Category: Blog

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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outdoor family and kayakers at a lake

Join the Movement!

Join the Movement Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy.Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors, which will ensure our state is the world-class destination we know and love, forever. It’s simple, really: a call to action for both residents and visitors to embrace responsible recreation and leave things better than you found them. Everyone is invited to join the mission to preserve North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces! Exciting new opportunities are available for outdoor stewards to win rewards. By joining the movement between December 17, 2024 through June 18, 2025, you will be entered to win quarterly outdoor gear prize packages and one fantastic getaway here in Blowing Rock, NC. Come be a part of this rewarding journey! Join the Outdoor NC Movement & Enter Sweepstakes What is Outdoor NC? Outdoor NC is a movement that is committed to promoting stewardship throughout North Carolina, inspiring everyone to not only experience the outdoors, but embrace and protect it as well. It provides a wide variety of resources which educate outdoor adventurers on how they can recreate responsibly, respectfully, and safely. As an Outdoor NC Alliance partner, we actively encourage everyone to join our collective movement to protect our beloved, shared outdoor spaces. Whether it’s cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking though some of the most unique mountain ecosystems, birdwatching, or fly fishing for trout in our pristine streams, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in our beautiful corner of the Blue Ridge. We welcome you, knowing you share our passion for seeing these special places protected and preserved for current and future generations.  Join the Outdoor NC Movement with us and find out what it means to be a good steward of the great outdoors. Click the button below! Learn More About the Outdoor NC Movement Thank you for joining us and Outdoor NC in being good stewards of our environment. Future generations will greatly benefit from your commitment to preserving our natural resources.

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Blowing Rock a Top Fishing Destination

As the chill of winter fades away, anglers across the United States eagerly await the arrival of spring and the start of another exciting fishing season. FishingBooker has announced the release of its 9 best spring fishing destinations for 2024. From the rugged coastlines of California to the tranquil lakes of Alabama, these destinations promise unforgettable fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Blowing Rock made the list! Why did Blowing Rock rank so well? A picturesque mountain village, Blowing Rock is nestled amid the stunning wilderness near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its tranquil streams and lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities, with abundant rainbow, brown, and brook trout waiting to be hooked. Anglers can even participate in the annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby held in early April, adding excitement to their fishing experience. Beyond fishing, Blowing Rock invites visitors to explore its natural wonders, from hiking trails in Pisgah National Forest to horseback tours of the Moses Cone Estate. With its blend of outdoor adventure and serene surroundings, Blowing Rock promises an unforgettable spring getaway. See the full unranked list of 9 best spring fishing destinations to learn more about FishingBooker’s top recommendations. About FishingBooker: With an offer of more than 42,000 fishing trips spanning over 2,000 cities across 110 countries, FishingBooker has gained the trust of countless fishing enthusiasts. Their platform has enabled hundreds of thousands of anglers to embark on fishing trips and create long-lasting memories with friends and family across the US – and beyond. By connecting anglers with skilled captains and the best locations, they are committed to making the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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What to Pack for a New or Longer Hike

One of Blowing Rock’s most beloved pastimes is hiking in the beautiful surrounding wilderness. When heading out to a short, familiar path, you can often just grab a water bottle and go. But sometimes you may be in the mood for exploring a new trail or taking a longer hike, and it’s always best to be prepared! What do you need for a new or longer hike? 

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Cross Country Skiing Access

Cross Country Skiing enthusiasts have been coming to the mountains for years to enjoy the snow and hone their skill. The Carriage Trails at Moses Memorial Cone Park in Blowing Rock offer 25 miles of trails that are wide and well maintained year-round.

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cropped Image of map indicating construction zones on Main Street for spring 2024

Main Street Construction: What to Expect

Blowing Rock infrastructure is getting some much-needed upgrades! Main water and sewer lines are being replaced along Main Street in the downtown core now through Spring 2024.  Key Takeaways: Access to businesses and activities on Main Street will remain open. Expect single-lane closures and potential travel/traffic delays. One full closure of Main Street is required in a residential section. Construction activity will be limited to Mon-Thurs when possible. About the Project: According to the contractor’s project page, “the existing and new water and sewer lines are located within the roadway. In order to complete replacement of these lines, the pavement on Main Street will be removed within the trench area. With the majority of this work occurring within the paved roadway, traffic control is required, and travel will be reduced to one lane during construction.” These single-lane closures will be controlled with automated flagging devices with barrier arms. While every effort will be made to reduce traffic impacts, some delays should be expected when driving through all downtown areas. Main Street Closure Details: One full closure of Main Street is required north of Chetola Resort. This closure will not prevent access to any businesses, but visitors to Chetola Resort, McCoy Minerals, and other north Main locations will need to access those places from the south end of Main Street. That simply means that downtown visitors, including school traffic, will need to access Main Street via Sunset Drive. This full closure of north Main Street from Chetola out to the US Highway 321 intersection will be active Monday mornings through Thursday evenings from February 12 through at least mid-April 2024. The road will be opened Friday mornings through the weekends. This closure is for 18-inch sewer line replacement. See area marked in red on full map below. Downtown Core Construction Work: Currently, sewer installation continues on Main Street between Chestnut Drive and Morris Street, along the parking spaces on the east side of Main Street. Sewer installation will progress north on the east side of Main Street toward US Hwy 221. Single-lane closures and lane shifts will be necessary during this construction. Sidewalk access for pedestrians will remain open throughout the project. Fridays of each work week will be reserved for clean-up (unless work days are lost through the week), with both traffic lanes and on-street parking reopening for each weekend. Starting in mid-March, water line installation will begin on the other side of Main Street, following the same method. This work will begin at Ginny Stevens Lane and continue north on Main Street through downtown. The west side of Main Street parking and the south bound lane will be utilized for water installation. Single-lane closures and lane shifts will be necessary during this construction as well. See this area marked in yellow on full map below. Additional Details: For information about additional parking areas off of Main Street, click here. Entire water and sewer project completion date is September 10, 2024. Please note that all dates listed are approximate and the timing of all construction activity is weather-dependent. More information about the project is available on the project website.

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