Romantic Getaways – Page 3 – Blowing Rock, NC

Tips for Attending Symphony by the Lake

About the Event: Often described as the “pinnacle of the summer season” here in Blowing Rock, the Symphony by the Lake is a must hear event! The Symphony is celebrating its 35th season this year, solidifying its place as a summer tradition. Set against the lake at Chetola Resort and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the atmosphere is truly special. Featuring the Symphony of the Mountains, the 2022 event theme is “Movie Soundtracks.” The selections will cover 80 years of movie music. From Beauty and the Beast to Wagner, the selection is sure to delight all audiences. See the full program here. The music concludes around 9:30 PM and is followed by a fabulous firework display that lasts approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy an evening of picnics, music, beautiful scenery, and festive fireworks at Symphony by the Lake. Essential details: Symphony by the Lake is on Friday, July 22nd. The gates open at 5:30 PM, performance begins at 7:30 PM. $65.00 for General Admission, $125.00 for Audiophile Seating, and $10.00 for a Parking Pass. Children 2 and under are no charge. Tickets are available online. Pick up your tickets at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. They will be available from 9AM – 5PM Monday – Saturday until July 22. Tickets will also be available for pick up at the gate at 5:30 PM on the day of the performance. A $10.00 parking pass is available for purchase and allows guests to park at the Chetola Resort. Tanger Outlets has first come/first serve parking. A shuttle for handicapped or disabled people is running from the Food Lion parking lot. (This shuttle will not start return runs until after the fireworks.) Packing a picnic is allowed! There is a limited cash bar available with some fun specialty drinks or bring a favorite beer or wine to enjoy. Want to get food onsite? Grab a boxed picnic dinner from Chetola- get them quick before they sell out. Consider having dinner on Chetola’s patio or arbor for fantastic views and food! Reservations are needed. Click here to see pricing and menu options. There will be Restroom Trailers with stalls and running water for public use in the parking lot of the Timberlake Restaurant. Here are our top 5 tips for attending the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola! Get your tickets early. This year tickets are limited! Park at Shoppes on the Parkway and enter the Symphony event via the back gate (on the Rack Room Shoes side of the outlet center). Arrive early to get a good spot! Like to spread out? To avoid the crowd, consider sitting around the perimeter of the lake. The symphony performers may not be visible, but they can still be heard and space is much more plentiful. Bring layers or blankets to keep warm after sunset. The event will continue if it rains, so check the local weather forecast so you are prepared with rain gear if needed!

