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Category: Finer Things

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

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Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) serves as the only museum in town with changing exhibits! Originally opening in October of 2011, a group of people who love the town of Blowing Rock, decided that a museum would enrich the community and quality of life here.In catching up with Lee Carol Giduz, executive director at BRAHM, she explained the importance of having an art & history museum: “(…) Bringing high quality art exhibitions, thoughtful presentations of our local history, and high quality art education to our community gives a rare opportunity to this largely rural community.” Giduz continued “BRAHM is a safe haven, a place to learn, a place for enrichment, a place for education, a place for beauty, a place to enjoy, and a place to treasure.” BRAHM operates significantly through memberships, sponsorships, funds raised at their annual gala, donations and grants. This serves to keep BRAHM a completely free museum! You can sign up today to become a member, or simply make donations through their website: www.blowingrockmuseum.orgStop by 159 Ginny Stevens Lane Blowing Rock, N.C. to experience the exhibits and programs all for yourself! 

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High Country Wine Trail

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!

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Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show scene

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

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Elevate Your Shopping in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is a shopping destination for those with excellent taste. Whether you are interested in boutique apparel, brands like Louis Vuitton and vintage Chanel, one-of-a-kind antiques, silver-smithed jewelry, oriental rugs or the finest in home decor, Blowing Rock is your place for a resort shopping experience. Apparel & Accessories View All Apparel & Accessories Listings >> 100 West Union Corporate, casual, and sportswear for men and women featuring sportswear, neckwear, shoes, and furnishings.  Neckwear from the world’s finest designers from Italy, Canada, and the United States. Almost Rodeo Drive Almost Rodeo Drive is your one-stop shop for upscale Ladies’ clothing, accessories, home and garden decor gifts for all occasions. Offering distinctive styles to the high country since 1984. Featured designers include Joseph Ribkoff, Renuar, Tribal, Margaret Winters, French Dressing, Krazy Larry, Mycra Pac, and Foxcroft. Finley House Couture Finley House Couture is an upscale boutique located on Main Street specializing in classic style with timeless apparel and up-to-date accessories, always with a flair for fun! Featuring style that spans from enduring elegance to fashion-forward looks. Find unique jewelry lines, too, including fine estate pieces that promise to become heirlooms for you and yours. Offering apparel and accessories by Lily Pulitzer, Sara Campbell, Ted Baker London, Susan Shaw, Julie Vos, Alexis Bittar, Verena, Tonobi, Jack Black, Gypsy, Bosom Buddy Bags, Mary Frances, Dolce Cabo, Dino Gaspari, Spartina, Samoe, Seda France, and Yves Delorme. JW Tweed’s J.W. Tweeds Clothing Store is located on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock NC and has been part of the North Carolina High Country for over 20 years. The multi-level location provides men and women with a tasteful balance of classic as well as trendy European and American sportswear and accessories. Top designers include H.S. Trask, Fly London, Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Sasha London, Elliott Lauren, Brighton, Up, Heritage 34, Bugatchi, and Meyer Trousers. Also featuring many American-made collections such as Peace of Cloth, Before and Again, Eva Varro, and Parker Smith. Monkees of Blowing Rock Fine women’s apparel with brands including Tory Burch, See by Chloe, Sam Edelman, Vaneli, TOMS, Eileen Fisher, Tyler Boe, Lilla P, Johnny Was, Joe’s Jeans, Mignonne Gavigan, Vintage Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Tazmaraz Tazmaraz is an eclectic women’s boutique catering to women of all ages offering a wide variety of boutique labels and new up-and-coming designers as well as Made in America fashion designers. Our fantastic jewelry lines such include Lenny & Eva, Pick Up Sticks charms, Bauble LuLu Good Bead and many more make the perfect gift along with our awesome artwork, wine accessories, and fun girly items!  