Blowing Rock My Hometown 2026-27

Blowing Rock MY

HOMETOWN

from Mayor Charlie Sellers Welcome

I would like to welcome our visitors and summer residents to our fine town of Blowing Rock. It’s a great place to be in the spring, summer, autumn and winter.

During 2024 and 2025, we have doubled the size of Memorial Park restrooms. We have completed major infrastructure projects replacing water and sewer lines on Main Street with the final phase paving of Main Street during June and July of 2025. Our town employees continue to beautify our town and strive to make Blowing Rock one of the best towns to live in and to visit in the Southeast. Regarding town employees, we have hired a new town manager, Alice Derian. She comes with years of management experience and should be a true asset to our community.

As in years past, we are continuing Art in the Park one Saturday each month through October. The Blowing Rock horse show is scheduled for July and early August, St. Mary’s of the Hills’ Blowing Rock Tour of Homes on July 24 and Symphony on the Mountain at Appalachian Ski Mtn. scheduled for July 17. Our restaurants, unique retail establishments, and lodging are in full swing, ready to serve your needs, including new establishments that have opened in the past six years.

While visiting Blowing Rock, don’t miss our art and cultural area on South Main Street: the Daingerfield fresco in St Mary of the Hills, and the new Ben Long frescoes at Rumple Presbyterian Church, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, and the Edgewood cottage.

In addition, be sure to visit our Blowing Rock history walk on Laurel Lane, and please support our local attractions: the Blowing Rock Attraction, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, and Grandfather Mountain.

For outdoor activities: Blue Ridge Parkway, Moses Cone Park & trails, Broyhill Park, Middle Fork Greenway, Bass Lake and the Robbins pool.

Charlie Sellers Mayor of Blowing Rock

to Blowing Rock Welcome

Where Charm Meets Community

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a season, or exploring a permanent move, Blowing Rock has a way of capturing hearts. From its walkable downtown to scenic trails, boutique shopping, and vibrant arts, it’s no wonder so many come back again and again—some even call it home.

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local businesses and tourism since 1927. We’re proud to partner with the Watauga Democrat on Blowing Rock My Hometown, a guide to everything our community offers—year-round events, dining, shopping, recreation, and the people who make this village so special.

We invite you to experience Chamber-events like Art in the Park, the Symphony and WinterFest. These traditions celebrate what we love most: connection, creativity, and community.

You may want to consider taking a stroll through the History Walk near Mayview Lake, these pillars tell the story of how Blowing Rock became the gem it is today.

Whether you’re here for a day or a lifetime, we invite you to stop by the Information Center at 132 Park Avenue. We’d love to help you explore, plan, and make the most of your time in Blowing Rock. Make sure to also visit LoveBlowingRock. com for updated chamber news.

Blowing Rock

A Place to Call Home, or Second Home

BY LESLIE EASON

Come for the visit — and stay for good. That’s the story we hear over and over in Blowing Rock. The quality of life here is legendary. From award-winning restaurants and year-round events to a bonanza of outdoor activities and an easy, unhurried pace, it’s no mystery why real estate in this beautiful town has captivated buyers from across the Southeast for generations.

driven market. With a median sales price of $850,000 — and 93 of the 241 sales in the past year closing above $1 million — the luxury segment isn’t a niche here; it’s the character of the market. That said, owning a home in Blowing Rock is not limited to the ultra-wealthy. Real estate options range from efficiency condos to spectacular mountain homes with sweeping views well into the seven figures. For buyers who want the Blowing Rock lifestyle at a more accessible price point, neighboring Watauga County offers excellent options, with a median sales price of $589,900 — meaningful context for buyers willing to be just a few minutes outside the zip code.

REAL ESTATE

Blowing Rock is, at its core, a secondhome community — and a remarkably sought-after one. An overwhelming majority of buyers here are purchasing a retreat, not a primary residence. Blowing Rock offers some of the finest homes in the South, with a wide variety of styles and neighborhoods and no large subdivisions of cookie-cutter homes in sight. With Charlotte a two-hour drive and Raleigh/Durham three hours away, Blowing Rock is a natural escape for North Carolina buyers, as well as a seasonal destination for buyers from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Many purchase a second (or third) home here with plans to eventually make it their retirement home, while others buy with an eye toward vacation rental income.

Blowing Rock is unquestionably a luxury-

Just driving the meandering streets of Blowing Rock is entertainment in itself. The range of home styles is a testament to the rich heritage of this area — from historic cottages completely renovated to combine tradition with state-of-the-art design, to grand estates tucked behind stone gates. Just know that the in-town areas around Main Street or surrounding the golf course are only a fraction of what Blowing Rock has to offer. There are many neighborhoods and pockets of homes both within the town limits and throughout the broader Blowing Rock zip code (28605). Several of these areas are highlighted later in this article.

THE BLOWING ROCK REAL ESTATE MARKET

The Blowing Rock market had a standout year — 241 homes and condos sold in the 12 months ending May 2026, a 58.6 percent increase over the prior year. Some of that jump reflects a relatively slower prior year, but the underlying message is consistent: this is a market with enduring demand. Inventory is finally rising and prices are growing in the single digits without overheating. For

the 12 months ending in May of this year, Blowing Rock has outperformed the overall High Country Real Estate market. It is a thriving market, well known throughout the Southeast, and it has always held its value.

INVENTORY AND INTEREST RATES: New listings in Blowing Rock were up 37.7 percent in the past 12 months — a significant jump that has given buyers more options and helped moderate the frenzy of recent years. Watauga County new listings rose 10.6 percent as well. With mortgage rates holding in the 6–7 percent range for an extended period now, both buyers and sellers have largely accepted that as the landscape and are moving accordingly. Sellers are a mix of long-term owners capitalizing on strong equity positions and post-pandemic buyers who purchased for vacation rental income and have found the returns less than expected.

SALES AND PRICING

: For the 12 months ending May 2026, there were 241 homes and condos sold in Blowing Rock — 79 of which were condos. The median sales price was $850,000, a 4.1 percent increase over the prior year. Notably, 93 of those 241 sales closed above $1 million, reinforcing Blowing Rock’s standing as one of the premier luxury markets in the Southern Appalachians. The average sales price per square foot is above $400 and varies widely by location and finish level. Perhaps the most telling indicator of the market’s character: for each of the past two years, approximately 60 percent of Blowing Rock home purchases were all-cash transactions — a figure that speaks directly to the wealth and conviction of buyers in this market.

Prices are expected to continue modest growth. Multiple-offer situations and sales well above asking price have become less common, though they still occur with the right property. Homes in Blowing Rock are currently selling at 97.9 percent of asking price — a healthy, balanced figure that reflects a market in good rhythm rather than overheated competition.

TIME ON MARKET

: Blowing Rock is in balanced market conditions. The median days on market is 66 days — which includes the time under contract (typically 30–45 days) — but it is not uncommon for homes to be on the market for several months. This is worth understanding in context: Blowing Rock buyers are not local shoppers driving by on a Tuesday. Most are traveling from out of town and visiting on their own schedule. A longer market time reflects the nature of a destination second-home market where the right buyer may need a bit more time to find it.

TIPS FOR BUYERS IN THIS MARKET

For buyers both curious and serious about purchasing a home in this market, a local High Country Realtor® can help you navigate the process. Here are some suggestions:

• If a property checks all the boxes for you, it probably does for other buyers as well. Be prepared to move quickly for popular listings, with your financing ready, and willingness to come to view a home on short notice.

• Work with a lender to get pre-approved for a loan before you make your visit. A pre-approval letter or proof of funds if you are paying cash is expected with any offer.

• Even if you are further out in your purchase process, contact a Realtor® now to set you up on a property search directly from the MLS so that you get a better sense of the market.

• Ask your Realtor® to schedule a virtual showing so that you can decide whether to make a trip to see the home.

OVERVIEW OF BLOWING ROCK HOMES

Luxury Homes

Blowing Rock is well known for its gorgeous mountain homes, both newer and historic, and the luxury segment here is not an afterthought — it’s the heartbeat of the market. Several of these homes have been featured in national design and lifestyle

publications, and have hosted US Presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities over the years. Luxury homes can be found in the historic Mayview and Laurel Park neighborhoods and along Main Street, as well as in gated communities such as Timber Creek and Firethorn.

For buyers looking to build a custom home, this area boasts some excellent builders and offers many options for land purchases.

Condominiums

Condos represented 79 of the 241 sales in Blowing Rock over the past year — a healthy segment of the market and often the most accessible entry point for new buyers. Most condo and townhome developments are in the town limits of Blowing Rock. These include Royal Oaks, Glen Burney, Village on the Green, as well as more luxury options such as Chestnut at Blowing Rock. Chetola Resort is the largest condominium development, boasting a hotel, fine dining restaurant, and spa — and a significant share of its units are actively used as vacation rentals. There are condos with views in the Mayview area and in the Blue Ridge Mountain Club (noted below). The Bluffs at Blowing Rock, located about 4 miles down Hwy 221, has established itself as a sought-after luxury condo community with beautiful long-range views. Coming soon in town: The Raynor Condos, on the site of the historic Green Park Inn, with homes starting at $2 million.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals remain a part of the Blowing Rock real estate story, though the landscape has shifted. During the COVID years, short-term rental income was a primary motivator for many buyers. Today, with higher home prices and a much larger inventory of available rentals, the market is more competitive and returns are more modest. The more realistic framing now: a vacation rental can be a meaningful way to help offset the costs of ownership — not a pure investment play. It is still a stronger consideration in certain areas and property types, particularly around Appalachian Ski Mountain and at Chetola Resort, where a large proportion of units are actively rented. There are several excellent vacation rental management companies in the area that

can handle the entire process.

One important note: vacation rentals of less than 28 days are not permitted within the town limits of Blowing Rock and in some developments. If rental income is part of your plan, be sure to confirm whether it’s allowed at the specific property you’re considering.

AREAS OF TOWN:

In Town Blowing Rock: The town of Blowing Rock is known for its grand homes along Main Street and in historic Mayview and Laurel Park as well as cottages and homes around Ransom Street and Chestnut Drive. Most condo developments are in the town limits.

In Town Across 321: Cross Highway 321 (Blowing Rock Blvd) to Echo Park, Green Hill Road, Wonderland Woods and areas surrounding the Blowing Rock Country Club and Golf Course. There is a wide variety of home styles and sizes in these quiet neighborhoods.

Highway 221 Southwest: There are several neighborhoods on either side of Highway 221 headed southwest toward Linville, some offering beautiful Grandfather Mountain and St. Johns River Gorge views. These include Misty Mountain, Fair Mountain Acres, Saddle Hills and Sweetgrass, a development with trails and a lake. Also along this corridor is The Bluffs at Blowing Rock, a luxury condominium community with stunning long-range views.

321 north (toward Boone): One of the largest residential areas in this direction is Appalachian Ski Mountain, with many mountain homes close to skiing. This is a popular location for vacation rentals. Also along Highway 321 are the luxury gated communities of Firethorn and Timber Creek, as well as the log home community Friendly Mountain Acres.

Blue Ridge Parkway North: There are several established neighborhoods with mid-range to high end homes along this route. This general area is referred to on maps as the Aho area and includes the neighborhoods of Sorrento, Greystone, Blackberry, Goshen Valley, Summit Park, and Brown Stone Ridge, to name a few. Some

of these neighborhoods are in the Boone zip code but are considered the Blowing Rock area from a Real Estate standpoint and the homes are in the Blowing Rock school district.

Also in this direction is the Blue Ridge Mountain Club (BRMC), an impressive development with timber frame homes, townhomes and many lots available. BRMC offers trails, a gym, restaurant and clubhouse facility.

Leslie Eason is a Realtor® with Keller Williams High Country Realty and owner of the Leslie Eason Real Estate Team. With 19 years of experience in the High Country luxury market, Leslie and her team have guided buyers and sellers throughout Blowing Rock and the surrounding area. She can be contacted at leslie@easonteam.com or 828-4060828.

Adventure awaits IN BLOWING ROCK

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Blowing Rock is more than a mountain town. Within minutes of Main Street, you’ll find a steam locomotive charging through the Wild West, water flowing uphill, a swinging bridge a mile in the sky, and a rock formation that carries a centuries-old love story in the wind.

Tweetsie

One of North Carolina’s older theme park remains one of the most family-friendly destinations in the High Country. Tweetsie Railroad

offers the signature Wild West Train Adventure aboard a historic steam locomotive, live entertainment, amusement rides, a petting zoo, and gem mining. During the peak summer season, the park operates five days a week (Thursday to Monday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission is $65 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $45 for children ages 3–12; children 2 and under are always free. Parking is free. Tweetsie hosts multiple events throughout the season, including a July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, the Ghost Train and a Tweetsie Christmas. For the full 2026 schedule and tickets, visit tweetsie.com or call (877) 893-3874.

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family on a nice day.

Mystery Hill

For more than 75 years, Mystery Hill has been a High Country staple, blending illusions, hands-on activities, and local history into a destination families return to generation after generation. Rain or shine, it’s a great day trip. From watching water flow uphill and standing at impossible angles in the Natural Gravitational Anomaly to puzzles and optical illusions at the Hall of Mystery, this attraction is a must-visit. Visit mysteryhill.com for more information and to buy tickets.

