Press Release – Page 2 – Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock TDA Prioritizes Research and Wayfinding This Year

The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) has adopted and begun implementing its budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Anticipating a decline in occupancy tax revenues, the TDA staff and board set the current budget at $ 1,518,636 – a 15% reduction from the previous year’s budget. With a continued reduction in call-to-action advertising, the TDA is dedicating a notable portion of promotional spending to research that will bring clarity to future promotions planning. Infrastructure dollars will be directed to several projects, including updated wayfinding signage throughout Blowing Rock and expanded restrooms in Memorial Park. The explosive rate of growth in leisure travel directly following the pandemic was not a long-term trend, and travel industry experts anticipated a shift when travel became safer. Currently, the domestic travel industry is seeing a continued “cooling-off” that began late last year. Indeed, Blowing Rock occupancy tax collections for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were about 5% below the previous year. Much of this decline can be attributed to changes in demand as airline options and international travel began to return to normal; many regional visitors resumed more varied travel habits as soon as they became available. A continued decline is expected this year as these travel patterns continue to normalize and local pricing responds to reduced demand. The BRTDA does not see these declines in comparative revenue and visitation as a cause for alarm. “Many businesses in Blowing Rock will likely tell you it was a challenge to keep up with the record demand of late 2020 through 2021,” says Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the BRTDA. “And our residents were certainly feeling the impacts of overwhelming visitation levels. This slow-down is really a return to more normal, sustainable levels of business, which is something we welcome.” Even with changes in demand, and other potentially-affecting factors like inflation and gas prices, travel forecasters have predicted strong overall domestic leisure travel in 2023 and 2024. And Blowing Rock continues to garner accolades that confirm the little town remains a favorite vacation spot. Earlier this year, Blowing Rock was voted Best Small Town in NC by readers of Southern Living Magazine, and Best Walkable Town and Best Main-Street Local Shopping by readers of Blue Ridge Country Magazine. It’s also worth noting that while occupancy tax revenues are expected to be less than last year, current budgeted revenues are still about 40% higher than 2018-2019 revenues, reflecting overall growth. The BRTDA is always working to gather industry information and research to better understand the Blowing Rock visitor and market. With current shifts in travel patterns- plus new technology and partnerships available- staff felt that 2023-2024 was an ideal time for more focused research. Earlier this month, the BRTDA received results from a 2023 Brand and Image Position survey conducted by SMARInsights. Participation in this survey was made possible through a partnership with Visit North Carolina. During the current fiscal year, the TDA is contracting with data collection companies AirDNA and Arrivalist. “These firms will help the TDA learn a great deal about the High Country visitor: how long they stay, where they are from, and where they spend their time while visiting,” says Brown. This useful information will be available regularly throughout the year and the BRTDA plans to share with its constituents, board, and Town Council. General promotions activity is planned in 2023-2024, with advertising that continues an established focus on sustainable messaging in connection with Outdoor NC and Leave No Trace principles. For the last few years, the BRTDA has focused on educational and stewardship messaging during busy summer and fall seasons. Traditional call-to-action marketing, designed to increase visitation, is generally limited to “shoulder seasons” when regular visitation declines. New educational programming for students at Appalachian State University will continue this year, with the intent to enhance communication between the university and local businesses for student employment. Phase I of the new wayfinding signage, funded entirely by the BRTDA, will be implemented in the current fiscal year. These attractive signs will direct visitors and residents to points of interest and help reduce sign clutter in some key areas. The custom design, construction, and installation will be directed by Destination by Design of Boone. The BRTDA will also continue to provide funding support for Town events like the 4th of July Festival, Halloween Festival, and Christmas in the Park. Infrastructure dollars from the BRTDA go to landscape improvements and beautification each year, which this year includes the purchase of hundreds of blooming plants, installation of Christmas lights, and restroom cleaning services. A portion of this year’s infrastructure budget will also build additional restrooms in Memorial Park, doubling the current capacity. Construction is currently underway. About the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority:The BRTDA operates as the official Destination Marketing Organization for the Town of Blowing Rock, and exists to increase and enhance Blowing Rock’s visitor economy. Utilizing the 6% occupancy tax levied on short-term lodging stays in the Town of Blowing Rock, the TDA funds the promotion of tourism in Blowing Rock and provides a funding base for improvement and maintenance of the Town’s tourism-related infrastructure. August 2023