Estate & Fine Jewelry View All Jewelry Listings >> Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry & Antiques Large Selection of platinum, 14 and 18kt fine and estate jewelry. Specializing in diamonds, precious colored gems, and antique heirloom jewelry. Family-owned since 1988. Gaines Kiker Silversmith Specializing in custom silver, gold & platinum jewelry, Gaines is an artist who refines raw materials into simply elegant designs. The working studio/gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary jewelry hand fabricated by Gaines. Antiques, Home Furnishings & Decor View All Antiques Listings >> View all Furniture & Decor Listings >> Bent Tree Furniture Bent Tree Furniture is a boutique furniture store offering quality and one-of-a-kind pieces for every room of your home. We also offer bedding, rugs, mattresses, and other home goods. All pieces can be bought directly off the showroom floor. Blowing Rock Antiques Co-Op of North Carolina Antique Stores coming together for Season 2020 to display and sell items imported from Europe. English and Continental antiques and many decorative accessories including lighting and garden adornments. Blowing Rock Furniture Gallery Visit our beautiful 20,000 sq ft showroom with a wide variety of American-made lines including Craftmaster, Bassett, Kingsdown, Sealy & Tempur-Pedic. Our design consultants assist with all your home furnishing needs, including house calls to finish your room. “Our business is being built on family, community, and friendship. Come and experience customer service at the family level.” Bill Smith, Director of Retail. The Brass Exchange The Brass Exchange offers an eclectic selection of home decor and seasonal accessories at great prices– just ask the locals! Carriage Trade Living Home decor, gifts, antiques and seasonal items to suit all your style needs! Beautiful heirloom silver; Majolica and Chinese exports; tasty local treats for entertaining; and a stunning yearly Christmas wonderland. Owners: Dean Bullis and Bill Brooks. De Provence Et D’ailleurs “The French Shop” features gifts and accessories imported from France including collectibles such as the colorful Santons de Provence, Laguiole knives, Quimper faience; Household accessories such as Provence tablecloths, pottery, lamps, books, Panier des Sens natural soaps, creams, and perfumes; Fine casual tabletop items; jams, honey, mustard, sea salt to please your taste buds; Original French artwork. Truly “A Touch of France in Blowing Rock.” Nous parlons Francais (French spoken). Gregory Alan’s Gregory Alan’s offers a wide variety of unique gifts and accessories for your home, patio or deck. We specialize in creative wall decor, including clocks, mirrors and tapestries, as well as other unique home accents in all price ranges. Open year-round. Hanna’s Hanna’s is a Blowing Rock tradition, since 1919, and the oldest oriental rug shop in town. Featuring a complete selection of handmade fine European and oriental imports, and antique & new rugs of all types, sizes & colors. Also offering antique occasional furniture & porcelains, crystal, figurines, hand-embroidered linens, fine estate & new jewelry. Direct importer, and in addition a buyer of old rugs, jewelry & art objects. Last Straw Since 1989, widely recognized as the most creative shopping experience in Blowing Rock! Offers an amazing array of customizable silk florals, artful garden gifts, inspired accessories, architectural accents, patio furniture & more that changes each season. Machouse Designs Designer high-end furniture consignment pieces, acquired from fine home collections. Now accepting consignment furniture, home decor, rugs, antiques, gifts & custom florals. Located in the old Storie’s carpet building on Main Street. Rug Company Dealers in fine new and antique oriental rugs. From traditional Persians and

