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!
We love our Main Street, however, there are some fantastic businesses located all around town that you might have missed simply because they are located off the beaten path. Take note of these eight hidden gems so that you can get the most out of your time in Blowing Rock!
Blowing Rock has many great shops on Main Street, but there are a few stores that are hidden or have secrets that many people do not know about! We’ve compiled a list of shopping secrets that are sure to be useful to new visitors, repeat visitors, or even residents!
About the Event: Often described as the “pinnacle of the summer season” here in Blowing Rock, the Symphony by the Lake is a must hear event! The Symphony is celebrating its 35th season this year, solidifying its place as a summer tradition. Set against the lake at Chetola Resort and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the atmosphere is truly special. Featuring the Symphony of the Mountains, the 2022 event theme is “Movie Soundtracks.” The selections will cover 80 years of movie music. From Beauty and the Beast to Wagner, the selection is sure to delight all audiences. See the full program here. The music concludes around 9:30 PM and is followed by a fabulous firework display that lasts approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy an evening of picnics, music, beautiful scenery, and festive fireworks at Symphony by the Lake. Essential details: Symphony by the Lake is on Friday, July 22nd. The gates open at 5:30 PM, performance begins at 7:30 PM. $65.00 for General Admission, $125.00 for Audiophile Seating, and $10.00 for a Parking Pass. Children 2 and under are no charge. Tickets are available online. Pick up your tickets at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. They will be available from 9AM – 5PM Monday – Saturday until July 22. Tickets will also be available for pick up at the gate at 5:30 PM on the day of the performance. A $10.00 parking pass is available for purchase and allows guests to park at the Chetola Resort. Tanger Outlets has first come/first serve parking. A shuttle for handicapped or disabled people is running from the Food Lion parking lot. (This shuttle will not start return runs until after the fireworks.) Packing a picnic is allowed! There is a limited cash bar available with some fun specialty drinks or bring a favorite beer or wine to enjoy. Want to get food onsite? Grab a boxed picnic dinner from Chetola- get them quick before they sell out. Consider having dinner on Chetola’s patio or arbor for fantastic views and food! Reservations are needed. Click here to see pricing and menu options. There will be Restroom Trailers with stalls and running water for public use in the parking lot of the Timberlake Restaurant. Here are our top 5 tips for attending the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola! Get your tickets early. This year tickets are limited! Park at Shoppes on the Parkway and enter the Symphony event via the back gate (on the Rack Room Shoes side of the outlet center). Arrive early to get a good spot! Like to spread out? To avoid the crowd, consider sitting around the perimeter of the lake. The symphony performers may not be visible, but they can still be heard and space is much more plentiful. Bring layers or blankets to keep warm after sunset. The event will continue if it rains, so check the local weather forecast so you are prepared with rain gear if needed!
If they are looking, fans of Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series may easily see Fraser’s Ridge, Jamie and Claire’s North Carolina homestead, here around Blowing Rock. We certainly do! First of all, Diana Gabaldon herself once said that Fraser’s Ridge is up near Boone and Blowing Rock. It has been remarked before that North Carolina’s High Country strongly resembles the Highlands of Scotland- perhaps that is in part why this place would speak to the Highlander in Jamie. The two making their way to NC fits perfectly, as well, as Scottish settlers made their home in NC in large numbers in the mid- to late-1700s. In fact, many followed much the same path as Jamie and Claire, arriving at the port of Wilmington, and going through the town of Cross Creek (now Fayetteville). These settlers were among the largest groups to colonize the mountains of western North Carolina, with many more coming from northern routes from Pennsylvania. This rich connection to Scotland provides lots of historical context for, and possible connections to, people and places that Jamie and Claire would have known. It would also appear that Blowing Rock was a recommended destination for Sam Heughan, who portrays Jamie Fraser in the STARZ television series. Heughan posted a photo of himself in Blowing Rock on a foggy day in November 2016 to Instagram with the caption, “Go to Blowing Rock, Diana said… It’s beautiful, Diana said… Nothing like Scotland, Diana said… #rain #FindingFraserRidge ” The rain was unfortunate; someone please tell Sam that we have pretty days, too! He recently mentioned this visit in an interview while talking about the upcoming season four of the tv series, commenting that he came to see the Fraser’s Ridge area. The mountains surrounding Blowing Rock are still largely undeveloped, protected by the boundaries of National Forests and National Park lands. Even now, it’s so easy to look out over the views and imagine Fraser’s Ridge, to envision rustic cabins tucked into the hills. It’s no