15 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock, NC

January 14, 2020 - Updated

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a quaint village located in the Blue Ride Mountains where the majestic beauty of mother nature meets the adventurous spirit of loving communities. Born from the hard work of entrepreneurs and the generosity of philanthropists, Blowing Rock has stories to tell and treasures to find. Family-friendly destinations and sophisticated locations offer visitors the best of both worlds.

1.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 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.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

3.Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine

Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine is a family-owned learning experience where guests can discover the unique geological history of the Appalachian Mountains. The staff pride themselves on providing the best customer service in the field of gemstones offering over 100,000 gems available for purchase at wholesale cost. Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine offers several mining tours during the summer months giving visitors a chance to pan for gold or dig for rubies, sapphires, and any number of gemstones found in the area. Tools needed for digging are not provided. The tours involve hard work and extensive walking along a river so dress and pack accordingly.

111 Mystery Hill Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-264-4499

4.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

5.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

6.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

7.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

8.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

9.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

10.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

11.French-Swiss Ski College

French-Swiss Ski College was created by world-famous ski instructor Jim Cottrell during the winter of 1968 at Appalachian Ski Mountain. It got its name from the popularity of the Swiss methods and French techniques that were prevalent at the time. Taking lessons from professional instructors is the recommended way to learn how to ski or snowboard rather than the old trial and error method some skiers have used. French-Swiss Ski College has programs for beginners of all ages and classes on proper technique for intermediate terrain. Spaces fill up quickly during the peak of the skiing season so reservations are highly recommended.

940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-295-9311

12.Camp Coffee Roasters

Camp Coffee Roasters was born from one man’s desire to create the perfect cup of coffee. Jason “Jay Camp” Campbell spent time in Iraq during his service in the U.S. Army and now, with the help of his marvelous wife Amanda, he is serving up the finest handcrafted cups of joe. Camp means more than just great coffee, their core values of community, adventure, mindfulness, and passion are the essence of happiness and success. Located on Main Street of Blowing Rock and surrounded by the majestic mountains, Camp Coffee Roasters is the place to be for a delicious coffee and delightful conversation.

921 Main Street, Blowing Roc, NC 28605

13.Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub

Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub is a family-owned restaurant and local treasure of the Blowing Rock Community. Master trained Chef Burt Myers serves up southern dish favorites with a dash of his own unparalled style. Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub finds inspiration from all around the globe and believes an eclectic mix creates an unprecedented board of fare. Unique appetizers like the Great Little Smokies and Avacado Egg Rolls will awaken the tastebuds. Classic entrees like Bourbon Porkchop served atop creamy rosemary infused potatoes with asparagus will appease the heartiest appetites. Open for lunch and dinner, Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub’s passion for remarkable meals ensures an unforgetable dining experience.

8180 Valley Blvd., Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605, Phone: 828-295-7262

14.Village Cafe

The Village Cafe was originally built as a workshop for spinning, weaving, basketry, and woodwork. It also served as a market for mountain folk to sell their crafts. Over the years, additions were made including a kitchen and an upstairs bath. After surviving a devastating fire in 1923 the building was rescued by the Blowing Rock Community Club. In 1991, the building was recognized by the Historical Society and now in the care of Annie and Andy Whatley, it stands in triumph as the Village Cafe. Open for breakfast and lunch, Village Cafe serves a menu of fine dining paired with the simple comforts of the mountains.

146 Greenway Ct, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-295-3769

15.Chef & Somm

Chef & Somm combines the skills of talented chefs with the superlative knowledge of certified sommeliers. Chef Sara Hord brings to the table an array of culinary skills she acquired from her days in Chicago, California, and the Southwest. Her passion for farm to table dining comes from her experience running her own farm, Millstone Meadows. Chef & Somm prides itself on being a refined dining experience combined with the naturalness of simple mountain town life. The luxurious decor compliments the fresh and savory dishes created by the staff of Chef & Somm. The intimate atmosphere welcomes guests to appreciate the finer tastes in comfort.

1132 Main St Suite 102 Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Phone: 828-414-9989