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Art with Altitude

The mountains around Blowing Rock are the perfect muse for the creation of art, and our village embraces and celebrates the amazing artwork we are privileged to exhibit. MUSEUMS + PUBLIC ART Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) BRAHM may be located inside the small mountain village of Blowing Rock, but their exhibits and programs are of big city museum ilk. Recent exhibits have included paintings by Matisse and Rembrandt, works from regional artists, topical exhibits, and historically significant collections. In addition to incredible exhibits and permanent works, BRAHM also offers programs and Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage. Enjoy hands-on events including Cork & Canvas and the Plein Air Festival as well as children’s programs,lectures, and virtual content. Edgewood Cottage Located next door to BRAHM, Edgewood Cottage is the original home of renowned American artist Elliott Dangerfield, and it has been described as the “cultural corner where art and history meet.” Year-round, you can view the sculpture of a young Dangerfield, by artist Brenda Councill. From July- October, you can find juried regional artists demonstrating their craft and showcasing work. The cottage is open daily (but closed Wednesdays so the next artist can set up).  Robert Johnson Nature Mural Located on the side of the building housing the NEACO shop, the mural highlights the natural plant life of the area. Micheal Brown Postcard Mural Located on the back of the Blowing Rock Parks & Rec building (walk through the park and go down the stairs by the tennis courts), the mural features an old-fashioned postcard depicting area tourist attractions. Outdoor Sculpture in Blowing Rock Blowing Rock has some amazing sculptures scattered throughout downtown and beyond. A few favorites include “Jessie”, by Cantey T. Kelleher, located at the Blowing Rock Public Library, and “Elliott Daingerfield en plein air” , by Brenda Councill, located at Edgewood Cottage. Check out our Blowing Rock Sculpture & Mural Walk for more sculptures. GALLERIES Click here to view a complete list of galleries with more details. Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery Featuring works from a number of local artists and their interpretations of incredible mountain vistas and wildlife of the area. Bolick & Traditions Pottery Bolick & Traditions Pottery displays work from a family of potters who has been in Blowing Rock for more than 40 years. In addition to handmade pottery, the shop offers Christian gifts, & unique fashion accessories including handbags, and jewelry.   Crown Gallery Discover traditional to contemporary works in a variety of subject matter by regional & nationally acclaimed artists. Gaines Kiker Silversmith Specializing in custom silver, gold & platinum jewelry, Gaines is an artist who refines raw materials into simply elegant designs. The working studio/gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary jewelry hand fabricated by Gaines. Martin House Gallery An innovative gallery surrounded and inspired by natural beauty, and showcasing work from local and national artists. ART EVENTS Click here to view a complete list of area events Art in the Park Enjoy arts and crafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock so attendees can enjoy proximity to other shopping, as well as dining options and local parks. Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival A four-day plein air painting event with the goal of bringing painters together from around the world to paint outside in the fresh air while getting to know each other and sharing their work. The event prompts applicants to explore the unique Blowing Rock architecture, spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views, and overall Appalachian feel of one of the most scenic areas in the country. After four days of painting “en plein air,” painters are invited to display their completed works at the “Wet Paint” Art Show & Sale on Saturday afternoon. The Plein Air Festival is an annual event held in August.

