Category: Girlfriend Getaways

history walk

Blowing Rock History Walk

The Blowing Rock History Walk opens June 1, 2023! This new downtown feature presents 21 History Stations. Each station offers images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history on a bronze relief plaque atop a handsome stone pillar. Each station will also have a QR code linking to online “back stories” that amplify the narratives. The trail follows the sidewalk from Main Street down Laurel Lane. It then meanders through Broyhill Park, arguably one of the prettiest parks in NC. It is approximately ¼ mile in length and handicapped accessible. The trail is lined with welcoming benches through Broyhill Park. “We are excited to open this wonderful new trail during NC’s Year of the Trail,” says Tom O’Brien, President of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. “The History Walk will be a significant venue for folks interested in heritage and culture, and will create a greater connection between Main Street and beautiful Broyhill Park.” The History Walk was funded and constructed by a public/private partnership among the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock.  In recognition of the opening of the History Walk, the Town of Blowing Rock has proclaimed that June 1 shall be “Blowing Rock History Day.”  As a new cultural and educational attraction, the trail is a welcome addition to Blowing Rock’s many other attractions for residents and visitors alike. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to tell engaging stories,” Tom adds. “We’re excited to share them!” More information, including the additional in-depth narratives, will be available on the Blowing Rock Historical Society’s website. For more information about the Blowing Rock History Walk, visit blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com.

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The Blue Ridge Craft Trail

Blowing Rock has a rich history of being called home by artisans and artists alike. There is something about the atmosphere that uplifts and inspires people and that includes artisans of all stripes. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Craft Trail, a trail committed to preserving and promoting the distinct crafts of Western North Carolina, has a large presence in Blowing Rock because of some of the special artists and locations we have here.

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Not Your Average Girls Getaway

Blowing Rock has always been great for girls getaways. However, girls can get tired of doing the same old thing over and over. We’ve compiled a list of things to do in Blowing Rock that are different and interesting ways to spend some time on your girls getaway. So read on for some ideas that are anything but ordinary.

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Foggy Weather Suggestions

What do you do in Blowing Rock when the fog has set in and you can’t see the natural splendor? Read on for some local activity suggestions while you wait out a foggy day. 

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Fireside Drinks & Dining in Blowing Rock

As the temperatures drop and the Holiday Season draws near, what could be better than enjoying a cocktail and a meal next to a toasty fire? We’ve made a list of restaurants that offer fireside drinks or dinner that are sure to entice you to brave the cold. 

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High Country Snow Sports

Did you know there are three ski resorts in the High Country? And a snow tubing park! All season long, they supplement natural snowfall and maintain awesome conditions for your enjoyment. The snow sports season generally runs through Mid- March. When there’s a natural snowfall, Blowing Rock is an excellent location for snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

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Winter Hiking

If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience.  Here are some great hikes to check out during the winter. Carriage Trails at Moses Cone Park Moses Cone Park has 25 miles of carriage roads that offer great opportunities for hiking. Take the trail up to Flat Top Tower, where you can see great panoramic views of our mountains. On the way up, stop by Cone Cemetery which contains the tombstones of Moses H. Cone, his wife, Bertha Cone, and his wife’s two sisters. You can also stroll around both Bass and Trout Lake to observe the beautiful winter scenery as well as admiring the Maze and apple barn. Also in the winter, it is a great spot for cross-country skiers! You can access the Carriage Trails through the Blue Ridge Parkway, or they can be accessed by 221 and Shulls Mill Rd. See more details and a trail map on the National Park Service website.  Mountain to Sea Trail Segment 5 of the Mountain to Sea Trail features many of our great natural landscape spots.  Depending on how much you hike, you can see views of areas such as Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct,Table Rock, Thunderhill, and Moses Cone. This section of the Mountain to Sea Trail also can be enjoyed as a series of 14 different day hikes. To view these hikes and to learn more information, visit Mountain to Sea Trail online. Blue Ridge Parkway The Parkway is home to many fabulous hiking spots. Some amazing trails on the parkway include Rough Ridge Lookout, Boone Fork Trail , Beacon Heights Trail, and more! Even though there are trails and overlooks that are beautiful in winter weather, there may be times where the Parkway closes to inclement weather. To see whether certain parts of the Parkway are closed, make sure to either call (828) 298-0398 or visit them online. Many of them can be accessed by overlooks. Check for Blue Ridge Parkway closures here Boone Greenway The Greenway is perfect for anyone that wants to take a quick stroll to see beautiful winter weather! The Greenway runs from one end of Boone to the other and  hosts hikers, walkers, runners, cyclists and more. Parts of the greenway are paved, so it’s easily handicap accessible. The paved portion of the trail is less than 4 miles long. Following rivers and crossing several scenic bridges, it is a great excursion in the winter. There are gravel and light trails that weave through the paved part of the greenway, if you want to wander and see more! The Greenway also features plenty of parking, water fountains, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities! See more details and get a map on ExploreBoone.com. Elk Knob State Park Elk Knob State Park has one of the highest peaks in North Carolina’s high country at 5,520 feet.  The entire park features 4 different trails that you can choose from, that offer great fun and beautiful views. Embark 1.9-miles on then Summit Trail, where you will catch panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and more! You can also take their one-mile loop, kid friendly, Beech Tree Trail. They also feature great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing! The park attempts to stay open throughout the winter. Between November and February,  Elk Knob State park is open from 8am – 6pm. For more information, visit Elk Knob State Park’s website For more winter hiking ideas, visit High Country Host’s top 5 winter hikes To see other recreational activities in Blowing Rock, click here

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