The Blowing Rock

The town’s namesake attraction tells a Native American legend: a Chickasaw chieftain brought his daughter to The Blowing Rock, fearing a white man’s admiration. There she spotted a Cherokee brave below, and the two fell in love. Torn between her and his tribe, the warrior leaped from the rock — until the maiden’s daily prayers were answered when a gust of wind carried him back into her arms. As the oldest scenic attraction in North Carolina, the Blowing Rock Attraction began operating in 1933 and sits 4,000 feet above sea level. Overlooking the Johns River Gorge, the site features nature trails and an observation tower offering views of Grandfather Mountain and the ski slopes. The attraction welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors each year, with July and October as the peak months. On-site amenities include ice cream, coffee, and gift shops as well as picnic areas. For more information, visit theblowingrock.com.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the High Country, offering unparalleled vistas of the Blue

Ridge Mountains. The parkway opens the door to hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The fall season along the parkway is particularly spectacular, drawing visitors from across the country to witness the vibrant fall colors.

Grandfather Mountain

Standing at nearly 6,000 feet and recognized by the United Nations as a Biosphere Reserve of global importance, Grandfather Mountain is the crown jewel of the High Country. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during summer months, the park offers the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats featuring black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, and elk, and a full calendar of summer programs and field courses. Tickets and reservations are available at grandfather.com or by calling (828) 733-4337.

And More!

Another attraction for adventure seekers is High Gravity Adventures, next to Tweetsie, is a destination for thrilling outdoor experiences like ziplining, rope courses, or even a ride on the giant swing. Another ziplining option near Blowing Rock is Sky Valley Zip Tours, which features 10 zip lines, a cliff jump, and a swinging bridge on a 2-hour tour through the mountains. With the High Country offering fun for every kind of adventurer, there’s a lot to do in and around Blowing Rock.

2026 - 2027 • BLOWING

Blowing Rock THE TOWN OF LEADERS

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Strong, effective leadership is the backbone of any thriving community — and Blowing Rock is no different.

The town operates under a CouncilManager form of government. Registered voters elect the Town Council, which in turn hires a full-time town manager whose role mirrors that of a corporate general manager. Mayoral races occur every two years, while the five council seats are filled through four-year overlapping terms. All elections are nonpartisan and take place in odd-numbered years.

The Town Council convenes on the second Tuesday of each month in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 1036 Main Street, with special sessions called as needed.

The council’s responsibilities are wideranging. Members adopt and amend town ordinances and resolutions, shape Town policy and service levels, and decide how budget dollars are raised and spent. They set ad valorem tax rates, approve contracts and agreements, and appoint residents to the town’s various boards and committees. The council also appoints the town manager and town attorney, and serves as the municipality’s official leadership across all areas.

When it comes to passing legislation, ordinances are the most formal and binding tool at the council’s disposal. Any ordinance requires at least three affirmative votes to pass. Some ordinances trigger a mandatory public hearing — advertised in a newspaper of general circulation — before a vote can be taken. At that point, the council

may adopt, reject, table, or continue the hearing, with three votes required for any of those actions. Once adopted, an ordinance takes effect on its designated date.

Resolutions are a lighter-weight legislative tool, passed by simple majority vote. They serve a range of purposes: honoring individuals, making requests of outside agencies, marking special occasions, or signaling the council’s future intentions.

Beyond the council itself, Blowing Rock is also served by the Board of Adjustment, the Planning Board, the Tourism Development Authority and the Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Committee.

For a deeper look at how the town is governed, visit tinyurl.com/ye4nm3a5.

To view live streams of the council meetings, visit youtube.com/live/ ER6tySja7hM?si=9gOy-L2MotrCjTKx

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Charlie Sellers: mayor@ townofblowingrocknc.gov

Mayor Pro-Tem David Harwood: dharwood@tobr.us

Councilman Doug Matheson: dmatheson@blowingrock.gov

Councilwoman Cat Perry: cperry@blowingrock.gov

Councilman Wayne Miller: wmiller@blowingrock.gov

Councilwoman Melissa Tausche: mtausche@blowingrock.gov

OTHER LEADERSHIP ROLES

Within the town administration, the town manager is on top. The manager serves as the chief administrative officer of the town and is responsible for carrying out the policies and laws adopted by the Council. As chief administrative officer of the town, the manager is empowered to make all personnel appointments, supervise the work of all administrative department heads and employees, enforce the laws and ordinances of the Town, supervise the preparation of the annual operating budget for Council approval, and conduct the day-to-day business of the Town. The Manager attends all Council meetings with the right to participate in discussions but without the right to vote and is responsible for making recommendations to the Council as they may deem necessary or expedient for the benefit of the public. Alice Derian (manager@townofblowingrocknc.gov) became the Blowing Rock Town Manager in June 2026.

The Town Council selects the town attorney, who advises the council and various town boards, the town manager,

and department heads on legal matters and procedures. The town attorney prepares certain ordinances, resolutions, agreements, deeds, leases, and other miscellaneous legal documents.

The town manager appoints the town clerk, who serves as the council’s recording secretary, with duties including keeping the minutes of all its meetings, preparing the council’s meeting agenda, maintaining ordinances, resolutions and other official documents and records on file, receiving communications for council consideration, supervising preparation and distribution of information pertaining to the town government and responsibility for all legal advertisements. Hilari Hubner (clerk@ townofblowingrocknc.gov) is the town clerk and tax collector.

The Town operates the following departments:

• Administration

• Fire and Rescue

• Landscaping

• Parks & Recreation

• Planning/Inspections

• Police

• Public Works (including Streets and Sanitation)

• Water/Wastewater

For more information on the town of Blowing Rock’s government and administration, visit www. townofblowingrocknc.gov.

IMPORTANT BLOWING ROCK NUMBERS

EMERGENCY

• Any Emergency 911

Law Enforcement, Fire & EMS (non-emergency)

• Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue (828) 548-2800

• Blowing Rock Police Department (828) 295-5210

• Caldwell County EMS (828) 757-1424

• Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761

• Watauga EMS (828) 264-4235

MEDICAL

• Blowing Rock Medical Park (828) 295-3116

• Blowing Rock Plus Urgent Care (828) 572-4706

• Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge (828) 386-3300

• Watauga Medical Center (828) 262-4100

• Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country (828) 268-2833

TOWN GOVERNMENT & SERVICES

• Blowing Rock Public Works (828) 295-5228

• Blowing Rock Town Hall (828) 295-5200

• High Country Council of Governments (828) 265-5434

• Parks and Recreation (828) 295-5222

• Blowing Rock Post Office (828) 295-3589

• Blowing Rock School (828) 295-3204

UTILITIES

• Appalachian Energy (828) 262-3637

• Blue Ridge Energy (828) 264-8894

COMMUNITY, TOURISM & RECREATION

• Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (828) 295-9099

• Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce (828) 295-7851

• Blue Ridge Parkway (828) 348-3400

• High Country Host/ASM Welcome Center (828) 264-1299

• Moses Cone Memorial Park (828) 295-3782

Where to park IN BLOWING ROCK

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Sitting at the end of a ridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the scenic town of Blowing Rock.

The downtown area is lined with boutiques, restaurants and museums that draw crowds yearround, and knowing where to park can make or break the day.

Main Street is lined with free parking on both sides, and free on-street spaces continue down Sunset Drive — though most of those spaces are limited to three-hour parking between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and they fill quickly.

Free public lots near Main Street — most with no time limits — include:

• American Legion Lot – 333 Wallingford St.

• Maple Street Lot – 140 Maple Street

• Blowing Rock Art & History Museum Deck – 159 Ginny Stevens Lane

• Robbins Pool/Broyhill Park – 173 Lakeside Drive

• Rotary Pavilion – 203 Clark Street

• Davant Field – 245 Clark Street

• First Baptist Church – 350 Sunset Drive (not available on Sunday mornings)

• Blowing Rock School – 229 Morris Street (weekends only during the school year)

On busy event weekends, some organizations — including Blowing Rock School — may charge a small fee for lot parking, so bring cash.

A private pay-to-park lot at 981 Main St. near the center of town charges about $5 per hour. Green signs posted around the lot carry a QR code for payment.

Blowing Rock’s downtown can be busy on weekends, and the easiest times to find parking are before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

During the town’s biggest events — Art in the Park, the Fourth of July parade and Christmas in the Park — a free park-and-ride shuttle is available. Visitors park at Shoppes on the Parkway and ride a shuttle to Main Street. The shuttle runs continuously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each event day, with wait times of about 15 minutes.

For more information, visit blowingrock.com/parking-and-maps.

Seasonal Checklist BLOWING ROCK

The following checklists for each season in Blowing Rock were compiled by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Layers

Light jacket, sweaters, scarves; mornings & evenings get chilly

Comfortable walking shoes

For trails like Bass Lake, Glen Burney Falls, or downtown strolling

Camera or phone with lots of storage

Fall foliage is unreal and you’ll want to take lots of photos

Gloves and hat

Early November can get surprisingly chilly

Picnic blanket

Moses Cone Park is perfect for fall picnics

Check for Fall Events

Apple picking, Woolly Worm Festival, Oktoberfest-style events

Cozy cabin vibes?

Book early if you want one with a fireplace or hot tub

Waterproof hiking boots or sneakers

Trails can be muddy

Rain jacket or umbrella

Spring showers bring Spring Flowers

Book or journal

Quiet spots abound for relaxing and reflecting

Botanical guide or app

The blooms are worth learning about

Check for Spring Events

Art in the Park, Easter festivities, Farmer Markets and more

Day pack for layered clothing

Weather changes often from morning to afternoon

Light, breathable clothing

Even summer stays cooler than other parts of NC

Water shoes or sandals

For exploring streams and swimming holes

Reusable water bottle

Hydration is key at higher altitudes. Eliminate the use of plastic to help protect the trails.

Hat & sunglasses

The sun can be strong, especially in the mountains

Hiking gear

Don’t miss Blue Ridge Parkway trails or Linville Falls

Blanket or camp chair

Many summer events are lawn-style seating

Heavy coat & layers

It gets COLD, especially at night

Gloves, beanie, and waterproof boots

Essential for snow days or icy sidewalks

Ski/snowboard gear

Or rent locally if hitting one of our amazing ski resorts

Lift tickets/lesson reservations

Book early during holiday weeks

Phone grip/tripod

For winter wonderland photos without freezing your hand

Leave space for artisan goods

Great time to shop for local handmade gifts

Checklist A BLOWING ROCK HOMEOWNERS

Living in the mountains offers great weather, stunning views and many fun activities to do. In the High Country, a sudden ice storm can freeze your pipes in hours, and a summer squall can send an unprepared deck into the yard.

Use this checklist curated by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce to stay ahead of each season and avoid unnecessary or costly repairs:

3 SUMMER: STAY COOL & STORM-READY

q Check window & door seals – Keep cool air in and pests out.

q Inspect septic system – Have it checked and pumped if needed.

q Protect against pests – Seal cracks, clear standing water, and trim overgrown plants.

q Prepare for storms – Secure outdoor furniture and check your emergency kit.

3 FALL: GET READY FOR COLD WEATHER

q Chimney & fireplace inspection – Have it professionally cleaned before use.

q Drain & store outdoor hoses – Shut off outdoor water to prevent freezing.

q Clean gutters again – Falling leaves can cause clogs and water damage.

q Inspect & replace weather stripping – Reduce heating costs by sealing gaps.

q Service your heating system – Ensure your furnace or heat pump is working properly.

3 WINTER: PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM ICE & SNOW

Prevent frozen pipes – Insulate pipes and let faucets drip in extreme cold.

q Stock up on emergency supplies – Firewood, blankets, batteries, and non-perishables.

q Clear ice dams & snow buildup – Prevent roof damage with a roof rake or professional help.

q Monitor indoor humidity – Use a humidifier to prevent wood from drying and cracking.

q Check carbon monoxide detectors – Ensure safe ventilation when using heat sources.

3 SPRING: PREPARE FOR WARMER WEATHER

q Inspect roof & gutters – Check for loose shingles and clean out debris from gutters.

q Check for moisture & mold – Inspect basements, crawl spaces, and attics for leaks.

q Service HVAC system – Ensure your A/C is in top shape before summer heat arrives.

q Prepare your lawn & garden – Trim trees, refresh mulch, and reseed bare patches.

q Clean & seal decks & patios – Prevent weather damage with power washing and sealing.

Visit the Blowing Rock Chamber’s Member Directory at business. blowingrockncchamber.com/active-member-directory to find a local professional to help keep your house in peak condition all year long.

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Facilities HEALTH CARE

AMOREM

274 Archie Carroll Rd. Boone, NC, 28607 (828) 754-0101

amoremsupport.org

Appalachian Home Care

7883 NC Hwy 105 S, Suite E Boone, NC 28607 (828) 963-8233

apphomecare.com

Blowing Rock

Medical Park Plus Urgent Care

8439 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 295-3116

caldwellmemorial.org

Hopscotch Primary Care

400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 104 Boone, NC 28607 (828) 832-8300

hellohopscotch.com/patients/ locations/boone-nc/

LeCroy Dental Arts

123 Little Springs Road Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 295-9603

lecroydentalarts.com

The Eye Smith, OD PLLC 159 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 372-9225

theeyesmithbr.com

UNC Health

Appalachian 337 Deerfield Rd Boone, NC 28607 (828) 268-8968

apprhs.org

Women’s Health Blowing Rock

623 Chestnut Ridge Parkway Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 386-3350

tinyurl.com/knz5z9th

Worship PLACES OF

Rumple Memorial

Presbyterian Church

1218 Main St. (828) 295-7675

rumplechurch.org

Blowing Rock Methodist Church

1314 Main St.

Open June 7 to Oct. 11, 2026 (336) 413-4760 blowingrockmc.org

St. Mary of the Hills

Episcopal Church

140 Chestnut Drive (828) 295-7323 stmaryofthehills.org/home

First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock

350 Sunset Drive (828) 295-7715

www.firstbaptistblowingrock. com

FaithBridge United

Methodist Church

194 Aho Road (828) 295-8333 www.faithbridgeumc.org

Church of the Epiphany

A Mission of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

163 Galax Lane (828) 264-8338 saintecc.org/church-of-theepiphany/

Outside of Blowing Rock

Temple of the High Country

1043 W. King St. (828) 266-9777 www.tothc.org

Islamic Center of the High Country 643 Greenway Road #G info@boonemasjid.com

Did you know? FUN FACTS ABOUT BLOWING ROCK

Perched at nearly 4,000 feet in the Blue Ridge, Blowing Rock is full of surprises — here are a few favorites:

• Mary Campbell Warfield was the first female physician in Blowing Rock. She established the Warfield Clinic in 1930 focusing on pediatrics and accepted no pay for her services, making medical care accessible to those who could not afford it.

