Searching for mountain views, cool breezes, and charming village vibes? Head to Blowing Rock, North Carolina! Perched on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock offers breathtaking scenery, cozy shops, and outdoor adventures year-round. It’s an ideal escape for hiking, shopping, and relaxing in a storybook setting.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Blowing Rock is in spring through fall (April–October). Summer offers cool mountain air and festivals, while autumn is famous for colorful foliage. Winter is quiet and great for snow sports at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain.
How to Get There
- By Car: Blowing Rock is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and US-321, about 2 hours from Charlotte and Asheville.
- By Air: Fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) or Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), then drive to the mountains.
- By Bus: Limited public transportation is available; a car is recommended for exploring the area.
Where to Stay
- Meadowbrook Inn – Elegant inn just a block from downtown with an indoor pool and spacious rooms.
- Green Park Inn – Historic hotel with mountain charm, fine dining, and a rich past dating back to 1891.
- Cabins & Vacation Rentals – Cozy cottages and cabins with fireplaces and scenic views are perfect for romantic getaways or family retreats.
Top Attractions
⮕ Ride a Historic Train and Meet Wild West Characters at Tweetsie Railroad
© 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
⮕ Stroll Carriage Trails and Meadows at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Feel the Wind and Take in the View at The Blowing Rock
© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Picnic, Paddle, or Hike Through Julian Price Memorial Park
© digidreamgrafix/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Step Into Gilded Age Elegance at Flat Top Manor
© digidreamgrafix/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Ski, Snowboard, or Learn to Glide at Appalachian Ski Mountain
© 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
⮕ Savor Local Brews and Elevated Pub Fare at Blowing Rock Brewery
© 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
⮕ Explore Regional Art and Stories at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
© 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
⮕ If You’re Looking for a Peaceful Forest Trek, Hike the Green Knob Trail
© Shiv Mer/stock.adobe.com
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
Where to Eat
- Bistro Roca – Local favorite with wood-fired dishes and a cozy tavern vibe just above downtown.
- The Speckled Trout – Appalachian-inspired cuisine featuring trout, craft beer, and seasonal produce.
- Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub – Casual spot with creative comfort food, hearty sandwiches, and local brews.
Local Events
- Blowing Rock WinterFest (January) – Celebrate the season with ice carving, chili cook-offs, and a polar plunge.
- Art in the Park (May–October) – Monthly outdoor art shows showcasing regional artists and craftspeople.
- Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show (Summer) – Long-running equestrian event featuring hunter-jumper competitions and scenic views.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Blowing Rock, North Carolina
- Boone, NC (15–20 min) – Explore a vibrant college town with craft breweries, galleries, and Appalachian State University events.
- Grandfather Mountain (Swinging Bridge Entrance) (25–30 min) – Walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge, see wildlife habitats, and hike rugged alpine trails.
- Price Lake Loop Trail (10–15 min) – Enjoy a peaceful 2.3-mile loop with lake views, shaded forest paths, and picnic spots.
- Greenway Trail (Boone) (20–25 min) – Walk or bike along a scenic riverside trail perfect for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
- Appalachian Ski Mountain (10–15 min) – Ski, snowboard, or ice skate in winter—or enjoy panoramic views and hikes in the off-season.
FAQ
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Where is Blowing Rock located?
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Blowing Rock is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the majestic beauty of mother nature meets the adventurous spirit of loving communities.
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What is the history of Blowing Rock?
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Born from the hard work of entrepreneurs and the generosity of philanthropists, Blowing Rock has stories to tell and treasures to find.
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What kind of attractions does Blowing Rock offer?
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Family-friendly destinations and sophisticated locations offer visitors the best of both worlds.
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How far is Blowing Rock from Charlotte?
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