great stretch to think of Jamie asking Claire if she would like to settle with him in those hills. Blowing Rock is the perfect hub for an inspired adventure- book your stay and get to exploring! So where should you go to find your Fraser’s Ridge in Blowing Rock? Check out these locations, events, and activities! Blue Ridge Parkway Blowing Rock is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service. Along the Parkway, dubbed America’s Favorite Drive, you can enjoy countless views, trails, and historic locations. For a breathtaking view of the very area that could have been home to Fraser’s Ridge, we recommend Thunder Hill Overlook and Yadkin Valley Overlook, both just north of Blowing Rock on the Parkway. Portions of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail are accessible nearby along the Blue Ridge Parkway, too. How fitting to take a hike along a route that connects the ocean to the mountains, while thinking of possible paths Jamie and Claire would have traveled on their journey from Wilmington to Fraser’s Ridge! There are many more trails available from points on the Parkway, like Tanahwa Trail, Boone Fork Trail, and Green Knob Trail. See more local hiking information here. Head north along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock to view a cabin built sometime before 1840, a structure surviving from the very homesteads that early Blue Ridge settlers built. The Jesse Brown Cabin is accessible by following a 1/2 mile trail from Tomkins Knob Overlook at milepost 272.5 (for reference, Blowing Rock is at milpost 294). Two more beautiful historic cabins, albeit built later toward the end of the 1800s, are located further north in Doughton Park, at milepost 241. Brinegar Cabin is just along the Parkway, and features demonstrations and events. Caudill Family Homestead is found by hiking into Basin Cove. Camping is available at Doughton Park. Hickory Ridge Homestead For a more immersive experience in what life might have been like in the mountains when Fraser’s Ridge was settled, visit the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Boone. A set of historical cabins and buildings are staffed with interpreters in Revolutionary period clothing. Demonstrations of skills like hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and candlemaking offer insights into life of the time. The grounds are rightnext to Horn in the West. Horn in the West Drama An outdoor Revolutionary War drama, Horn in the West tells a story of a family and their journey in the Blue Ridge, along with Daniel Boone and Cherokee allies. Shows are presented Tuesdays-Sundays between late June and early August. Gates open at 7:30, and you can enjoy the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum starting at 5:30pm on show nights! Horseback Trail Rides Travel the trails of the Blue Ridge in the way that Jamie and Claire would have: on horseback. One very excellent trail riding service is Vx3 Trail Rides here in Blowing Rock. The guide, Tim, leads riders on the carriage trails of Moses Cone Memorial Park. This trail network, while close to town, feels worlds away- lined with ancient rock walls, passing idyllic lakes, and leading to wide, wide views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tim is exceedingly entertaining and informative, too, and he is always happy to oblige any questions with history and yarns from times past. He might even point out his idea of the location of Fraser’s Ridge. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Among the largest gathering of Scottish Clans in the world, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is presented in early July of each year in nearby Linville. Annual attendance is around 30,000 over four days. Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding area evoke the Scottish Highlands, and offer a truly special setting for the cultural assembly. The Games feature plenty of demonstrations of strength at McCrae Meadows, and the lovely sounds of bagpipes in every corner. Clan tents are erected around the Meadows, with members offering information on family histories and lineages. Perhaps the most moving portion of the event is the Torchlight Ceremony and
Put on a pair of comfy shoes and clean out your car trunk because Blowing Rock is one of North Carolina’s premier shopping destinations! In downtown Blowing Rock, you’ll find streets filled with unique boutiques, art, jewelry, antiques and home decor shops. It’s a great place to shop with friends or to do some serious holiday shopping. Downtown shops are an easy walk from most area accommodations. You’ll also find some great restaurants that provide the perfect opportunity to rest and rejuvenate for…more shopping! Just down the road, you’ll find Shoppes on the Parkway. Shoppes on the Parkway offers almost 30 stores including Chico’s, Columbia, Banana Republic and more. It’s no wonder that Blowing Rock has become a shopping destination. It’s a popular spot for girls weekends, where shopping, spas and fine dining make for a well deserved escape. Families enjoy bringing kids up for a last “hurrah” before school starts and find great buys on back-to-school wardrobes. During the holidays, Blowing Rock is the perfect place to buy unique Christmas gifts while enjoying the twinkling lights and storybook village decor. Families get their Christmas trees at a local tree farm, and then get everything they need to go under it. Of course, anytime is a good time to shop Blowing Rock. Plan your visit today!