• Blowing Rock was incorporated as a town on March 11, 1889. The town’s first mayor was Joe Clark, who liked to call himself Commodore Clark and was elected 17 times.

• The town and surrounding High Country have stood in for backdrops in film and TV over the years, drawn by the postcard Main Street and mountain scenery. Most notably, a scene from The Green Mile was shot at Flat Top Manor.

• The current of air flowing upward from The Rock prompted Ripley’s “Believe-It-Or-Not” cartoon about “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.”

• Many consider Blowing Rock as the inspiration for “Mitford,” the fictional town in Jan Karon’s best-selling novel series as she lived in the area when she began writing them.

• The town has a long arts pedigree, once home to noted painters drawn by the light and landscape, a legacy carried on today at BRAHM downtown. One of the most notable painters was Elliott Daingerfield, whose statue stands outside of the Edgewood Cottage.

• The town’s population swells dramatically in summer and around fall leaf season, then quiets to a fraction in the deep of winter — a place that practically breathes with the calendar.

• When it was incorporated on March 11, 1889, through a charter issued by the State General Assembly and the Watauga County Board, Blowing Rock was able to sell beer and wine legally. When the State of North Carolina instituted prohibition in 1908, wine and beer were still legally sold in Blowing Rock. Many from Boone would travel specifically to Blowing Rock to drink until it was legalized there.

• The 100 acres of what is now Chetola was purchased by Lot Estes in 1846 for $5. In 1892 W.W. Stringfellow transformed the original boarding house into a grand manor and named it “Chetola,” which means “haven of rest” in Cherokee.

Annie Cannon Gardens

One of Blowing Rock’s hidden gems

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Hidden from Main Street but right in the center of town is a small but vibrant garden that welcomes visitors to the Glen Burney Trail trailhead.

The town describes Annie Cannon Gardens as a passive creekside recreation area with a walking trail through the garden, but it is more than that. It is a biodiverse venue, with clovers freckling the ground, creating a perfect backdrop for various flowers and large greenery that fill the garden.

It’s a working town park rather than a manicured botanical garden,

as visitors will spot creekside infrastructure alongside the greenery, but that does little to diminish its tucked-away charm.

The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock has partnered with the town to reimagine Annie Cannon Gardens, with plans that include adding seating areas throughout the garden and greenspace for yoga, exercise and art classes. Those improvements are ongoing, so make sure to stay tuned to www.wataugademocrat.com for the most up-todate information.

Visitors are welcome to a small greenspace with a memorial plaque for Annie L. Cannon and “her devotion to God, to her family, and to the children of Blowing Rock.”

The area is lined with benches under shaded trees, providing a space

for activities or a peaceful spot to read a book. The green space then splits into two areas.

To the right is more green space with benches near the peaceful waterfall, while orange wildflowers decorate the hillside. Down a decline and some stone steps, a small creek allows visitors to get close to the natural water feature.

A quiet, tuckedaway nook to the right adds

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town

dimension to the garden’s character. A bench sits near a plaque with a poem titled A Mountain Lily, creating a literary and reflective feature in the garden.

The park is located at 229 Laurel Ln and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with free parking.

To reserve the park for a small event, visit www.blowingrock.

gov/Facilities/Facility/ Details/Annie-Cannon-

A hike worth the climb Blowing Rock’s historic Glen Burney Trail

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Less than 100 yards off Blowing Rock’s Main Street is the Glen Burney Trail, which draws thousands each year with its two waterfalls and oldgrowth forest. However, a memorial near the falls and frequent rescue carry-outs are a reminder that its 600-foot descent demands respect as much as it inspires awe.

The trail drops more than 600 feet into the Johns River Gorge (a part of Catawba River Basin), following the path of New Year’s Creek. The way down is the way back—hikers climb out the same path they descend. The trail is rated as moderate on the way down and “harder” to get back up.

The 3.2-mile round trip trail is initially fairly easy, going to the first set of falls, but it becomes challenging after that. Visitors are recommended to wear shoes with good tread and watch their footing as there are a lot of exposed roots and rocks. The trail is adjacent to private property, and hikers should show courtesy concerning signage and property notifications. The two waterfalls are the Glen Burney Falls and the Glen Marie Falls.

Make sure to stay tuned to the Watauga Democrat (www. wataugademocrat.com) for updates on planned improvements — including safety features and observation areas — to the trail over the coming months and years.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

According to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, there is photographic evidence of the trail and the falls that dates back to 1895, but it is believed the trail was built in the mid-1800s. The 33 acres of land encompassing the trail was donated to the town in 1906 with the idea that it would be a perpetual trail for future generations to enjoy.

The trail, which passes through native hardwood forests with views of its waterfalls, was first used by native travelers in the region to travel up and down the mountain; it later connected logging camps, according to historical records.

Hikers have been seriously injured on the trail before, and it is not uncommon for Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue to do a carry-out several times a year. In July 2025, a Florida man died after falling off the side of

the trail and down a steep embankment so always make sure you are careful and wearing the right hiking gear.

The following are the 10 essentials to bring on a hike, according to the National Park Service.

1. Navigation (map, compass and GPS)

2. Sun Protection (sunglasses, sunscreen and hat)

3. Insulation (jacket, hat, gloves, layers and rain gear)

4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp; your phone does not count)

5. First-Aid Supplies (first-aid kit; ensure supplies are not expired)

6. Fire (matches, lighter and fire starter)

7. Repair Kit and Tools (duct tape, knife, screwdriver and scissors)

8. Food (nutritious snacks that do not require cooking)

9. Hydration (water and water treatment supplies; at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking)

10. Emergency Shelter (tent, tarp, bivy sack, or space blanket)

A sign posted on a rock alongside the trail near the falls reminds hikers of the dangers with a memorial to Lillian D. Arhelger (March 26, 1907 - June 21, 1931).

According to the sign, Arhelger was an educator and counselor who attempted to rescue a girl in her charge who had lost her footing and was washed over the falls. The child survived, but Arhelger did not.

“Thousands of people visit the Glen Burney Trail every year,” the sign states. “Please be among those who safely enjoy its many wonders.”

Stay ready. Get a kit. Make a plan.

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Whether it’s a fast-moving wildfire or a hurricane that climbs into the mountains, the High Country has learned that disaster doesn’t wait for you to get ready. Hurricane Helene made that lesson clear, and it left many in the region determined to be better prepared for whatever comes next.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, it is important to plan ahead, and talk about and practice what to do during and after an emergency.

Here’s what you can do to make sure your family is prepared before disaster strikes:

• Put together an emergency kit, including non-perishable food

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and water (1 gallon per person per day) for 3 to 7 days, a battery-powered or hand crank radio or other device and extra batteries for listening to a NOAA Weather Radio, and prescription and over-the-counter medication.

•Be aware of any unique needs for babies, the elderly, or disabled members of your household, as well as pets.

•Have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings such as a weather alert app on your phone, a device for listening to NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts or live streams, or app or radio access to local news outlets.

•Make an emergency plan in case you and your family need to evacuate, including a plan for communication. Have printed copies of family members’ phone numbers, social media handles, email addresses, and important medical information in case mobile devices lose power or otherwise become disabled. Plan where you will meet if you are separated from your family and have copies of important papers such as birth and adoption certificates, driver licenses, or military IDs.

•Take steps to protect your home by preparing a full list of personal items, along with photos and videos of every room, to help with insurance settlements or tax deductions.

•Meet with your insurance agent for a hurricane season check-up to make sure you know what is covered should a storm affect your neighborhood.

•Be sure you know how to shut off your utilities safely. Water, electricity, and gas are key services that can also cause special problems during an emergency. Do NOT try to turn the gas back on yourself. Always call a trained expert.

•The NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) allows you to access over 700 flood gauges across the state. Visit Fiman.NC.Gov to search for the flood gauges closest to your home and to sign up for alerts.

Get involved in your community’s preparedness activities:

•Learn about the emergency plans for your children’s schools, your workplace, and your neighborhood.

•Participate in community preparedness exercises and drills.

•Volunteer with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills.

Contact the NC Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster at ncvoad.org for more ways to help.

Fires in the High Country

While North Carolina and the East Coast don’t have the intense, large wildfires that can occur out west, they do happen.

In North Carolina, the typical fire season runs in the spring and fall, with peak fall months from October through early December and a spring season generally from mid-March into May. In Western North Carolina, dead and dying timber left behind by Hurricane Helene has added to that risk, raising the fuel load across storm-damaged counties.

According to the North Carolina Forest Service, the wildland urban interface — the area where structures and other human development blend with undeveloped wildland, forest or vegetation — is a notable threat for increased wildfire impacts due to rapid population growth and people moving into formerly rural areas, increasing WUI acreage.

“If ever there was a time to be diligent and be heads up about outdoor fire safety, (it’s now),” Watauga County Forest Ranger Andrew Harsey said. “If you decide to do debris burns and you’re near an area that was hit by the storm, be really smart about when you do your burns. Be really good at watching it. Make sure it’s out when you’re done. Look at the weather to make sure that it’s not going to be windy.”

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Harsey’s No. 1 tip for homeowners is to prepare ahead of time. Harsey said an ounce of preparation is worth a ton of suppression.

“Preparation doesn’t take much effort, and if you can do preparation on your own terms and make it look like you want to, it’s only going to pay in the long run versus if there is a fire in your area and responders have to come in and do a quick and dirty thing,” Harsey said. “Worst case scenario, the fire intensity is so much so that we don’t have time to prep around structures, and we have to make hard decisions, because it’s ultimately a life, property, resources equation. First and foremost, we’re going to make sure that the people get out safely before we focus on saving houses. So I think just do your due diligence to prep around your home.”

To help create a defensible space and better protect your home from wildfire, the NCFS offers the following guidance:

•Clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything else that can burn from your roof lines, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Falling embers will be less likely to ignite.

•Store away furniture cushions, mats, potted plants and other decorations from your doors, decks, porches and patios. These items can catch embers and ignite your home if you leave them outside.

•Screen windows and seal any openings. Windblown embers can easily enter homes through vents and other openings, igniting the home from the inside out. Walk around your house to identify openings that can be screened or temporarily sealed.

•Rake up leaves and mulch at least five feet away from your home. Embers that land in mulch touching your house, deck or fence are a big fire hazard.

•Trim back any shrubs or tree branches closer than five feet from your house, in addition to any overhanging branches.

•Remove anything within 30 feet of your house that can burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles, and boats — anything that can act as a large source of fuel.

•If ordered to evacuate, make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and seal up any pet doors. Many homes are destroyed by embers entering these openings and burning the house from the inside out.

For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the NCFS offers the following guidance:

•Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit

at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/.

•Check the weather. Never burn on dry, windy days.

•Keep your fire small, not tall.

•Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a water hose, bucket, steel rake, and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.

•Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.

•Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

•Never leave your fire. Stay with it until it is completely out.

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_ firesafetyoutdoors.htm. For information about creating defensible space and a fire-resistant landscape around your home and property, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

‘America’s Favorite Drive’ Blowing Rock’s back road is

BY JAMIE SHELL

Some roads are just roads. The Blue Ridge Parkway is something else entirely — a 469-mile journey through the heart of the southern Appalachians that happens to drop you right at the doorstep of Blowing Rock.

Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles along the southern Appalachian Mountains, winding through various landscapes and communities, connecting the past with the present and preserving the region’s rich culture.

The Parkway is owned and managed by the National Park Service. Unlike traditional national parks, it is an “elongated park” protecting a long stretch of landscape from Virginia to North Carolina. Rather than having distinct boundaries, the Parkway is designed to protect and present the surrounding area beyond the shoulders of the road.

The northern entrance begins in Shenandoah National Park near

Waynesboro, Virginia, and meanders south toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southwestern North Carolina — the Parkway’s original intention was to connect both national parks.

Driving along the Parkway, visitors will enjoy numerous overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails and campgrounds. Some of the most popular attractions in the High Country include the Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls and Moses Cone Manor.

A ROAD RENEWED

This is a significant year for the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the most substantial investment in road improvements in its nearly 100-year history now in its final phase. The work represents the final phase of a more than $100 million project spanning 75 miles of the Parkway, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, and includes repaving and rehabilitation along the mainline motor road, as well as

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repairs to road drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage.

The final phase began in mid-March 2026 and covers sections near Blowing Rock and the Grandfather Mountain corridor, from milepost 291.8 at US 321/221 to milepost 305.1 near Beacon Heights. Visitors should expect intermittent closures in staggered sections throughout the summer, though Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, Rough Ridge parking, and the Linn Cove trailhead will have uninterrupted access from either the north or south throughout all phases of the project. The full rehabilitation is expected to be complete by fall 2026.

