Some of our shops really go all out with Holiday Decorations, and we want you to weigh in on which one offers the Best Holiday Glow! Rate each window 1-5 stars to help choose the winning store at our Holiday Stroll on December 8. Make sure to cast your votes before December 8 at noon!
The polls closed on December 9th at noon and the results were clear. neaco was chosen as Best Holiday Glow for 2022. Keith and Russell worked hard to capture the unique feel of the store in a lovely, holiday window display.
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/
Welcome to Funky Tulip, which features a curated assortment of clothing, jewelry, home decor, beauty, intimates, and gifts. The shop is a bright, fun space inside a converted cottage with overflowing window boxes and an inviting lawn. The owner, Lisa, is already a familiar face in Blowing Rock- she and her mom opened Tazmaraz eight years ago. She loves running businesses in this community because of the great customers that come in and visit every time they are in town- with some even becoming like family! The Funky Tulip carries lines like Free People, Miss Me, XCVI, and Chaser, as well as their very own exclusive jewelry line designed right here in Blowing Rock. Lisa says one of her favorite things in the store right now is the collection of Sid Dickens Memory Blocks. They even have some of the limited edition Holiday Collection. And there’s a lot more to browse, from pet-themed items to the Denim Bar. Stop in at the little cottage next time you’re in town!
Welcome to Sunset Tee’s & Hattery on Main Street. Jack and Becky Hall opened the shop in 1986 and it has become a central fixture in downtown Blowing Rock. Like the name says, it’s known for the huge selection of hats and fun t-shirts. There are over 1,000 hats at any given time in hundreds of styles- stop in to try some on! The staff is always happy to help you find the perfect fit. Downstairs, the Sweets & Heat shop features old fashioned candies, ice cream, and a truly impressive array of hot sauces. Jack’s favorite is the sauce from Tortuga’s Lie, a restaurant in Nag’s Head, NC. The shop also has gifts, toys, produce, decor, mountain souvenirs, and more. Each fall, you’ll see Jack and Bill unloading truckloads of apples at the shop. They keep coming in all season. You can choose from up to 30 different varieties at any time during the season! Ask for a sample and find a new favorite or stock up on a preferred type. The staff can tell you which ones are best for fresh eating, pies, or sauces & butters.
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