Facebook Instagram Youtube Pinterest

Tag: blowing rock

Annie Oakley shooting with other woman, ca. 1920. MS6 William F. Cody Collection

Annie Oakley’s Shooting Range at Mayview Manor

Annie Oakley shooting with other woman, location unknown, ca.1920. MS6 William F. Cody Collection Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey in 1860 near Willodell, Ohio. She began trapping at the age of 7 and hunting by age 8 to help feed her family after her father died. She sold game to hotels and restaurants throughout Ohio and by the age of 15 had paid off the mortgage on her mother’s farm. In 1875, when Annie was 15, the Baughman & Butler shooting act was being performed in Cincinnati. Marksman Frank Butler, an Irish immigrant, placed a $100 bet per side with a hotelier saying that he could beat any local shooter. The hotelier set up a contest between Butler and the 15-year-old Annie, saying, “The last opponent Butler expected was a five-foot-tall, 15-year-old girl named Annie.” Annie won the match and soon after, Butler began courting Annie and they married.  Annie’s prowess earned her a spot in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. Her most famous trick was to split a playing card, edge-on, and shoot several more holes in it before it hit the ground, using a .22 caliber at 90 feet. She also gained fame for shooting the ashes off her husband’s cigarette. Annie was thought to have taught over 15,000 women how to shoot. Throughout her career it is believed that Annie taught upwards of 15,000 women how to shoot. She is quoted as saying that she would like to see every woman know how to handle a gun as naturally as they know how to handle a baby. She continued to set records into her sixties and also engaged in extensive philanthropy for women’s rights and other causes, including the support of young women she knew. In 1924, at the age of 63 Annie operated a shooting range at the Mayview Manor in Blowing Rock. Known as the “Queen of Blowing Rock Hotels,” Mayview Manor was the vision of Charlottean Walter Alexander and drew some notable names, including former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and then-Vice President Richard Nixon in the 1950s. During her time at Mayview, Annie still hit 98 out of 100 clays during one demonstration. She passed away just over two years later. The Mayview closed in 1966 and was demolished in 1978.

Read More »

Favorite Kids Activities in Blowing Rock

We asked some local kids and teens about their favorite summer things to do around Blowing Rock. Here’s what they told us! -Porter, age 5, said his favorite things are fishing at Broyhill Park, riding down the water slide at the Pool, and Harrison, age 10, spends a lot of time outside with his family. He likes to go river tubing and kayaking, and camping. Atlas, 6, likes to hike around Price Lake with his family and go to the August is 3 and a half, and she likes to play in the Park . Oliver, 10, says he usually goes to the playground in the Park (opens in a new tab)”>Memorial] Park or at the school for fun, and that the Glen Burney Trail is really fun with the family. Susanna, age 9 (almost 10), likes to go get ice cream and play on the school playground. Genevieve, age 7, says she loves Tweetsie! Knox, age 9, says skateboarding is his favorite. He also likes to go to the Pool and get ice cream and candy from Cylee, age 10 (and 3/4), visits family in Blowing Rock a lot. She likes watching candles being made at High Country Candles, getting fudge at Kilwins, and drinking hot chocolate and lattes from Camp Coffee. Ellie, 15, likes to spend time at Thunder Hill Overlook, get ice cream at Kilwins, and go to the Pool. Parents of these children also mentioned beloved pastimes like playing with frisbees at Price Park Picnic Area, riding the kids’ zipline at Sky Valley Zip Tours, visiting the Fossil Museum at Doc’s Rocks, and picnicking in Memorial Park. And, of course, every parent was sure their kid would say Tweetsie Railroad! Many of the favorite kids activities mentioned here are free or low-cost, and it’s clear that most kids just want to get outside and play! Blowing Rock has excellent parks, and the Blue Ridge Parkway offers so much so nearby. Come and bring the family soon! For more on local attractions, like Tweetsie Railroad and Grandfather Mountain, click here. Recreational services like horseback riding, ziplining, and more can be found here!

Read More »