Finding Fraser’s Ridge

If they are looking, fans of Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series may easily see Fraser’s Ridge, Jamie and Claire’s North Carolina homestead, here around Blowing Rock. We certainly do! First of all, Diana Gabaldon herself once said that Fraser’s Ridge is up near Boone and Blowing Rock. It has been remarked before that North Carolina’s High Country strongly resembles the Highlands of Scotland- perhaps that is in part why this place would speak to the Highlander in Jamie. The two making their way to NC fits perfectly, as well, as Scottish settlers made their home in NC in large numbers in the mid- to late-1700s. In fact, many followed much the same path as Jamie and Claire, arriving at the port of Wilmington, and going through the town of Cross Creek (now Fayetteville). These settlers were among the largest groups to colonize the mountains of western North Carolina, with many more coming from northern routes from Pennsylvania. This rich connection to Scotland provides lots of historical context for, and possible connections to, people and places that Jamie and Claire would have known. It would also appear that Blowing Rock was a recommended destination for Sam Heughan, who portrays Jamie Fraser in the STARZ television series. Heughan posted a photo of himself in Blowing Rock on a foggy day in November 2016 to Instagram with the caption, “Go to Blowing Rock, Diana said… It’s beautiful, Diana said… Nothing like Scotland, Diana said… #rain #FindingFraserRidge ” The rain was unfortunate; someone please tell Sam that we have pretty days, too! He recently mentioned this visit in an interview while talking about the upcoming season four of the tv series, commenting that he came to see the Fraser’s Ridge area. The mountains surrounding Blowing Rock are still largely undeveloped, protected by the boundaries of National Forests and National Park lands. Even now, it’s so easy to look out over the views and imagine Fraser’s Ridge, to envision rustic cabins tucked into the hills. It’s no great stretch to think of Jamie asking Claire if she would like to settle with him in those hills. Blowing Rock is the perfect hub for an inspired adventure- book your stay and get to exploring! So where should you go to find your Fraser’s Ridge in Blowing Rock? Check out these locations, events, and activities! Blue Ridge Parkway Blowing Rock is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service. Along the Parkway, dubbed America’s Favorite Drive, you can enjoy countless views, trails, and historic locations. For a breathtaking view of the very area that could have been home to Fraser’s Ridge, we recommend Thunder Hill Overlook and Yadkin Valley Overlook, both just north of Blowing Rock on the Parkway. Portions of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail are accessible nearby along the Blue Ridge Parkway, too. How fitting to take a hike along a route that connects the ocean to the mountains, while thinking of possible paths Jamie and Claire would have traveled on their journey from Wilmington to Fraser’s Ridge! There are many more trails available from points on the Parkway, like Tanahwa Trail, Boone Fork Trail, and Green Knob Trail. See more local hiking information here. Head north along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock to view a cabin built sometime before 1840, a structure surviving from the very homesteads that early Blue Ridge settlers built. The Jesse Brown Cabin is accessible by following a 1/2 mile trail from Tomkins Knob Overlook at milepost 272.5 (for reference, Blowing Rock is at milpost 294). Two more beautiful historic cabins, albeit built later toward the end of the 1800s, are located further north in Doughton Park, at milepost 241. Brinegar Cabin is just along the Parkway, and features demonstrations and events. Caudill Family Homestead is found by hiking into Basin Cove. Camping is available at Doughton Park. Hickory Ridge Homestead For a more immersive experience in what life might have been like in the mountains when Fraser’s Ridge was settled, visit the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Boone. A set of historical cabins and buildings are staffed with interpreters in Revolutionary period clothing. Demonstrations of skills like hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and candlemaking offer insights into life of the time. The grounds are rightnext to Horn in the West. Horn in the West Drama An outdoor Revolutionary War drama, Horn in the West tells a story of a family and their journey in the Blue Ridge, along with Daniel Boone and Cherokee allies. Shows are presented Tuesdays-Sundays between late June and early August. Gates open at 7:30, and you can enjoy the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum starting at 5:30pm on show nights! Horseback Trail Rides Travel the trails of the Blue Ridge in the way that Jamie and Claire would have: on horseback. One very excellent trail riding service is Vx3 Trail Rides here in Blowing Rock. The guide, Tim, leads riders on the carriage trails of Moses Cone Memorial Park. This trail network, while close to town, feels worlds away- lined with ancient rock walls, passing idyllic lakes, and leading to wide, wide views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tim is exceedingly entertaining and informative, too, and he is always happy to oblige any questions with history and yarns from times past. He might even point out his idea of the location of Fraser’s Ridge. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Among the largest gathering of Scottish Clans in the world, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is presented in early July of each year in nearby Linville. Annual attendance is around 30,000 over four days. Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding area evoke the Scottish Highlands, and offer a truly special setting for the cultural assembly. The Games feature plenty of demonstrations of strength at McCrae Meadows, and the lovely sounds of bagpipes in every corner. Clan tents are erected around the Meadows, with members offering information on family histories and lineages. Perhaps the most moving portion of the event is the Torchlight Ceremony and

Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is home to several waterfalls, and there are even more to be found in the nearby region. See below for directions to more than a dozen waterfall viewing sites. Several require hiking, so they are arranged by trail difficulty. Each of these falls is incredibly beautiful, but danger is an inherent part of that beauty. Many of these falls have steep drops and fast water. Please use every caution when on these trails. Roots, rocks, and wet areas can make trails tricky. Do not attempt trails beyond your skill or fitness level and watch children & pets closely! Be sure you have proper footwear for long hikes, and it’s always a good idea to bring water along for your trip. Take care of our natural resources; please don’t litter. Happy hunting! Easily Accessible Falls These three waterfalls are located right on the roadside. They can be viewed from your vehicle or small pull-offs, making the views great for families with small children or those with mobility issues. Green Mountain Creek Falls: We don’t know of an official name for these falls, but they flow along Green Mountain Creek. Nearly 20 feet high with a shallow plunge pool, these falls empty into a culvert where the stream continues on the other side of the road. They are equally beautiful while frozen in winter, with trickles and bubbles dancing under sheets of ice. There is an easy spot to access the falls for close-up photos. Located on Hwy 221, about 8 miles from Main Street in Blowing Rock. The falls are on the right side of the road, with a pull-off on either side just after the falls. Silvervale Falls: These falls are high series of narrow cascades, 70+ feet of delicate flow. Travel 6 miles south of The Green Park Inn on Hwy 321 from Blowing Rock. Turn right on Waterfalls Rd, SR 1372. Falls are 1.7 miles down on left, with a small pull-off beside them. Falls at Rough Ridge Overlook: These small, sloping “slide” falls on Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rough Ridge Overlook are heavily dependent on rain fall. At times, the water is more heard than seen. The overlook is located at milepost 302.8. There is a parking area with sign, and the falls can be viewed from the sidewalk. A short trail to right of the lot leads to the bridge over the falls- steep, but the footing is not too difficult. Easy to Moderate Trails These falls can be found at the end of easier trails. Trails can be suitable for children, as long as they are watched closely. Still, some portions can be quite steep. Laurel Creek Falls: The local name, Trash Can Falls, makes lots of people wonder how it came about. There used to be a recycling/dumpster convenience site along the highway that served as a point of reference for the trail head. Now it’s best to use mileage to find the trail. The pool at the falls is a popular swimming hole for locals in warmer months. Travel north on Hwy 321 from Boone. Turn left to follow 321N toward Johnson City (at Skateworld). Access trail is 5.4 miles down on left, just after Laurel Creek Rd. Pull-off for parking is on the right, across from Laurel Creek Rd. The trail is 0.15 miles, narrrow but well-defined, and a little steep toward the top. Elk River Falls: These falls are some of the largest in the area, and are especially impressive because of easy accessibility. From 19E in Elk Park (take Hwy 194 to 19E, about 26 miles from Blowing Rock), turn onto Old Mill Rd at “Elk Park Christian Church” sign (you will also see sign for the falls further down the road). Turn right on Elk River Rd after 0.4 miles. Go 4 mi to Pisgah Forest parking area. Trail is about 1/4 mile, with some steep wooden steps. 60ft plunge falls. The pool at the bottom is a great swimming spot, too. The Cascades: A long series of cascade falls on a narrow stream. The 1.2 mile (loop) moderate trail begins at E. B. Jeffress Park, at milepost 272 on Blue Ridge Parkway. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. Very steep wooden steps near falls. The Cascades are currently part of the closed portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow along with the construction here. Linville Falls: These falls are the largest in the area in terms of water volume. The Linville Gorge is a National Wilderness Area, and a beautiful, unspoiled area to enjoy. Turn onto Linville Falls Rd from milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road ends at a parking lot and Visitor Center. The trail to the upper falls is about 0.5 miles and fairly easy. The trail continues to 3 more overlooks with views of lower falls (45ft), and is steeper, with the last overlook 0.8 mi from Visitor Center. Strenuous, blazed trails into the gorge are an option for those that would like to see the lower falls the bottom of the gorge. It’s recommended to take a compass and maps with you when you enter the gorge and wilderness areas. Difficult to Strenuous Trails The rewards of these trails are worth the effort if you are up to the challenge. These trails may be too challenging for small children, and should not be attempted in icy and slippery conditions. Be sure to watch your step, as most of these trails wind through steep and/or rocky areas and are full of roots and dips. Glen Burney Trail Falls: This rugged trail is right in downtown Blowing Rock, and is still a surprise to some that find it. The trail begins at Annie Cannon Gardens on Laurel Lane. There are three falls in succession: Cascades at 0.8 mi, then Glen Burney at 1.2 mi, and Glen Marie at 1.6 miles from trailhead. The trail is out-and-back and gets very steep after Cascades. Side trails lead

