Local Business – Page 2 – Blowing Rock, NC

The Mountain Thread Company

Welcome to The Mountain Thread Company, which opened in downtown Blowing Rock in 2015. The shop specializes in textile crafts and functions as an open studio and workshop where shoppers can watch art being made. At The Mountain Thread Company, you’ll find handmade quilts, rope baskets, and decor, as well as locally sourced fabrics, supplies, and notions for your own crafting. The owner, Katherine, is a fourth-generation quilter who loves experimenting with improvisational techniques in her work. Her favorite quilt pattern is called a Wonky Log Cabin, a contemporary spin on a very traditional quilt pattern, the Log Cabin Quilt. Katherine says there is a vibrant maker community in the High Country – inspiration is all around, and people love living here so they search for creative ways to make that possible. She wants to help inspire more people to create! The shop also hosts regular workshops for kids and adults who want to learn about making something special with their own hands. The Made in the Mountains Quilt Event (presented in collaboration with other quilters) offers a series of classes and presents a variety of quilt work to the public.

Blowing Rock Brewing Co.

Welcome to Blowing Rock Brewing Co., our downtown artisan brewery! The local brewing facility on Sunset Drive was completed in 2013, along with the renovation and opening of the Blowing Rock Ale House & Inn. The Inn has 5 beautiful guest rooms, and the Ale House has become known for delicious, seasonally-focused dishes. Twelve taps offer plenty of brews to go with lunch or dinner. Owners Jeff and Todd believe that clean mountain water, unique ingredients, and the local community together create craft beers like no others. The small-batch facility in Blowing Rock creates some truly special seasonal brews with ingredients like huckleberries, juniper berries, and peaches. One of the most recent beers was made as a fundraiser for the Middle Fork Greenway project, an IPA for “Improving People’s Access.” Some of these seasonal creations can only be found at the Blowing Rock Ale House, and are served alongside their Legacy and Elevation Series. Blowing Rock Brewing has expanded into Hickory as well, and now produces 26 styles of locally made craft beer.

Mystery Hill

Welcome to Mystery Hill! This local attraction has been in operation for over 70 years, and is operated by the Underwood family. Four generations of the family have worked at Mystery Hill; the current patriarch, Wayne, was 10 years old when his father, RJ, purchased the property in 1958. The previous owners had developed their apple orchard into a roadside attraction after noticing strange occurrences on the hillside. The Mystery House was the first attraction, and many other entertaining elements have been added over the years. Today, visitors can enjoy a wild walk through the disorienting Mystery House, have fun with hands-on science, learn about Appalachian history, see Native American artifacts, and more! There’s locally-made (giant) doughnuts, fossils, and the quirkiest gift shop. The newest element is Tomahawk Hill, where visitors can try their hand at axe throwing, archery, or blow darts! All of this is located on the completed portion of the Middle Fork Greenway, connecting the attraction to others. Matthew Underwood, a 3rd generation caretaker at Mystery Hill, is excited about the recent updates and changes, and he’s looking forward to the ones still coming. The family works to showcase the history and unique fun of the property, and you’ll find that the entire staff is enthusiastic about welcoming visitors. Matthew says that friendly welcome is something they focus on, and that visitors will always find a helpful guide nearby, no matter where they are at Mystery Hill. Mystery Hill is open every day, year round, rain or shine, from 9am-6pm. Fun family events are a new focus at Mystery Hill, so keep an eye on their calendar. See more at mysteryhill.com.

Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery

Welcome to Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, celebrating 28 years in business! The gallery represents 25 local artists and has framed over 33,000 works and photos. Owner Tim is a Certified Picture Framer, as is his shop manager, Alex, and they are among the only ones in this part of the state. Tim even studied in England at the Fine Arts Trade Guild to earn the title of Guild Certified Framer. Photos of milestones like births, graduations, new pets, and other memories are treated with the same meticulous care as works of art, and customers often return for each new commemoration. Tim takes pride in the selection at the gallery. As a friend of each of the artists represented, he can give special insights on the works for sale. Works are available in a wide range of sizes and mediums, and all original pieces from artists like Lita Gatlin, Wes Waugh, Karla Mann, and Jason Drake. The gallery also keeps collector pieces from artists like Phillip Moose and Elliot Daingerfield, and is even the nation’s leading seller of Daingerfield work. The gallery hosts special shows often, and available works change constantly.

The Green Park Inn

Welcome to the Green Park Inn! This grand hotel was opened in 1891 as a premier destination, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built on the Eastern Continental Divide, utilizing the refreshing mountain spring at the headwaters of the Yadkin River, and offered a ballroom, billiard room, bowling alleys, telegraph, and a post office. It was by far the most luxurious lodging experience in the area at the time. Over the years, the hotel hosted many famous and memorable people and gained popularity as a place to be and be seen. After falling into disrepair, the Green Park Inn was saved by brothers Steve and Eugene Irace in 2010. They understood the local significance of the hotel and began their ongoing goal of bringing the Green Park Inn back to her former glory. Today, guests are pleasantly surprised at how authentic the restored hotel feels- like taking a step back in time. Much of the hotel’s public areas still contain original details, like some construction made from American Chestnut, which is now virtually extinct. The name of the hotel’s restaurant, The Chestnut Grille, pays homage to the tree. The dining room has been meticulously restored, and now offers an elegant setting in which to enjoy approachable comfort foods like cast iron cornbread and Garden Vegetable Pasta- with herbs & veggies from the on-site garden! The Green Park Inn is the centerpiece of the Green Park Historic District, and we’re so proud to have such a beautiful and historically significant property in our town!