Rainy Day Fun

Blowing Rock and the High Country are known for being outdoor destinations, so rainy days can stump folks looking for entertainment. But there’s still LOTS to do in the area! We’ve listed over 40 links below as suggestions to enjoy a rainy day around here. If it’s a light passing rain, you may consider ignoring it! Wear a rain-proof jacket and some water resistant shoes and enjoy the views on Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the attraction you planned to see, or take that hike. Truly, there is something magical about the Appalachian woodlands in wet conditions. Mists hang low in the valleys, and new greens shimmer in the damp. If there is thunder and lightning, however, be sure to take cover indoors immediately. And heavy rains can quickly lead to flash flood conditions in the mountains, so head indoors for heavy rain, too. One of our fantastic local restaurants is always a great place for waiting out a storm! Since not all rain can be ignored and sometimes you need something to do while waiting it out, here’s that list of indoor things for those rainy days! Some can take up large blocks of the day, and others may be a quick stop while the clouds clear a bit more. –Blowing Rock Art & History Museum– see rotating and ever-changing exhibits, or check schedule for special programming or classes. Free admission! –Mystery Hill has more to offer than ever, with the all-weather Tomahawk Hill, and a snack bar with local goodies. You’ll still find the wild Mystery House, incredible artifacts collections, and hands-on science fun. –Shoppes on the Parkway – Covered walkways make shopping in the rain a dry experience. –Parkway Craft Center– free crafting demonstrations on the porch in summer, plus a beautiful gallery on the lower floor. Free upstairs tours available on weekends May-October with reservations. Inside the historic mansion of Moses H. Cone, the “Denim King.” –Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage– From Memorial Day through Labor Day, find free art shows at Edgewood Cottage on Main Street, next to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Step inside and meet different High Country artists each week. Art for every interest (and budget)! –Gem Mining–  Doc’s Rocks in Blowing Rock has lots of indoor flumes! –Indoor Golf- Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf is a state of the art facility with over 700 golf courses programmed into their computers.  –Bowling– High Country Lanes in Boone or Cardinal Lanes in West Jefferson. –Linville Caverns– Always rain-free and 52 degrees inside. See incredible formations and learn some interesting geology and local history at NC’s only show caverns. –Country Retreat Family Billiards– a family-friendly business with high-quality pool tables and an in-house restaurant. –Center 45 Climbing– indoor climbing facility in Boone with a variety of skill levels –Mysterium Escape Adventure– An escape room puzzle experience in downtown Boone –Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis- built in 1883. Don’t forget the Candy Barrel at the Annex! –Theater– Show at Ensemble Stage, Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University, or Lees McRae Summer Theatre –Local coffee– Bald Guy Brew or Camp Coffee are two local coffee shops and roasteries in Blowing Rock. Boone is also home to several locally-owned and corporate coffee shops- ask a local for a recommendation! –Spa treatment– Westglow Spa, a Relais & Chateau property, and Chetola Spa offer a wide variety of treatments. Boone offers some day-spa and beauty bar spots as well. –Antique hunting- the Blowing Rock Antique Center and downtown shops offer lots of beautiful finds. Also try the Boone Antique Mall on King Street, or Hidden Valley Antique Mall near Foscoe. –Galleries– make your own self-guided tour, there are so many to see in Blowing Rock, Boone, Foscoe, and Banner Elk. –Winery tasting rooms- See our winery information page for details on three local wineries. –Jones House– historic house and cultural center in Boone, with a regular concert series. –Turchin Center– Visual arts museum on King Street in Boone, part of the Appalachian State University campus. –Ashe County Cheese– Take a look inside the factory and see cheese being made. –Children’s Playhouse– Indoor family play center in Boone. –Movies– Regal Cinema in Boone or Parkway Theater in West Jefferson –Churches of the Frescoes– Two small churches in Ashe County with renowned fresco paintings by Ben Long inside. –Local Breweries– Blowing Rock Brewing in Blowing Rock; Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Lost Province Brewing, and Booneshine Brewing in Boone, Boonedocks Brewery and New River Brewing in West Jefferson, and Kettell Beerworks in Banner Elk. –Watch fudge being made at Kilwin’s in Blowing Rock. –Watch candles being made at High Country Candles in Blowing Rock. Don’t forget that the mountains often make rainy conditions very spotty. It may be pouring in one place, and sunny just a few miles down the road. It’s common to hear around here, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.” See more travel ideas on our Main Itineraries Page!

Read More »
Blowing Rock attractions include Tweetsie Railroad, pictured here as a train over a trestle

