Blowing Rock is an excellent place to go on a picnic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date, a fun lunch with friends, or a family memory, a picnic can be a great option. We’ve compiled a list of picnic locations in and around Blowing Rock that are beautiful and versatile!
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
The High Country has a wine trail! If you haven’t visited our local wineries, you’re in for a real treat. Great wine and beautiful views combine for a unique experience at each location. Grandfather Mountain Winery is in Foscoe, just to the northwest of Blowing Rock. The vineyards and tasting room are on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain, right on the Watauga River, where you can take a seat and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing water. The tasting room has a lovely rustic charm, with friendly folks ready to tell you about the unique wines produced at the winery. Enjoy wines like “Terraced Gold” and “Big Boulder Red” on the spacious patio or by the water’s edge. The Banner Elk Winery in Banner Elk features some of the highest vineyards in the Eastern United States. The vineyards are located on Beech Mountain, which dominates the lovely view from the winery and Inn. Banner Elk Winery is the first commercial winery built in the area, debuting in 2006. The Tuscan-inspired villa on the grounds is an eye-catching centerpiece on the grounds, and offers rooms and overnight packages. Linville Falls Winery is the newest of the three. Family owned and operated, the winery is an elegant attraction that’s easy to find right off Highway 221 in Linville. Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon are the staple grapes, and blueberries and raspberries are also produced on the 40 acre farm. While you’re taking a trip to the winery, you should stop over at the Linville Falls Wilderness Area to enjoy the falls and hikes. Find out more about the Boone Area Wine Trail (including a video) here: https://www.exploreboone.com/about/travel-itineraries/wine-trail/ See more travel ideas on our Main Itineraries Page!
Fall means harvest time, and it brings more to mind than just pumpkin spice… everything. Whether you’re looking for a pick-your-own orchard, a corn maze, or just want to take home a taste of fall in the NC Mountains, this list has you covered. From orchards to farm stands, plan your perfect fall outing! Check links for activity and product pricing. Apple Orchards The Orchard at AltapassThis historic orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Blowing Rock. There are over 40 apple varieties at the orchard, and you can buy some at the shop or pick your own! Most of the varieties are available from mid-September to late October. The orchard is open Wednesday-Sunday. There are lots of activities, including live music, hiking, and educational programming. It takes about an hour to get to the Orchard at Altapass from Blowing Rock along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive is stunning in the fall, and well worth the time!1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | 828-765-9531altapassorchard.org Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins & Corn Mazes New River Corn MazeLocated along the New River near Deep Gap, this corn maze is a destination for many in the fall. Enjoy tram rides, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and a maze with over a mile of path.660 Laurel Gap Ridge Rd., Boone, NC 28607 | 828-264-2986newrivercornmaze.com Lantern Farm From mid-September to late October, enjoy a 4-acre corn maze, and pick your own pumpkin patch! Partake in some fresh corn and drinks at their concession stand. Add a hay ride onto your ticket in October. See what Autumn along the Blue Ridge Parkway is all about! Doe Meadows Dr., West Jefferson, NC 28694 | 828-278-4489 lanternfarm.com/halloweentime Farm Tours Apple Hill FarmThis working alpaca farm offers daily public tours by reservation through early October! Get up close to alpacas, llamas, angora goats, guardian donkeys, dogs, and all the other animals that call Apple Hill Farm home. The farm specializes in producing alpaca fiber, and the farm shop has a wide selection of yarns and products made with beautifully dyed alpaca.400 Apple Hill Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604 | 828-963-1662applehillfarmnc.com Produce Stands & Country Stores Sunset Tees & HatteryJack gathers over 25 different varieties of NC apples at his Main Street shop over the fall season. You can purchase them by the bag or the bushel. With so many choices, you might be a bit overwhelmed, but the folks at Sunset Tees will guide you to a new favorite. You can even sample varieties before you decide!1117 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828-295-9326Find them on Facebook J&M ProduceSo. Many. Pumpkins! This stand is conveniently located between Blowing Rock and Boone near Tweetsie Railroad. Throughout the fall season, pumpkins fill every vacant spot around the stand. The squash come in a variety of shades, from pale blue-green to vibrant red-orange, ready to make an impressive statement in a fall display. Many are edible, too, just ask the folks about their favorites. J&M has NC apples as well, and a wide selection of local jams, honeys, and other products.117 Shore Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828-414-9149Find them on Facebook Greene’s Trading PostLocated just south of Blowing Rock, this sprawling country store is a must-stop for many that visit the area. From NC apples to country hams, they have a host of fall flavors waiting for you. Add in tons of rustic handcrafts, old-fashioned candies, and roadside snacks, and it’s easy to see why Greene’s Trading Post is a popular destination. They also enjoy an beautiful view from the edge of the ridge!5361 Blowing Rock Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645 | 828-295-0890See them on Facebook Looking for Autumn events? See this year’s seasonal celebrations here! See more activities on our Fall Page!
We want you to have a safe and relaxing visit on your next trip to Blowing Rock! Here are 10 tips for for less stress: Visit on a weekday if you can. The leaves are just as beautiful on a Wednesday, and the traffic is less dense. Plan early morning times for outdoor sites, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trails and viewing areas get busiest closer to mid-day, and parking becomes scarce as the day progresses. Have a backup plan for that hike or viewing area. If you arrive at a selected spot and can’t find a parking space or it’s just too busy for your comfort, you won’t have to stress over finding a different trail or view. Make reservations! Both lodging and restaurants get very busy in fall. Restaurants in particular may be seating fewer people to allow for safe distancing, so get a reservation if you’d like to dine in, and be prepared for possible delays. Remember this rule of thumb for fall color: Leaves at higher elevations tend to change first. If you arrive in Blowing Rock for fall foliage when most nearby trees are still green, head toward Grandfather Mountain (south on the Blue Ridge Parkway). If the leaves in Blowing Rock are just past peak, look for color at overlooks like The Blowing Rock and in lower-elevation locations like Valle Crucis. Enjoy take-away meals as a picnic. If you’d rather get takeaway, you don’t have to take it back to your hotel room or rental. There are three great picnic shelters in Blowing Rock: one by Memorial Park, one by Davant Field behind Broyhill Park, and one by the playground at Robbins Community Pool. Or, bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the lawns in our parks, or check out an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dress in light layers. Mornings can be chilly, with temperatures getting more comfortable in the afternoon. Practice Leave no Trace principles in the outdoors. This includes planning ahead for unexpected changes which will make your experience more enjoyable. Plus, if we all do our part, outdoor locations will remain beautiful and encounters with others will be more pleasant! Check ahead to confirm operations and hours so you know what to expect at attractions you want to visit. Some safety protocols will require your participation. In addition, unexpected changes to staff availability can affect hours, so keep this in mind when making plans and bring that kind understanding with you! And, one more additional tip: Contact us if you have any questions ahead of a visit! Click here for our main Fall Page.
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
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