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Inside: A peek at visiting Blowing Rock, NC from a local mom, complete with where to eat, where to stay and things to do in Blowing Rock.
Blowing Rock, NC is such a charming town and a lovely place for a weekend or even a day trip. The area has so much to offer, especially this mountain oasis.
The town of Blowing Rock is nearly perfect – adorable Main Street, delicious restaurants, an ice cream shop, art studios, and a gorgeous location sitting 3,600ft in elevation with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains (current estimates for fall peak leaf viewing is the third week of October – Blowing Rock sites just below 4,000 feet). Especially for the outdoor lover, Blowing Rock has a lot to offer.
About Blowing Rock
Established in March 1889, expect to find shops along Main Street that carry goods from local artists, artisan soaps and apparel, and delicious restaurants. Bright flowers line the sidewalk and the temperature is always cooler here than in Greenville, which is a welcome relief during the summer.
If you love the outdoors, Blowing Rock offers not only some great gear shops but it’s close to Grandfather Mountain, Rough Ridge, and tons of waterfalls. You can hit a trail without even leaving downtown Blowing Rock as a waterfall trail begins in the middle of town.
Fun Things to do Near Blowing Rock
Plein Air Festival
Lots of places have art festivals but this one – the Plein Air Festival– is worth the trip. Plein Air just means that the art is done outdoors. The festival is held every August from Tuesday-Saturday and you’ll get to see 100 artists from all over the world painting around Blowing Rock and local trails and mountains and lakes. It is so much fun to get to see these amazing artists at work and view all the beauty there through their eyes. You can view and purchase the artwork on that final Saturday of the festival. The artwork below is by Jennifer Mills, one of the artists.
Go Shopping
The small shops that line Main Street have all kinds of interesting and unique gifts, apparel, decor, and things that you didn’t know you needed. One of my very favorite shops was the bookstore right off Main called FireLight Book & Candle. They have an amazing book selection (think books on recipes from Middle Earth, the latest in Young Adult fiction, and the best in true crime) plus handmade candles and a little book nook for kids that my youngest daughter didn’t want to leave.
Enjoy the Playground
The playground in the middle of town is awesome. It has things for little kids through tweens and adults can hang out at the gazebo while drinking their coffee or eating ice cream and admiring the flowers. My kids love this playground. There’s even a sandy volleyball court and clean bathrooms.
Check out the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
This museum is gorgeous and hosts all the art from the Plein Air Festival. They also have lots of programs for families, including art clubs for kids and teens. Definitely don’t miss this place on your trip and if you love the outdoors, be sure to find Jennifer, the Education Center Director, who will give you recommendations on the best trails to visit!
Valle Crucis
Valley Crucis claims the original Mast General store and it’s super cool, complete with the candy barrels and squeaky floors. There’s a great ice cream place next door as well.
Go Skiing at Appalachian Ski
During wintertime, you can go skiing at Appalachian Ski Mountain nearby. They even have homeschool specials.
Nearby Trails and Waterfalls
Rough Ridge
This is one of my most favorite hikes ever because of the views. You feel like you’re on top of the world. The hike is within the Grandfather Mountain district and you see the park from the trail plus views of Linn Cove Viaduct and the Linville Gorge are stunning. It’s a short hike – under a mile roundtrip – and it’s crucial to stay on the trail as the landscape is exceptionally fragile. Most of the year, but especially during the fall season, the trailhead will be packed so get there early.
Moses Cone Manor
An old summer retreat built by a textile magnet and his wife at the turn of the 20th century, the manor and its 25 miles of hiking and horse trails is now a part of the National Park Service. I love the Flat Top Tower trail, a four-mile round trip hike that winds through forests and meadows up to an old firetower where you get 360-degree views of the mountains.
Linn Cove Viaduct
The Linn Cove Viaduct is an architectural marvel that is so beautiful and a magnet for fall leaf peepers. Be sure to not only take the Rough Ridge trail for an awesome view but head to the visitors center to learn how it was built and take the trail that goes under the bridge.
Bass Lake
The lake sits right under the Moses Cone Manor and is filled with lilypads over the summer. It’s a popular place to have a picnic and take an easy stroll.
Glen Burney Falls
This trail was closed when we went but the trailhead is in the middle of town and takes you to a beautiful waterfall. It’s a moderately difficult trek of over three miles with some areas where kids absolutely need to be watched.
Where to Eat
The Town Tavern
The Town Tavern has typical pub food but they do it well. The Tavern is cozy and the staff are wonderful. We loved the burgers, nachos, and fries.
Mellow Mushroom
The Holy Shitake pizza – oh my gosh. I think I dreamt about it that night after dinner. Their Greek salad and pepperoni pizza are amazing. Don’t miss eating at the Mellow Mushroom.
Camp Coffee Roasters
Camp Coffee Roasters is a super cute coffee shop that has creative concoctions plus lots of adorable things for sale like stuffed animals and beautiful pottery. They also have breakfast sandwiches.
Kilwins
Do yourself a favor and get the Salted Caramel and eat it while sitting outside and people-watching. You will probably need to go here a couple times during your trip because the addicting smell of waffle cones wafts throughout Main Street.
Bald Guy Brewing
A simple but tasty coffee shop on Main Street in Blowing Rock, Bald Guy Brew’s drip coffee is just perfect. They are also on the more affordable end of coffee shops, which is appreciated.
Where to Stay
Every time I’ve visited Blowing Rock for an overnight trip, I have had the opportunity to stay at the Hemlock Inn, one block off Main Street, and minutes from trails and shops.
This 18-room inn is absolutely charming. It is owned by a very kind and sweet couple who will make you feel right at home. The rooms are big and include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Everyone gathers at the gazebo during the evening to rehash their day and meet new people. The decor feels like you’re in the Swiss Alps and is rustic and comfortable. There are flowers everywhere and wooden benches and tables outside your room to relax in.
The location is ideal. I walked to get coffee and dinner every day. The playground is within walking distance as is Bass Lake and all the cute shops on Main Street.
Why I Love Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is under three hours from the Upstate but feels a world away. It’s quaint, charming, and is one of those towns I thought only existed through the imagination of some movie director.
I love the walkability of the town plus it’s within 25 minutes of some of my very favorite hiking trails. The restaurants are delicious, the coffee strong and smooth, and the people are so kind and sweet.
Like most of Western NC, Blowing Rock struggled mightily after Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024. The storm dealt a huge blow to these businesses, taking away their busiest season. This is a wonderful area to take your fall trip to. They will treat you well and you probably won’t want to leave.
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Kristina Hernandez
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