Blowing Rock
A Mountain Gem
The quaint streets of Blowing Rock are storybook sweet. Adorable shops, upscale restaurants, art galleries and antique stores are all tucked into the small mountain village.
Tree-lined streets and sweeping mountain views give the small town an alluring, almost magical feel. And with easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is also centrally located to all the best outdoor adventures and attractions that the High Country has to offer. In fact, in 2008, Blowing Rock was named a “Favorite Southern Destination” by the readers of Southern Living.
Chartered and incorporated in 1889, Blowing Rock has been a tourist destination for more than 120 years. The clean mountain air attracted visitors from across the South from the mid-1880s on, and Native Americans had long called the area home before the settlers arrived. Today, there are nearly 1,500 full-time residents in Blowing Rock; in the summer, the population jumps to nearly 8,000.
Blowing Rock’s storybook streets have even been emulated in some popular fiction. Renowned author Jan Karon lived in the small town while she wrote the At Home in Mitford series, and most believe that the town “Mitford” was inspired by Blowing Rock.
There are plenty of other happenings in Blowing Rock throughout the year, including performances by the Ensemble Stage Company. Created after the closing of the Blowing Rock Stage Company, a 24-year-old theater company, Ensemble was formed out of pure theatrical necessity by a strong group with a combined 60-plus years of performing arts experience. The Ensemble Stage Company, a fairly recent addition to the area, showcases the arts and offers the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening in Blowing Rock.
Of course, exploring the outdoors is one of the primary reasons people come to Blowing Rock. The exquisite nature surrounding the small town beckons us to explore. Start at North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction and the town’s namesake, The Blowing Rock, which is actually an odd-shaped rock on a peak with extraordinary views. At the site of the rock, you can learn how Blowing Rock got its name and enjoy a scenic view from the observation tower.
If you’re visiting in the winter, Appalachian Ski Mountain is conveniently nearby. As the High Country’s first ski area, the resort is a seasoned pro at keeping skiers and snowboarders entertained. With 11 slopes, three terrain parks, rentals, a ski school, shops, daycare, meeting rooms and an observation deck, Appalachian Ski Mountain is one of the most popular ski mountains in the region.
Blowing Rock is also a place where both kids and adults can find happiness. Besides the outdoor adventures, there are several attractions for the whole family. Mystery Hill, open year round, offers a mix of science, optical illusion and natural phenomena. Both the Appalachian Heritage Museum and Native American Artifacts Museum are also on-site, so you can have fun while learning about the rich history of the area.
A long-lived family tradition in Blowing Rock, Tweetsie Railroad, is also nearby and offers old-fashioned amusements and a nostalgic atmosphere. Take a ride on the three-mile steam-powered train through the mountains, and enjoy live entertainment, amusement rides and a petting zoo.
Last, but definitely not least, a day spent in Blowing Rock cannot go without one major activity—shopping. Downtown’s unique shops and the adjacent Tanger Outlets make Blowing Rock one of the best shopping areas in the High Country. Find everything from gourmet treats to designer threads. Be sure to check out the home furnishings stores—the handmade furniture and unique High Country style is worth a long look.
Blowing Rock Listings
| Canyons of the Blue Ridge Highway 321 Blowing Rock, NC 828-295-7661 www.canyonsbr.com 
The Gamekeeper |
Rustic The Village Inns of Blowing Rock |
