good Foundation (Venmo: @Build4Good) Ashe Food Pantry Hospitality House NWNC Wine to Water High Country United Way Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Samaritan’s Purse FARM Cafe NC Red Cross NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund Southern Smoke Foundation (Food & Beverage worker relief) NC Disaster Relief Fund Official Donation Drop-off Sites Please coordinate donations with local non-profits and volunteers, potentially with organizations listed above. Volunteer Opportunities Explore Boone is maintaining an excellent Volunteer Opportunity list- see it here! Please coordinate with organizations BEFORE traveling and do not self-deploy without connecting with an organization that is providing services. Those wishing to volunteer can also register at nc.gov/volunteer to be connected with a NC Volunteer Organization currently active in Helene response. Recovery Assistance Red Cross Shelters Small Business Resources How to apply for FEMA assistance for homeowners How to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund Southern Smoke Foundation (Food & Beverage worker relief) Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund  Get more information on assistance and resources for residents on the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce website >>

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Blowing Rock Fall Bucket List

Blowing rock offers picturesque, storybook scenery that is enhanced by the colors of Fall. Head over to the Blowing Rock Attraction, the town’s namesake, and take in the majesty of the mountains.

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valle country fair

Fall Festivals in the High Country

Fall events make the season extra festive! If you have missed a fall festival, note the timing of individual events to plan ahead for the following year. Dates change, but in general, each festival is held the same weekend in each year (ex: Woolly Worm Festival is the third weekend in October).

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Blowing Rock Halloween Festival

Confirmed for 2024. Join Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation for tons of FREE fun with an evening of spooky activities! With downtown trick-or-treating and the famous Monster March, this is among the best Halloween events for kids of ALL ages.

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Blowing Rock is a NC Trail Town

Blowing Rock is thrilled to announce its designation as a Outdoor NC Trail Town and celebrate the launch of the Official North Carolina Trail Town Guide! Join us and Outdoor NC in celebrating 15 destinations across the state offering beautiful trails and championing efforts to encourage responsible travel and outdoor recreation.

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Blowing Rock is Great for Birding

The Blowing Rock area is an ideal spot for birding. Whether you’re brand new, or a seasoned veteran, there are birds to be spotted all over the High Country of North Carolina. To help educate us on why this area is so great for birding, and to guide us on how to get started, we reached out to Jesse Pope, President and Executive Director of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. and avid birder.  This area is important for both native and migratory birds, and that makes it a great spot for birding. “The High Country of Western North Carolina is one of North Carolina’s premier birding destinations. Our rich biodiversity and unique high elevations provide critical habitat for some of the world’s most critically imperiled bird species,” says Pope. He also pointed out the importance of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the edge of the Appalachian Mountains swiftly descends into the Piedmont. Pope explains, “A hike from the base of the escarpment, near Lenoir, to the summit of Grandfather Mountain mirrors the life zones one would experience driving from Atlanta to Maine. This variety of climates and habitats provides ideal stopover conditions for migratory birds.”  Since this area has so many unique and endangered species, it draws birders of all stripes. “Watauga and Avery Counties offer pristine nesting habitats for species such as the Golden-winged Warblers, Magnolia Warblers, Black-billed Cuckoos, Cerulean Warblers, and Vesper Sparrows, to name just a few,” said Pope. These are native birds that nest in the area. However, we are a critical stopover for migratory birds as well. Pope extrapolated, “Many neotropical migrants, such as Canada Warblers, Blackburnian Warblers, Hermit Thrushes, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Scarlet Tanagers, frequent our area. Additionally, we host one of the few Peregrine Falcon nesting sites found in North Carolina.” It’s no wonder birders travel here to experience these species! Starting out as a birder is relatively easy and popular as birds can be found everywhere. “Whether in local parks, greenways, or even your backyard, it’s easy to start birdwatching, yet it offers a lifetime of learning and challenges,” explains Pope. He also goes on to explain that birders keep life lists that detail what birds they saw and where as well as local lists. “Seeing a new species, a life bird, is very fulfilling even for a novice birder,” says Pope. He also suggests doing a little bit of research on birding hotspots before you go out because birds nest on both public and private lands.  If you think birding is for you, there are a few things that can help you get started. We asked Pope what he thinks novice birders should know. “If you’re keen on birding, consider investing in a pair of binoculars—even an inexpensive introductory pair can greatly enhance your bird-watching experience. Utilize resources like the iBird and Merlin Bird ID apps from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. eBird is another excellent platform where you can view local bird sightings and contribute your own findings, connecting with local birding communities, says Pope” He also suggests getting involved in local birding communities, “Reach out to organizations like the High Country Audubon Society for local bird walks and birding trips led by experts familiar with local birds and hotspots. Joining bird watching activities is a fun way to connect with a community of enthusiasts who enjoy the outdoors.” His top tip? “The best advice for new birders is to go birding with experienced birders. It’s the most effective way to learn the tips and tricks for finding and properly identifying birds.”    We couldn’t agree more, and are excited to start birding here in Blowing Rock right away! Maybe we’ll see you out there. Images taken and generously provided by Judi Sawyer, GMSF.  For more on Birding in Blowing Rock, CLICK HERE!

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Local Guide Wins Orvis Fly-Fishing Award

Chetola Resort’s manager of fly-fishing and head guide Dustin Coffey was named the 2024 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year on April 5 during the organization’s annual owners and partners meeting in Manchester, Vermont. Coffey calls the award the “heavyweight championship of the world for fly fishing guides.” It goes annually to the Orvis-endorsed guide who earns the highest customer satisfaction rating, while also excelling in the areas of conservation and recruitment of new people to the sport. Pete Kutzer, head fly-fishing instructor and endorsed operations manager at Orvis International, presented the honor to Coffey. Kutzer noted that Coffey not only received the best customers ratings, he also received the most customers ratings. “Dustin blew us out of the water,” Kutzer said. “He created a new standard for getting guest reviews.” Coffey, 44, began fishing with his grandfather at age five, and has 25 years of experience as a professional guide. He’s known for his friendliness, attention to detail, and ability to explain complicated fly-fishing techniques to everyday anglers, while making it fun and rewarding. Chetola is one of only two Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodges in North Carolina, and Coffey says the award is definitely a team effort. He gives credit to each of the resort’s guides and to his wife, Morgan Tarbutton, with whom he co-manages the fly-fishing program. A native of Western North Carolina, Coffey grew up just outside Blowing Rock in the small community of Globe. In addition to his work at Chetola Resort, Coffey is a member of Trout Unlimited and owner of Native Innovation Consulting, which provides consulting for land owners who are interested in fly fishing programs. Chetola Resort is a 78-acre mountain resort tucked between downtown Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For information about fly-fishing guide service and lodging options, visit www.Chetola.com or call 800-243-8652. More information about Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing and other Outdoor Adventure experiences >>

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