Before any visit, check current road status at www.nps.gov/blri/ planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.

The National Park Service also plans to remove hazardous, stormgenerated tree debris from six areas with elevated wildfire risk along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia.

The project aims to reduce wildfire danger while preserving the visual character of the Parkway by removing burnable organic materials— often referred to as fuels—to protect public safety and natural resources. Scheduled to begin in late summer, the NPS will remove downed vegetation from just under 3,000 acres of park land in North Carolina and Virginia. According to the NPS, this debris from Hurricane Helene has accumulated in volumes and locations that present a clear wildfire risk to communities, homes and other resources. It also creates safety hazards for emergency responders, staff, visitors and adjacent landowners.

Areas identified as having elevated risk and where removal work will take place, include:

• Galax and Hillsville: 292 acres between mileposts 205–215

• Laurel Springs: 129 acres between mileposts 249–267

• Boone: 769 acres between mileposts 280–300

• Linville Falls: 527 acres between mileposts 310–319

• Little Switzerland: 325 acres between mileposts 324–341

• Asheville: 829 acres between mileposts 374–396

As work takes place in these areas, park visitors and neighbors can expect intermittent traffic delays due to one-lane closures. The park aims to complete initial fuel removal work by spring 2027.

Once work begins, the park will use heavy equipment to reduce fuels and remove debris. The park will then target specific areas for revegetation to support forest restoration and natural ecosystem recovery. Parkway leadership, in coordination with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Zone Fire Management staff, the U.S. Forest Service, the NPS Washington Support Office and consultants, has conducted fire risk modeling and field assessments to evaluate debris levels that could lead to unpredictable fire behavior.

Visit parkplanning.nps.gov/BLRIFuelReduction for further information.

THE PARKWAY’S HISTORY

The Parkway was built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative, with construction beginning in 1935. By 1966, the majority of the Parkway was complete, except for a 7.5-mile section at Grandfather Mountain. That final stretch presented extraordinary engineering challenges, as the rugged terrain required a solution that would protect the mountain’s delicate ecosystem. After years of negotiating among conservationists, landowner Hugh Morton, and federal engineers, they arrived at a one-of-a-kind design: a viaduct that flows in unity with the landscape rather than cutting through it. The Linn Cove Viaduct was completed in 1983, and the full Parkway section opened to through traffic

in 1987 — nearly 52 years after construction began.

Visitors should note that in Virginia, the section from the U.S. Route 220 to Adney Gap at milepost 121.4 to 135.9 will be closed until further notice. Always check the National Park Service website for the updated list of road sections and facilities that are open or closed.

A TOUR OF THE HIGH COUNTRY

Starting at milepost 217.3 in Alleghany County all the way to milepost 330.9 in Mitchell County, the Parkway offers visitors a grand tour of the High Country. Beginning north and traveling south, here are the most popular and notable attractions along the way.

At milepost 258.7 in Ashe County is the Northwest Trading Post, a historic building in Glendale Springs built in the 1950s to provide travelers with information on the mountains of North Carolina and sell local merchandise. The shop offers regional arts and crafts, souvenir items, and food and drink — a great rest stop.

About 10 miles south, the Lump Overlook rises prominently above the Parkway. For a short walk, visitors can hike up to the top for outstanding views of Yadkin Valley, where a sign commemorates the tragic story of Tom Dooley — the subject of a famous murder ballad played by folk musicians for decades.

Continuing south, the exit to Deep Gap and Highway 421 leads toward

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Boone, home to Appalachian State University and plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and more.

The next major exit at Highway 221 takes visitors north toward Boone or south toward Blowing Rock, a smaller and quieter mountain destination popular with those who want to experience High Country life.

Just a few miles from Blowing Rock at milepost 294 is Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a historic estate preserving the legacy of Moses Cone — a textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist of the Gilded Age. The mansion, known as Flat Top Manor, was built in 1901 as a summer retreat for Cone and his wife, Bertha. The bright white 23-room mansion sits atop a hill overlooking Bass Lake and downtown Blowing Rock. The family’s estate was donated to the National Park Service after Bertha Cone’s death in 1947, and the park is free and open to the public, offering 25 miles of hiking and carriage trails.

The next notable stop is Julian Price Memorial Park at milepost 297. The park’s 4,200 acres were purchased by insurance executive Julian Price as a recreational retreat for his employees. When Price died in 1946, his heirs donated the land to the National Park Service. Price Lake is the central attraction — visitors can canoe, fish, or hike the 2.7-mile loop trail around its shoreline. There is also a campground, the largest on the entire Parkway.

Continuing south, visitors drive along the eastern side of Grandfather Mountain, home to the Linn Cove Viaduct at milepost 304.4. At 1,243 feet long, the concrete segmental bridge curves around the mountain’s face in an engineering marvel recognized internationally for its beauty and environmental sensitivity. A visitor center and hiking trails are located at the south end of the viaduct.

Past Grandfather Mountain, the exit to U.S. 221 leads toward Linville and the entrance to the

Grandfather Mountain attraction, where visitors can experience the famous mile-high swinging bridge. There is a fee to enter; visit grandfather. com for more information.

Staying on the Parkway, the Linville Falls area at milepost 316 includes a visitor center, hiking trails, a campground and a picnic area. Hikes here venture into and above Linville Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” for its dramatic and unique landscape.

At milepost 331 near Spruce Pine, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals is open to visitors year-round. Here visitors can learn about the history of mining in Mitchell County — the gem and mineral capital of North Carolina — and explore hundreds of minerals and gems on display.

The Parkway continues for another 140 miles south, where overlooks, hiking, picnic spots and camping remain abundant throughout. Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway is truly a one-of-a-kind experience — and with a major investment in its future now underway, the road ahead has never looked better.

This summer, with fresh pavement underway and the long work of renewal nearing completion, there has never been a better time to take the long way on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make sure to check www. nps.gov/blri/index.htm for updates on road or campground/hiking trail closures.

Moses Cone

The Estate That Became Everyone’s

BY SOFIA OKUBO PEVIANI

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is one of the most popular destinations on the Parkway. Located at Milepost 294, it offers a blend of Gilded Age history, curated nature, local art, and many outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding.

After the Civil War, Blowing Rock grew into a popular summer retreat, drawing visitors to its cooler climate and scenic views. It was into this landscape that Moses Cone, a textile entrepreneur and conservationist, arrived in 1892 and began purchasing land around Blowing Rock.

In 1899, Cone and his wife, Bertha Lindau Cone, began building Flat Top Manor, a three-story, 14,000-square-foot summer home completed in 1901 by Greensboro architect Orlo Epps. According to an App

State documentary, “A History of Moses H. Cone Estate Memorial Park: From Private Retreat to Public Pleasure Ground,” the manor was influenced by the Biltmore Estate and styles the Cones saw at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. A major restoration of the manor house’s exterior was completed in 2021.

For nearly half a century, Flat Top Manor was the summer residence of the Cones, their family, and many friends. Cone’s interest in nature and conservation also led him to plant extensive white pine forests and hemlock hedges. The estate contained an apple orchard of nearly 10,000 trees, a stock farm, and two lakes stocked with bass and trout.

The manor was furnished with a lighting system, indoor hot and cold plumbing, telephones, and an electric call system for

servants, making it unusually modern for its time.

After Cone died of heart failure at 51, Bertha managed the estate, continuing to shape the property until she died in 1947. When Watauga County’s public schools consolidated, Bertha donated a building on the property to Sandy Flats Baptist Church. Though that original structure no longer stands, the historical site just off the Blue Ridge Parkway is open to visitors.

The couple had no children, so in accordance with an indenture made by the family in 1911, funds from the estate were used to build the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, home to the family’s textile mills. Construction of the hospital began in 1949, and the facility opened to the public in 1953, according to the National Park Service.

Ownership of Flat Top Manor was also transferred to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, which was charged with operating the estate as a “public pleasuring ground”-essentially a free public park. Shortly thereafter, the hospital donated Flat Top

Manor to the National Park Service to become a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Open to visitors, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers winding carriage trails, the historic manor itself, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild shop. Bass Lake and Trout Lake are open to visitors, as well as the apple orchard, where the historic Apple Barn still stands, according to the NPS trails page. The estate grounds have 25 miles of carriage roads for strolling, small lakes and other historic structures.

The National Park Service offers free ranger-led indoor tours through the kitchen and second floor, where visitors can learn more about the estate’s technological innovations, according to the NPS Moses H. Cone Memorial Park page. Guests can also hold small weddings at the estate after obtaining a Blue Ridge Parkway Special Use Permit.

Beyond the architecture, Moses Cone Memorial Park offers visitors a way to connect with the landscape and preserved history.

In 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild was founded. It supports more than 800 juried artisans from across nine Appalachian states by providing resources, education, and market opportunities. At the Moses Cone location, many works of art are displayed throughout the first floor, including turned bowls, ceramic tableware, woven garments, and other handmade crafts. To sell work through the Guild, artists must live in one of the designated Appalachian Mountain counties and pass a two-part jury process evaluating skill and originality. Guild members are also welcome to give live demonstrations on the front porch of Flat Top Manor.

From hiking and carriage trails to sightseeing and guided tours, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park has something for residents and visitors alike. Find out more about visiting times and activities at www. nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/moses-h-cone-memorial-park-mp-294.htm

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The Blowing Rock more than just a name

BY ZACH COLBURN

When tourists make their way to Blowing Rock, they may pass a silhouetted image associated with the town’s namesake — The Blowing Rock.

Billed as the oldest travel attraction in North Carolina, The Blowing Rock began operating in 1933 under Grover C. Robbins Sr., the thenmayor of Blowing Rock, who leased the property from the Bernhardt family.

Robbins’ sons carried the family’s tourism legacy forward, founding Tweetsie Railroad and the Hound Ears Club and developing the Beech Mountain ski resort and the Land of Oz through the Carolina Caribbean Corporation.

The Blowing Rock offers stunning views 4,000 feet above sea level. Overlooking the Johns River Gorge, the site features nature trails and an observation tower with views of Grandfather Mountain and the ski slopes.

Charlie Sellers, the current mayor of Blowing Rock and a grandson of Robbins, took over the attraction in 2014, following in the footsteps of his mother, Peggy Robbins Sellers, who ran it for 37 years.

The Blowing Rock silhouette recalls a centuries-old Native American legend.

The tale begins with a Chickasaw chieftain bringing his daughter to The Blowing Rock, “fearful of a white man’s admiration.” One day, she spotted a Cherokee brave far below, and the two became lovers. When a strange reddening sky appeared over the rock, the brave took it as a sign commanding his return to his

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tribe. Torn between duty and heart, he leaped from the formation. The maiden prayed daily until one evening a gust of wind blew her lover back into her arms.

“From that day a perpetual wind has blown up onto The Rock from the valley below,” according to the attraction’s website. “For people of other days, at least, this was explanation enough for The Blowing Rock’s mysterious winds causing even the snow to fall upside down.”

The current of air flowing upward from The Rock also prompted Ripley’s Believe It or Not! cartoon calling it “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down,” according to The Blowing Rock website.

The year-round attraction welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors each year, with peak months in July and October.

It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Hours of operation and admission prices vary throughout the year; visit theblowingrock.com for current information. Tickets are sold until 30 minutes before closing.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the property, provided they are friendly with children, cats and other dogs.

For more information, visit theblowingrock.com.

Memorial Park

Downtown Blowing Rock’s centerpiece

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

At the center of downtown Main Street is the lively and vivid Memorial Park.

For those who like to exercise outside or are looking for somewhere to entertain the kids, the park provides a spot for the whole family to be active. Open to the public 365 days a year, it sits in the heart of the village, steps from Main Street’s shops and restaurants and across from a free parking deck tucked behind the park.

Visitors can play a game on the park’s basketball court, horseshoe pits, pickleball courts, shuffleboard, tennis courts and volleyball court. From May through October, the park “Hut” loans out sports equipment for free, so families can show up empty-handed and still fill an afternoon.

Some of the recent updates to the park, conducted by VPC Builders, include:

• New Picnic Pavilion: Built from the ground up for family gatherings and community events.

• Upgraded Courts: Completely retopped tennis and pickleball courts for a fresh, smooth play surface.

• Park Updates: Handled various enhancements across the grounds and around the beach volleyball court.

The nature-inspired playground, with its climbing wall and soft ground surface, anchors the family side of the park. Two picnic shelters with tables sit nearby for a family lunch before finding an activity that will keep everyone entertained.

One of the main attractions of Memorial Park is the gazebo at the front of the park. Lined with benches, the gazebo is a great spot to read a book and enjoy the views of downtown. It also serves as the park’s stage for much of the year: ice carving at WinterFest, Sunday afternoon concerts, and Santa pictures at the Christmas in the Park festival are all hosted there.

Throughout the summer, the gazebo will host the Alair Homes Summer Concert Series. The 2026 series will benefit the High Country Caregivers, with donations accepted at the Alair tent. All concerts are free, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

Whether you come for a pickup game, a picnic, a festival or just a quiet bench in the sun, Memorial Park is the centerpiece of downtown Blowing Rock — busy in every season and open to everyone.

The park’s official address is 1040 Main St.

Broyhill Park

Providing a getaway from downtown

History Walk Town’sFirst Fire Truck BY

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LORELEI ROBERTS

Tucked away just off Blowing Rock’s Main Street is the scenic and serene Broyhill Park.

Walk down Laurel Lane or grab a free parking spot in the park’s lot to escape the commotion of downtown.

