1. Ride a Historic Train and Meet Wild West Characters at Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West theme park where guests catch a ride on a train being pulled by an old-fashioned steam locomotive. This 3-mile scenic mountain adventure in North Carolina has excitement the whole family will enjoy. Tweetsie Railroad is a great family destination with 14 carnival-style rides and a variety of live entertainment. Musicals and magic shows delight audiences of all ages. Can-can dancers take the stage with old westerns playing on the screen between performances and the Country Clogging Jamboree mixes it up with high-energy Appalachian dancing. The final stop while visiting Tweetsie Railroad is Deer Park Zoo with yellow-bellied turtles, emus, and micro-mini donkeys to name a few.
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 800-526-5740
2. Stroll Carriage Trails and Meadows at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park was the country home of prosperous entrepreneur Moses Cone. This 3500 acreage offers 25-miles of picturesque trails winding through lush white pine forest and open fields. The highlight of this massive property is the 13,000 square foot, 20-room mansion, Flat Top Manor where guests can take in the lavish and luxury of the Gilded Age. Painted a brilliant white, this architectural work of art stands bold against the rich green pine forest backdrop. Popular activities at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park include hiking, horseback riding and fishing the stocked lakes for bass and trout.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-295-3782
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Feel the Wind and Take in the View at The Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock of the Blue Ridge Mountains was created under crushing pressure over 250 million years ago when the mountain range formed. Years of erosion exposed the now visible formation known as The Blowing Rock. The stripping feature of Blowing Rock occurred when the rock minerals aligned during the heat and pressure all those millions of years ago. The legendary love story of a Chickasaw maiden and a Cherokee brave tells the tale of how the Blowing Rock got its name. The heart-stopping views along the 1200 foot-long path overlooking the valley below will leave visitors speechless.
432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28645, Phone: 828-295-7111
4. Picnic, Paddle, or Hike Through Julian Price Memorial Park
Julian Price Memorial Park is 4200 acres of rolling landscape at the base of Grandfather Mountain. When combined with the neighboring Moses H. Cone Memorial Park these two parks are the largest area on Blue Ridge Parkway to be developed for public recreation. Activities at Julian Price Memorial Park range from family picnics along the Parkway to catching fish while boating on Price Lake. Hikers and mountain bike riders can enjoy a 13.5-mile trail that travels along the Parkway from Price Lake to Beacon Heights. Camping under the stars gives nature lovers the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-963-5911
5. Step Into Gilded Age Elegance at Flat Top Manor
Flat Top Manor was constructed by Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha beginning in 1899 and was completed in 1901. The lavish home was inspired by the Biltmore Estate of George Vanderbilt in nearby Asheville, North Carolina. Moses’ love of nature and passion for farming moved him to plant a forest of white pines, hemlock hedges, orchards, gardens, and raise livestock. Flat Top Manor is free to the public with guided tours of the second floor provided by the park rangers. On the first floor, visitors will find the Craft Center managed by the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, the National Park Service Information Station, and a bookstore.
6570 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
6. Ski, Snowboard, or Learn to Glide at Appalachian Ski Mountain
Appalachian Ski Mountain was originally established in the winter of 1962 as Blowing Rock Ski Lodge. In 1968, it was bought by a group of investors and became Appalachian Ski Mountain. Over the years it has grown and expanded to the 12 ski slopes with two terrain parks and a 46,000 square-foot lodge at the mountain’s base. Amenities at the smoke-free Bavarian-style lodge include tv and game rooms to entertain the kids, a 200’ observation deck for spectacular views of the slopes, and a spacious restaurant for fine dining. The Alpine Ski Shop and The Appalachian Gift Shop carry high-quality ski equipment, accessories, souvenirs, and gifts.
940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-295-7828
Attractions for Couples
7. Savor Local Brews and Elevated Pub Fare at Blowing Rock Brewery
Blowing Rock Brewery opened its doors in 2013 after five long years of research and development to create the finest mountain craft-beer in the area. An explosion of support from locals assured Jeff Walker and Todd Rice their hard work had paid off. Along with the brewery, Jeff and Todd opened Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn that provides guests lodging, fine dining, and a micro-brewery packed into one experience. Guest rooms offer unique charm with elegant furnishings, spa-like private baths, and dazzling hardwood floors. The restaurant serves a menu of mountain-inspired artisan dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Appetizers like Crispy Duck Legs and entrees of Carolina Bison Burger are sure to tantalize the most curious palate.
152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-414-9254 or 828-414-9600
8. Explore Regional Art and Stories at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is more than just a gallery full of paintings or a museum stuffed with artifacts. The BRAHM provides the community of Blowing Rock a hands-on cultural experience of learning with classes for adults and families. Guest speakers give informative lectures about both the visual and performing arts of the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Workshops are offered where participants actively engage in painting while sipping wine and socializing. Kids can get in on the action with creative art projects and crafts every Tuesday and Thursday. Blowing Rock Art and Museum also hosts a concert series during the summer featuring a range of talented musicians in a variety of styles.
159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-295-9099
9. If You’re Looking for a Peaceful Forest Trek, Hike the Green Knob Trail
Green Knob Trail is a short hiking trail packed with big adventures for nature enthusiasts. At just over two-miles long the various terrain includes flowering tunnels of clustered rhododendron trees, vast pasture lands, trickling creeks, and sparkling diminutive waterfalls. Green Knob Trail’s best starting point begins at Sim’s Pond overlook and takes hikers on a counter-clockwise jaunt around and through scenic mountain landscape with spellbinding views of nearby Grandfather Mountain. This trail is one of the shortest in the area but requires caution and preparedness for wet and rugged conditions, particularly at creek crossings and steep inclines. Visitors must also be aware and alert for bulls that may be grazing in the pastures.
Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
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