two women shopping in downtown blowing rock

Best Walkable Town, Best Shopping & More

Readers of Blue Ridge Country Magazine have named Blowing Rock among their favorite towns, attractions, activities, and more in the 2023 Best of the Mountains reader poll. The town of Blowing Rock and some of its local attractions have been awarded with accolades in several categories! Best Main-Street Local Shopping Town- Blowing Rock, NC (first place) Best Walkable Town – Blowing Rock, NC (first place) Best Arts Town – Blowing Rock, NC (second place) Best Theme Park – Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, NC (second place) Best Outlet Shopping – Tanger Outlets (now Shoppes on the Parkway), Blowing Rock, NC (second place) Best Holiday Festival – Blowing Rock WinterFest, Blowing Rock, NC (third place) Best Paddling Lake – Price Lake, Blowing Rock, NC (third place) Best Family Destination – Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, NC (third place) “We’re honored to know that Blowing Rock is top of mind for so many great experiences,” says Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority. “Readers of Blue Ridge Country are folks from all across our region- essentially they are our neighbors. We couldn’t ask for any better recommendation.” The NC High Country is well-represented on the list, with neighboring towns, events, and attractions chosen as various favorites. Among nearby notables, Boone was recognized in several categories, including Best College Town (first); West Jefferson won the title of Friendliest Town (first); while Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival was named the Best Quirky Festival and the Best Fall Festival (both first). The Blue Ridge Parkway, an important attraction for the region, was selected as the Best Loop Drive on a Tank of Gas (first) and Best Motorcycle Route (second). “Our readers know the Southern Appalachian region better than anyone,” says Blue Ridge Country Editor-in-Chief Kurt Rheinheimer. “We are so pleased to present their knowledgeable picks in our 35th anniversary issue.” Polling is conducted every five years. Blowing Rock was voted as the Best Main-Street Local Shopping Town (first) in 2018. This year’s survey features 48 categories. Readers submitted their votes online over the course of two months, resulting in over 130 first, second, and third place awards for the best cities, towns, attractions and activities from the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. “We wouldn’t be celebrating our 35th without our cherished readers and our loyal advertisers,” says Associate Publisher Cynthia Bruggeman. “Every issue highlights amazing destinations and the people, history and stories that make them unique. Our ‘Best of’ feature in the summer mag is a snapshot of winners sure to provide year-long travel ideas and inspiration.” A complete list of winners is presented in the July/August 2023 issue of Blue Ridge Country, available on newsstands in mid-June. A PDF of the full feature (Blue Ridge Country Magazine pages) is available for viewing here.

New Summer Square Dance Series in Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) and Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music are pleased to present a summer square dance series at BRAHM. Dances will feature local dance callers and a live band! The first dance of the season will take place on Thursday May 18, 2023 from 6 – 8 PM. Dance events in this series are FREE and open to the public. All levels of dance experience are welcome and encouraged to participate. From 6 – 6:30 PM there will be a beginners lesson, where they will go over the basic moves so you can join the fun! Willard Watson, BRAHM programs and outreach director said, “We are so excited to offer these dances free of charge for the public. It was important for us that BRAHM is used as a community space for fun cultural events like this square dance! Square dances are a rich part of Appalachian culture and have been an important part of community building for generations. We are very grateful to have received financial support from the Center for Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University to help fund this fun family friendly event.” Square Dance dates for the 2023 summer series are all on Thursdays: May 18, June 22, July 20, and August 17. Though events are free of charge, pre-registration is encouraged so coordinators have an idea of how many people will attend. Registration is available at blowingrockmuseum.org. Water and popcorn will be provided for the audience and cash tips for the band are greatly appreciated. BRAHM is located in downtown Blowing Rock at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane. Parking is available in the parking deck adjacent to the museum. The Mission of BRAHM is to provide cultural enrichment by promoting the arts, and Southern Appalachian heritage and history, through educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections. The mission of Mountain Home Music is “To celebrate diverse styles of Appalachian performing arts, including music, singing, storytelling, and dance. Mountain Home Music strives to educate and build community through the arts, providing accessible cross-generational experiences.” Members of Mountain Home Music help to support this mission. See more Blowing Rock events on our calendar!