The park features Mayview Lake, a short walking sidewalk, a vibrant garden, a gazebo and a deck for fishing. Around the lake are benches with the perfect view of the fountain at the center.

The Blowing Rock Trout Derby headlines the opening day of trout fishing, with Mayview Lake stocked with tagged fish for children to catch, measure, de-tag, and release back into the lake.

The main spectacle of the park is the Broyhill Park Gazebo. Overseeing the entire park and lake, the gazebo gives visitors a chance to see fish and ducks, which often make their way onto the fishing deck.

The gazebo is also available for rental and is a great spot for wedding services, available for a fee. Visit www.blowingrock.gov/ Facilities/Facility/Details/Broyhill-Park-8 to learn more about renting for an event.

The park also hosts a summer music series from July to August on Monday nights and is set up in the gazebo at Broyhill Park.

The free concerts are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The official park address is 173 Lakeside Dr.

Jump in and beat the heat at

Robbins Pool

BY ZACH COLBURN

Just before reaching the main section of downtown Blowing Rock, the Grover Robbins Pool provides residents of the High Country with a relaxing spot to beat the heat during the summer months.

The Robbins Pool, located at 173 Lakeside Drive in Broyhill Park, is the only outdoor public-use swimming pool in Watauga County. The facility features a large multi-use pool and a smaller wading pool, both heated.

The smaller wading pool also serves as a small children’s splash pad. There is also a jumbo slide.

The facility also includes shower and dressing facilities, restrooms and a concession area with snack and drink machines, according to Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation.

Swim lessons are available for all ages, with small-group classes led by certified instructors.

A short walk from the swimming pool is a large picnic shelter across the street from the Community Clubhouse. The covered picnic shelter

features a small playground and a grill, making it ideal for parties and family gatherings. Reservations are required to rent it.

While the pool is open to the public, season-long pool memberships are also available. The membership is good for the entire season and can be purchased at blowingrockparks.recdesk.com/Community/ Membership.

Grover Robbins Pool is open daily (weather permitting) from noon to 8:30 p.m. Adult lap swim is also offered Monday through Friday during the summer, from 8:15 to 11:45 a.m. The pool was renovated in 2015.

The pool opened for the season the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 23, to be exact) and will operate through Labor Day.

For more information and costs, call (828) 295-5222, ext. 2.

Blowing Rock

A Tourist Town From the Start

BY MARTY OSINSKI, Blowing Rock Historical Society

Blowing Rock is a tourist town, and always has been. Over the years, much of the economic development in and around Blowing Rock has revolved not only around tourism but also because of tourism. As travel routes improved, the village’s tourism-derived market demands only intensified.

When it was incorporated on March 11, 1889, through a charter issued by the State General Assembly and the Watauga County Board, Blowing Rock was able to sell beer and wine legally. The rationale was that we were a tourist town, and no tourist town could be successful if it did not serve alcohol. Blowing Rock was the exception, not the rule. When the State of North Carolina instituted prohibition in 1908, wine and beer were still legally sold in Blowing Rock.

Blowing Rock has long been known as a resort destination, and by the late 19th century, it had already become a favored retreat in the Blue Ridge for seasonal visitors. Construction of the Lenoir-Blowing Rock Turnpike began in 1847 and was completed in the 1880s, making the journey to Blowing Rock from the south easier than it had been, but the journey was still a full day’s ride. With improved accessibility, the village’s popularity grew. However, getting to Blowing Rock was still not easy, since a stagecoach from Lenoir could take close to 10 hours when conditions were good. When the railroad arrived in Lenoir in 1884, the trip to Blowing Rock was more manageable.

Cottages, inns, and grand hotels began popping up across the town.

The Watauga Hotel opened in 1884, followed by the Green Park in 1891 and the Blowing Rock Hotel in 1899. Blowing Rock also saw success largely thanks to the notoriety of some of its visitors.

Victorian-era celebrities gave their stamp of approval to the little town, which quickly caught the attention of the elite in North Carolina social circles. Quickly thereafter, hotels began popping up throughout the small mountain town, opening their doors to the constantly growing summer population of sightseers and adventurers. These hotels were known as hot spots of evening entertainment, hosting a variety of dances and parties. Then, when the first automobile arrived in Blowing Rock in the fall of 1908, everything changed.

Hotels in Blowing Rock brought new technology to the mountains, including hot and cold water and on-site telegraphs, as well as domestic servants who would fulfill all guests’ wishes. The tourism industry would take credit for bringing electricity and phone lines to the town.

Guests could enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, or horseback riding. There was also lawn bowling and baseball in town.

The queen of Blowing Rock hotels, the Mayview Manor, opened in 1921 and remained open (May-September) until 1966. Guests included Annie Oakley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Richard Nixon.

The longest continually running Horse Show in America is in Blowing Rock, having first started in 1923; the actual Blowing Rock attraction opened in 1933, and the Tweetsie Railroad in 1957. Appalachian Ski Mountain opened in 1968, helping to make Blowing Rock a year-round destination. Clubs and bars in the area drew folks from many of the dry counties around through the 1990s.

The history of Blowing Rock has been rich with the arts and music since even before it was incorporated. Entertainment was essential for the tourist population and was provided at all the hotels and inns to help

them spend their time and money!

The following resources are available for more information about Blowing Rock’s history:

• The Blowing Rock History Walk, which starts near the intersection of Main Street and Laurel Lane

• The 1888 Museum near Memorial Park

• The Blowing Rock Historical Society website (www. blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com)

• “A Village Tapestry”, “Blowing Rocks Denim King” and “Queens of Blowing Rock” by Barry Buxton

• “Trails Through Time: A History of the Blowing Rock Area” by Steve Sudderth on the Historical Society Website and at The Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, and the Blowing Rock Chamber.

Founded in 1985 to preserve and protect the historical character and charm of the village, the Blowing Rock Historical Society is an active organization of more than 300 members. It plays a vital role in maintaining the unique sense of place that draws thousands of visitors to historic Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

A historic walk

scan and discover Blowing Rock’s past

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

The Blowing Rock History Walk is a ¼-mile educational walk through the town’s history, taking visitors through Main Street and local parks.

The handicapped-accessible trail features 21 markers recounting some of the town’s vibrant history through stone pillars with bronze relief plaques depicting images and narratives of events, people, and places throughout Blowing Rock’s history.

Each station has a QR code that opens to online “back stories” that give the plaques a voice and amplify the narrative. The allsidewalk, looping trail begins on Main Street, then leads to Laurel Lane and ends at Broyhill Park. All stations are along the sidewalk and wheelchair accessible.

“The History Walk will be a significant venue for folks interested in heritage and culture, and will create a greater connection between Main Street and beautiful Broyhill Park,” said Tom O’Brien, President Emeritus of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to

tell engaging stories and we’re excited to share them.”

The walk takes visitors through the following narrative: 1. Blowing Rock’s History 2. Early Visitors and Settlers

10. Chetola

11. Philanthropy

12. The Blue Ridge Parkway

13. Religious Heritage

14. The Cone Estate and Family

15. Green Park

16. A Wet or Dry Town

17. Glen Burney Falls

18. Watauga Hotel and Memorial Park

19. Mayview Park

20. Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town

21. Main Street through the Years

The History Walk was funded and constructed through a publicprivate partnership among the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock.

Around 40 historical markers can also be found around Blowing Rock. Some of those markers, and their descriptions, include:

• Schenck House ca. 1886: Owned by one of Blowing Rock’s first

seasonal cottagers after the Civil War, Confederate Major Henry F. Schenck, Jr. The Schencks were pioneer textile manufacturers from Cleveland County, NC. The Cottage can be found at the corner of Pine and Main Street.

• St Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, ca. 1921: The cornerstone was laid in 1918, and the church building was financed by a contribution from W.W. Stringfellow. Noted American artist Elliott Daingerfield painted and donated his work, “Madonna of the Hills,” for which the church is named. The church can be found at 140 Chestnut Drive.

• Inn at Ragged Gardens ca. 1896: Originally constructed as a summer home, the property was operating as a boarding house as early as 1900. The home’s exterior consists of American chestnut bark siding and Grandfather Mountain granite. The original 11-acre estate included a livery stable, servants’ quarters and two other residences. The Inn can be found at 203 Sunset Drive.

The goal of the historic marker program is to “identify and recognize buildings and sites within the community of Blowing Rock that are significant because they are structures of historic importance, examples of a particular architectural style, and/or simply deserving distinction by their design or a relationship with the Town’s legacy.”

Visit www.blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com/historic-markers for more information and locations for all markers.

Blowing Rock

Where culture has thrived for years

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Blowing Rock has deep roots and connections to the arts. Artists saw the dramatic landscape and biodiverse foliage as inspiration to create. Through its history, the town has welcomed many artists, festivals and creative communities drawn to the Blue Ridge for the same inspiration.

What has kept the artistic heritage alive and thriving is the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, known to locals as BRAHM.

The museum has become a cultural destination representing Appalachian heritage in the High Country. It connects the community to the artists who came before and those who are paving the way now.

“We’re working on an audience engagement program where we’re learning more about our audience, we’re thinking more about our audience, and this is part of a long-term effort that we have to become a fully accredited museum,” Executive Director Stephen Dragisic said.

BRAHM hosts workshops, art classes and programs for community members and visitors to learn more about the different art that makes up the High Country. But this is not something new to the museum’s property and the town itself.

“No matter what someone comes to the museum for, we hope it’s going to be done at such a high level that you can appreciate it, you may have a keen interest in the history of the music of the high country, but through an exhibition here, you’ll get a greater appreciation for it,” Dragisic said. “We are a light in the high country for people to come and experience and explore.”

Since 2011, the museum has cultivated a

space for locals and visitors to gather and learn about the art of Blowing Rock.

The seeds for the museum were planted in 1886 when Elliott Daingerfield, an accomplished artist who grew up in Fayetteville, first came to Blowing Rock. Around 1890, he built his first home and studio, Edgewood Cottage, which sits in front of the museum. In this cottage, he plunged himself into his art, giving lectures and studio classes after his wife passed.

Daingerfield would bring students to his Blowing Rock home to teach them about Plein Air art, capturing landscapes in the moment rather than in a studio. He continued returning to Blowing Rock in the summer until his passing in 1932.

ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM

• Horizon Line: 250 Years of American Landscapes – through Aug. 30, 2026

“They would ride in a carriage up from Lenoir to paint out in the area, plein air and art has been in Blowing Rock for well over 100 years,” Education Center Director Jennifer Garonzik said.

Lamont Hudson, a collector of Daingerfield’s work, attended a Daingerfield Celebration in Blowing Rock in 1995, where he said: “It’s too bad Blowing Rock doesn’t have an art museum, because, if they did, I would donate my Daingerfield collections.”

One of the founders, Ginny Stevens, heard this and started collaborating and planning the construction of BRAHM.

Since then, BRAHM has become a freeadmission museum, adding more programs centered around community engagement and having rotating exhibits so guests will never see the same thing twice. Headline exhibitions in 2026 include:

• Silver and Smoke: Photos by George Masa and Ansel Adams – through Oct. 4, 2026

• Barbara Grenell: Mountain Tapestries –through Oct. 11, 2026

• Field Studies: A group exhibition –through Jan. 9, 2027

• Honoring Nature: Early Southern Appalachian Landscape Painting – Oct. 3 through April 2027

The BRAHM has opened ways for the community to experience the arts and stories of Western North Carolina, whether it’s through signing up for the E-Newsletter, becoming a member, or volunteering your time; there are countless ways to engage with the museum.

For more information on BRAHM, located at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane in Blowing Rock, and its hours of operation, visit www. blowingrockmuseum.org/

Edgewood Cottage

BUILT FOR ARTISTS

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

At the corner of downtown Main Street and Ginny Stevens Lane is a reconstructed cottage that is part of Blowing Rock’s Art and History Corner.

Considered one of North Carolina’s most famous artists, Elliott Daingerfield built Edgewood Cottage as his first home and studio in Blowing Rock. This is where he created some of his most prized paintings.

Daingerfield not only painted for himself but also gave his time and talent to help other artists learn and develop their skills, bringing

his students to Blowing Rock. Several of his Philadelphia students followed him here, and a few went on to join the renowned “Philadelphia Ten.”

The current structure is a faithful reconstruction, rebuilt by the Blowing Rock Historical Society from Daingerfield’s original drawings

using some of the salvaged original materials. It is now part of Blowing Rock’s “Culture Corner,” welcoming visitors to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and sitting across from St. Mary’s Episcopal and Rumple Memorial Presbyterian churches.

Today, Edgewood Cottage serves a dual purpose. Between May and mid-September, it hosts the Artists in Residence series, run by the Blowing Rock Historical Society. The other months it serves as a museum for the historical society with professionally curated exhibits that showcase Blowing Rock’s development and community personalities through the years.

The Artists in Residence program uses the space as Daingerfield might have wished, featuring one or more different artists every week. Each artist and artisan is selected to exhibit their pieces and stay on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day to greet folks, explain their craft, answer questions and even sell their work. Admission is free year-round.

The schedule from July to September is as follows:

• July 6 - July 12: Bernie Rosage and Gina Marrale

• July 13 - July 19: Miriam Esteve and Waitsel Smith

• July 20 - July 26: David Collins and Dezi Beltran

• July 27 - Aug. 2: Dee Edelman and Jack Hamrick

• Aug. 3 - Aug. 9: Evenlight Eagles and Beth Shuford

• Aug. 10 - Aug. 16: Fanjoy Labrenz, and Lucas Hundley & Crystal Hurt

• Aug. 17 - Aug. 23: Marcia Molnar and Susan Harris

• Aug. 24 - Aug. 30: Randi Robeson and Scott Ballard

• Aug. 31 - Sept. 7: Wen Redmond and Beth Lyons

For more information on Edgewood Cottage, located at 115 Ginny Stevens Ln, and the Artists in Residence schedule, visit www. artistsatedgewood.org.

