Galleries Galore

      The lovely backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains inspires artists of all kinds here in Blowing Rock. Galleries overflowing with unique creations can be found sprinkled throughout downtown. Blowing Rock's Gallery Stroll takes advantage of some of the best in town. Participating galleries stay open after hours on select nights throughout the summer, with guest artists often stopping by to meet with visitors.

Summer Outdoor Activities

     Location is everything when it comes to the variety of outdoor adventure Blowing Rock offers. The summer season brings athletes of all kinds to our spot in the Blue Ridge. Hiking comes to mind, of course, but it really is in our backyard. Glen Burney Trail is a stone's throw from Main Street, descending 800 feet into John's River Gorge, following the course of New Year's Creek and three substantial waterfalls. And one can't forget the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering scenic parks, more beautiful trails and amazing views. The Parkway is also a favorite route for road bikers. Rock climbing and caving expeditions can be arranged with one of the many area adventure guide companies. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are available, too, on the Watauga River, Nolichucky River, and Wilson's Creek. If rafting isn't your thing, try tubing, a favorite on some of the gentler sections of the Watauga River. The fishing is great, too! Not an athlete? Try sitting in one of our many park benches downtown, enjoying the shade and the summer breeze.

Art in the Park

    A series of art and fine handcraft shows featuring juried artisans. Now in its 45th year, Art in the Park features 130 exhibitors in each of six shows May through October. Work includes: painting (oil, watercolor and acrylic), etching, stained and blown glass, basketry, wood carving and turning, clay, photography, fiber, jewelry and more. One of the biggest events of the year, the shows are anticipated by locals and visitors alike. It takes lots of planning, too, and it would be worth taking a look behind the scenes.

Winterfest

     Complete with a Chili Cook-off and the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake, Blowing Rock's Winterfest is one of the largest winter events in the High Country. Hot chocolate tastes better at the end of a fun, activity filled winter day!

Area Skiing

     Plenty of slopes can be found here, offering skiing and snowboarding, as well as lessons for both. Appalachian Ski Mountain is less than 5 miles from Blowing Rock, with Sugar Mountain, Hawks Nest, and Beech Mountain nearby.

Tweetsie Railroad

    Tweetsie is North Carolina's first theme park, and is celebrating its 50th season this year. Offering rides, shows, and fun, the park is home to engine number 12, a locomotive that used to run the narrow-gauge rail lines from Johnson City, TN, to Cranberry, NC. No. 190 is the park's second antique steam engine, from Alaska. The park also operates its own Steam Locomotive Shop, which maintains and restores other vintage engines from around the country, as well as the two found in the park.

At Home in Mitford

    Jan Karon once called Blowing Rock home, at the time she began writing the "Mitford" series of best-selling books. There are many landmarks and places within the village of Blowing Rock that personify descriptions in Karon's stories. This leads many to believe that Blowing Rock is Mitford. Mitford Days is a brand new festival that celebrates this conviction. Jan Karon will make several appearances, and visitors will be able to tour the town in a search for Mitford locations, which will be noted for them, of course. This festival has evoked a huge response from Karon's fans, and we look forward to celebrating in September.

Resorts and Spas

     Blowing Rock is home to several world-class resorts and getaways. Try Yonahlossee, Crestwood, or Chetola Resort for enchanting locations, accomodations, and spa amenities.  Or maybe Westglow Resort & Spa, rated among the top 10 destination spas in the world by Travel & Leisure.

Dining

     Blowing Rock is home to many unique restaurants, offering everything from noisy, fun barbeque havens to amazing 5-star dining. Area chefs have been noted countless times for their cuisine. Awards like Best Dish in NC 2006 are testament to the skill and creativity of our culinary experts (and we have another finalist for Best Dish this year--Storie Street).