Barks & Co. is a relatively new store to Blowing Rock, and is much appreciated as Blowing Rock is a very dog friendly town. It was born out of Melissa Loy’s love of her own dogs and desire to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Affectionately known as just Hellbender by the locals, Hellbender Bed & Beverage is a unique way to stay in Blowing Rock. This historic property has been part of the Blowing Rock lodging and dining landscape for nearly a century.
Gaines Kiker’s Gallery sits in the heart of Blowing Rock right off of Main Street and Morris Street. He has lived in Blowing Rock since 1994 and is embarking on the 31st year of his business.
For Richie Wagner, moving to the High Country and opening up a fitness studio wasn’t a dream, but a requirement. As a lifelong athlete from Chicago, Illinois, Richie grew up playing every sport he could participate in, which eventually led him to bodybuilding.
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!
Welcome to The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop. While the name is a Blowing Rock throwback, this restaurant is a new venture led by two sisters. It opened in May 2017 after extensive renovation and reinvention. With a hyper-focus on local ingredients, the restaurant features a selection of food and drink that’s truly reflective of the community it serves. Whether it’s an artisan cocktail made with home-grown herbs and a regional spirit, or hoecakes with molasses butter (a must-try side), it’s all good! The Bottle Shop is a unique addition to the restaurant, and offers a place to kick back and chill or pick up great craft beers and approachable wines for your weekend. Owners Emily and Erica say that one of the best things about having a business in Blowing Rock is welcoming so many happy people- beautiful mountains and cooler temperatures encourage everyone to relax, unwind, and leave their worries elsewhere. The Speckled Trout is a great place to do just that!
Welcome to Carriage Trade Living on Main Street. This shop began as Carriage Trade Antiques in Wilkesboro in 1989. The shop in Blowing Rock has been going strong since 2000 (the original business is still open by appointment, too). Carriage Trade Living specializes in a blend of classic and modern styles for decor and accessories. From silver to quirky tea towels, designer jewelry to regional food products, the shop always has something elegant and fun. And each year at the holidays, the store transforms into a glittering display of trees, ornaments, and seasonal gifts. Shoppers can find a huge assortment of the latest Mark Roberts fairies, Radko and Old World ornaments, and so much more. And the window displays are always so festive! Dean Bullis and his partner Bill Brooks own several shops in the southeast, but Blowing Rock is their favorite place for business. If you’ve been to Blowing Rock, you’ve probably been in one of their shops- they have three here! Dean says that living and working in Blowing Rock is like being in a Hallmark movie. He cherishes the local support and the variety of wonderful customers from all over. Carriage Trade Living shares a website with its sister shops in Blowing Rock, Finley House Couture and the Boutique Collection. Find them online at finleyhousecouture.com.
Welcome to Chetola Resort & Spa. Chetola means “haven of rest” and it’s a fitting name for the lakeside resort. Once a sprawling private estate, the mountain property has seen many changes over the years and even had a small bowling alley when Luther Snyder, the “Coca-cola King of the Carolinas” lived there. These days, it’s open to the public for events & dining, spa activities, and overnight stays. It’s still family-owned, and you might catch one of the Tarbutton family at the Resort or the Sporting Reserve on any given day. The history of the place is treasured by the family, and all over the resort you’ll find interesting touches that recall the earlier days of the estate. Guests who stay at the resort can choose from lodge rooms, condominium rentals, or the luxurious Bob Timberlake Inn for accommodations. They can enjoy a wide variety of recreation on site, as well as shooting and archery at the 67-acre Chetola Sporting Reserve nearby. Chetola is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge and anglers can even reserve trips to private fishing waters. Events at the resort range from private weddings to public holiday dinners. You may have attended a major public event like the WinterFest Polar Bear Plunge or the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola. Stop in and check out Bonfire Night on Fridays and Saturdays at the lakeside firepit and mark your calendars for the upcoming Festival of Lights!
Welcome to Serves You Right! at SouthMarke. This shop has continued to evolve since its opening in 1993, when it began offering merchandise for entertaining in style, as well as high-end collectibles. Over the last decade, the shop has shifted focus to a different kind of entertainment: toys, books, and games. Owner Karyn Herterich says that the changes at the shop were driven by their customers- people wanted fewer possessions and instead were drawn things that made them laugh and feel good. She feels there’s a collective effort, from people of all ages, to connect face to face with one another and take a brief respite from technology. Many also preferred to buy things for their children and grandchildren rather than themselves. The Children’s Cute-tique was born, with items by Melissa and Doug, Usbourne Books, JellyCat and Douglas Plush, and over 175 others. Serves You Right! still has plenty for the “grownups” too. Find funny greeting cards, beverage napkins, pretty paper goods, adult and family games, and their Political 101 Boutique with the mantra “we don’t care if you love him or hate him- as long as you buy something!” After operating both Serves You Right! and the SouthMarke shopping center for a few years, the Herterichs relocated from Miami to Blowing Rock to raise their son in a smaller, more grounded community. Nearly 25 years later, Blowing Rock is still home. Karyn has some fun stories from operating a party & entertaining shop in Blowing Rock over the years- everything from overnighting designer dinnerware for glitzy, impromptu parties, to helping with creative marriage proposals. She has loved making connections with her customers for major occasions, and delights in the little moments, too, like watching children excitedly lead parents or grandparents through the shop, discovering fun surprises. southmarke.com/year-round-stores/serves-you-right/