Blowing Rock Girls Getaways
Blowing Rock Fall Bucket List
Leaf Looking in town and the surrounding areas. Blowing rock offers picturesque, storybook scenery that is enhanced by the colors of Fall. Head over to the Blowing Rock Attraction, the town’s namesake, and take in the majesty of the mountains.
2024 Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Report
We’re getting excited to share the Rosebay Rhododendron blooms with you! Check back in at the end of June for more updates!
Blowing Rock is Great for Birding
The Blowing Rock area is an ideal spot for birding. Whether you’re brand new, or a seasoned veteran, there are birds to be spotted all over the High Country of North Carolina. To help educate us on why this area is so great for birding, and to guide us on how to get started, we reached out to Jesse Pope, President and Executive Director of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. and avid birder.
5 Things To Do In Spring In Blowing Rock
Spring is the often overlooked season that offers so much more than expected. The buds are just coming out on the trees, the air is still crisp making views spectacular, and everything moves just a little slower in Spring. Enjoy the flavors, sights, and smells that Spring has to offer here in Blowing Rock.
Cross Country Skiing Access
Cross Country Skiing enthusiasts have been coming to the mountains for years to enjoy the snow and hone their skill. The Carriage Trails at Moses Memorial Cone Park in Blowing Rock offer 25 miles of trails that are wide and well maintained year-round.
Our 5 Favorite Winter Wanders
Winter is an excellent season for exploring trails, and it shouldn’t be overlooked as it offers some great views and opportunities! Trails are often open year round and some are more conducive to winter walks than others. We’ve compiled a list of 5 of our favorite winter wanders.
Trails We Took In December
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we've extended our trail experiences into December! This month we strolled downtown for the Blowing Rock Art & Sculpture Trail, hiked the Robbins Trail at The Blowing Rock, trekked up Duncan Rd. at the Cone Trails, and...
Blowing Rock Art & Sculpture Trail
The Art & Sculpture Trail meanders through Blowing Rock, stopping at all of the installations that have popped up over the years making the town more beautiful and interesting. In addition to numerous galleries and the first-class Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Blowing Rock is home to a growing collection of art that can be enjoyed by strolling through town. See conceptual and portrait sculpture, outdoor murals, carvings, and paintings on a self-guided tour.
Blowing Rock Voted a Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors Readers
Over 24,000 votes poured in to Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine’s thirteenth annual Top Adventure Towns contest, presented by LOWA. From 100 adventure hubs across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, readers narrowed down nominees in four different categories: tiny town...
Why Blowing Rock is Great for Leaf Viewing
It’s that time of year again. We are starting to see the changes of Fall here in the High Country. Blowing Rock is an excellent destination for fall color, some might say the best. There are a few reasons why our location is an ideal one with such vibrancy and it all comes down to variety.
Top 10 Fall Photos from 2022
Our 2023 Daily Fall Photos begin tomorrow, September 23, and we are so excited! As we prepare to kick off the new season, we are taking a look back at last year’s scenes. We’ve selected ten of our favorites to share with you! See our 10 Best Fall Photos of 2022 below.
Trails We Took In August
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’ve extended our trail experiences into August! This month we’ve gone tubing, visited the Blowing Rock Boulders, and trekked fan-favorite Boone Fork Trail.
Find Adventure at Sky Valley Zip Tours!
Sky Valley Zip Tours offers different kinds of adventures for different adventurers. They have the Canopy Tour, the Whistle Pig Adventure for kids, Mountain Cat Off Road Adventure, and the Night Flight for the bravest of adventurers.
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...
Spectator’s Guide to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
The Saddlebred Division is June 6-9, 2024 The Hunter/Jumper I Division is July 23-28, 2024 The Hunter/Jumper II Division is July 31-August 4, 2024 The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest continual outdoor horse show in the country, having persevered through...
Concerts in the Park
Blowing Rock’s Concert in the Park Series is an annual set of free outdoor concerts at the Rotary Gazebo in Memorial Park. Always on Sundays following Art in the Park shows, the performances offer entertainment from a variety of musical genres. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Memorial Park on Main Street to enjoy the music.
Trails We Took In April
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’re extending our trail experiences into April! This month we’ve added some more strenuous trails as the weather improves and becomes more predictable. Please remember to always pack plenty of water and snacks, and to do some research before you set out on your hiking experience. Read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in April.
Blowing Rock History Walk
The Blowing Rock History Walk opens June 1, 2023! This new downtown feature presents 21 History Stations. Each station offers images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history on a bronze relief plaque atop a handsome stone pillar. Each...
The Blue Ridge Craft Trail
Blowing Rock has a rich history of being called home by artisans and artists alike. There is something about the atmosphere that uplifts and inspires people and that includes artisans of all stripes. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Craft Trail, a trail committed to preserving and promoting the distinct crafts of Western North Carolina, has a large presence in Blowing Rock because of some of the special artists and locations we have here.
