Click here to read more about where to view the fall colors in Blowing Rock. Read More About Our Journey! Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock Blowing Rock is home to several waterfalls, and there are even more to be found in the nearby region. Blowing Rock Inn, Upscale Rustic Duplex on Stream, Near Blowing Rock, and Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort are some of our most popular places to stay in Blowing Rock. I have to admit that the child inside me came out while riding on the train. The only downside that… [read more] The town gets busy when the weather warms up, as it’s a little bit cooler than North Carolina’s Piedmont and Coast. Great article that is helping us plan things out. Downtown Blowing Rock is filled with shops catering to just about every taste. The Blowing Rock tops many people’s list of things to do in Blowing Rock and for good reason. La Quinta by Wyndham Boone (from USD 89). You can find antiques, outdoor gear, home furnishings, and kids’ toys. And like many places in North Carolina, it’s a part of two counties—Watauga and Caldwell. I know I'm writing a lot about food and drinks, but my absolute favorite place to eat in Blowing Rock is Bistro Roca. Their menu and wine selection tell me that they want to push the envelope for visitors and residents alike. Its Profile Trail is among the most popular in all of North Carolina. You’ll never tire from all the things to do in Blowing Rock. Once you enter, you’ll feel like you’re far away from everything. There is so much to do that you never have to be bored. 29. Main Street is lined with shops and SouthMarke Shopping Mall is a nice little nook packed with fun stores. The Natural Pool in Aruba is something hard to imagine, but it’s incredible. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The Gorge include Linville Falls, which is easily one of our favorite hikes in North Carolina. Walk around King, Howard, and Depot Streets and shop for some App State gear, antiques, and souvenirs. Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. I love living in Boone. Boat Tours in Blowing Rock; Walking Tours in Blowing Rock; Kayaking & Canoeing in Blowing Rock; River Rafting & Tubing in Blowing Rock; Beer Tastings & Tours in Blowing Rock; Food Tours in Blowing Rock; Eco Tours in Blowing Rock We also like some craft beer and always enjoy a stop at Blowing Rock Alehouse Restaurant. Best Tourist Attractions in Blowing Rock, North Carolina - YouTube. Thanks! This post is part of our series on awesome places to visit in Western North Carolina. Our favorite downtown restaurants start with The Speckled Trout. Top Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina: See Tripadvisor's 38,258 traveller reviews and photos of Blowing Rock tourist attractions. We included both Glen Burney and Moses H. Cone in our guide to hiking in North Carolina! For a look at North Carolina’s first historic rural town, visit Valle Crucis and the Original Mast General Store. Keep in mind that this part of Grandfather is privately run and admission fees are required, though there are season passes available if you’re a frequent visitor. Some sections do close during the colder months, so please keep that in mind when you decide to visit. I hope you enjoy your time in BR during an amazing part of the year. Aruba’s Natural pool. Or you can descend down via the 1.4-mile Plunge Basin Trail. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. It’s got something for all of our inner travelers, from the beautiful scenery that surrounds it to the quiet and cozy downtown that’s filled with fun shops and great eats. Camp Coffee is a cool mix of really good caffeinated stuff and outdoor store. The top attractions to visit in Blowing Rock are: Tweetsie Railroad; Moses H. Cone Memorial Park; Doc's Rocks Gem Mine; The Blowing Rock; Mystery Hill; See all attractions in Blowing Rock on Tripadvisor Fingers crossed for colorful leaves and great weather! Trip Planner Nearby Banner Elk is just down the mountain and a nice town for hanging out, grabbing … How much would a place to stay in Blowing Rock cost tonight? We visited The Blowing Rock Music Festival and highly recommend it if you’re visiting in September! NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Thanks to that thriving college, there are a lot of things to do, both inside and outside. Note: I’ve made it up and down this road multiple times in a Toyota Camry, though I think an SUV would make things easier. Plus, the evening promises a visit with Santa in his very own gingerbread house, giant snow globes you can go inside and play in, and even a Christmas show. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. All three are among our favorite waterfalls in the Blowing Rock area. And for the biggest name in town, stop by Appalachian Mountain Brewing (163 Boone Creek Dr). Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s Green Park Inn was awarded the Best Small Hotel for 2015 by the Historic Hotels of America Organization at their Annual Meeting held in October held in French Lick, Indiana. I am proud, privileged and honored to call Blowing Rock home (I have lived here for over 35 years in the home that was my late husband’s family’s summer home – purchased in 1950). It’s also one of North Carolina’s best wineries and vineyards, in case you need a nudge to visit. Many people from North Carolina’s cities and beyond come here to check out one of the state’s best small towns. It’s right next to the downtown and begins in Annie Cannon Gardens. Please visit our Disclosure page for more explanation of affiliates and sponsorships. Before and after you get out there, though, we think you should explore the amazing restaurants in Boone. If so, we’d love to know your favorite things to do in Blowing Rock? The immense Flat Top Manor overlooks it all and seems huge even from below. Guided Waterfall Hike with Expert Naturalist, FREE for kids and Covid-safe! And finally, don’t forget about all the amazing mountain rentals near Blowing Rock that you can find via Vrbo, too! Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour with Transportation from Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway & Waterfall Hike - Private Tour From Asheville, Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest. However, the short walk after parking and the view are certainly worth it. Visit the observation deck at The Blowing Rock for scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and verdant landscape. Organization Note: If you’re looking for something specific in this post, here’s how we’ve organized it. If you’ve ever been through the area, got any favorites to share near Blowing Rock? Which places to stay in Blowing Rock are good for families? We’d probably start with Grandfather Mountain‘s gorgeous hikes, that breathtaking mile-high bridge, and wildlife exhibits inside. Nearby Banner Elk is just down the mountain and a nice town for hanging out, grabbing some food, and relaxing in North Carolina’s High Country. We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below! Spend some time chilling by the water and drink some of their delicious offerings and you’ll see why they’re so popular. For a Blowing Rock-themed literary escape, Jan Karon spent time in the town and based her Mitford series on it. Downtown Blowing Rock NC is a foodie hot spot with 20% of North Carolina’s certified chefs cooking things up in the High Country. Lost Province (130 N Depot St) brings wood-fired pizzas to the table with their amazing beers up the hill off King. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. It was tons of fun watching the cowboys and train robbers duke it out. Blowing Rock Weather in January : While the temperatures range from 19℉ to 66℉ , … Beyond Mystery Hill, there’s also Tomahawk Hill (axe throwing! The trail will lead you down to Glen Burney Falls, Cascades, and Glen Marie Falls. Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina Mountains: See Tripadvisor's 37 685 traveller reviews and photos of 46 Blowing Rock attractions. Best Tourist Attractions in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The trailheads for Hawksbill and Tablerock mountains both sit on State Rd 1265, or Tablerock Rd. A visit to Blowing Rock during the holidays just wouldn't be complete without a ride on the Tweetsie Railroad's Christmas train all decked out in twinkling lights. Cliff Dwellers Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites Boone, and Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock are some of the most popular hotels for travellers looking to stay near The Blowing Rock. If you buy something from an NC Tripping link, Travel Through Life LLC may earn a commission. The town is known as “Crown of the Blue Ridge” and home to just over 1,000 residents. Holiday Inn Express Blowing Rock South (from USD 79). There are parts of Grandfather Mountain that you can access for free, including the State Park. Blue Ridge Mountains Guided Hiking Tour with Local Guide - small groups!! Looking for some cold-weather and kid-friendly fun in Blowing Rock? You can keep driving for about four miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway and spend time at Julian Price Memorial Park and even stay overnight at the Julian Price Campground. ~~Carolyn Marley. Where To Stay In Blowing Rock, North Carolina - Updated 2021 1. We suggest booking in advance.Select from 2 top choices. I still have their Cabernet Sauvignon on my mind when comparing to new wines that we explore. Travel guide resource for your visit to Blowing Rock. We’ll get to the shopping shortly. (20 or 25 minutes from Blowing Rock). We just want you to know that you’ll love exploring its High Country surroundings, too. The 1.5-mile loop will be interrupted with wonderful views of the Linville Gorge. Hawsbill is the first one you’ll meet after 3.5 miles driving. Summer is also cooler than in many places throughout North Carolina. Blowing Rock is close to more of North Carolina’s most beautiful outdoor places. Chimney Rock Park offers the best of the mountains in one place-spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall and more! It’s a place where you’ll trick your sense of gravity. It’s a steep 2.2 miles round trip, with additional gorgeous looks at the Gorge. Let me tell you that this is the ultimate place to stay in Blowing Rock. Combo and separate tickets are available, starting at $18.95. Blowing Rock is close to more of North Carolina’s most beautiful outdoor places. We had long heard about Chetola Resort and were eventually lucky enough to spend a few days here. Blowing Rock is literally attached at its hip but you know it features in our guide covering day trips from Boone, right? He’s a town icon and remains here in spirit. With great restaurants and … As you can see, there are quite a few things to do in these small towns. While you're in the Blue Ridge Parkway area, you might want … Blowing Rock is a town in Watauga and Caldwell counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Famous Louise’s in the town of Linville Falls is a great spot for breakfast, with generous portions and reasonable prices. Just keep that in mind when looking for Blowing Rock hotels or cabin rentals. You’ll notice a lot of younger people working there, and they likely live in Boone and attend Appalachian State University (App). Located high on the top of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains near … Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (Lodge), Meadowbrook Inn and Blowing Rock Inn have received great reviews from guests in Blowing Rock regarding the views from these places to stay. Blowing Rock tourism guide - Blowing Rock tourism & travel guide with must see places, best hangout places in Blowing Rock North carolina .Blowing Rock tourism guide with hotels, reviews, maps, budget & … Our first experience in this small mountain town happened during a day trip from Asheville. Chetola means “haven of