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Complete this submission form to request an event addition to the blowingrock.com online calendar. Be sure to click “Submit Event” at the bottom of the page! Submission of an event does not automatically post an event. It may take up to 5-7 days for approval and not all submissions are approved. Please use the following guidelines to help understand whether your event is likely to be approved and to ensure that we provide accurate event information to visitors.   Event Criteria Must be of interest to visitors, not an event meant specifically/only for local residents Must take place in Blowing Rock or nearby in the High Country area Must attract visitors from more than 50 miles from Blowing Rock OR be an event visitors can participate in last-minute while here Must be open to the general public Dates, times and location must be exact Contact information must be included in submission Full description and fees must be included Exclusions:  Events not open to the public or where membership is required Individual business sales, specials & promotions (these are listed on our Sales & Specials page) Meetings, leagues, banquets, or conventions Auditions Political events

Community Overview Blowing Rock is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and along the Eastern Continental Divide. While it’s often called “the village” by locals and visitors, the town is small, encompassing just three square miles. As it is situated along ridges overlooking the Pisgah National Forest, large homes skirt the views that are enjoyed from the town’s namesake natural formation: The Blowing Rock. With a history of hospitality rooted in summer getaways and health-centered escapes, Blowing Rock is home to an array of lodging, dining, and entertainment venues.  Living in Blowing Rock Forged by a combination of entrepreneurs, creative makers, and vacation home owners, this laid-back, resort community is an excellent home for those who seek the wide views, inspiration, and active pursuits available here. While it’s a modern town, Blowing Rock feels like a bit of a throw-back to yesteryear Americana. Our downtown elementary school students finish their afternoons with a short walk to the central Memorial Park. Holiday parades down Main Street feel like festivals as flowers fill planters and beds all over town, and large, old churches anchor downtown corners.   Today, Blowing Rock is a welcoming and active mountain town with lots of events and activities, unique shopping, one-of-a-kind inns & restaurants, and beautiful downtown spaces.   Facts & Trivia  The Village of Blowing Rock Blowing Rock was incorporated in March of 1889. About two-dozen inns and hotels are operated in town, most locally owned. Many are within walking distance of shopping and dining in downtown. There are nearly 30 restaurants inside the three square miles of Blowing Rock, with very few franchises or chains.   A Rich Blowing Rock Heritage  The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest outdoor show of its kind, continuing through the Great Depression and WWII. R. Getty Browning, Chief Locating Engineer for Blue Ridge Parkway, was instrumental in convincing project leaders to route the Parkway through NC rather than TN. He spent a lot of time in the local area hiking the route on foot. He died in Blowing Rock at the age of 82. His daughter, Harriet Browning Davant, made her home in Blowing Rock.  Tweetsie Railroad, NC’s first theme park, features historic steam locomotives. The name comes from the local nickname of engine No. 12, when it ran the rails in northwestern NC. After the demise of local railroads, the engine was purchased from movie cowboy and musician Gene Autry. Ties to Celebrities, Authors and Historical Figures Annie Oakley taught marksmanship classes in Blowing Rock at Mayview Manor, a resort that once overlooked the John’s River Gorge. Margaret Mitchell penned part of Gone with the Wind during her stay at the Green Park Inn, a hotel on the National Register of Historic Places. The best-selling Mitford books by Jan Karon started as serial stories in the town’s paper, The Blowing Rocket. Elliott Daingerfield, a notable artist, built several homes in Blowing Rock. He taught ladies’ painting classes at his downtown cottage, Edgewood. His estate home, now the location of a world-renowned resort & spa, still maintains the name he gave it: Westglow. Moses Cone, known as the “Denim King” for his textile mills that helped shape NC industry, built his summer home overlooking Blowing Rock. Moses Cone’s sisters, Claribel and Etta, were friends with artists such as Matisse and Picasso. The bulk of their impressive art collection is a cornerstone of the Baltimore Museum of Art. The Cone Wing contains over 3000 works. Chetola Resort was originally built as a private estate and was once owned by Luther Snyder, the “Coca-Cola King of the Carolinas.” Demographics During summer months Blowing Rock has a population of about 6,000 During winter months the population is around 1,400. Median Age:  58.9 Median Household Salary: $52,813.  Median Family Salary: $80,682 Median Home Value for Owner-Occupied Homes: $453,900

