Vibrant Downtown & Beautiful Views
Images by Todd Bush Photography and Amanda Lugenbell. Editorial supplied by Blowing Rock TDA
The streets of Blowing Rock are vibrant with boutiques, independent restaurants, parks & gardens, art galleries and attractions all tucked into a small mountain town. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and against the Pisgah National Forest, Blowing Rock enjoys a wild back yard, central to outdoor adventures and attractions. Readers of Southern Living Magazine have voted Blowing Rock the Best Small Town in NC—come find out why!
Stroll, Shop, & Dine
Spending time downtown among the shops and eateries is a perfect pastime. Blowing Rock shops are known for their friendly service and special finds. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet several artisans that create work right on Main Street, in studios inside their shops. See the creation process for jewelry, hand-carved candles, rope baskets, and leather works. As you wander between boutiques, get fresh-made croissants, locally roasted coffee, artisan jerky and other delicious snacks from independent shops. When it’s time for a meal, the dining scene is second to none in the High Country! Enjoy a wide variety of delectable options within a small radius: from Thai to Southern cuisine, fine dining to hometown sports bar, innovative microbrews to classic diner plates.
Arts & Culture
The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum features rotating exhibitions that showcase ever-changing art, heritage and themes, and admission is always free. The 1888 Museum and Edgewood Cottage present more intimate exhibits on our local history. Live music can be found often in the summer with several concert series. Arts events abound too, like the highly-acclaimed Blowing Rock Art in the Park, the Artists in Residence series at Edgewood Cottage, and the Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival. Experience the outdoor art trail or the accessible Blowing Rock History Walk any time of year.
Family Attractions
Many attractions are just a stone’s throw from Main Street. North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction and the town’s namesake, The Blowing Rock, is a unique formation with extraordinary views and near-constant winds. Tweetsie Railroad presents old-fashioned amusements and a nostalgic atmosphere with historic, steam-powered locomotives. Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas transform the theme park with holiday magic each year. Experience more family entertainment nearby at Sky Valley Zip Tours, Mystery Hill, Doc’s Rocks, High Gravity Adventures, and more. For winter visits, Appalachian Ski Mountain is a must-do. As the High Country’s first ski area, the resort is a seasoned pro at keeping snow sports enthusiasts happy.
Outdoor Recreation
Did you know that you can walk from Blowing Rock’s Main Street to Blue Ridge Parkway trails? Blowing Rock is home to Moses Cone Memorial Park, comprised of the recently-restored, historic Flat Top Manor and 25 miles of National Park Service carriage trails. The paths wander through forests, along lakes and streams, and up to peaks. They are one of the best ways to enjoy local scenery! The town is an excellent base for exploring nearby wild places like Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Wilson Creek Wilderness Area, too. Not a hiker? Try some canoeing or have a picnic at Julian Price Memorial Park. Book a rafting or fly-fishing excursion with one of several outfitters. Or simply enjoy a drive along the local section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which features some of the most iconic views and scenes to be found on the road’s entire 469-mile length.
Festivals & Events
Visit Blowing Rock any time of year, and you’ll likely find a fun celebration! Downtown holiday festivities include the 4th of July festival, a family Halloween festival, and Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town. The town makes its own holidays too: the town-wide Blowing Rock WinterFest celebrates winter in January each year. Many events go back multiple decades, like Art in the Park and Symphony by the Lake at Chetola. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest show of its kind in the country and is celebrating more than a century of competitions. The show is presented for three weeks each summer.
Stay Your Way
Blowing Rock has been a travel destination for more than 130 years, springing up as a summer resort location. This legacy means plenty of lodging options! Choose from resorts like Chetola Resort & Spa, charming motor inns like Hemlock Inn, or new hotels like The Manor and Embers Hotel. Cottages and vacation rentals are available in and around downtown. The town’s long-standing vacation culture has bred a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere, so even the luxury options never feel stuffy or pretentious. Stay and play in Blowing Rock for your next High Country adventure!
BLOWING ROCK EVENTS NOT TO MISS
Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage
May 24-September 1 (Daily)
Corner of Main and Ginny Stevens Lane
Blowing Rock
828-295-4636
artistsatedgewood.org
Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, 100th Anniversary
June 5-8 and July 22-August 3
Broyhill Equestrian Preserve Blowing Rock
828-295-4700
brchs.org
Blowing Rock Art in the Park
June 14, July 12, August 16, September 6, October 4
Park Avenue in Blowing Rock
828-295-7851
blowingrock.com/artinthepark
Mile of Flowers
June 27
Presented by Blowing Rock Garden Club
828-414-9014
blowingrockgardenclub.com
Heritage Day & Wood Kiln Opening
June 28
Bolick & Traditions Pottery Studio
828-295-6128
bolickandtraditionspottery.com
Blowing Rock 4th of July Festival
July 5
Downtown Blowing Rock
828-295-5222
blowingrock.com/july4th
Symphony by the Lake at Chetola
July 25
Chetola Resort
828-295-7851
symphonybythelake.com
Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival
August 19-23
In and around Blowing Rock
Wet Paint Sale at BRAHM
828-295-9099
blowingrockmuseum.org
Tweetsie Ghost Train
September 19-November 1
(Friday & Saturday nights)
Tweetsie Railroad
1-877-893-3874
tweetsie.com
Blowing Rock Halloween Festival
October 25
Downtown Blowing Rock
828-295-5222
blowingrock.com/halloween
Tweetsie Christmas
Select evenings in Nov. & Dec.
Tweetsie Railroad
1-877-893-3874
tweetsie.com
Blowing Rock Christmas in the Park
Lighting November 28,
Parade November 29
Downtown Blowing Rock
828-295-5222
blowingrock.com/christmas-park
Thanksgiving Wood Kiln Opening
November 29
Bolick & Traditions Pottery Studio
828-295-6128
bolickandtraditionspottery.com
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Torchlight Skiing
December 31
Appalachian Ski Mountain
828-295-7828
appskimtn.com
– 2026 Events –
Blowing Rock WinterFest
January 23-26
Various locations in Blowing Rock
828-295-7851
blowingrockwinterfest.com
Blowing Rock Trout Derby
TBT (2026)
In and around Blowing Rock
828-295-4636
blowingrock.com/troutderby