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

High Country Wine Trail

The High Country has a wine trail! If you haven’t visited our local wineries, you’re in for a real treat. Great wine and beautiful views combine for a unique experience at each location. Grandfather Mountain Winery is in Foscoe, just to the northwest of Blowing Rock. The vineyards and tasting room are on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain, right on the Watauga River, where you can take a seat and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing water. The tasting room has a lovely rustic charm, with friendly folks ready to tell you about the unique wines produced at the winery. Enjoy wines like “Terraced Gold” and “Big Boulder Red” on the spacious patio or by the water’s edge. The Banner Elk Winery in Banner Elk features some of the highest vineyards in the Eastern United States. The vineyards are located on Beech Mountain, which dominates the lovely view from the winery and Inn. Banner Elk Winery is the first commercial winery built in the area, debuting in 2006. The Tuscan-inspired villa on the grounds is an eye-catching centerpiece on the grounds, and offers rooms and overnight packages. Linville Falls Winery is the newest of the three. Family owned and operated, the winery is an elegant attraction that’s easy to find right off Highway 221 in Linville. Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon are the staple grapes, and blueberries and raspberries are also produced on the 40 acre farm. While you’re taking a trip to the winery, you should stop over at the Linville Falls Wilderness Area to enjoy the falls and hikes. Find out more about the Boone Area Wine Trail (including a video) here: https://www.exploreboone.com/about/travel-itineraries/wine-trail/ See more travel ideas on our Main Itineraries Page!

Blowing Rock: A Bucket List Destination

Our new friends Ingrid and Marcus came to visit Blowing Rock and take a look around in mid-September. Marcus had visited Blowing Rock many years ago, so our town had been on their list for a while. They arrived on a Sunday and stayed two nights. Ingrid and Marcus packed a ton of fun into their three days in town! A Concert in the Park, dining around town, visiting Grandfather Mountain and The Blowing Rock, shopping, and more. Here’s a bit of what Ingrid had to say about their experience: “Let me say from the start that we’ve found another destination that really belongs on everyone’s bucket list and that we hope to visit next year once again as there is so much more for us to do and experience in and around the historic, charming, beautiful mountain town of Blowing Rock. The famous Rock, less than two miles from our hotel, that we visited the next morning, is the oldest tourist attraction in North Carolina and features an immense cliff jutting 4,000 feet above sea level. Blowing Rock is a year round destination, but fall is especially beautiful in the mountains when the leaves are turning, and The Blue Ridge Mountains, with Blue Ridge Parkway access right in Blowing Rock, offer one of the most colorful and longest running fall leaf seasons in the world. One of the reasons is the varied elevations that show prime fall colors for over a month. Lucky us, a little of these famous fall colors were already becoming more noticeable around the Blowing Rock area during our visit in mid September.” “We arrived in town on a blue-skied early Sunday afternoon and fell instantly in love with its beautiful, blooming Main Street…” “We had reservations at the Meadowbrook Inn, a charming 62-room eco retreat surrounded by still blooming gardens and located just a block from all these cute shops, restaurants, and galleries on Blowing Rock’s Main Street. A couple of ducks, who demanded the right of way, welcomed us by the main entrance. They seemed to be on the way to the duck pond which is part of the surrounding ‘Certified Wildlife Habitat by National Wildlife Federation.’” Ingrid shares many more details on her website. Head over to Ingrid’s blog, Escape From Paradise, to see their entire Blowing Rock adventure, and SO MANY more photos: Mind-blowing Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Looking to recreate Ingrid’s trip? Start at Meadowbrook Inn in downtown Blowing Rock! “I especially liked The Final Touches Home & Garden boutique.” “Sunny Rock Eggs turned out to be a cozy, warm place with a hot breakfast and perfectly basted eggs! Btw our waitress Sheila rocked.” “Little will match the exhilarating feeling of being on top of the world while looking out across views of mountain ridges cascading to the horizon. Here we met other free spirits like us.” “Superb, is an understatement. Timberlake’s at Chetola Resort is a destination restaurant.”