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makers

Blowing Rock Makers

Creativity at Work Blowing Rock has a history of attracting creative people who draw inspiration from the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Painter Elliott Daingerfield summered in Blowing Rock, and taught painting classes to ladies (quite progressive for the time) at his home, Edgewood Cottage, which still stands today. He built the Westglow mansion as his third home in Blowing Rock, which is now part of a renowned spa. Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Philip Moose made his home in Blowing Rock for over three decades, painting scenes of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding ridges. Several more artists soon followed, making their homes in a Blowing Rock neighborhood that came to be known as Artists Alley. Some of Moose’s work is in the Permanent Collection at Blowing Rock at & History Museum. Writer Jan Karon was living in Blowing Rock when she began her beloved “At Home in Mitford” series. The first chapters were published as a serial in the town’s newspaper, The Blowing Rocket. Today, there are several galleries in town that showcase local creative works, and many of our shops specialize in handcrafted items. Some places operate as studios as well, where you can talk with the artists behind the work, and often watch them work right inside their local shops! Check out these places in Blowing Rock where you can connect with working artists: The Mountain Thread Company Katherine Lile, a fourth-generation quilter, creates works that marry the modern and the classic in her rope baskets and quilts.  The shop features her work as well as supplies for aspiring and experienced textile crafters, including American made fabrics. This shop was the force behind local makers events like the WinterCraft Handmade Market and the Made in the Mountains Quilting Event. Find the shop at 1098 Main Street, inside the Martin House. High Country Candles The Ziegler family established High Country Candles, hand-dipping candles into a distinctive pattern of their own, crafting unique keepsakes at their on-site studio. They passed this special technique to the new owners, the Mixon family. The art stays intact as the candle is used and they look beautiful when glowing with a flame. All the candles in the shop are hand made, and the shop features lots of signature scents as well. Find them in the Martin House at 1098 Main Street. Gaines Kiker Silversmith/Goldsmith Gaines Kiker makes one-of-a-kind and custom jewelry and sculpture with silver and other metals. His gallery workshop is full of works-in-progress, including newer forays into large-scale wood projects and hand crafted knives. Recently his shop was full of cured cuttings the old maple trees from Memorial Park, which had to be removed due to disease. The wood is being used for benches, tables, charcuterie boards, and other pieces to memorialize the much-missed trees. Gaines seems to have no end of creativity or curiosity about a new medium. Ask him about what he’s working on- it might surprise you! The studio shop is located at 132 Morris Street in downtown. Traditions Pottery The Bolick family has been crafting traditional pottery for generations. Lula Bolick brings her family’s heritage craft from Seagrove, NC to blend with the influence of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She taught the craft to her husband, Glenn, and later to her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Michael Calhoun. The Bolicks and Calhouns still mix their own clay in a process that comes from Lula’s family. Their gallery shop in downtown Blowing Rock holds shapes and glazes that tell the family’s history, including striking Owens Red pieces. Janet is often in the shop, and she can tell you everything you ever want to know about clays and glazes, and her family’s work. Their studio is located just outside town, where two heritage events are held each year. The old wood-fired kiln is lit for the events, in a process rarely used nowadays. Collector-worthy items from that kiln are available at both events. The shop is found at 1155 Main Street in Blowing Rock, and the studio is just 3 miles from town at 4443 Bolick Road. McCoy Minerals Art and science come together in an engaging way at McCoy Minerals. This unique destination is more than a jewelry shop. You can also find an incredible array of rare gemstones, mineral specimens, fossils. Plus, a workshop tucked into a corner where the staff cuts and sets various stones, complete with two viewing windows! You can watch them work at times, and even bring rough gems and stones to be cut for jewelry or display. They also create custom jewelry. You may know the McCoy family from their local gem-mining business, Doc’s Rocks, an education-based experience where geology is a clear passion. Randy “Doc” McCoy is a geology and lapidary expert, and he (and any member of the staff) is always happy to chat about gemstones, rocks, or fossils, and has a wealth of knowledge to share. McCoy Minerals is located at 537 Main Street. Grounded Works Hunter Allen is a Blowing Rock native who keeps his business local. His main focus is hand-made leather work, while also offering apparel and accessories. Grounded Works’ designs are often customizable in that the customer can choose what color leather and thread they prefer. He offers wallets, dog leashes, koozies, keychains, hats, and more. All of the leather used in the products is sourced in the United States. Any given day you can find Hunter hand stitching wallets in his store. Grounded Works is located at 1179 Main Street in Southmarke, or you can find him on Instagram at grounded.works. Southern Highland Craft Guild at Cone Manor The Southern Highland Craft Guild has a shop inside Flat Top Manor, the historic home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Members of the Guild are juried for admittance and create works of the highest expertise in their respective crafts. In the shop, find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, baskets, and more. Each summer into fall, visitors can enjoy demonstrations by Guild artists, right on the front porch.