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Village Foundation

invests in Blowing Rock’s future

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock, a 501(c) (3) organization, was established to improve the standard of living and economic vitality of the town.

With a mission to improve the standard of living and promote economic growth by supporting business education, solicitation, retention and economic development in the community. The Foundation has stepped up during challenging times to support the businesses and the residents as a whole.

Entirely donor-funded, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in project grants to the community, supporting everything from trailheads to school playgrounds.

Some of Blowing Rock’s most precious staples have been made possible in part by The Village Foundation.

To accomplish the Mission of The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock, the Foundation Directors have agreed:

• To encourage collaboration among, and where appropriate, to partner with Town government, the TDA, local non-profits, and local for-profit businesses, in order to expand and improve community and tourism infrastructure and overall community desirability as a place to visit, live, work and play.

• To advocate for the Blowing Rock community in order to create and sustain significant funding from individuals, families, businesses, foundations, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, and from creative and sustainable funding mechanisms

• To identify community needs and develop the plans and means to meet those needs

• To receive such funding for designated local projects and programs consistent with the Mission of the Foundation, as well for the establishment of a permanent, unrestricted endowment, as donors may direct from time to time

• To solicit, consider and act upon grant applications for funding initiatives consistent with, and in furtherance of the Mission of the Foundation

• To monitor, manage and oversee the disbursement of funds designated by donors for specific local projects and programs in order that such funds will be utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible

To replace the aging fountain on Mayview Lake, the Foundation contributed a matching grant alongside the town. The Foundation also helped put together the history walk around town, engaging visitors with the town’s history.

Collaborating with the town of Blowing Rock, the Foundation designed, funded, and constructed a new gateway to the Mayview neighborhood, which is near Broyhill Park, Annie Cannon Gardens, and free public parking.

The Foundation runs on a simple theory of change: small, consistent investments in public space and community infrastructure add up. Through its “Blowing Rock Star” program, supporters have contributed over $233,000 to fund projects like new benches, bike racks, trail improvements, and community events. The organization has also provided $1.05 million in grants to date and has supported 42 different projects.

One of the most recent projects was donating five benches for the Davant Field area and five bike racks (each able to hold up to seven bicycles) to be installed at key locations throughout Blowing Rock. The project was developed in collaboration with Parks and Recreation leadership and has received support from relevant advisory groups.

The current ambitions of the Foundation are to enhance the beauty and bring functional improvements to Annie Cannon Gardens, Glen Burney Trail, and Legion Hill. Partnering with the town and community partners to create community spaces for all residents.

For more information, visit www.villagefoundationofbr.org.

Unique things around town that are must-sees

BY ZACH COLBURN

It’s no secret that at the heart of Blowing Rock is its tourism.

Blowing Rock offers so many things that make it unique for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.

So whether it’s the loud, popular attractions such as Mystery Hill and Tweetsie Railroad or the peace and quiet of Broyhill Park, there’s something for everyone’s pace, making it a destination for many.

Below are just a few of them. Also, don’t forget to take a break and take in one of the various dining options that Blowing Rock has to offer:

Blowing Rock History Walk and Broyhill Park

A quarter-mile educational journey for visitors, the Blowing Rock History Walk at Broyhill Park is a handicapped-accessible trail that recounts some of the town’s rich and colorful history.

The stations, or pillars, also feature a QR code that has links to online “back stories.”

The trail follows the sidewalk from Main Street down Laurel Lane and goes through Broyhill Park.

Broyhill offers a tranquil and peaceful break just a stone’s throw from downtown Blowing Rock.

The park features Mayview Lake, a short walking sidewalk, a beautiful garden, a gazebo, and a deck for fishing.

MOSES H. CONE MANOR

Located off Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Moses H. Cone Manor provides access to the popular Fire Tower Overlook Trail.

The mansion has become a picturesque spot for hiking and picnics; it’s also become the ideal backdrop for prom photos, engagement pics and celebrating life milestones.

Inside, the first floor of the house offers the Southern Highland Craft Guild store and America’s National Parks store.

THE BLOWING ROCK

The oldest scenic attraction in North Carolina, the Blowing Rock Attraction welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year, with most arriving in July and October. The attraction is open year-round.

The attraction also features ice cream, coffee, and gift shops, along with picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

MYSTERY HILL

On the way to downtown Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill offers plenty of activities for both beautiful outdoor days and those that come with a common afternoon pop-up shower.

Some of the attractions and activities that are available are the Gravitational Anomaly, indoor gem mining at Prospector Hill, tour two museums, Old Time Photos, Axe/knife throwing, and the Rodeo Rampage Bull Riding Challenge. Plus sweet treats at Front Porch Eats.

GLEN BURNEY TRAIL AND ANNIE CANNON GARDENS

Located on Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock, the Annie Cannon Gardens sit adjacent to the Glen Burney Trail.

The creekside recreation area with a walking trail through the garden is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers free parking.

The featured 3.2-mile round-trip adventure also features a 600-foot drop into the Johns River Gorge, which is a part of the Catawba River Basin.

THE CHARITY HORSE SHOW

Running from early June until August, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is a foundation that has supported the preservation of the tradition of horse sports for more than a century.

The 2026 schedule offers three distinct weekends, with the first one — the Saddlebred Division — taking place the first weekend in June.

Two other weekends, both for the Hunter/Jumper Division, take place in the final two weekends in July.

BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM

Beginning in 2011, the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is a freeto-attend facility that features a growing permanent collection and changing exhibitions.

The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with other hours, including 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is located at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane.

TWEETSIE RAILROAD

Opened on Independence Day in 1957, Tweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented Wild West theme park located between Boone and Blowing Rock.

The centerpiece of the park is a 3-mile ride on a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroad’s two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives.

In addition to the train rides, Tweetsie offers classic amusement rides, feeding the animals in Deer Park Zoo, panning for gold, participating in live entertainment, and more.

Tweetsie also offers special annual events, such as Day Out with

Thomas (the Tank

Open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visit www.tweetsie.com to find out more.

WINTERFEST

While summer may be the time when most tourists visit Blowing Rock, WinterFest offers a festive atmosphere in late January.

The bulk of this past year’s events were canceled due to wintry weather, but some, such as the ice carvings, still took place.

Some other regular events that draw fanfare are the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake, the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge, Hot Chocolate and Hayrides, and the WinterFest Beer Garden.

Be on the lookout throughout the year for more information by following blowingrock.com/blowing-rockwinterfest/ and www.wataugademocrat. com.

ThePerfect Backyard Getaway!

Destination How hotels and motor lodges made Blowing Rock a

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

The story of Blowing Rock’s hotels and motor lodges is really the story of how a remote mountain village became one of the South’s premier vacation destinations.

Blowing Rock was never a mining town, railroad town, or manufacturing center. Tourism became its primary industry more than a century ago, and lodging was at the heart of that economy.

In the late 1800s, wealthy families from the Piedmont and coastal South began escaping the summer heat by traveling to Blowing Rock. Visitors would stay in private homes or simple boarding houses before the demand grew and permanent hotels were built.

The town’s first major hotel was the Watauga Hotel, built in 1884, before the Green Park Inn was built in 1891. More hotels and resort properties opened, catering to summer residents who stayed for weeks or the entire season.

For more than 130 years, the Green Park Inn stood as the grand dame of Blowing Rock lodging. Opened in 1891, the rambling green-and-white hotel hosted presidents, Annie Oakley and author Margaret Mitchell, who is said to have written part of “Gone with the Wind” during a stay. It was one of the oldest continuously operating resort hotels in the state before its closure.

Of note, the historic Green Park Inn was demolished in 2025 to make way for a new condominium development. Plans call for a scaled-down inn alongside the condominiums — a “replica,” as developers have described it, echoing the original’s design and color scheme.

Before the building came down, developers said they salvaged a number of the inn’s historic furnishings to be stored and reused in the new structure. Items being saved include portraits of notable past guests, mailboxes from the original Green Hill Post Office, and the well-known “Green Bean,” the life-size horse that stood outside the inn for decades.

Blowing Rock quickly developed a tourism-based economy, leading the town to improve streets, services, and infrastructure to accommodate visitors.

By the early 1900s, the town had become known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge” and attracted tourists from across the Southeast, even Florida.

The automobile was the biggest transformation for the town. Before cars, visitors would arrive by train to nearby Lenoir and then travel uphill by stagecoach.

As roads improved and driving became more common, a new type of tourist was created – families taking road trips rather than spending the entire season in one place.

Motor lodges began appearing along U.S. 321 and other highways entering town, offering guests parking spots directly outside their rooms. The lodges offered convenience, affordability and mountain views.

Blowing Rock has preserved a few older lodging properties like the Blowing Rock Inn and Hemlock Inn, both tracing back to America’s golden age of automobile tourism.

Today, a mix of lodging styles throughout Blowing Rock reflects the town’s history – from the grand resorts of the late 1800s to the mid-century motor lodges built for road-trippers, alongside familyowned inns that grew out of early guest houses and a handful of modern hotels.

These hotels and motor lodges were more than businesses; they shaped the town visitors see today. The hotels brought wealthy summer residents, the motor lodges welcomed the automobile age, and together they transformed a small mountain settlement into one of North Carolina’s most famous resort communities.

Hidden gems

A lake and a community library hiding in plain sight

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

North of downtown Blowing Rock, off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, where most visitors come for the manor house or the carriage trails – but down from the mansion is Bass Lake.

Bass Lake has a stillness that creates a peaceful atmosphere and, in the right conditions, becomes a mirror so precise that the sky looks upside down.

A trail loops around the lake with rhododendrons lining the short and flat path. In the fall, the trees around the water turn to vivid oranges, reds and yellows.

While not hard to get to, Bass Lake can be overlooked for the apple orchard, guild shop, and the manor, but it is worth the extra time to enjoy.

Tucked into Main Street’s restaurants and boutiques is the community library visitors walk right past.

The Blowing Rock Community Library was founded in 1923 and is

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over 100 years old, making it one of the area’s most enduring institutions. Its deep grey stone home, built in 1948, still has the original warm wood paneling lining inside, with a large stone fireplace. Rows of small wooden drawers hold hand-typed index cards for each book, forming the library’s card catalog.

The library takes visitors back to a simpler time, before computers and technology took over most libraries. While staying connected to the past with its old-time charm, the library also offers free Wi-Fi and CDs and DVDs for $1 each.

To the left is a kids’ area with books and puzzles, and where a weekly storytime is held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. from June through October.

Toward the back of the library is a community room where author talks and book signings happen, and where the community puzzle lives.

An unsolved puzzle is laid on the table, and community members can put together as many pieces as they have time, creating an interactive way for the community to connect.

Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the library is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. During winter, hours are limited to Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, but the times remain the same.

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fun events A town full of

BY MOSS BRENNAN

No matter when you visit, there’s likely something happening in Blowing Rock. This mountain town keeps a busy calendar of festivals, markets, concerts and community celebrations that bring locals and visitors together throughout the year.

From springtime fishing derbies to winter wonderlands, here’s a look at the can’t-miss traditions that make Blowing Rock special in every season.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

The Blowing Rock Historical Society hosts its Artist in Residence program each summer at the Edgewood Cottage on Main Street, running from late May through Labor Day week. These free art shows feature a different High Country artist each week, giving visitors the chance to meet local talent and purchase original work.

ART IN THE PARK

Held monthly from May through October, Art in the Park showcases the work of more than 100 jury-selected artists from across the region. Browse a wide range of mediums on Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock, and stick around for a free concert in the park.

CHAMBER HOME SHOW

Each year, the Blowing Rock Chamber’s Home Show brings together local professionals offering home-related services and expertise, held at the American Legion Building and free to attend.

CHARITY HORSE SHOW

For more than a century, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show has preserved the tradition of competitive horse sports. Held over multiple weekends each summer at the Broyhill Preserve, the show draws riders and spectators from the grandstand and box seats.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

The holiday season kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving with Christmas in the Park and the Lighting of the Town, featuring hot chocolate, caroling, twinkling lights and a visit from Santa. The Blowing Rock Christmas Parade follows the next day.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Blowing Rock Concerts in the Park brings free, family-friendly live music to Memorial Park throughout the summer, featuring performers from a variety of genres.

EASTER FESTIVAL

Every spring around Easter, families gather at Memorial Park for the Blowing Rock Easter Egg Hunt, with separate hunts organized by age group for younger children.

FOURTH OF JULY

Blowing Rock celebrates Independence Day with a festival and parade down Main Street. Main Street closes to traffic ahead of the parade, with a free shuttle available, and the day includes live music, games and family fun.

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

As the Halloween season arrives, Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation hosts a free evening of spooky fun for kids of all ages. Come in costume for the Monster March parade and trick-ortreating through town.

SYMPHONY ON THE MOUNTAIN

Celebrate summer in the High Country at Symphony on the Mountain, the Blowing Rock Chamber’s signature outdoor music event, happening every July. The event moved to a new location, Appalachian Ski Mtn., in 2026. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic, or enjoy grab-and-go food and beverage options while taking in an unforgettable evening of live music. The evening concludes with a fireworks show.