In town, you’ll find The Spa at Chetola Resort, just the relaxing retreat you’ve been searching for. Enjoy various massages, manicures & pedicures, facials, and a beautiful indoor pool. While there, you might also enjoy a natural cooking class or invigorating yoga session.
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and nestled along ridges against the Pisgah National Forest, Blowing Rock is a Rockwell-esque town with rugged nature in its backyard. Offering the feeling of seclusion without isolation and the quality of being old-fashioned but not outdated, the town has an individual charm. Long cherished as an escape from the summer heat of the lowlands, the town has been welcoming visitors since its incorporation, growing to feature dozens of distinctive local shops, galleries, restaurants, and inns. Now, year-round events entertain and delight, many of them part of long-standing traditions. All of this, plus a laid-back mountain attitude, make Blowing Rock a pretty little town worth noting. The “village” has been featured by Travel & Leisure among a dozen “Prettiest Winter Towns in America,” which followed behind a summertime granting of the title “Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina” by a group of southeastern travel writers. The town is appealing in any season, to be sure, but it’s also close to a wide array of attractions and activities from National Parks to fine dining, climbing to fishing. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of mountain adventures or the slow pace of relaxation (or both), Blowing Rock is an ideal hub for a mountain getaway. Three Things to Do This Summer Visit an Iconic NC AttractionThe Blue Ridge Parkway is, rightfully, at the top of everyone’s to-do list when they visit the High Country. But did you know that Blowing Rock is also home to NC’s oldest travel attraction AND its first theme park? The town is named for The Blowing Rock, a unique rock formation jutting over broad forests far below; it’s been a landmark destination since 1933. The Blowing Rock is the site of an old romantic legend and home to near-constant winds, where even the snow blows upside down. Tweetsie Railroad, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is a rip-roaring Wild West theme park featuring the historic steam engine No. 12 that once ran the commercial rails in Western NC. Enjoy trips on the train and other classic amusement rides, themed performances, gem mining, and even a small zoo. Special guests and events fill the calendar, too, from the Grammy-award winning Riders In The Sky to the Railroad Heritage Weekend. Hit the TrailsBlowing Rock is surrounded by natural beauty, and there is a huge network of nearby trails that provide up-close access. If you are looking for relaxing leg-stretchers, try one of the loops or byways within the 26 miles of carriage trails at Moses Cone Memorial Park, just a stone’s throw from downtown. The Blue Ridge Parkway features more paths to explore, like the Boone Fork and Tanawha trails, which offer glimpses of a wide variety of mountain streams, coves, glens, and vistas. Up for a real challenge? Take on the Grandfather Trail on Grandfather Mountain. This ridge-and-peaks trail is a rugged path that features a series of ladders for access. There’s even a trail right off Main Street in Blowing Rock- the Glen Burney Trail follows the path of New Year’s Creek, ending at a picturesque waterfall. You can also access the extensive Appalachian Trail and the cross-state Mountains to Sea Trail in Blowing Rock. Take in the CultureThe Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is a distinctive place, offering an impressive permanent collection alongside engaging rotating exhibits that highlight the regional culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. BRAHM is also dedicated to highlighting creators of art with regular concerts and lectures and encouraging budding artists with workshops and classes, all open to the public. This preoccupation with creativity is itself part of the culture in Blowing Rock, as the town has been a haven for generations of artisans inspired by the Blue Ridge. This tradition is celebrated in local galleries, recurring concert series, and events like the long-running Art in the Park. Right next door to BRAHM in the historic Edgewood Cottage, regional artists are celebrated at Artists in Residence each July and August. Edgewood was the summer cottage of famed artist Elliot Daingerfield, who called Blowing Rock home and taught classical painting classes for ladies (still taboo at the time) at the cottage.