The Last Straw

Welcome to The Last Straw on Main Street. The shop is a Christmas wonderland right now, as it is every year from September through December! The first eight months of each year feature special home interior and garden decor for spring, summer, and autumn. The Last Straw is a second-generation family business, operating since 1988. The owners, Roger and Julie Robertson and their son, Brock, work closely with their friendly and helpful staff to create a unique shopping experience. The Robertsons raised their family in Blowing Rock as their business grew; their two boys went to Blowing Rock Elementary School, played in Memorial Park, swam in the community pool, and played sports with parks and recreation. They have loved making Blowing Rock their home, and count it as a blessing. The shop is located inside the historic First Baptist Church building, originally built in 1927, and it’s always beautifully overflowing with blooms, textures, scents, and homey touches. Many shoppers would say that a trip to Blowing Rock isn’t complete without a peek inside The Last Straw to see what’s new! The Robertsons also create custom designs and decor for folks all year long, and the arrangements in the shop are all created in-house. While the shop itself should be on your shopping bucket list, their extensive online store offers a decor fix for any season! Find The Last Straw online at www.thelaststrawinc.com/

Hanna’s Oriental Rugs & Gifts

Welcome to Hanna’s Oriental Rugs & Gifts on Main Street. This shop is celebrating its 103rd year in business- in the same location! James and Jane Hanna immigrated to the US near the turn of the 20th century and settled in Blowing Rock in 1917. The first shop they opened was inside the Green Park Inn, and they moved their shop to Main Street in 1919. Hanna’s has always specialized in unique finds and started as an import business that offered, among other beautiful items, hand-knotted oriental rugs. You’ll find an incredible selection of those in the shop today, along with antiques and collectibles. The shop is run by Mrs. Hanna (James and Jane Hanna’s daughter-in-law), and her children and grandchildren are involved as well, making it a 4th-generation family business. Mrs. Hanna says there is a story behind every hand-picked item in the shop; ask her about a piece and her knowledge and appreciation of each treasure becomes immediately clear. Stop in and browse the treasure trove soon!

Christmas in Blowing Rock

Welcome to Christmas in Blowing Rock, located on Main Street. This shop is ready for Christmas year round, with beautiful gifts and ornaments, many that can be personalized! The business opened in 1993 and has been a downtown staple ever since. The current owner, Felicia Keller, started working for Milt and Sue Thompson in 2006, and she was thrilled to purchase the shop at their retirement. Over the years, Felicia has gotten to know lots of the customers, and she has noticed that the store has become a tradition for many of them. From adding to ornament collections to commemorating a special event that year, they often return to the little shop on Main Street. Felicia feels that the consistency of the shop’s theme encourages that because people can always reminisce on and plan for Christmas there, regardless of the dizzying speed of changes at other gift shops. Plus, there’s always something new at the shop to enjoy for the coming Christmas season! Felicia notes that while Blowing Rock has grown over the last decade or so, the small-town community feeling is still strong, and she loves being a part of it. Christmas in Blowing Rock can be found online at aPerfectPresent.com

Sunset & Vine

Welcome to Sunset & Vine, which some might remember as Christopher’s Wine & Cheese. Sharon has owned the shop for 9 years, and she loves meeting the amazing variety of people that come to Blowing Rock- often from all around the world! One of the best things about Sunset & Vine is how approachable the shop is. It’s anything but pretentious, and Sharon & her staff are excited to help people find wines to match their personal tastes and preferences. The wide selection and regular tastings & seminars make it even easier to find delicious new favorites. You might be wondering which wines a wine shop owner prefers; Sharon says her favorite changes often. Right now, because it’s warmer weather, she has been enjoying Spanish Albarinos, which she says are refreshing and a bit citrusy, with a slight saltiness that is all perfect for summer.

Unwound

Welcome to Unwound, which has been open in Blowing Rock for eight years. Colleen has been the owner since 2015. This shop is a special spot in Blowing Rock, because the community of knitters and crocheters make this a true gathering place. The shop is homey, with comfy chairs, friendly help, and resident pups Lizabeth (Colleen’s mini dachshund) and Rigby (manager Linda’s beagle/mountain feist mix). There is a huge variety of fibers in all colors, as well as all the tools one might need to create something special, including instruction. This shop that helps you make sweaters, shawls, and warm socks is a perfect fit in our breezy mountain town!

Category: Local Business