Blowing Rock Girls Getaways

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

Upscale and friendly, Blowing Rock is a perfect spot for a girlfriend getaway. Situated along the crest of the Blue Ridge, the location couldn’t be better. Amazing views, crisp mountain air, and plenty of outdoor activities will melt stress. And there unique downtown...

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...

Culture Vulture

This one-day suggested itinerary is best during the summer and fall seasons, due to availability of activities. Enjoy lots of art and history in Blowing Rock! -Start the day at Moses Cone Manor & Parkway Craft Center. There is plenty to enjoy just looking at the...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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. There's still plenty to do while social distancing, too. Spend a day with this suggested itinerary for a truly memorable winter...

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!

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...

Day Two: The Mountain Thread Company

Choose a handmade item for a special someone this holiday! Visit The Mountain Thread Company for a fresh take on the traditional crafts of sewing, quilting, and basketry. Using a technique called coiled rope basketry, the shop produces one-of-a-kind totes, storage...

Day One: Funky Tulip

Funky Tulip kicks off the 2021 25 Days of Holiday Shopping guide! Funky Tulip is featuring their best selling basic shawl vest for the 2021 Holiday Season. It comes in several colors and can be worn multiple ways, including upside down to change the look of the shawl...

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...