A New Trail for Old Stories: Blowing Rock History Walk Opens June 1

The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Town of Blowing Rock invite the public to celebrate the opening of the newly constructed Blowing Rock History Walk. A Ribbon Cutting for the History Walk will be held at 4pm on June 1, 2023 in Mayview Plaza in Blowing Rock. In recognition of the opening of the History Walk, the Town of Blowing Rock has proclaimed that June 1 shall be “Blowing Rock History Day.” After the Ribbon Cutting, all are invited to the History Day Celebration at the American Legion Building in Blowing Rock. The History Walk was funded and constructed by a public/private partnership among the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock. The walk, which is handicapped accessible, begins in Mayview Plaza adjacent to Main Street and features 21 History Stations. It is approximately ¼ mile in length. “We are excited to open this wonderful new trail during NC’s Year of the Trail,” says Tom O’Brien, President of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. “The History Walk will be a significant venue for folks interested in heritage and culture, and will create a greater connection between Main Street and beautiful Broyhill Park.” The walk follows Laurel Lane into Broyhill Park, and goes around Mayview Lake. The History Stations are prominent bronze plaques featuring relief images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to tell engaging stories,” Tom adds. “Each station will also have a QR code that will direct people to the Blowing Rock Historical Society website for ‘back stories’ that amplify the narratives on the plaques.” As a new cultural and educational attraction, the Blowing Rock History Walk will be a welcome addition to Blowing Rock’s many other attractions for residents and visitors alike. For more information about the Blowing Rock History Walk, visit blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com. May 2023

Community Classroom: Hospitality & Tourism Student Tours Launched in Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) is excited to embark on a fresh partnership program with the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Appalachian State University. This new program will offer regular academic tours of tourism-related businesses in Blowing Rock, open to students studying Hospitality and Tourism. These tours will be available once each semester. The inaugural Spring Tour, presented at the end of March 2023, was attended by fourteen students and two faculty members. It was a big hit with participating businesses and attendees. On the Spring Tour, students got to meet several local business owners and managers at their businesses throughout the afternoon. This fast-paced dive into the Blowing Rock tourism economy offered a unique learning experience where students could see various locations, ask questions, and gain insights on operations. They also saw potential work-places first hand, which local business owners saw as an additional factor in participating in the tours. “We were on board as soon as we heard the idea,” says Rob Dyer, co-owner of The Inn at Ragged Gardens and The Best Cellar Restaurant. “We were excited for the opportunity to meet some current students and show them around. And it was a great way to connect with the school, to be a resource for learning and employment.” Lisa Stripling, co-owner with Dyer, agrees. “We’re both App State alums ourselves, and we are delighted to help support the students and programs at ASU,” she says. “The students we met were immediately engaged and asked great questions. With that energy, and considering what they’re learning as hospitality students, I’m sure these students would be outstanding assets as employees at businesses like ours.” In addition to a visit to the Inn at Ragged Gardens, the spring tour included stops at Chetola Resort, Hellbender Bed & Beverage, The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop, Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM), and The Blowing Rock Attraction. At BRAHM, the students heard from a forum of local retailers that included The Mountain Thread Company, J.W. Tweeds, The Last Straw, and Footsloggers. “It was such a good day,” says Dr. Carol Kline, the Director for the Hospitality and Tourism Program at Appalachian State University. “The spring tour was expertly executed and we learned so much about on-the-ground management and marketing with this behind-the-scenes view.” This tour program is part of increased efforts by the BRTDA to improve community communication and rapport. In keeping with its values of promoting economic growth and providing leadership in the local tourism industry, the BRTDA believes this program will help enhance the local tourism industry through improved connections. “The High Country is a vibrant tourism destination and an ideal community classroom for students in Hospitality Management,” says Amanda Lugenbell, Assistant Director of the BRTDA and coordinator of the student tour program. “Blowing Rock in particular offers a number of models for how small businesses meet ever-changing challenges and opportunities in a resort town.” As a graduate of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Appalachian State University, Lugenbell felt the tourism business community in Blowing Rock was an untapped educational resource. At a time when the service industry is struggling to maintain an adequate workforce, the BRTDA was also interested in finding ways to promote hospitality employment opportunities in Blowing Rock. “Blowing Rock is full of successful hospitality businesses,” Lugenbell goes on to say. “The people behind them have so much expertise to share and we’re proud to highlight them as the business leaders they are. These students are potential employees and interns; they are also the next travelers and future business leaders. We are excited to welcome them on these tours and expose ASU students to Blowing Rock in a meaningful way.” “It’s a great service for students to get this type of exposure to attractions and resources just down the road,” Dr. Kline adds. “We are thrilled about these tours as a new extension in our long-time relationship with the Blowing Rock TDA, and we’re grateful to the TDA for creating this opportunity for our students.” The next tour is scheduled for the fall semester in early November. Interested Hospitality and Tourism students may make inquiries by connecting with Scott Gray, instructor in the Business Management Department at Appalachian State University. Tours are provided to students free of charge and spaces are filled on a first-come, first served basis. Many thanks to the individual hosts on the spring tour for their time and generosity: Frank Byrd, Rob Dyer, Lisa Stripling, Hunter Womble, Emily Brinker, Erica Brinker, Michael Foreman, Brian Baldwin, Carol Dickerson, Katherine Lile, Roger Robertson, and Charlie Sellers. Much appreciation goes to BRAHM for their contribution of the Community Room for the retail panel. April 2023For information: Amanda Lugenbell, 828.295.4636, [email protected]