Blowing Rock is home to several waterfalls, and there are even more to be found in the nearby region. See below for directions to more than a dozen waterfall viewing sites. Several require hiking, so they are arranged by trail difficulty. Each of these falls is incredibly beautiful, but danger is an inherent part of that beauty. Many of these falls have steep drops and fast water. Please use every caution when on these trails. Roots, rocks, and wet areas can make trails tricky. Do not attempt trails beyond your skill or fitness level and watch children & pets closely! Be sure you have proper footwear for long hikes, and it’s always a good idea to bring water along for your trip. Take care of our natural resources; please don’t litter. Happy hunting! Easily Accessible Falls These three waterfalls are located right on the roadside. They can be viewed from your vehicle or small pull-offs, making the views great for families with small children or those with mobility issues. Green Mountain Creek Falls: We don’t know of an official name for these falls, but they flow along Green Mountain Creek. Nearly 20 feet high with a shallow plunge pool, these falls empty into a culvert where the stream continues on the other side of the road. They are equally beautiful while frozen in winter, with trickles and bubbles dancing under sheets of ice. There is an easy spot to access the falls for close-up photos. Located on Hwy 221, about 8 miles from Main Street in Blowing Rock. The falls are on the right side of the road, with a pull-off on either side just after the falls. Silvervale Falls: These falls are high series of narrow cascades, 70+ feet of delicate flow. Travel 6 miles south of The Green Park Inn on Hwy 321 from Blowing Rock. Turn right on Waterfalls Rd, SR 1372. Falls are 1.7 miles down on left, with a small pull-off beside them. Falls at Rough Ridge Overlook: These small, sloping “slide” falls on Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rough Ridge Overlook are heavily dependent on rain fall. At times, the water is more heard than seen. The overlook is located at milepost 302.8. There is a parking area with sign, and the falls can be viewed from the sidewalk. A short trail to right of the lot leads to the bridge over the falls- steep, but the footing is not too difficult. Easy to Moderate Trails These falls can be found at the end of easier trails. Trails can be suitable for children, as long as they are watched closely. Still, some portions can be quite steep. Laurel Creek Falls: The local name, Trash Can Falls, makes lots of people wonder how it came about. There used to be a recycling/dumpster convenience site along the highway that served as a point of reference for the trail head. Now it’s best to use mileage to find the trail. The pool at the falls is a popular swimming hole for locals in warmer months. Travel north on Hwy 321 from Boone. Turn left to follow 321N toward Johnson City (at Skateworld). Access trail is 5.4 miles down on left, just after Laurel Creek Rd. Pull-off for parking is on the right, across from Laurel Creek Rd. The trail is 0.15 miles, narrrow but well-defined, and a little steep toward the top. Elk River Falls: These falls are some of the largest in the area, and are especially impressive because of easy accessibility. From 19E in Elk Park (take Hwy 194 to 19E, about 26 miles from Blowing Rock), turn onto Old Mill Rd at “Elk Park Christian Church” sign (you will also see sign for the falls further down the road). Turn right on Elk River Rd after 0.4 miles. Go 4 mi to Pisgah Forest parking area. Trail is about 1/4 mile, with some steep wooden steps. 60ft plunge falls. The pool at the bottom is a great swimming spot, too. The Cascades: A long series of cascade falls on a narrow stream. The 1.2 mile (loop) moderate trail begins at E. B. Jeffress Park, at milepost 272 on Blue Ridge Parkway. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. Very steep wooden steps near falls. The Cascades are currently part of the closed portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow along with the construction here. Linville Falls: These falls are the largest in the area in terms of water volume. The Linville Gorge is a National Wilderness Area, and a beautiful, unspoiled area to enjoy. Turn onto Linville Falls Rd from milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road ends at a parking lot and Visitor Center. The trail to the upper falls is about 0.5 miles and fairly easy. The trail continues to 3 more overlooks with views of lower falls (45ft), and is steeper, with the last overlook 0.8 mi from Visitor Center. Strenuous, blazed trails into the gorge are an option for those that would like to see the lower falls the bottom of the gorge. It’s recommended to take a compass and maps with you when you enter the gorge and wilderness areas. Difficult to Strenuous Trails The rewards of these trails are worth the effort if you are up to the challenge. These trails may be too challenging for small children, and should not be attempted in icy and slippery conditions. Be sure to watch your step, as most of these trails wind through steep and/or rocky areas and are full of roots and dips. Glen Burney Trail Falls: This rugged trail is right in downtown Blowing Rock, and is still a surprise to some that find it. The trail begins at Annie Cannon Gardens on Laurel Lane. There are three falls in succession: Cascades at 0.8 mi, then Glen Burney at 1.2 mi, and Glen Marie at 1.6 miles from trailhead. The trail is out-and-back and gets very steep after Cascades. Side trails lead