Not Your Average Girls Getaway
Blowing Rock has always been great for girls getaways. However, girls can get tired of doing the same old thing over and over. We’ve compiled a list of things to do in Blowing Rock that are different and interesting ways to spend some time on your girls getaway. So read on for some ideas that are anything but ordinary.
Top 5 Things for Bachelorette Parties To Do in Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is a popular destination for weddings. However, recently women have been coming to Blowing Rock for a Bachelorette Party Trip. There are tons of things to do in Blowing Rock, but we’ve narrowed it down to 5 things that are particularly fun for Bachelorette Parties.
Foggy Weather Suggestions
What do you do in Blowing Rock when the fog has set in and you can’t see the natural splendor? Read on for some local activity suggestions while you wait out a foggy day.
Blowing Rock WinterFest
Blowing Rock is celebrating its 25th Annual WinterFest. Blowing Rock WinterFest is a four day celebration of the winter season, and all the warm pastimes people love to do when it’s cold. From the icy waters of the Polar Bear Plunge to warm drinks sipped by a fire, Blowing Rock WinterFest has them all.
Blowing Rock Bucket List
It’s a new year, and while some of us are already breaking our resolutions, we’ve put together some bucket list items that we can all get behind in 2023!
5 Seasonal Things To Do in Blowing Rock this Winter
Looking for a fun way to spend the winter? Look no further than Blowing Rock! We’ve compiled a list of 5 seasonal things to do in town this winter. From snow sports to romantic moments there is something for everyone to do here.
Shopping
Below are several local stores to entice your shopping appetite! Blowing Rock has a little bit of everything: antiques, souvenirs, clothing, and eclectic décor! With so many locally owned businesses our shopping is second to none. Make sure to plan a meal break at one of our local eateries to rest so you can continue to hit all of the shops in the village!
Funky Tulip Chosen as “Best Holiday Glow” 2023
Funky Tulip has been awarded the title of “Best Holiday Glow” for 2023! Leading up to the Holiday Stroll on December 8th over 250 votes were cast to crown the “Best Holiday Glow” in Blowing Rock.
Foggy Weather Suggestions
What do you do in Blowing Rock when the fog has set in and you can’t see the natural splendor? Read on for some local activity suggestions while you wait out a foggy day.
8 Hidden Gems in Blowing Rock
We love our Main Street, however, there are some fantastic businesses located all around town that you might have missed simply because they are located off the beaten path. Take note of these nine hidden gems so that you can get the most out of your time in Blowing Rock!
8 Main Street Shopping Secrets in Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock has many great shops on Main Street, but there are a few stores that are hidden or have secrets that many people do not know about! We’ve compiled a list of shopping secrets that are sure to be useful to new visitors, repeat visitors, or even residents!
A Shopping Destination
Put on a pair of comfy shoes and clean out your car trunk because Blowing Rock is one of North Carolina's premier shopping destinations! In downtown Blowing Rock, you'll find streets filled with unique boutiques, art, jewelry, antiques and home decor shops. It's a...
Carriage Trade Living
Welcome to Carriage Trade Living on Main Street. This shop began as Carriage Trade Antiques in Wilkesboro in 1989. The shop in Blowing Rock has been going strong since 2000 (the original business is still open by appointment, too). Carriage Trade Living specializes in...
Serves You Right!
Welcome to Serves You Right! at SouthMarke. This shop has continued to evolve since its opening in 1993, when it began offering merchandise for entertaining in style, as well as high-end collectibles. Over the last decade, the shop has shifted focus to a different...
Funky Tulip
Welcome to Funky Tulip, which features a curated assortment of clothing, jewelry, home decor, beauty, intimates, and gifts. The shop is a bright, fun space inside a converted cottage with overflowing window boxes and an inviting lawn. The owner, Lisa, is already a...
Sunset Tees & Hattery
Welcome to Sunset Tee's & Hattery on Main Street. Jack and Becky Hall opened the shop in 1986 and it has become a central fixture in downtown Blowing Rock. Like the name says, it's known for the huge selection of hats and fun t-shirts. There are over 1,000 hats at...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
neaco
Welcome to neaco, the grooviest shop in Blowing Rock! neaco has been open in town since 1998, featuring a quirky collection of gifts and decor. The owners, Keith and Russell, love having a shop in Blowing Rock- they say the small community has become like family over...
Art in the Park is an Outdoor Gallery
Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park offers open-air gallery experiences for art-lovers, collectors, and craft enthusiasts each year. The six-show series, which is presented once a month from May through October, sets up downtown on Park Avenue. The show is adjacent to Main...
Art in the Park in Downtown Blowing Rock
For 61 years, Art in the Park has graced a monthly Saturday from May through October in North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town. The festival is in its second year on Park Avenue, an ideal location that intersects the town’s Main Street, allowing easy access to all of...