The Big Ones- Multi-day Itinerary

The High Country has several iconic attractions, and it takes more than one day to see all the best known sites. If you are looking for a sight-seeing adventure or just want to revisit all your favorites, check out this itinerary! Day one:  Afternoon at Tweetsie Railroad (Mid April through October) Tweetsie Railroad is NC’s first theme park, and an enduring icon in the High Country. Take the kids or release your inner child with rides, shows, and characters. Historic steam locomotives pull passenger cars around along a two-mile track through beautiful mountain scenes for a fun Wild West show.  In October, weekend evenings become spooktacular during the Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock on Hwy 321, allow 4+ hours. www.tweetsie.com Dinner in Blowing Rock Try Foggy Rock, a local favorite spot for American Food with a friendly atmosphere. Or take in the views at Wheelie’s Refresher, with a deck that overlooks areas in the Pisgah National Forest. See more dining options at http://www.blowingrock.com/services/restaurants/ Day 2: Morning : Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain (year round, weather permitting) Before heading out to Grandfather Mountain, visit the Parkway Craft Center (open March-November) to get a great start to the day. The Craft Center is located inside the historic home of Moses H. Cone, who built the mansion at the turn of the 20th century. The house holds crafts and fine arts created by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, offering a look at traditional arts and processes. The manor house overlooks the Blowing Rock area and offers lots of photographic opportunities on the front porch. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock at milepost 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Access Blue Ridge Parkway from Hwy 221 south, head North on Parkway for one mile. Allow 1 hour. http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/retail-shops/parkway-craft-center/ From the Parkway Craft Center, head south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain.  On the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas and wooded settings, as well as the iconic view of Price Lake. On the south slopes of Grandfather Mountain rests the Linn Cove Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that allowed the preservation of the pristine slopes below. Designed and constructed with the landscape in mind, only the trees directly under the roadway were cut. The s-curve bridge is exciting to drive across, offering an experience like no other as the roadway seems to rush into the sky. About 20 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock, milepost 304.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Best photos are on approach on the north side. No pedestrians are allowed on the Viaduct. A trail from the Linn Cove Visitor Center on south side of the Viaduct provides access to the underside of the structure. http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=873 Just after the Linn Cove Viaduct is the exit to Grandfather Mountain  (open year round, weather permitting). At admission, a great cd guide is available to play in your car as you travel up the access road. Grandfather Mountain is home to a natural history museum, animal habitats and observation areas, and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. You can drive all the way to the top where incredible views can be enjoyed from the bridge and cliffs. There are also plenty of leg-stretching trails to enjoy, where you can experience the various ecosystems on the mountain up-close. About 25 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock on Hwy 221 in Linville. From the Parkway, look for the exit for Hwy 221 to Grandfather Mountain. Turn right to head south on Hwy 221 and travel one mile to the entrance gate to Grandfather.  Allow 3+ hours. www.grandfather.com Lunch: Grandfather Mountain. There are lots of great picnic spots on the Mountain. You can bring a picnic to enjoy, or grab one from Mildred’s Grill by the natural history museum on Grandfather. If you opt to dine inside at the Grill, the large windows offer great views of feeding areas for wild birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. Afternoon: The Original Mast General Store The Mast General Store in Valle Crucis was built in 1883 and is still a working store and post office. Find all kinds of supplies, toys, housewares, and old-fashioned candies while enjoying original floors and a funky layout that only comes from decades of existence. The store is a major historic attraction and a step back in time. The entire community of Valle Crucis is worth seeing for the same reasons. The name means “Vale of the Cross” for the waterways that crisscross the valley. It’s as beautiful as the name implies. About 20 minutes from Grandfather Mountain (25 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock), allow 1+ hours.  http://www.mastgeneralstore.com/ Dinner in Boone or Blowing Rock The Dan’l Boone Inn is a favorite restaurant of many and has become almost synonymous with dining in Boone. Meals are served family style, and the menu features southern staples. In Blowing Rock, you can enjoy a more upscale experience at one of two quintessential High Country restaurants: the AAA 4-Diamond Gamekeeper or the long-established Best Cellar.  More dining options at http://www.blowingrock.com/services/restaurants/ Day 3:  Morning: The Blowing Rock and downtown Blowing Rock The Blowing Rock (open year round, weather permitting) is NC’s first travel attraction and the town’s namesake. The view is incomparable, and the near-constant winds inspired a Native legend about the site.  An impressive observation deck offers nearly 365-degree views, while a pretty loop trail is a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. The rock itself is a perfect place to take a bucket-list photo! About 5 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock off Valley Boulevard/Hwy 321. Allow at least 30 minutes.  www.theblowingrock.com We feel that no attractions tour of the High Country is complete without a visit to downtown Blowing Rock! The quaint village-like atmosphere is uncommon nowadays and there is plenty to enjoy. Stroll along the welcoming streets to see unique shops and galleries, and take a break in the large Memorial Park right on Main Street. Have lunch at one of many eateries downtown before you head back home! Looking for more iconic

Read More »

Blowing Rock Ale House

Come warm up at the Blowing Rock Ale House with our delicious Bison Burger paired up with one of our brews!  The Blowing Rock Ale House Restaurant is located at the Blowing Rock Brewery in downtown Blowing Rock. The Ale House offers cuisine capturing the same mountain artisan feel as our beers with which it pairs. Our talented executive chefs construct menus incorporating our craft brews to create a dining experience unlike any other. Just like our beer, all menu items change with seasons and consist of local ingredients, when available. Sunday, Monday & Wednesday 11:30am – 9pm Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 11:30am – 10pm Closed Tuesday 152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock NC 28605 | 828-414-9600 Visit the Ale House website

Read More »