Two young boys excitedly pose alongside their grandfather with fish they caught at the Trout Derby

43rd Blowing Rock Trout Derby on April 1

The 43rd annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby will take place in Blowing Rock on Saturday, April 1, from sunrise to 4:00pm. No entry fees are required for this family-friendly event. The Blowing Rock Trout Derby has celebrated the opening of trout season for over four decades, encouraging families to get out together to enjoy the outdoors and friendly competition. The casual nature of the Derby makes participation fun, and there are two ways to join in! For the Classic Tournament, simply catch a trout in Watauga County on April 1, and bring it to Blowing Rock to measure and enter it into the contest. No pre-registration is required for the Classic Tournament. The Catch and Release category, coordinated by Speckled Trout Outfitters, offers a more eco-conscious approach and a wider eligible area for fishing. Catch and Release participants must pick up the official tape measure before heading out to fish. Timestamped photos of trout caught in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties, with size shown by the official tape measure, are eligible for entry into the Catch and Release division. “We love to meet first timers and hear all about everyone’s fishing adventures,” says Kim Rogers, a longtime coordinator of the Trout Derby. “If you’re a seasoned fisherman, come by and help some of the younger anglers with your stories, bait suggestions, or just friendly support. We can’t wait to see your catch!” Derby Headquarters, where participants’ fish are measured and registered and where folks register for the Catch and Release category, is at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 108 Lakeside Drive. Kids should come by the Derby Headquarters early in the day to grab their free Derby bag and t-shirt before they run out! The North Carolina Wildlife Commission supports the Trout Derby with free “Fish for Fun” bags, including a tackle box, regulation book, bumper sticker, stringer, and bobber. The Trout Derby T-shirts commemorate the event and feature art from last year’s Art Contest winner. While kids are at Headquarters, they can participate in the Art Contest; all supplies are provided! The 2023 poster and t-shirt features art by Caleb Mott. Steps from Headquarters, kids are invited to fish in the lake at Broyhill Park. The lake is stocked in the days ahead of the event, and some of the fish are tagged for special prizes! New this year, Speckled Trout Outfitters will host fun Trout Derby activities outdoors between the Outfitters shop and the Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop on Main Street. The Watauga Riverkeeper is partnering with this event and will have a tent set up, along with other sponsors and local breweries. Hula hoops and rods will be set out for anyone seeking to learn how to cast a fly rod! Activities begin at 10am. “Throughout the day, The Speckled Trout Outfitters will be hosting tents of some of our brands, breweries, and one of our experienced guides to educate anybody on casting and fly fishing tactics in our shared lot with the Speckled Trout Restaurant,” says Joel Brown of Speckled Trout Outfitters. “We will be a hub for all of your last minute fly and conventional needs inside our shop, or take a break over a beer!” Also new in 2023, the Awards Ceremony for both competition categories will be presented at Speckled Trout Outfitters. Winners and prizes will be announced starting at 4:30pm. First-place winners will receive trophies in five divisions: Men, Women, Girls and Boys (12-15), and Small Fries (11 and under). Great prizes for all winners include items like fishing and outdoor gear, gift certificates, and cash. There is plenty of free parking available at Broyhill Park, just off Clark Street, by the Derby Headquarters and kid’s fishing. Fishing licenses are not required at Broyhill Park, but anglers will need to have a current fishing license and obey posted fishing regulations in all other locations. The Blowing Rock Trout Derby is sponsored and supported by over two dozen local businesses and organizations. Complete details on the Trout Derby can be found at BlowingRock.com/TroutDerby . For more information on local shopping, attractions, and lodging in Blowing Rock, visit blowingrock.com or contact the information center at 828.295.4636. March 2023.

