The oldest travel attraction in North Carolina is a testament to the power of embracing both the past and the future.
By Emily Mook
The oldest travel attraction in North Carolina is a testament to the power of embracing both the past and the future.
The Blowing Rock attraction, which was established by Grover Robbins, Sr. in 1933, continues to thrive under the proprietorship of Robbins’ grandson and mayor of Blowing Rock, Charlie Sellers. Sellers’ mother, Peggy Robbins Sellers, was the previous proprietor for 37 years.
“It’s very rewarding to build on what my grandfather and my mother did and take it to the next level,” Sellers says.
Named for the strong winds that blow from the valleys up over the cliff, Blowing Rock garners a great deal of attention from locals, tourists, and even Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, which named the attraction “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.”
Since taking the helm in 2014, Sellers has added a museum and more walking trails, increased ADA accessibility, and restored the attraction’s two gift shops to their original 1950s appearances.
The addition of one particular trail struck a personal chord for Sellers.
“Before he passed away, my oldest uncle mentioned a trail that he and his brothers took to pick up trash thrown by visitors,” he recalls. “Since hearing that last year, we opened the trail and named it Robbins Ridge.”
About a quarter of a mile of the facility is now accessible by wheelchair, and pets are welcome as long as they are leashed.
The Blowing Rock attraction is also a sought-after destination for small weddings and other events.
No matter what brings you to Blowing Rock, you will undoubtedly be impressed by its timeless facilities and transported by its beautiful views.
“The views to the west of Grandfather Mountain and the valley below are beautiful,” says Sellers. “It’s absolutely picturesque.”
Wanna Go?
TheBlowingRock.com
432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28645