A Wine Lover’s Guide to Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock has long been a culinary destination with restaurants boasting extensive wine lists and shops with unique, hard-to-find wines. It’s the natural marriage of fine wine and creative cuisine, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please check with each individual business about COVID precautions and hours. Wine Shops Sunset and Vine Located in downtown Blowing Rock, Sunset and Vine features unique wines and also offers boutique, high-quality olive oils, artisan cheeses, chocolates, wine accessories, and picnic supplies. Be sure to check their website for a schedule of wine tasting flights, specialty classes, and demonstrations. It’s a great place to find that “unicorn” wine or discover your new favorite. Blowing Rock Market Also located downtown, Blowing Rock Market has a great selection of wines, in addition to a deli, coffee bar and more. If you are heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a picnic, Blowing Rock Market is a great place to get a picnic lunch and a bottle of the perfect complimentary wine to drink as you survey the views. Restaurants & Inns The Best Cellar Restaurant Established in 1975, the original location of The Best Cellar was a basement on Main Street, where the previous owners served soups, sandwiches and sold books. The restaurant is now located inside The Inn at Ragged Gardens in downtown Blowing Rock and you will dine in the wine cellar. Over the years the menu has evolved from soups and sandwiches to creative dishes featuring the freshest meats and seafood. The 11-page wine list at The Best Cellar is extensive and offers the perfect sip to go with amazing bites. Bistro Roca & Antlers Bar Just off the beaten path in downtown Blowing Rock, Bistro Roca features a wood-fired oven created from bricks recovered from the landmark Antler’s Bar, the oldest continuously serving bar in North Carolina. Bistro Roca features American bistro fare, Neapolitan style pizzas, French-influenced comfort food, and a carefully cultivated wine selection, craft beer, and cocktails. Half glasses are available, which makes pairing multiple courses a breeze. Café Violette Locally-sourced, house-made French Mediterranean cuisine including focaccia, baguettes, desserts, and vegetarian options. Menu changes as foods/ingredients may not always be available. Featuring an eclectic wine list and a selection of classic French cocktails. The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn Using fresh ingredients available from local farms and small-batch purveyors located in the Blue Ridge, The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn offers a creative, ever-changing menu with an extensive wine selection. Dine al fresco on the terrace with mountain views or in the European-styled dining room. Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop Part bottle shop and part restaurant, The Speckled Trout offers elevated Appalachian cuisine along with “home-grown” beers and ciders and wines highlighting small producers from old world to new. Enjoy fresh mountain trout, soup beans, and hoe cakes complemented by the perfect beverage. Also, enjoy live music on Thursdays from 6-8 PM. Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort Overlooking Chetola Lake, Timberlake’s Restaurant is a collaboration between artist Bob Timberlake and Chetola Resort. Enjoy the finest wines paired with dishes that include savory shrimp and salads of mountain-grown spinach, pan-seared duck, roasted Carolina quail, mouth-watering Angus bistro filets, and house made desserts. Dine outside on the patio or in the elegant, rustic dining room. Twigs Offering fine dining in a rustic atmosphere, Twigs boasts a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list featuring over 200 bottle selections and 14 wines by the glass in addition to 35 beer options, many of which are NC craft beers, and artisan cocktails. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. View more restaurants in Blowing Rock >> High Country Wine Trail Just a short drive away, the wineries on the High Country Wine Trail is a must-experience for any wine enthusiast. These wineries are part of the Appalachian High Country American Viticultural Area (AVA), a fairly new AVA, and one of only five in North Carolina. The Banner Elk Winery Banner Elk Winery is the first commercial winery built in the area, debuting in 2006. The Winery was awarded Gold Medals at the 2013 International Eastern Wine Competition for the 2011 Banner Elk Red and 2011 Marechal Foch, in addition to several other awards for the 2011 and 2012 Banner Elk White. Other popular wines include the The Banner Elk Blueberry and Ice Wines. Overlooking the vineyards, The Tuscan-inspired villa on the grounds is available for overnight stays and events. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery Located at an elevation of 3,300 feet in Foscoe, the vineyards and tasting room at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery are in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain. Hybrids grow extremely well in the cooler climate and wines often end up with high acidity and bold fruit flavors. Enjoy wines like “Whiskey Barrel White” and “Appalachia Red” on their patio or at the edge of the Watauga River. Linville Falls Winery Located just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge, the 40-acre Linville Falls Winery offers grape varieties that include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot, Marechal Foch, and their flagship grape, Riesling. In addition to grapes, you’ll also find blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, heirloom apples, pumpkins, corn, and Christmas Trees.

