Category: Itineraries

A father and daughter at the edge of a footbridge- the Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge- under bright, blue sky.

My Family’s Favorite Things to Do in Blowing Rock: 4 Day Itinerary

This itinerary was created by Phoenyx Powell of Phoenyx Travels. Phoenyx is an amputee traveler, accessibility advocate, and expert travel blogger. She’s on a mission to make the world more accessible by empowering travelers of all abilities to explore with confidence! The original post of this itinerary , along with additional photos, can be seen here. My Family’s Favorite Things to Do in Blowing Rock: 4 Day Itinerary Ever since I could remember, Blowing Rock has been my family’s home away from home where we would create core memories to last a lifetime. Whether it was chasing fireflies with my grandpa near our mountainside cabin or dipping our toes in the crystal clear mountain streams that line the Blue Ridge Mountains, there was always an adventure to be had. Accessibility is huge when I plan any vacation regardless of location. Mountains or beaches can be accessible if given the right resources, and that is exactly what the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Blowing Rock has set out to do.  Straight out of a postcard, Blowing Rock captures your heart and takes hold of your nostalgia as it sets the backdrop for memories to last a lifetime. From reliving the days of the cowboys at Tweetsie to discovering legends of magic and mystery at the Blowing Rock, there is truly something for everyone.  This is my family’s favorite things to do in Blowing Rock fit into 4 days complete with things to do that everyone will enjoy, accommodations that make the parents and the children feel seen, and the tastiest spots the town has to offer. Day 1: Grandfather Mountain Midday Arrive in Blowing Rock in time to catch an early afternoon stop at the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain and visit our favorite grumpy bear, Carolina, at the Grandfather Mountain Wildlife Habitats.    Father and Daughter Crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain Grandfather Mountain Overlook with Parking Below and Forested Mountain Views One of my favorite parts is that Grandfather Mountain thinks of every traveler when making accommodations where everyone feels seen. Right in the Welcome Center next to the Gift Shop, there’s an elevator that can take you right up to the pathway to cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The inclusivity in the setup and design is something that most places don’t even think to add. And that’s why I absolutely love visiting and supporting them. Accessible Elevator to the Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain Evening After your visit to Grandfather Mountain, head back into Blowing Rock for dinner at Fabled Pizza. Their menu includes gluten-free crust options that actually taste good, and the overall vibe is low-key and casual—great for winding down without the sensory overload.  The staff’s friendly, and the food’s solid across the board, especially after a long day outside. Once everyone’s full, check in at Chetola Lodge, where mountain charm meets family-friendly comfort without sacrificing convenience. Set on 78 scenic acres, it strikes the perfect balance between cozy retreat and choose-your-own-adventure basecamp. Rooms at the Lodge are spacious and comfy, but if your crew needs a little more breathing room (or, let’s be real, a kitchen for all the snacks), their multi-bedroom condos have you covered. What really sets Chetola apart is how thoughtfully they’ve made accessibility a priority. Wide paved pathways, multiple elevators, and roll-in showers in accessible rooms make it easy to navigate with a wheelchair or mobility device—without doing mental gymnastics to plan every move. The accessible guest rooms also have enough space to turn, pivot, and actually breathe, which shouldn’t be rare but somehow still is. Kids can burn off energy at the playground, paddle boat across the lake, or go all-in on lawn games, while parents sneak off for a massage or a quiet lakeside walk. It’s one of those rare places where everyone in the family gets to relax their way. Accessible double queen guest room at Chetola Lodge Day 2: The Blowing Rock And Mystery Hill Morning Start your morning with the whole crew at Social on Main, where the food feels like a warm hug and the pancakes might just ruin all other pancakes forever. Tucked in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, this cozy local favorite serves up big Southern breakfasts that’ll satisfy even the pickiest little traveler.  The owner, Tim Knight, has been perfecting his kitchen craft since he was 12 years old when he suddenly was tasked with taking over kitchen duties when the cook at the time was a bit incapacitated and hasn’t stopped cooking since.  Each dish comes with a side of heart and soul (and probably a buttery biscuit or two). It’s the kind of place where you feel like family before your coffee even hits the table. Adventure begins when visiting the place where it all started at The Blowing Rock. You’ll feel  you’re stepping straight into a fairy tale itself—where the views are jaw-dropping, and it is based on a legend of  love so epic that it defied death itself.  The Blowing Rock has a special entrance for those with wheelchairs and different mobility aids to easily navigate the attraction. The short, accessible paths make it easy for little legs (and every mobility aid user) to keep up, and the overlook views are the kind that’ll make your phone run out of storage. Kids will love the observation tower, sweets shop, and pretending the breeze is strong enough to carry them off into the sky (don’t worry—it’s not).  It’s a fun, low-effort stop that blends just enough adventure with wow-factor scenery, making it a perfect family-friendly way to experience the magic of the mountains. Accessible Pathways at The Blowing Rock Attraction Midday When the midday hunger hits (and let’s be real, the kids have already been asking for snacks since breakfast), head to Blowing Rock Ale House for a family-friendly lunch that hits the spot without sacrificing flavor.  Housed in a charming historic building just off Sunset Drive, this laid-back brewery-restaurant hybrid

