As spring unfolds, vibrant colors continue to grace both our natural landscapes as well as the streets and sidewalks here in Blowing Rock. This week, the spotlight remains on the Catawba Rhododendron, with the addition of a wide array of azaleas and other May gems springing to life and creating quite the spring palette!
This Week’s Standout Colors
-
Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense): Still in vibrant display throughout downtown, these purple blossoms provide a striking contrast against the greenery. We’re now seeing more blooms in FULL display around the High Country, so now is the perfect time to catch these beauties before they’re gone!
-
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): Beginning to bloom with delicate pink and white flowers, keep an eye out for these beauties along the Carriage Trails of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and around the Blowing Rock History Walk.
-
Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum): Adding fiery orange hues to the landscape, these native shrubs are starting to bloom in the area. We’ve seen clusters along Shulls Mill Rd. near Trout Lake, around Chetola Lake, and in abundance around the Blowing Rock Country Club.
- Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa): This ornamental tree is showcasing its showy white bracts, contrasting boldly with the greenery filling in our gardens across town. Catch them in full bloom near the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.
Top Blooming Spots This Week
-
Downtown Hotel Gardens: The gardens surrounding downtown hotels are in full bloom, offering a delightful display for visitors and locals alike. Check out our recent Instagram reel highlighting this display!
-
Chetola Resort: Beyond its floral beauty, Chetola offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, picnicking and more around the lake, making it a perfect spot to enjoy nature’s splendor.
-
Tanawha Trail along Blue Ridge Parkway: Stretching 13.5 miles from Julian Price Park to Beacon Heights, the Tanawha Trail offers a diverse and vibrant display of spring flora. Visitors can access this trail network from popular points such as Rough Ridge trailhead and Beacon Heights Overlook. We recommend hitting this trail on a clear day to make the most of the expansive mountain views along the way!
Community Highlights
-
Seasonal Flavors at Storie Street Grille & Sidecar Bar: Indulge in new seasonal menu items, including a refreshing watermelon feta salad and spring drink specials that capture the essence of May!
-
Artists in Residence kicking off at Edgewood Cottage: This week kicks off the inaugural Artists in Residence for the year! (add description of AiR)
