Blowing Rock Girls Getaways
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.
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.
NC Resident Days Are Back At Mystery Hill!
NC Resident Days are back at Mystery Hill! This year, NC residents can save even MORE during Resident Days. One (1) valid NC photo ID per group is required upon check-in. Offer valid for anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in NC. These deals are available from March 1 through March 31, 2023.
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.
Trails We Took in February
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’re extending our trail hiking experiences into February! We’re starting with a handful of varied trails that are good to enjoy in winter due to easy access. So read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in February.
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.
High Country Snow Sports
Did you know there are three ski resorts in the High Country? And a snow tubing park! All season long, they supplement natural snowfall and maintain awesome conditions for your enjoyment. The snow sports season generally runs through Mid- March. When there’s a natural snowfall, Blowing Rock is an excellent location for snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
Winter Hiking
If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience. ...
8 Fun Picnic Spots in Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is an excellent place to go on a picnic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date, a fun lunch with friends, or a family memory, a picnic can be a great option. We’ve compiled a list of picnic locations in and around Blowing Rock that are beautiful and versatile!
9 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!
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...
Spectator’s Guide to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
The Hunter/Jumper I Division is July 26-31, 2022 The Hunter/Jumper II Division is August 3-7, 2022 The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest continual outdoor horse show in the country, having persevered through wars, depressions, and recessions. Rain or shine...
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...
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...
Spa Vacations: A Relaxing Girlfriend Getaway
In town, you’ll find The Spa at Chetola Resort, just the relaxing retreat you’ve been searching for. Enjoy various massages, manicures & pedicures, facials, and a beautiful indoor pool. While there, you might also enjoy a natural cooking class or invigorating yoga session.
A Mountain Getaway: Three Things To Do in Blowing Rock This Summer
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and nestled along ridges against the Pisgah National Forest, Blowing Rock is a Rockwell-esque town with rugged nature in its backyard. Offering the feeling of seclusion without isolation and the quality of being old-fashioned but not...
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...
History & Art for the Culture Vulture
Itinerary at a Glance - History & Arts - Summer - Single day Day One Morning: Start the day at Moses Cone Manor, which also houses a Southern Highland Craft Guild Shop. There is plenty to enjoy just looking at the mansion, with classic twentieth-century...
5 Great Hikes to Enjoy
Hiking is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are countless trails in the area, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the myriad destination hikes and the 26 mile network at Moses Cone Park, to local sections of the...
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...
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!
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.
VOTE: Best Holiday Window Display
For the 2022 Holiday Glow Time season, we’ve decided to spice things up with a little competition. This year our shops are competing for the title of “Best Holiday Glow” for the Holiday Stroll! Take a look at the pics in the poll, decide who did it best, and cast your vote.
9 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...
Gift Cards & Online Shopping
Several shops & services in Blowing Rock offer online shopping and/or gift cards via phone or web. Buying a gift card or certificate today means a business has a bit more cash flow for expenses. Small businesses are the heart of Blowing Rock- please support them...
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...