Mural depicting local plants on a wall in town, surrounded by flowers.

Best Small Town in NC

Blowing Rock has been honored with an inclusion in Southern Living’s 50 Best Small Towns in the South 2023! Readers of the popular magazine voted for their favorite places all across the south, and Blowing Rock received top billing among other North Carolina towns, listed 5th overall. Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Tracy Brown was justifiably proud that the town found itself near the top of the Southern Living list, and not for the first time. “We couldn’t ask for a better endorsement,” Brown said. “Votes from readers mean votes from real travelers- our neighbors.” Southern Living notes that when the awards first began, readers were simply asked, “have a favorite?” For this year’s South’s Best awards, the magazine remarks that the lists “include dazzling newcomers, repeat champions, hidden gems, and tried-and-true classics in states across our region.” Of Blowing Rock, magazine editors wrote, “This mountain town is named for its most famous feature, a 4,000-foot cliff that overlooks a spectacular gorge, distant peaks, and dense forests. But Blowing Rock is no one-hit wonder. Expect plenty of High Country character from a community of talented craftspeople and chefs inspired by their surroundings.” Readers were invited to participate through promotions in Southern Living magazine, email newsletters, social media platforms, and on southernliving.com. The resulting list is diverse. Other NC towns on the list include Boone, Hendersonville, and Beaufort. Finishing ahead of Blowing Rock in the Best Small Town category were Dahlonega, GA, Gatlinburg, TN, Beaufort, SC, and St. Augustine, FL. Southern Living’s South’s Best awards celebrate the “people, places, and communities that make our home more vibrant than ever.” For more information on the South’s Best awards, visit southernliving.com/souths-best March 9, 2023

Installation view of POP-UP: Andy Warhol & the Portrait Impulse

POP-UP: Andy Warhol & the Portrait Impulse is Now on View

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is excited to open the exhibition POP-UP: Andy Warhol & the Portrait Impulse. Theexhibition highlights 96 Polaroids, 27 black and white prints, and 6 silkscreens generously loaned from the Permanent Collection of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University, courtesy of a gift by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts’ Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy program. POP-UP will be on view through June 2nd, 2023 in BRAHM’s Fort Gallery. Photography and its potential for experimental portraiture is foundational across Andy Warhol’s prolific career. In POP-UP, Warhol’s commitment to instant film as a candid documentary medium is explored alongside examples of his iconic silkscreen prints. Synthesizing the photographic, the painterly, and the commercial, the artist’s manipulation of the human visage constitutes some of his most lasting impacts on contemporary photography and image-making. In this exhibition, we see Warhol’s near-obsessive use of the camera—the Polaroid in particular—some examples of which would ultimately be transformed into the high contrast, color blocked images audiences are so familiar with today. For more information on POP-UP, please visit blowingrockmuseum.org/see/warhol-pop-up. Those interested in viewing the new exhibition are encouraged to come to BRAHM’s Spring Exhibition Celebration on Friday, March 24 from 5–7:00pm. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the exhibitions, and light refreshments including a cash bar will be available. This is a free event welcoming all visitors. To learn more about the Spring Exhibition Celebration, visit the calendar on BlowingRockMuseum.org. BRAHM is an art and history museum nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. Open to the public since 2011, BRAHM provides cultural enrichment by promoting the arts, and Southern Appalachian heritage and history, through educational programs, exhibitions,activities and permanent collections. BRAHM is located in downtown Blowing Rock and is open to the public, free of charge, Tues. – Sat. 11-5 and, beginning May 1 through October 31, Sun. 11-4. February 2023