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A Wine Lover’s Guide to Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock has long been a culinary destination with restaurants boasting extensive wine lists and shops with unique, hard-to-find wines. It’s the natural marriage of fine wine and creative cuisine, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please check with each individual business about COVID precautions and hours.  Wine Shops Sunset and Vine Located in downtown Blowing Rock, Sunset and Vine features unique wines and also offers boutique, high-quality olive oils, artisan cheeses, chocolates, wine accessories, and picnic supplies. Be sure to check their website for a schedule of wine tasting flights, specialty classes, and demonstrations. It’s a great place to find that “unicorn” wine or discover your new favorite. Blowing Rock Market Also located downtown, Blowing Rock Market has a great selection of wines, in addition to a deli, coffee bar and more. If you are heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a picnic, Blowing Rock Market is a great place to get a picnic lunch and a bottle of the perfect complimentary wine to drink as you survey the views. Restaurants & Inns The Best Cellar Restaurant Established in 1975, the original location of The Best Cellar was a basement on Main Street, where the previous owners served soups, sandwiches and sold books. The restaurant is now located inside The Inn at Ragged Gardens in downtown Blowing Rock and you will dine in the wine cellar. Over the years the menu has evolved from soups and sandwiches to creative dishes featuring the freshest meats and seafood. The 11-page wine list at The Best Cellar is extensive and offers the perfect sip to go with amazing bites. Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar Just off the beaten path in downtown Blowing Rock, Bistro Roca features a wood-fired oven created from bricks recovered from the landmark Antler’s Bar, the oldest continuously serving bar in North Carolina. Bistro Roca features American bistro fare, Neapolitan style pizzas, French-influenced comfort food, and a carefully cultivated wine selection, craft beer, and cocktails. Half glasses are available, which makes pairing multiple courses a breeze. Café Violette Locally-sourced, house-made French Mediterranean cuisine including focaccia, baguettes, desserts, and vegetarian options. Menu changes as foods/ingredients may not always be available. Featuring an eclectic wine list and a selection of classic French cocktails.   The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn Using fresh ingredients available from local farms and small-batch purveyors located in the Blue Ridge, The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn offers a creative, ever-changing menu with an extensive wine selection. Dine al fresco on the terrace with mountain views or in the European-styled dining room.  Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop Part bottle shop and part restaurant, The Speckled Trout offers elevated Appalachian cuisine along with “home-grown” beers and ciders and wines highlighting small producers from old world to new. Enjoy fresh mountain trout, soup beans, and hoe cakes complemented by the perfect beverage. Also, enjoy live music on Thursdays from 6-8 PM. Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort Overlooking Chetola Lake, Timberlake’s Restaurant is a collaboration between artist Bob Timberlake and Chetola Resort. Enjoy the finest wines paired with dishes that include savory shrimp and salads of mountain-grown spinach, pan-seared duck, roasted Carolina quail, mouth-watering Angus bistro filets, and house made desserts. Dine outside on the patio or in the elegant, rustic dining room.  Twigs Offering fine dining in a rustic atmosphere, Twigs boasts a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list featuring over 200 bottle selections and 14 wines by the glass in addition to 35 beer options, many of which are NC craft beers, and artisan cocktails. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. View more restaurants in Blowing Rock >> High Country Wine Trail Just a short drive away, the wineries on the High Country Wine Trail is a must-experience for any wine enthusiast. These wineries are part of the Appalachian High Country American Viticultural Area (AVA), a fairly new AVA, and one of only five in North Carolina. The Banner Elk Winery Banner Elk Winery is the first commercial winery built in the area, debuting in 2006. The Winery was awarded Gold Medals at the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition for the 2011 Banner Elk Red and 2011 Marechal Foch, in addition to several other awards for the 2011 and 2012 Banner Elk White. Other popular wines include the The Banner Elk Blueberry and Ice Wines. Overlooking the vineyards, The Tuscan-inspired villa on the grounds is available for overnight stays and events.  Grandfather Vineyard & Winery Located at an elevation of 3,300 feet in Foscoe, the vineyards and tasting room at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery are in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain. Hybrids grow extremely well in the cooler climate and wines often end up with high acidity and bold fruit flavors. Enjoy wines like “Whiskey Barrel White” and “Appalachia Red” on their patio or at the edge of the Watauga River. Linville Falls Winery  Located just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge, the 40-acre Linville Falls Winery offers grape varieties that include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot, Marechal Foch, and their flagship grape, Riesling. In addition to grapes, you’ll also find blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, heirloom apples, pumpkins, corn, and Christmas Trees.

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