Blowing Rock Girls Getaways

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 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...

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....

Water Adventure

Are you looking for a place by the water to enjoy the view? Perhaps you’d like to cool off on a warm Blue Ridge day. The Blowing Rock area features lots of places where water and related activities are the main attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are very popular on...

Off the Beaten Path

You’ve crossed Grandfather’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge and been hiking at Bass Lake, enjoyed a show at the Shaefer Center and ridden the rails at Tweetsie, and now you’re looking for more. Or perhaps you just like to find those out-of-the-way gems first. Below, we’ve outlined a great weekend of activities and sights that are sometimes overlooked, but should definitely be experienced! You’ll get a good dose of local history, culture, and personality, as well as leg-stretching activity with this lineup.

Blowing Rock and Jan Karon’s Mitford

Is Blowing Rock Mitford? We here in Blowing Rock consider it to be Mitford because author Jan Karon lived here when she was inspired to write At Home in Mitford and other books in the series. Which Mitford sites correspond to actual Blowing Rock locations? *St. Mary...

Take Flight for a Thrilling View

Hit the gravel road leading you just five miles from downtown Blowing Rock to the adventure awaiting you at Sky Valley Zip Tours! Sky Valley offers two diverse perspectives of the gorgeous High Country from 300 feet up. The tours start with an ATV ride through a river...

10 Tips for a Fall Visit to Blowing Rock

We want you to have a safe and relaxing visit on your next trip to Blowing Rock! Here are 10 tips for for less stress: Visit on a weekday if you can. The leaves are just as beautiful on a Wednesday, and the traffic is less dense. Plan early morning times for outdoor...

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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

8 Main Street Shopping Secrets in Blowing Rock

A Shopping Destination

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 55 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...