Activities & Attractions The Blowing Rock Attraction Parking: 2 designated spaces, hard surface lot Bathrooms: 1 accessible bathroom Amenities: The area around the Blowing Rock offers paved, wide walkways that would be easily accessible by a wheelchair. There are trails that branch off of this walkway that would not be appropriate for a chair but they are marked clearly. There is an observation deck with a ramp leading up to it that offers a panoramic view of the John’s River Gorge, however the railing may be difficult to see over from a sitting position.  Blowing Rock Art & History Museum Parking: 4 reserved spaces, hard surface lot Bathrooms: There are bathrooms on each floor equipped with an accessible stall.  Amenities: The flooring in the museum is level and appropriate for all modes of transport. There is a large elevator that brings guests to the second floor as needed. All directional signs offer braille.    Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a number of beautiful views from accessible overlooks, plus some accessible amenities at certain locations. For more details on individual sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway, see the full Blue Ridge Parkway section below. Broyhill Park Lake Trail Parking: 1 reserved space, hard surface lot Bathrooms: There are no reserved restrooms for this area. The closest bathroom is the one at the Robbins Pool.  Amenities: Plentiful benches around trail, which is a paved path. There is also an accessible dock for fishing.  Chetola Sporting Reserve Parking: 2 designated space, gravel lotBathrooms: 2 accessible stallsAmenities: Chetola Sporting Reserve offers a Sporting Clay Course, a 5 Stand Clay Station, Archery,  a Pistol and Rifle Range, Fly fishing Wade Trips, Fly Fishing Float Trips, and Trophy Waters. Chetola is committed to offering the best experience possible for people of all abilities. They urge people to call ahead and explain their needs so that they can make the appropriate accomodations. Grandfather Mountain Parking: Assigned spots at all major stops (9 total), hard surface lots Bathrooms: All bathrooms have at least one accessible stall. (8 total) Amenities: Grandfather Mountain offers awesome views and learning experiences for people of all ages. There is also an elevator that takes people with limited mobility up to the Mile High Swinging Bridge and allows them to cross. For more information on Grandfather Mountains Accessibility click here.  Memorial Park Picnic Area Parking: There are 2 spots reserved right outside of the park, hard surface. All parking, even handicapped parking, is limited in Blowing Rock. There are also spots reserved nearby at the American Legion Hall with only a gentle incline to the park area.  Bathrooms: Public bathrooms sit right next to the picnic area. Recently renovated, they offer 2 handicapped stalls and sinks.   Amenities: Shaded and unshaded picnic area. Trash receptacles. Nearby bathrooms.  Middle Fork Greenway Parking: Varies based on access point, some paved lots, some gravel surface lots. Bathrooms: No bathrooms available. Amenities: Wide paved path that can be enjoyed by everyone. Flat grade. Cyclists welcome too.  Mystery Hill Parking: 2 reserved spots, paved surface lot Bathrooms: 4 accessible bathroom stalls Amenities: Ramps and handrails throughout attraction. With a little backtracking all sites can be experienced. Some Historical Museums have a second floor. Experiences to be enjoyed are, all five gift shops, Prospector Hill Gem Mining, Tomahawk Hill, Professor Finnegan’s Photo Parlor, Front Porch Eats and the Bull Riding Challenge.  Price Lake Boat Rentals Parking: 3 reserved spots, paved surface lot Bathrooms: There is no running water at this facility. There is an accessible porta potty in the parking lot with grab bars. The next closest bathrooms are located at Julian Price Park picnic area. About 0.25 miles north of the facility. Amenities: Price Lake Boat Rentals has a ramp from the parking lot to the water. They offer kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. They have installed an EZ Launch that allows for people using wheelchairs to transition into canoes or kayaks with less effort. Shoppes on the Parkway Parking: 10 designated spots, paved surface lot Bathrooms: 2 bathrooms with accessible stalls Amenities: There are ramps from the accessible spots to the walkway around the stores. The stores do not have steps up to them, so everyone is able to enter. The doors can be a little small for larger electric wheelchairs, however if someone is holding the door open it is maneuverable.  Sky Valley Zip Tours – Mountain Cat EAV Tour Parking: Gravel surface lots.There is plentiful parking at the Mountain Cat location as well as their main office location. Bathrooms: Each of their locations offers an accessible bathroom. Amenities: The Mountain Cat EAVs were created for non-ambulatory people. They are made to drive from the hand, and can explore miles of off-road trails on a guided tour. Participants must be 14 years of age and up. Tweetsie Railroad Parking: At least 30 reserved spots, paved surface lot. Bathrooms: Six bathrooms in the park, all with a reserved accessible stall. Amenities: There is an accessible shuttle that drives people up to the top of the hill. Amenities to be enjoyed: the Wild West Train Adventure along with the other live entertainment stage shows, feeding the animals in the Deer Park Zoo, riding the Mouse Mine train, panning for gold, and visiting our many food and retail locations throughout the park. Blue Ridge Parkway Price Lake  Parking: There is a parking lot at Price Lake, however, no spots are reserved. Paved surface lot Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms at this location. The closest bathrooms are at Price Park Picnic Area. Amenities: There is a dock for accessible fishing. However, the trail leading up to the dock is narrow and in disrepair.  Bass Lake Parking: 2 designated spots, paved surface lot Bathrooms: 1 bathroom with accessible stall. The door is heavy. Amenities: Wide track made of packed fine gravel. Some light erosion in places. Plentiful benches, however the area around them is a little worn down and roots are sticking out.  Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center and Trail Parking: paved surface lot Bathrooms: Amenities:

Blowing Rock has some iconic pets that show up to work at local businesses day in and day out. We love our business pets and couldn’t help but gush over them a little. 

