The High Country is blooming more each day, and this week’s colors are putting on a show from sidewalks to overlooks. A fresh round of flowers is brightening Blowing Rock, with some vibrant newcomers and returning spring favorites. Whether you’re strolling through downtown, having a drink on the patio of your favorite restaurant, or taking a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, early May is a wonderful time to take in all the High Country has to offer!
This Week’s Standout Color: Flowering Dogwood
The flowering dogwoods are at their peak, and their signature white petals are lighting up the High Country in every direction. These blooms are not just a symbol of spring — they’re North Carolina’s official state flower, and their elegant clusters can be spotted around the Price Lake area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dogwoods bloom for a short window, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to visit, this is it!
What’s Blooming Now:
Rhododendron ‘Elsie Lee’
This cultivated azalea hybrid is putting on a lovely show downtown with its double lavender blooms. It is the result of a cross between Rhododendron ‘Desiree’ as the seed parent and Rhododendron ‘Rosebud’ as the pollen parent. While it isn’t wild, it adds a splash of bold, royal purple petals that brighten several walkways around town — don’t miss it near Broyhill Park.
Mayapples
These woodland natives are beginning to unfurl their broad, umbrella-like leaves, often with a single white blossom hidden beneath. You’ll find mayapples along shady Parkway trails — subtle, but worth a closer look. Raven Rocks Overlook (Milepost 289.5) is a great spot to find Mayapples here in Blowing Rock!
Fraser Magnolia
A grand native bloom, Fraser magnolias are just beginning to open, revealing large, creamy flowers with a faint lemon scent. Look for them high up along the Blue Ridge, their blooms a striking contrast against dark, glossy leaves.
Honesty (Lunaria annua)
This unique garden plant, often called “honesty” or “silver dollar plant,” is blooming in brilliant purple around town. Though not native, it’s a beautiful sight with both vibrant color and curiosity — the papery seedpods it produces later are just as eye-catching.
Top Blooming Spots This Week:
Sunset Drive (Downtown Blowing Rock)
Take a leisurely stroll along Sunset Drive to enjoy cultivated blooms like Spanish bluebells, honesty, Rhododendron ‘Elsie Lee’, and tons of creeping phlox. The vibrant gardens and stone walls provide a charming backdrop for these colorful displays.
Raven Rocks Overlook (Milepost 289.5)
This overlook offers sweeping views and is currently adorned with native wildflowers, including mayapples and Fraser Magnolia. It’s an excellent spot for photography and enjoying the sunset, as well as hiking the 1.6 mile out and back section of the Mountains to Sea trail which connects Raven Rocks to Thunder Hill.
Cold Prong Loop Trail (Milepost 299)
A gentle loop trail perfect for a spring hike, Cold Prong is teeming with wildflowers like daisy fleabane and pinkshell azalea. The trail’s proximity to the Tanawha Trail makes it a great addition to your Parkway exploration .
Local Tip:
Spring is better with friends! Popular spots like Town Tavern and The Speckled Trout have patio dining, and with the days getting longer and the temperatures warming up, kicking back at your favorite Blowing Rock eatery with friends and a cold drink puts you that one step closer to feeling like a true local!
Planning Your Visit?
Now’s a perfect time to explore the outdoors — from the cultivated color downtown to the wild beauty of the Parkway, spring is unfolding more each day. Remember to bring your camera, your allergy meds if needed, and your curiosity — the mountains are blooming, and there’s always something new to discover.