Itinerary at a Glance – History & Arts – Summer – Single day Day One Morning: Start the day at Moses Cone Manor, which also houses a Southern Highland Craft Guild Shop. There is plenty to enjoy just looking at the mansion, with classic twentieth-century architecture. Built in 1901, and with extensive restoration work completed in 2021, the home is as beautiful now as it was when occupied by the Cone family. The Guild shop features handmade works by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, and you’ll find everything from jewelry to wooden toys. On most summer days, there are live demonstrations by artisans on the front porch. The house and shop opens at 10am, but you should arrive a little early for a wander on some of the famed Carriage Trails. For breakfast, try The Village Cafe. Located in an early 20th century home and garden space, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The Village Cafe is known for their homemade fugasa bread, which gets turned into delightful french toast, among other tasty things. It’s among the best-loved restaurants in Blowing Rock. Don’t miss the antique vehicles inside the stables, which also house the public restrooms on the property. Afternoon The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is next, and it’s located right in downtown Blowing Rock. Featuring rotating exhibits that showcase the rich culture, visual and musical art, and history of the Southern Appalachians, there is always something beautiful and interesting to see at the museum. Past exhibits are incredibly varied, and include displays of antique Appalachian toys, 19th Century Romantic paintings, the Black heritage of the Junaluska Community, the Bruce Barclay Cameron Duck Decoy Collection, traditional Appalachian musical instruments, and photography by Margaret Morley. Admission is free! See hours and current exhibits on the museum’s website. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, be sure to stop in at the Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage, right next to the museum. This free series features different regional artists each week, all working in a studio setting! During the rest of the year, the house is a self-guided museum, as the first local home of artist Elliott Daingerfield. Browse the galleries in Blowing Rock, which feature everything from jewelry and Appalachian pottery to oil paintings and glass work. In several cases, the galleries are run by artists, so be sure to ask. The conversations that follow are always worth having! For lunch, try Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar. Tucked away about a block off Main Street, the charming building is home to the oldest continuously-serving bar in NC. They also have a whimsical collection of local pet portraits that you don’t want to miss. Oh, and the wood-fired oven, featured right in the center of the dining room, turns out delectable pizzas, roasted figs, and other delicious bites. Looking for an afternoon coffee or treat? Check out our coffee shops & bakeries! Evening From July through mid-August, wrap up your evening in Boone at Horn in the West, the nation’s longest-running Revolutionary War outdoor drama. The play brings to life the story of the hardy pioneers who, with the help of famed frontiersman, Daniel Boone, and Cherokee allies, settled in the Blue Ridge wilderness as they sought freedom from British tyranny. If you can’t make a show, the Hickory Ridge Homestead at the show grounds is open from April to October for late morning and afternoon tours. Staffed with interpreters in period clothing, Hickory Ridge Living History Museum’s series of authentic, historical cabins give visitors a glimpse into the past and a feeling for the daily lives of early mountain settlers. For dinner ahead of the show, make reservations at the Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn. This historic dining room is paneled in its namesake hardwood, which is now nearly extinct due to blight. In fact, the entire property is a Victorian showcase, with a striking exterior and beautiful lounge. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Green Park Inn hosts local jazz pianist Charlie Ellis to entertain guests and diners. Don’t forget to bring a blanket to the show at Horn In The West! Mountain evenings get chilly fast once the sun goes down. Even if the evening turns out to be warm, you’ll be glad to have a makeshift cushion for the benches! Looking for more? Take in a show with Ensemble Stage or Lees McRae Summer Theatre in Banner Elk. The Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University features a variety of concerts, readings, plays, and more performances throughout the year. In July, the offerings really ramp up during the Appalachian Summer Festival. Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University Jones House Concert Series in Boone. Railroad Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad. See more travel ideas on our Itineraries Main Page!
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