BLOWING ROCK, NORTH CAROLINA
Fall leaves, of course, but this town is a
destination for all seasons.
destination for all seasons.
Though Blowing Rock is particularly popular in the fall, it’s also a year-round destination.
At 4,000 feet in North Carolina’s “High Country,” it sits astride the Eastern Continental Divide, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and from the top of Blowing Rock (yes, there really is one), you’ll view gorgeous scenery.
Originally published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blowing Rock is a festival of wild blooms in the spring, cool in the summer, dazzling with color in the fall and a Currier and Ives portrait in the winter. Activities seem as endless as the view —- hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, mountain and road cycling, rock climbing, fishing and hunting are close at hand, along with skiing in the winter.
A short history
Blowing Rock has welcomed visitors since the 1880s. Reminiscent of a small New England village, it has a population of about 1,500 that grows to nearly 8,000 during summer and fall.
Visitors will find high-end retail shops, unique restaurants, upscale retreats and charming inns, renowned artists and cultural events, cottage gardens and trails.
The town has virtually no chain hotels, fast-food restaurants or strip malls. Almost all lodging and dining venues are locally owned and operated, with many in historic buildings constructed with local natural materials.
Blowing Rock’s savvy, small-town atmosphere inspired best-selling author and former resident Jan Karon to pen her “Mitford” series and prompted thousands to head for the mountains. She started the series in 1994 and has written nine “Mitford” books.
Many people think Blowing Rock is Mitford because Karon lived here when she was inspired to write “At Home in Mitford” and other books in the series. Those who love Karon’s books flocked to “Mitford Days,” held in Blowing Rock last fall, which included the world premiere of Karon’s play, “Journey to Mitford,” at the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center.
Karon attended the premiere, and although there are no plans for another Mitford Days, other special events pack the town’s calendar (including “Linda Lavin’s Songs & Confessions of a One-Time Waitress” at the Hayes Performing Arts Center on Sept. 21).
Getting artsy
The Hayes Performing Arts Center, a 26,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, stands on a mountain overlooking the town. It is home to the Blowing Rock Stage Company, which has produced traditional and original theatrical presentations for more than 22 years, as well as a variety of tour-ing performances and a classic film series. It’s a facility more typically found in America’s larger cities.
More evidence of appreciation of the arts: The “Art in the Park” series, now in its 46th year, features the works of 100 juried artisans in watercolor, oil painting, fiber, metal, wood, basketry, glass, clay, jewelry and photography. The last event this year will be Oct. 4. Gallery strolls are an important part of an “Art in the Park” weekend, but shopping for art can be a year-round activity.
Farther afield
Within easy driving distance is Grandfather Mountain, a spectacular, privately owned biosphere reserve with a mile-high swinging bridge, wildlife habitats and incredible views. Also nearby are attractions like Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Caverns, Mystery Hill and the city of Boone.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2010, the Blue Ridge Parkway passes just outside town. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Go Blue Ridge Card is a multi-attraction pass that provides discounts and offers throughout the 25-county region.
The card is available online, at www.goblueridgecard.com, and travelers can use it at more than 35 attractions, restaurants and merchants. The accompanying pocket-sized, full-color guidebook is filled with attraction locations, hours, descriptions, directions, maps and points of interest near Blowing Rock and beyond.
IF YOU GO
Accommodations and restaurant reservations in Blowing Rock often fill up well in advance during the fall —- especially on weekends and for special events —- so visitors planning to stay should book early.
Getting there
Driving: Blowing Rock is about 300 miles from the Atlanta area, about a five-hour drive.
Flying: Charlotte International is about two hours from Blowing Rock. Delta Air Lines, USAirways, AirTran Airways and United Airlines all offer direct flights; expect to pay about $190 round-trip. Asheville is about 2 1/2 hours from Blowing Rock and Delta offers direct service, but expect to pay about $450 round-trip going through Asheville.
Information
For general Blowing Rock travel information: www.blowingrock.com or 877-750-4636 or 828-295-4636.
Where to stay
Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Drive. The Chetola is an 87-acre private resort surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Manor House Restaurant and Headwaters Pub are both local gathering spots. The property is also home to the Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort, a charming bed & breakfast. Doubles from $185. 800-243-8652 or 828-295-5500, www.chetola.com
Westglow Resort & Spa, 224 Westglow Circle. In a restored Greek Revival mansion, Westglow is the place to go for a European-style resort and spa experience. Doubles from $425. 800-562-0807 or 828-295-4463, www.westglow.com
Meadowbrook Inn, 711 Main St. This popular inn has 63 well-appointed rooms and suites and is just steps from downtown shopping and events. Unique to this inn are Pool Suites, which offer a master bedroom, living room, fireplace, whirlpool tub, and a 16-foot-long private pool accessed by a spiral staircase. Doubles from $129. 800-467-6626 or 828-295-4300, www.meadowbrook-inn.com.
Hemlock Inn, 134 Morris St. Centrally located in the Village. Kings with featherbed, queens and doubles, and two-room suites are available. Doubles from $99. 828-295-7987, www.hemlockinn.net.
Jenkins Rentals, 452 Sunset Drive, has the largest inventory of vacation rentals in the area. Chalets, log cabins, condos and mountain homes are available daily, weekly or monthly. One-bedroom units from $150. 1-800-438-7803 or 828-295-9886, www.jenkinsrentals.com.
Mountain View Realty, 960 Main St. Offering daily, weekly and monthly rentals in the varied neighborhoods in and around Blowing Rock. Two-bedrooms starting at $295 for two nights. 828-295-3554, www.mountain-view-realty.com.
Where to Eat
Crippen’s, 239 Sunset Drive. Menu changes daily with creative appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh meats, game and seafood. All desserts made on premises. Entrees from $25-$42. 1-877-295-3487 or 828-295-3487, www.crippens.com.
The Best Cellar, 203 Sunset Drive. Located inside the historic Inn at Ragged Gardens (another good accommodations option), this restaurant has fine food, wine and service. Tables in the wine cellar are available by reservation. Entrees from $21-$40. 828-295-3466, www.ragged-gardens.com.
Storie Street Grille, 1167 Main St. For lunch, try a signature salad, gourmet sandwich or “comfortable” plate of meat and vegetables. At dinner, choose from a Mediterranean-inspired selection of fresh fish and seafood, aged premium beef, duck, pork and pasta. Entrees from $13-$30. 828-295-7075, www.storiestreetgrille.com.
Knight’s on Main, 870 Main St. This is a family restaurant serving down-home local favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner; try the meatloaf or ribs. Dinner entrees from $7-$17. 828-295-3869, www.knightsonmainrestaurant.com.
Canyons, 8960 Valley Blvd. Enjoy a burger or Southwestern fare from the deck overlooking the John’s River Gorge. Live music Friday and Saturday nights, with jazz performances during Sunday brunch. Entrees from $7- $17.50. 828-295-7661, www.canyonsbr.com.