rest” in Cherokee and it absolutely lives up to that meaning. Drive another 5 miles from the Hawksbill trailhead and the hike to Tablerock awaits. With Fall brings the best views, but it will also bring more visitors. Tweetsie Christmas was included among these other awesome Winter Things to Do in North Carolina! The craggy outcropping known as the Blowing Rock balances 3,000 feet above the floor of the Johns River Gorge. From fun hiking trails to the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, we never have a shortage of things to do. An Annual Pass to Mystery Hill is only $59 if you’re like us and love returning to Blowing Rock multiple times throughout the year. It’s a part of the 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail that includes one we already mentioned (Boone Fork) and also, Beacon Heights, which is a short half-mile hike to beautiful views of Grandfather Mountain and more mountains in the distance. Visit the Rock. But I was very happy with the coffee in town. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Before investigating all the things to do in Blowing Rock, we think you should learn more about it. Blowing Rock is a town in Watauga and Caldwell counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. We’ve also stayed at the historic Green Park Inn and rank it among our favorite hotels in North Carolina! See below for directions to more than a dozen waterfall viewing sites. We interviewed owner Lee Rankin for more about this wonderful place. Head to Booneshine (465 Industrial Park Dr) for beer and food with an awesome view, but don’t sleep on their beautiful interior, either. Legend has it that an Indian brave leaped off the rock … Also, things do cool down in the winter, but if you’re seeking quiet and solitude during those months, Blowing Rock is your getaway. Private Peak-to-Peak Mountain Top Guided Hiking Tour, Mountain Top Tour at Sunrise with Fresh Brewed Coffee, Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor, Live like a local, find unique places to stay, 7 days in Blowing Rock, Asheville & Gatlinburg, 15 days in North Carolina Mountains, Louisville & Winfield, The Best Outdoor Activities in Blowing Rock. I know Covid has affected everything this year and I am glad many of the businesses in Blowing Rock are open. If you are thinking about when to go to Blowing Rock then, come visit Blowing Rock at it's best time where you can make a memorable experience without having to worry about small issues. Day Trips from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, hiking trails near Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, 29 Great Things to Do in Boone: Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town, 113 Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock: A Beautiful 3-Waterfall Hike in the High Country, 302 of the Best Things to Do In North Carolina (The Complete NC Bucket List), Beacon Heights Overlook Trail: A Quick, Steep Hike Off the Blue Ridge Parkway. To reach many of these hikes and outdoor spots near Blowing Rock, you’ll need to spend time driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are some great places to eat in Blowing Rock during your weekend. If it’s an adventure you’re after, get your … This awesome town and its surroundings would earn such a warm spot in our hearts. As we mentioned, Blowing Rock isn’t too far from the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. And if you haven’t been yet, their Facebook page‘s constant updates will convince you to visit. We’ve been visiting Blowing Rock for years, so we think our favorite things to do in Blowing Rock and beyond in the High Country measure up against anyone else’s. It sits between Linville Falls Welcome Center and the road that leads to Wiseman’s View. It’s a nice yet strenuous walk in the woods, along streams, pastures, and rhododendron-lined paths. BLOWING ROCK: The Norman Rockwell-style mountain town has been on the list of the prettiest small towns in America numerous times. However, spring and fall are the best times to hang out here. 55 Miles from Blowing Rock The Lazy 5 Ranch Best Places to Live in Blowing Rock (zip 28605), North Carolina June, September and August are the most pleasant months in the 28605 zip code, while January … We’re big fans of Foggy Rock next door, too, Bistro Roca, and more places included in our guide to must-eat restaurants in Blowing Rock. In total, it’s a 2.7-mile up and back hike and a great way to start any morning in Blowing Rock. It gets tricky and non-passable when the water is too high, so it’s best to ask around before heading down. Get adventourous by going on a white water rafting trip. Before heading into Boone’s epic Mast General Store, don’t forget to stop and pay your respects to the Doc Watson statue at the corner of King and Depot. THE BLOWING ROCK. Testing my favorite beers at the source while also enjoying food is a big plus! A visit to Mystery Hill is one of the quirkiest things to do in Blowing Rock. And if you don’t know who he is, read up on our interview with B Townes about Merlefest, the awesome festival in Wilkesboro that serves as an ongoing tribute to Doc’s son. Visiting The Blowing Rock. We’ve also created this map to help you get around the area. The Blowing Rock’s observation deck is also a great place to take in the changing fall scenery. Top 15. Explore these best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in Blowing Rock on this weekend. Their iconic beers (Long Leaf IPA for starters) join forces with a food truck du jour to make a fun day of hops. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. We included all this Linville Gorge fun in our guide covering a weekend in Morganton and Burke County. A splendid hotel surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the... 2. The guided tour is educational and most fun at the end, as you try to balance yourself and walk just a few feet through the only naturally occurring gravitational anomaly in North Carolina.