Blowing Rock WinterFest Celebrates 25 Years

2023 brings the 25th Blowing Rock WinterFest event, with a calendar full of seasonal activities. From Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29, everyone is again encouraged: don’t hibernate- celebrate! The first Blowing Rock WinterFest was presented in 1998, created to bring celebration to a sleepy season. Since then, the festival has grown to present a wide variety of activities and events. Many have become highly anticipated, and festival coordinators are very excited to be able to bring them back this year. Back for 2023, the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake is arguably the most-loved event. Register to take a chilly dip in the icy water, or help countdown participants from beside the firepit, if that’s more your speed. John Carter of WBTV Charlotte returns as emcee, and the participant costumes are sure to delight. There’s so much more packed into the weekend that you won’t want to miss, starting with WinterFeast, presented at Green Park Inn. Sample a variety of culinary treats provided by several popular restaurants from the area. So many choices and an opportunity to expand your palate with some top picks from our local chefs! The Chili Challenge and Beer Garden are a couple of staple events getting a refresh for this special milestone year. The Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge is a crowd favorite. Guests are invited to warm up and place their own vote for the best chili in town! All donations go to helping out the community through local non-profits. The WinterFest Beer Garden gives attendees the opportunity to experience some of the best local beers from around the High Country. New this year: these two events will be presented together in adjacent, indoor spaces. “We had a lot of feedback of wanting to have the Beer Garden and Chili events closer together,” says John Goheen, festival coordinator. “And it makes a lot of sense, they really are a great combination!” “Presenting the Beer Garden indoors offers a comfortable atmosphere that isn’t dependent on unforeseen weather conditions,” John adds. “And this year’s Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge will be easily accessible again; attendees can try all the chilis under one roof in Meadowbrook Inn’s beautiful Four Seasons Ballroom.” While admission to WinterFeast, the Chili Challenge, and the Beer Garden are limited and require advance tickets, other festival activities are general admission and free of charge. The Ice Stroll, opening Friday night of the festival, features a collection of custom ice carvings hosted at local businesses. Be sure to stop by each one to take a look and maybe a photo or two. Live Ice Carving Demonstrations in Memorial Park are a centerpiece of the Saturday schedule. The talented team from Artisan Ice Sculptures will create masterpieces throughout the afternoon. Also in Memorial Park, catch Snow Making Demonstrations hosted by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte. He explains the science of snow with the assistance of a simple snow-making rig. Plus, he’s always happy to answer questions about weather, so stop by to watch the snow and say hello! “Brad’s demonstrations are an excellent way to learn while having a ton of fun,” John says. “Especially for visitors who don’t usually get to experience snow!” Festival attendees can also look forward to the return of the classic Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at Blowing Rock School and a fresh update to this year’s Downtown Hayrides. Cue up for a unique hayride pulled by a Humvee, courtesy of Speckled Trout Outfitters! There’s even more, including the Silent Auction, Wine Seminars, Square Dancing, and Cork & Canvas classes. Don’t miss great activities all weekend just off Main Street, too, like the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort and the Tomahawk Hill Winterhawk Tournament, Winter Duck Derby and Frozen Heart Adventure at Mystery Hill. Several festival activities are free, some are ticketed. For a full schedule of events, tickets, lodging partners, event packages, and participation information, go to blowingrockwinterfest.com. Tickets and info are also available by calling 828-295-7851. “With WinterFest back in full swing, we encourage everyone to come out and celebrate this exciting season that offers so many fun opportunities that are unique to our beautiful mountain town,” John says. Blowing Rock is accessible from anywhere in the region, less than two hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, three hours from Knoxville and Raleigh, and five hours from Atlanta and Charleston. A wide range of accommodations is available; visit blowingrock.com/lodging for details. WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group.

Dining tables set for diners in a wooded setting, with tablecloths and candlelight.

The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Wins Multiple Tripadvisor Awards

Trip Advisor has named The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge a top dining destination. In their 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, the online travel review giant ranked The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge as #1 Date Night Restaurant and #2 Fine Dining Restaurant in the US. The restaurant also ranks as the #11 Date Night Restaurant globally. It is the only North Carolina restaurant honored in either respective category this year. According to Tripadvisor, Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best is their highest honor. The award “takes into account the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings, and ranks the very best accommodations, destinations, beaches, attractions, restaurants, airlines, and experiences in specific categories and geographic areas, as rated and reviewed by travelers. Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award winners are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor.” The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge has been a fine dining staple in Blowing Rock for many years. It is renowned for locally-sourced fare, artfully crafted with French influences. Views of stunning mountain sunsets surround the intimate dining area. Dining staff is always attentive and well acquainted with the flavors of each dish, able to offer friendly guidance on course selection and beverage pairings. Hunter Womble, Executive Chef of The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge, even takes time to personally greet each table whenever possible, making each guest feel welcome. Reservations are required for dining at The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge, available at gideonridge.com on a rolling 2-week schedule. October 2022

Category: Press Release