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Makers Tour

The Blue Ridge Mountains provide an inspirational backdrop for makers of all types. Blowing Rock has been a favorite location for creative people for a long time, and many artists now call this little town home. From the legacies of Artists Alley, creative pursuits are always at home in Blowing Rock. 

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Fun for Young Families

Blowing Rock is a fantastic base of operations for your family getaway. If you are traveling with young children, this itinerary offers some ideas for an action-packed day.

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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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Family Friendly Choose & Cut Itinerary

Head to Blowing Rock for a family friendly choose & cut tree experience. Start the trip off with a stroll in our festively lit downtown. Don’t miss a twinkle light with this itinerary designed to maximize family fun!

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Indulge in this Mid-Week Itinerary

Come to Blowing Rock and indulge in a mountain getaway! Take in the natural beauty of the High Country, experience local arts, shopping, and decadent dining options. This itinerary outlines 2.5 days of relaxation and recreation for couples or friends alike.

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Dog Gone Good Time

Instead of leaving your dog behind when you go on vacation, bring your four-legged family member to beautiful Blowing Rock! Below, we’ve outlined a great one night adventure of activities and sights that are perfect for you and your pet. Morning -Start your day off by taking a hike on one of our Blue Ridge Parkway trails! Many of our great hikes are located on the Parkway, including Moses Cone Carriage Trails, Price Lake Loop Trail, and more! If you’re looking for something serene and relaxing, you can check out the Price Lake Loop Trail.  This easy 2.7-mile loop circles the beautiful 47-acre Price Lake. It is a great short hike for you and your pup to explore.  Note that for all trails on the parkway, dogs should remain on a leash. Afternoon -To refuel your system after the hike, head over to one of our fantastic pet friendly restaurants. Many of our restaurants offer great outdoor seating and they love for pets to stop by. If you need ideas for places to eat with you and your pet, visit our pet friendly dining page. -Next, take a stroll around downtown Blowing Rock. Downtown Blowing Rock is very pet friendly and we love seeing dogs on Main Street! Our store owners love dogs and many of our shops have dog bowls sitting outside to make sure you pet stays hydrated while you’re walking around.  Evening -Finally head over to one of dog friendly breweries for a beer and some food! We’re lucky here in North Carolina to have some amazing breweries take scene in recent years. Both Blowing Rock Ale House here in town, or Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone have great outdoor seating and are very dog friendly! -After a long day, head back to one of our dog friendly lodging locations. We have many hotels that allow pets to stay with you during your vacation up here! Or if you decide to rent a home for a longer stay, there are many rental groups that will accommodate your pup! Click here to visit our pet friendly lodging page.  The Next Day -On your next day, wake up and and grab some coffee over at Camp Coffee on Main Street! They have a wonderful selection of locally roasted and organic coffees as well as great pastries to start your morning out right. You can also go to Blowing Rock Market for a quick breakfast with outdoor seating! -Before you make that trip back home, head over to see the Blowing Rock itself with your pup! The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level. It promises breathtaking views of our surrounding mountains that will give you something to talk about to all your friends and family. Enjoy the scenic views from the observation tower and their wonderful gardens. Visible from “The Rock” are Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and Mount Mitchell. The Blowing Rock welcomes you and your pet to explore the magical views, as long as they are on a leash and it is not during a special event. Need more ideas? -Broyhill Park- Just behind downtown Blowing Rock is Broyhill Park. You and your dog can explore the gazebo and a walking trail through beautiful gardens.-Wineries around the area– We have awesome wineries that are very dog friendly around the area! Sip on some wine and enjoy the views with your dog by your side.-Boone’s Greenway– Located in Boone, the Greenway is a great trail that is a very popular spot for dogs.-Grandfather Mountain– Did you know that you can also bring your pooch to see the famous swinging bridge and great views of Grandfather Mountain? Dogs are more than welcome but must be on a leash. Want to see more dog friendly ideas in Blowing Rock? visit https://blowingrock.com/dogs/

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History & Art for the Culture Vulture

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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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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