THURSDAY MARKET

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Thursday Market runs

American Flags are in abundance for the Blowing Rock Fourth of July parade. CONTINUED ON PAGE 66

from May through September at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Avenue. The market features a rotating lineup of local vendors offering food, flowers, cheese, soap, plants, and unique treasures. Designed as a convenient midday stop, the Thursday Market invites residents and visitors to shop local, connect with the community, and enjoy all that Blowing Rock has to offer.

TOUR OF HOMES

Sponsored by St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, the annual Tour of Homes takes place each summer, with proceeds benefiting charitable groups across the High Country. Visit stmaryofthehills.org for details.

TROUT DERBY

Each spring, anglers of all ages head to Broyhill Lake for the Blowing Rock Trout Derby. The Derby awards prizes for the top three biggest fish in several categories, and participants can fish in public waters throughout Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties.

WINTERFEST

WinterFest transforms Blowing Rock into a winter wonderland each January with four days of family-friendly festivities, including the Polar Bear Plunge, a Festival of Lights, local food and more. It’s

one of the biggest events on Blowing Rock’s annual calendar. Whether you are moving to Blowing Rock or just visiting, every season has something for everyone.

WinterFest Blowing Rock’s

An annual winter tradition

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Blowing Rock’s annual WinterFest transforms the town into a lively snow-dusted scene every year. The beloved event is a highlight of the mountain town, drawing visitors and locals to celebrate the brisk season with food, entertainment and community spirit.

In 1997, a group of businesses led by Jimmy Crippen, owner of Crippen’s Restaurant and Country Inn, came together to address the lack of business activity in the dead of winter. Realtors, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and retailers worked together to create a festival the last week of January that would celebrate winter, encourage locals to come out of hibernation, and stimulate the economy, while providing opportunities for area nonprofits to benefit from the events.

“The winters in Blowing Rock were brutal as far as the economy was concerned,” Crippen said when the event celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023. “We, as a restaurant, struggled to get through the wintertime without having to beg the bank to cover payroll. My wife and I were trying to figure out what to do in the wintertime and how to make more business, and she actually came up with the idea of ‘Don’t these towns do winter carnivals and things like that?’”

While the first event did not go quite as planned — the fog in Blowing Rock was so bad that people sitting in dining rooms couldn’t even see the parade go by — according to a Watauga Democrat article, that first WinterFest in 1998 seemingly paid off as many of the lodging businesses reportedly had no vacancy and the event helped fill restaurants, which Crippen said in that same article was “a shot in the arm.”

In 2005, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce began to produce WinterFest.

The event reminds the community and visitors alike that Blowing Rock is more than just a great outdoor summer vacation; there’s so much to experience in the winter beyond the ski slopes.

The festival has grown into a multi-day event featuring familyfriendly activities, most of which raise money for local organizations supporting various causes throughout the High Country.

One of the most significant events — the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake — serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. In past years, the plunge has raised funds for organizations including Casting Bread, a food pantry that provides clients with a sense of

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community and security, and WAMY, a housing program that works with low-income families to make their homes safer and more energy-efficient.

Highlights to look forward to at the festival include the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake, where participants take the plunge into icy waters as crowds cheer them on. Emcees like Al Conklin and John Carter of WBTV Charlotte have guided and entertained plungers and spectators over the years.

A cornerstone of the festival is the food, kicking off with a Winter Feast where guests sample signature dishes from some of the High Country’s favorite restaurants. The Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge is another staple that invites attendees to taste and vote for the best chili in town, while raising money for local non-profits. Beer lovers can sip and sample craft brews at the Beer Garden.

Attendees look forward to the live ice-carving demos by Artisan Ice Sculptures at Memorial Park.

At the end, visitors can watch the Winter Paws dog show, which raises money for local animal organizations. Winners compete for prizes across multiple categories, ensuring each pup has a chance to win.

WinterFest grows each year while still supporting regional nonprofits and boosting the town’s economy during the slow winter months. Though multiple winter blasts forced the cancellation of the 2026 festival, the event remains a fixture of the season — a reminder that a winter in Blowing Rock offers far more than hibernation.

Over the years, statewide media outlets have celebrated Blowing Rock’s winters right along with the town. Travel & Leisure magazine named Blowing Rock “one of America’s prettiest winter towns.” AAA named WinterFest one of the “Top Pick” events, and the Southeastern Tourism Society named the celebration a Top 20 Event.

For more information on next year’s WinterFest, visit blowingrockwinterfest. com. Also, keep a lookout for the official festival guide created by the Watauga Democrat.

Blowing Rock’s Symphony

A new experience

BY MOSS BRENNAN

For decades, the annual Blowing Rock Symphony has drawn thousands to the town in July. In 2026, it began a major change: moving to Appalachian Ski Mtn.

Founded in 1987, the Symphony has been held at Chetola Resort for nearly four decades, becoming a signature experience for Blowing Rock and a cherished tradition for residents and visitors alike. When the move was announced, the Chamber expressed its deep appreciation for Chetola’s longstanding partnership, collaboration, and role in

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shaping the event’s success.

“This event simply would not be what it is today without Chetola,” said Ellen Harrell, Board Chair for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We are incredibly grateful for the history we’ve built together and the memories created since 1987. We also look forward to our future and building new memories for our community as we work to enhance our attendee experience for the future.”

As the event continues to grow and evolve, the Chamber made a strategic decision to relocate the Symphony to Appalachian Ski Mtn. beginning in 2026, which reflected a “long-term vision to enhance the overall experience, expand opportunities, and ensure the continued success of the Symphony for years to come.”

“It’s a privilege for Appalachian Ski Mtn. to join the Blowing Rock Chamber in hosting this signature musical event that means so much to the residents and visitors of the High Country,” App Ski Mtn. President Brad Moretz said. “We are excited to add our natural amphitheater setting and Blue Ridge Mountain views to this premier summer event.”

This 2026 event features Symphony of the Mountains, celebrating America’s 250th with special guest Jake Hoot, 2019 winner of The Voice, with an opening performance by Bristol Lightning.

Symphony of the Mountains began as a community orchestra in 1946 and has grown into a professional regional orchestra that entertains, educates and enriches the lives of people across the Southeast.

Under the direction of long-time conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth,

Symphony of the Mountains has blossomed into an ensemble of more than 70 professional musicians. Beyond performing timeless symphonic works, the orchestra has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Béla Fleck, The Kruger Brothers, Edgar Meyer, and many others.

“Symphony has long been one of Blowing Rock’s most treasured summer traditions,” said Robin Miller, President & CEO. “While the location is new this year, guests can expect unforgettable music, atmosphere, and community spirit that have made this event so special.”

Past themes have included a Celtic-themed performance, movie soundtracks, and “From the Alps to the Appalachians,” meaning each year provides guests with a new soundtrack for the night.

For up-to-date information, visit www.symphonyonthemountain.org.

Opportunities VOLUNTEER

How to get involved in

community

BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The best way to give back, make a difference and connect is through volunteerism! Below are suggestions for opportunities in the High Country:

WHY

• Make a Difference – Your time and skills can directly improve the community.

• Meet New People – Build friendships with like-minded locals.

• Give Back – Keep Blowing Rock a beautiful, thriving community.

WHERE

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES

Blowing Rock Cares Food Pantry – Help fight food insecurity by sorting donations, distributing meals, or assisting families in need. Location: Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church | Contact: blowingrockcares.com

American Red Cross: Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter – Volunteer for disaster relief, blood drives, and emergency preparedness training. Location: Boone, NC | Website: redcross.org

ENVIRONMENTAL & OUTDOOR CONSERVATION

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation – Assist with trail maintenance, park cleanups, and educational programs to preserve one of America’s most scenic drives. Location: Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center | Website: brpfoundation.org

Blue Ridge Conservancy – Help protect the High Country’s working farms, water resources, and natural areas through land stewardship, trail projects, and conservation events. Location: Boone, NC | Website: blueridgeconservancy.org

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation – Help with educational programs, wildlife conservation, and guided hikes.

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Location: Linville, NC | Website: grandfather.com

MountainTrue – High Country Office – Help protect the region’s rivers and forests through water quality monitoring, river cleanups, and community science programs led by the Watauga Riverkeeper. Location: Boone, NC | Website: mountaintrue.org

ARTS, CULTURE & EVENTS

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) – Volunteer as a museum guide, event assistant, or workshop helper to support local art and history. Location: 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock | Website: blowingrockmuseum.org

Symphony or Art in the Park – These beloved events need volunteers for setup, guest services, and event assistance. Location: Downtown Blowing Rock | Website: blowingrock.com

ANIMAL WELFARE

Watauga Humane Society – Support homeless pets by walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting with adoption events, or fostering animals. Location: Boone, NC | Website: wataugahumane.org

For more opportunities, visit the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce or check with local nonprofit organizations. Visit LoveBlowingRock.com for more information.

Country Club BLOWING ROCK

BY ZACH COLBURN

In operation for golf play from May through October, the Blowing Rock Country Club opened for its first round in 1915, and a $1.6 million restoration completed in 2017 returned the historic layout to its original character.

The original nine holes are credited to Seth Raynor, who designed roughly 85 courses in the 1910s and 1920s. Donald Ross is believed to have expanded the course to 18 holes in 1922.

According to its website, Blowing Rock

Country Club offers a classic mountain golf course with elevation changes, narrow fairways and fast greens — a layout that rewards accuracy over distance.

The clubhouse was renovated in 1973 but destroyed by a fire the following year, and a brand new clubhouse was opened in June 1975. Since then, the club community as a whole has continued to grow and change as one of the most elite private organizations in the Southeast.

There are several off-season functions over the holidays and into early spring. Club members can enjoy food and beverage

options for all tastes, as well as a social calendar with events ranging from casual, family-oriented gatherings to black-tie affairs.

The BRCC’s expansive Clubhouse and its outdoor Lakehouse venue offer a variety of spaces that may be used to host weddings, parties, corporate meetings and more.

The Clubhouse also features a professional in-house pastry chef and a food-andbeverage team.

The country club offers a variety of outdoor activities, including croquet and tennis, as well as a state-of-the-art Fitness

Center featuring group exercise classes of all kinds and private services in personal training, yoga instruction and massage therapy.

The recreation program continues to grow each year, with more members participating in tennis and croquet.

To learn more about BRCC, including

or

a

memberships, visit blowingrockcountryclub. com or contact Director of Membership Mandy Poplin at membership@ blowingrockcountryclub.com.

organizations Nonprofit and community

The following are nonprofit and community organizations that are members of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. To see the full list of organizations, visit www. loveblowingrock.com/directory/membershipdirectory.

Blowing Rock CARES

1218 Main Street, PO Box 1203, Blowing Rock (828) 532-3323

www.blowingrockcares.com

Blowing Rock CARES’ mission as a food bank is to help provide basic non-perishable food to families and individuals in Watauga County to supplement other county services and help fill gaps in availability.

Blowing Rock Community Foundation

PO Box 525, Blowing Rock (828) 295-3048

www.blowingrockcf.org

The Blowing Rock Community Foundation was founded in 1985 to raise funds exclusively for the Blowing Rock Community. The funds raised from various events are used to award grants to the town and scholarships to local college students.

Blowing Rock Historical Society

1094 Main Street, Blowing Rock (828) 265-4423

www.blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com

The Blowing Rock Historical Society is a non-profit community service organization with the main goal of bringing rich and colorful history to life for the community and visitors. The organization presents its history in a fun and engaging way. Examples include the 1888 Museum in Memorial Park, dedicated to the history of tourism, and the Blowing Rock History Walk, 21 engaging history stations on Laurel Lane and around Broyhill Lake.

Blowing Rock School PTO

PO Box 228, Blowing Rock

The mission of the Blowing Rock School Parent-Teacher Organization is to help every Rocket “reach the stars” by supporting the teachers, staff and families of the Blowing Rock School.

Blue Ridge Chapter, American Red Cross

331 Queen Street, Suite B, Boone (828) 264-8226

www.redcross.org/

The Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Red Cross has served the residents of Watauga County since November 1917 by providing relief to victims of disasters and helping

people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Blue Ridge Conservancy

416 Aho Road, Blowing Rock (828) 264-2511

www.blueridgeconservancy.org

Blue Ridge Conservancy partners with landowners and local communities to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.

The Blowing Rock Rotary Club held its Day of Giving in December 2025, which provided regional non-profits with funds to support their programs.

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

717 South Marshall Street, Suite 105-B, WinstonSalem (866) 308-2773

www.brpfoundation.org

The primary nonprofit fundraising organization for the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 501(c)(3), helps ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, educational outreach, and visitor enjoyment. Among its many initiatives, the Foundation is committed to ensuring Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock remains a cultural treasure, historic landmark, and tourist destination that stimulates the local economy.

Blue Ridge Women In Agriculture

969 W. King Street, Boone (828) 386-1537

www.brwia.org/

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA) is dedicated to strengthening the High Country’s local food system by supporting farmers and producers with resources, education, and skills related to sustainable food and agriculture.BRWIA operates the High Country Food Hub, where customers can order online and pick up local food orders in Blowing Rock on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. BRWIA also operates the King Street Market, a Regional Farmer Training Program, the Double Up Food Bucks food equity program, and much more.

Casting Bread Free Market & Café

194 Aho Road, Blowing Rock (828) 783-3510

www.increasefoodsecurity.org

Casting Bread is a community-focused nonprofit in Blowing Rock. Through its Free Market and Café, the organization provides a client-choice food pantry and soup kitchen experience rooted in dignity, respect and hospitality for all people.