Today is American Business Women’s Day! We wanted to celebrate by focusing on 5 women in Blowing Rock who are making a difference in the world of business. From finance to food, these ladies work hard and enrich Blowing Rock immeasurably.

When a fresh blanket of snow covers the local hills and slopes, sledding is a major activity! Nothing compares to the feeling of flying so close to the ground, over the fresh-packed powder. From bunny hills fit for the littlest sledders, to bigger runs for the adventurous, here are some excellent locations available for public access. Need a sled? Stop by Sunset Tees & Hattery at 1117 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Jack and Becky stock a great selection! Blowing Rock Parks The short hills in Memorial Park on Main Street attract lots of families. You can park anywhere downtown, and enjoy restaurants and shops nearby between sledding sessions. On the most used slope, some skill is needed to stop before flying across the sidewalk that runs between the Martin House and Memorial Park. Restrooms are available in Memorial Park on the Park Avenue side. For the littlest sledding enthusiasts, the inclines that surround Davant Field can be fun. There’s parking right off Clark Street, and the drop from the street level to the field level is too short to gather dangerous speed, but steep enough to get a good glide. The lack of a long climb back up keeps boredom at bay. There is a slightly larger hill on the far side of the field as well. Davant Field is also a great location for building snowmen! Lots of flat, open space for rolling snow, making snow angels, and playing tag with snowballs! Find it: Memorial Park is located at 1036 Main Street in Blowing Rock. Parking is available on Wallingford Street, Maple Street, and other downtown locations. Davant Field and Rotary Pavillion has a Laurel Lane address, but the best parking is located at about 203 Clark Street in Blowing Rock. Chetola Resort It’s a steep walk to the top of the sledding hill at Chetola Resort, but well worth the zip down! You’ll see the hill on the left as you go around the lake approaching the lodge. There is a fairly flat area at the bottom of the hill, and the trees along the edge have been padded for extra safety. The sledding hill is open to the public, just as Timberlake’s Restaurant is. Enjoy the hill and then head inside for a hot chocolate! Find it: Chetola Resort is in Blowing Rock, and the entrance is right on Main Street. The address is 185 Chetola Lake Drive. Parking is available by Timberlake’s Restaurant. Strawberry Hill In Boone, the best place for sledding is Strawberry Hill by Boone Jaycee Park. It’s located right by Horn in the West, so extra parking is plentiful, too. The hill is wide, offering lots of different runs and plenty of space to spread out. Sledders may need a just a little bit of skill here, as is a road at the bottom of the hill, though most have no trouble stopping well before it.  There are smaller hills for the little ones in the playground area. Find it: Boone Jaycee Park is at 527 Oak St in Boone. From the park, Strawberry Hill is across Oak Street. Also in Boone, Brookshire Park offer smaller sledding hills for little ones, along the inclines from the trail level to the field . This is another open, flat area to enjoy playing in the snow! Find it: Brookshire Park is at 250 Brookshire Rd, Boone Beech Mountain Sledding Hill Managed by the Beech Mountain Visitor Center, this sledding hill welcomes children under 12. There are lots of amenities, including a snow machine to make snow when Mother Nature isn’t! There are two sledding hills, open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. Plastic sleds are required. If you need one, they are available for rent or purchase at several locations within walking distance, including the well-known Fred’s Mercantile. Parking is available across the street near the Brick Oven Pizzeria and there are restrooms at the Visitor Center. Access to the sledding hill is free! Find full details and contact info here on Beech Mountain’s website. Find it: Beech Mountain Sledding Hill is at 403 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain Parkway Hill in Blowing Rock- CLOSED NOTE 12/13/23: Please note that the big hill at the Blue Ridge Parkway is not open to sledding. This is the hill located at the intersection of Shulls Mill Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as Sandy Flat Gap. This location is perhaps the best known in the area, for good reason. As part of Blue Ridge Parkway lands, this impressive hill is open to everyone, and there’s plenty of space to spread out. And it’s only 1.5 miles from downtown Blowing Rock! There are a couple of different routes down the hill. The side facing the approach road is a gentler slope, while the side facing the bridge has a steeper, faster descent. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed when it snows, but access to the hill isn’t affected by closures. In fact, it makes parking possible along the access road to the Parkway. Because this spot is so popular, parking can sometimes be tight and a little unorganized. Be sure to pull completely off the road when you park. This means you’ll likely have to cross piles of snow pushed by plowing, so 4-wheel drive is best. All roads and driveways MUST remain unblocked by parked vehicles and people. If the area looks too crowded, try again later or take your sled to another location, like those below. Like many activities in the area, the earlier your arrival, the better for less crowding. Find it: From the stoplight on Main Street by the Mellow Mushroom in Blowing Rock, head down Hwy 221/Yonahlossee Road. After 1.5 miles, turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway access road. The hill rises to the left. To find with an address in a GPS, use 4780 Shulls Mill Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605- it’s not an exact address, but very close. Snow Tubing is similar to sledding, and