Winter Warm Up

Blowing Rock and the surrounding area is a winter wonderland, with snowy views, warm places offering cozy respite, and great winter sports. Spend a day with this suggested itinerary for a truly memorable winter experience!

Romantic Spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway

No matter what the season, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to share the breathtaking beauty of North Carolina’s mountains with your sweetheart. Below are just a few of our favorite “romantic spots” that are near Blowing Rock. Rough Ridge Overlook – Milepost 302.8Amazing views while hiking the Tanawha Trail up the mountain and over boardwalks. Bring your camera and recruit a fellow tourist to capture the moment. Julian Price Park & Price Lake – Milepost 297-298A beautiful setting for a picnic or a romantic canoe ride. Take a leisurely hike around the Lake, and stop to enjoy it all. Beautiful spot for a proposal! Moses H. Cone Park – Milepost 294Enjoy hiking or a romantic picnic on the carriage trails and find treasure for yourself or your significant other inside the Parkway Craft Center. Stop a minute on the front porch and enjoy a moment in the rocking chairs. Thunder Hill Overlook – Milepost 290.3For a romantic evening under the stars, turn on some tunes and drive to Thunder Hill. The views are far reaching and on a clear night the stars are amazing. Check with your favorite Blowing Rock restaurant and ask if they can fix a picnic for you!

The Legend of The Blowing Rock

According to legend, a Chickasaw chieftain, who was protecting his beautiful daughter from white man’s admiration, journeyed to The Blowing Rock and into the care of a squaw mother. One day the lovely maiden was daydreaming on the cliff and noticed a Cherokee brave wandering in far below. She playfully shot an arrow in his direction and they began to flirt. Soon he appeared before her wigwam, courted her with songs of his land, and they became lovers, wandering the pathless woodlands and along the crystal streams. One day a strange reddening of the sky brought the brave and the maiden to The Blowing Rock. To him, it was a sign of trouble commanding his return to his tribe in the plains. With the maiden’s entreaties not to leave her, the brave, torn by conflict of duty and heart, leaped from The Rock into the wilderness far below. The grief-stricken maiden prayed daily to the Great Spirit until one evening with a reddening sky, a gust of wind blew her lover back onto The Rock and into her arms. From that day a perpetual wind has blown up onto The Rock from the valley below. For people of other days, at least, this was explanation enough for The Blowing Rock’s mysterious winds causing even the snow to fall upside down. For more information about the legend, and to purchase tickets to visit The Blowing Rock attraction, visit www.theblowingrock.com

Category: Romantic Getaways