Daniel Boone Native Gardens

651 Horn in the West Drive, Boone www.danielboonenativegardens.org

Daniel Boone Native Gardens promotes the benefits of native plants and healthy ecosystems, and provides a community green space in the heart of the High Country. is to showcase the largest collection of horticulturally available native species from the Blue Ridge ecoregion, inspire people to plant native species in their own landscapes, and offer a place where our community can enjoy outdoor events.

Foothills Conservancy of NC

204 Avery Ave, Morganton (828) 434-9930

www.foothillsconservancy.org

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina inspires conservation in Western North Carolina by permanently protecting land and water for the benefit of people and all living things. The organization envisions a thriving region to live and visit, with clean water, healthy forests, productive farmland, diverse wildlife, access to outdoor recreation, and communities that value conservation.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina

2701 University Pkwy Winston-Salem (336) 724-3621

www.goodwillnwnc.org

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has served local communities since 1926.

High Country Caregivers

7672 Highway 105 South, Boone (828) 832-6366

www.highcountrycaregivers.org

High Country Caregivers (HCC) provides advocacy, support, and education for kinship caregivers and their families. Operating in Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Yancey, Mitchell, and Wilkes counties, HCC steps in to help ease the heavy load caregivers carry by ensuring that all families in the program have access to the necessary support and resources.

High Country United Way

1675 Blowing Rock Blvd., Suite 400, Boone (828) 265-2111

www.highcountryunitedway.org

High Country United Way was established in 1978 as Watauga United Appeal. In 1997, the agency transitioned to High Country United Way and expanded to serve the citizens of Avery and Watauga Counties. Currently, High Country United Way funds 27 programs in 5 counties in the High Country of North Carolina.

Hospitality House Of Northwest North Carolina

160 Den-Mac Drive, Boone (828) 264-1237

www.hosphouse.org

The Hospitality House of North West North Carolina’s mission is to rebuild lives and strengthen communities by providing a safe, nurturing, healthy environment in which individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty-related crises are equipped to become selfsufficient and productive.

Hunger & Health Coalition

141 Health Center Dr., Ste C Boone (828) 262-1628

www.hungerandhealthcoalition.com

The mission of the Hunger and Health Coalition is to transform individual and community health by delivering a continuum of food, medication, and comprehensive healthcare that addresses the whole person’s well-being.

Mountain Alliance

Watauga High School, Boone (828) 263-1770

www.mountainalliance.org/

Mountain Alliance is a community of individuals committed to providing youth with opportunities to explore & develop their leadership potential through adventure & service learning. We connect students with a support structure & caring community during their most formative years. Activities are open to any high school student in Watauga County & are free.

OASIS

225 Birch Street, Suite 4, Boone (828) 264-1532

www.oasisinc.org

Founded in 1978, OASIS is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga County. The organization provides comprehensive emergency services and support, education and skill development, and works to create a community that no longer tolerates sexual violence.

Quiet Givers

P.O. Box 95. Boone (828) 355-5046

www.quietgivers.org

Quiet Givers Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to serve the people of the North Carolina High Country - covering Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties. It is a source for people to learn about specific needs in the community and take action. Area nonprofits, social

workers, schools and other community organizations send Quiet Givers needs that they are having trouble meeting through existing funds or programs, and the organization crowdsources the funding from anonymous donors.

Rotary Club of Blowing Rock

PO Box 1300, Blowing Rock (828) 356-6949

www.blowingrockrotaryclub.org

Established in 1946, the Rotary Club of Blowing Rock provides an opportunity for friendship, fellowship, and service to the community, the local area, and the world. The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock meets most Mondays at noon for lunch at the Meadowbrook Inn. Visitors and fellow Rotarians welcome.

Samaritan’s Purse

801 Bamboo Road, Boone (828) 262-1980

www.samaritanspurse.org

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people since 1970, helping victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine to share God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Children’s Council

225 Birch St., Suite 3, Boone (828) 262-5424

www.thechildrenscouncil.org

A local nonprofit that works to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development by strengthening families, the early childhood system, and the wider community.

The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock

132 Park Avenue, Blowing Rock (828) 414-2888

www.villagefoundationofbr.org

The mission of The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock is to promote, implement and support business education, solicitation and retention, and economic development in Blowing Rock. Established in 2012, the Village Foundation has achieved a long and illustrious history of identifying and pursuing projects that enhance the quality of life and economic resiliency of Blowing Rock.

The Western North Carolina Sculpture Center, Inc

4612 Patterson School Drive, Lenoir (828) 719-8518

www.wncsculpture.org

The Western North Carolina Sculpture Center exists to inspire the appreciation and creation of sculpture in harmony with the landscape. The WNC Sculpture Center is housed in the roughly 10,000 sq. ft. gymnasium located on the Patterson School Foundation grounds in Happy Valley.

Village Thrift

8332 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock (828) 414-9900

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068377032628# Blowing Rock Women’s Club operates Village Thrift

to raise money for local student scholarships.

WAMY Community Action

225 Birch Street, Suite 2, Boone (828) 264-2421

www.wamycommunityaction.org

WAMY partners with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged with the support and tools they need to become self-sufficient.

Watauga County Arts Council

377 Shadowline Drive, Boone (828) 264-1789

www.watauga-arts.org

Watauga Arts Council creates a thriving, diverse, and vibrant community through arts advocacy, education, support, and inspiration.

Watauga County Habitat For Humanity

1200 Archie Carroll Rd., Boone (828) 268-9545

www.wataugahabitat.org

A Christian housing ministry building safe and affordable homes with families who earn 40-70% of the Watauga County median income. Donations of land, materials & volunteer labor keep homes affordable. Families contribute sweat equity & receive zero-interest mortgages.

Watauga Humane Society

312 Paws Way, Boone (828) 264-7865

www.wataugahumane.org/

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making the lives of pets better in Watauga County through sheltering, lowcost spay/neuter and education.

Western Youth Network

134 Doctors Drive, Boone (828) 264-5174

www.westernyouthnetwork.org

A relationship-focused resource for youth & families in the High Country. Through prevention & intervention programs, WYN specializes in providing youth with the tools they need to reach their potential & discover their place in our community & world.

Wine To Water

783 West King Street, Boone (828) 355-9655

www.winetowater.org

A non-profit organization focused on providing clean water to people in need around the world. Nearly 1 billion people worldwide lack access to adequate water, and 2.5 billion lack access to improved sanitation.

Women’s Fund Of The Blue Ridge

895 State Farm Rd, Suite 404-10, Boone (828) 264-4002

www.womensfundoftheblueridge.org

A grant-making organization founded and run by a diverse group of concerned women determined to make a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in the lovely mountain community.

Civic Association BLOWING ROCK

works to keep residents in the loop, year-round

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

The Blowing Rock Civic Association is building community one radon kit, history video, and Fourth of July float at a time.

BRCA serves as a communication bridge between the town of Blowing Rock and all its residents, whether they live in Blowing Rock full- or part-time.

The association evaluates civic issues, educates residents on local happenings, works with the whole community and encourages citizens to get involved and vote. It fills a critical information gap by keeping part-time residents informed about local happenings, events, and community developments regardless of where they are

physically located.

BRCA 28605 is the association’s broadcast, with video and a written script, provided every week to over 900 subscribers to share updates on the town.

Beyond informing residents, the association has established community initiatives, programs, and contributions to engage with the town.

“We find that people who are not here all the time and those who are, are always looking for good things to do or ways to get more engaged in the community,”

BRCA Chairman Jean Kitchin said. “We’ve provided an outlet for everyone to be able to do that with things like the history video on the Blowing Rock Historical Society website.”

BRCA has helped fund a series of local history videos, has a float in the Fourth of July parade and donated library tables to the community library.

The association hosts community events to share recent updates from community members, including a June talk with local leaders about the new county-run EMS service.

The association has also brought Phil Gibson — the radon expert for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services — to town for a presentation on radon gas. Residents learned about the dangers of radon gas and what to do when

Among the Blowing Rock Civic Association’s areas of involvement, the organization:•

• Produces local history videos, including “A Village Tapestry,” the first video history of Blowing Rock, created with board member Barry Buxton and shared with the Blowing Rock Historical Society

• Hosts educational programs for residents, including an N.C. Department of Health and Human Services presentation on radon, and distributes free test kits through the chamber and Community Library

• Donates to the community, including four custom oak tables for the Blowing Rock Community Library, built with board chair Jean Kitchin and her husband, Hodge Kitchin

• Distributes American flags to residents for the Fourth of July and the nation’s 250th birthday

• Conducts an annual resident survey to identify top community issues

• Presents the Paul H. Broyhill Award each year to a citizen for exemplary service to the town

leaks occur, and free test kits were given away, with more available at the library and the chamber.

In a region where homes are often nestled into the hillside, testing for the colorless, odorless gas isn’t just good sense; it might save lives.

“Those are the types of things we’ve just had a really good time being involved with,” Kitchin said.

For people with backgrounds in civic life, volunteer work, and local politics, the association offers something increasingly rare: a functional, good-faith outlet for getting things done. Just neighbors who care about a place and are willing to put in the work.

For more information, visit www.brcivic.org.

businesses New Blowing Rock

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Blowing Rock’s Main Street and Valley Boulevard corridors welcomed a wave of new businesses in 2025 and early 2026 — from a father-son burger joint and a downtown shuttle service to a bridal boutique, a revamped toy shop, and a cluster of seasonal Southmarke vendors offering everything from custom jewelry to African art.

Bistro Roca @ Hellbender

After their century-old building caught fire in January, Bistro Roca found a temporary home at its sister restaurant, Hellbender Bed and Beverage. The combined venture opened Feb. 27 with a new combined menu. The business plans to rebuild and host a grand reopening in 2027. For more information on the restaurants and plans for reopening, visit bistroroca.com.

Blowing Rock Shuttle Hopper

The new Blowing Rock Shuttle Hopper provides a convenient connection to downtown Blowing Rock. The continuous loop shuttle service has eight stops throughout downtown, including Shoppes on the Parkway.

Visitors can pay for each ride or purchase a “Shuttle Hopper” wristband for unlimited rides all day. The shuttle runs from Friday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blowing Rock Walking Tours

For those eager to discover the hidden history of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Walking Tours guide visitors through the history of downtown. The one-hour and 30-minute tour discusses landmarks, the people who built the town, and 20 destinations. Ticket prices begin at $20.

Bonnie Bleue Bridal Salon

The only bridal shop in town provides a dress-shopping experience for brides and mothers-to-be alike. Located at 452 Sunset Dr., Bonnie Bleue Bridal has wedding gowns and dresses for mothers and bridesmaids in a wide range of sizes.

All dresses in the shop are samples, which the owner, Angela Paul, says will ensure every bride has a brand-new wedding dress that fits her almost perfectly.

“If they say yes to the dress, I will take their measurements and order them a brandnew dress, never tried on by anyone,” Paul said.

Bubba’s Gas & Grill

A father and son, with 3rd- and 4th-generation Blowing Rock roots, opened the only gas-and-grill in town. Austin Northern and his father, Mike Northern, saw that their hometown had no cheap, fast food for locals.

“Because I grew up here, I wanted to see things that I wanted to have growing up,” Austin Northern said.

Bubba’s is located at 7816 Valley Blvd and is open Sunday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It serves burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, which can be made into combos served with fries, salad, and okra.

Doodly Scott’s,

formerly Serves You Right

Serves You Right has rebranded to Doodly Scott’s and is still at its location at 1179 Main Street #107 in Southmarke Shopping Center. This shop has continued to evolve since its opening in 1993, when it began offering merchandise for entertaining in style, as well as high-end collectibles. Over the last decade, the shop has shifted focus to a different kind of entertainment: toys, books, and games.

Moondance Market and Catering

After nearly a decade in the same building, chef Jessica Clearwater has expanded Moondance Market & Catering to fill the space with ready-to-eat meals, charcuterie boards and fresh sourdough bread. Located at 8146 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock, the market shares space with Fabled Pizza and is open when the restaurant is.

The market will have frozen and refrigerated meals, charcuterie trays, crudité trays with homemade dips, prepared salads, and sourdough, primarily available on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu shifts seasonally and includes vegan and gluten-free options.

The Salon and Boutique

The old Blowing Rocket office at 452 Sunset Rd., Suite H, is now The Salon and Boutique. Sandy Crain was an instructor for Toni and Guy, but wanted a quieter life, noticing only one other hairdresser in Blowing Rock.

“I knew there was a need downtown, then this place opened up,” Crain said. “I have always wanted to walk to work, and I’m only two blocks away.”

Open Monday through Saturday, The Salon provides hair cutting and coloring services, with Crain planning to add two other stylists, a boutique and a nail technician.

NEW SEASONAL @ SOUTHMARKE

The Charm Bar

The Charm Bar is a seasonal mix, match and create your own jewelry shop at Main Street’s Southmarke. Customers can make their own necklaces, bracelets, earrings and purse charms.

Lemon & Leaf

Open May through Oct. 31, Lemon and Leaf serves refreshing beverages for those strolling Main Street. Lemonades, limeades, and teas are made with homemade syrups, while popcorn is available as a light snack.

The Little Moss Shop

An extension of King Street Flowers, The Little Moss Shop sells terrariums and plants. Menya’s African Art

Blowing Rock is known for its art-inspiring environment, and that is no different from the inspiration for other cultural artists. Menya’s African Art features sculpted African wood and soapstone, and mobiles made from banana bark, cornhusks, and sisal fibers.

For more information on new businesses, visit www. loveblowingrock.com or www.wataugademocrat.com.