Amanda Lugenbell – Blowing Rock, NC

Outdoor NC Resources

Blowing Rock is a proud member of the Outdoor NC Partner Alliance. Through this program, the TDA staff is learning more about how to communicate good stewardship ideals to our visitors and businesses. It’s vital that we all step up and do our part to protect and preserve the places we love, from Blowing Rock parks to lands on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As a Blowing Rock business, you have access to some of the great resources made available through our partnership with Visit NC and Outdoor NC. Below, find printable posters, some excellent resources for sustainability in business, and even a Leave No Trace training program (a great refresher even if you’re familiar)! Sustainable Business Resources Outdoor NC has compiled some excellent resources for us all: A Global Trends Report and a comprehensive Sustainable Business Resource guide. Share this information with your employees, managers, and any stakeholders in your business. Click on the images below to see the full files- both downloadable and printable PDFs. Global Trends Report Sustainable Tourism Business Guide, includes links Printable Posters & Handouts Some printable pieces that help remind us all to protect and preserve the places we love! A beautiful poster, plus a flyer and a tri-fold handout for the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. Click each image below for a downloadable and printable PDF file. 11×17 Make it Your Nature poster 8.5×11 Leave No Trace Flyer Tri-fold Leave No Trace Pamphlet (prints front-and-back on 8.5×11) Online Training Program Everyone in the North Carolina hospitality or retail industry plays a crucial role to help promote Leave No Trace’s educational message with visitors and customers who are likely unaware of the negative impacts that can result from outdoor recreation. Let’s help protect our outdoor resources with stewardship education, to help ensure that North Carolina’s thriving tourism and recreation economy continue to grow for years to come. Check out this easy-to-follow Leave No Trace training module here!

About Blowing Rock, NC

Community Overview Blowing Rock is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and along the Eastern Continental Divide. While it’s often called “the village” by locals and visitors, the town is small, encompassing just three square miles. As it is situated along ridges overlooking the Pisgah National Forest, large homes skirt the views that are enjoyed from the town’s namesake natural formation: The Blowing Rock. With a history of hospitality rooted in summer getaways and health-centered escapes, Blowing Rock is home to an array of lodging, dining, and entertainment venues. Living in Blowing Rock Forged by a combination of entrepreneurs, creative makers, and vacation home owners, this laid-back, resort community is an excellent home for those who seek the wide views, inspiration, and active pursuits available here. While it’s a modern town, Blowing Rock feels like a bit of a throw-back to yesteryear Americana. Our downtown elementary school students finish their afternoons with a short walk to the central Memorial Park. Holiday parades down Main Street feel like festivals as flowers fill planters and beds all over town, and large, old churches anchor downtown corners. Today, Blowing Rock is a welcoming and active mountain town with lots of events and activities, unique shopping, one-of-a-kind inns & restaurants, and beautiful downtown spaces. Facts & Trivia The Village of Blowing Rock Blowing Rock was incorporated in March of 1889. About two-dozen inns and hotels are operated in town, most locally owned. Many are within walking distance of shopping and dining in downtown. There are nearly 30 restaurants inside the three square miles of Blowing Rock, with very few franchises or chains. A Rich Blowing Rock Heritage The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest outdoor show of its kind, continuing through the Great Depression and WWII. R. Getty Browning, Chief Locating Engineer for Blue Ridge Parkway, was instrumental in convincing project leaders to route the Parkway through NC rather than TN. He spent a lot of time in the local area hiking the route on foot. He died in Blowing Rock at the age of 82. His daughter, Harriet Browning Davant, made her home in Blowing Rock. Tweetsie Railroad, NC’s first theme park, features historic steam locomotives. The name comes from the local nickname of engine No. 12, when it ran the rails in northwestern NC. After the demise of local railroads, the engine was purchased from movie cowboy and musician Gene Autry. Ties to Celebrities, Authors and Historical Figures Annie Oakley taught marksmanship classes in Blowing Rock at Mayview Manor, a resort that once overlooked the John’s River Gorge. Margaret Mitchell penned part of Gone with the Wind during her stay at the Green Park Inn, a hotel on the National Register of Historic Places. The best-selling Mitford books by Jan Karon started as serial stories in the town’s paper, The Blowing Rocket. Elliott Daingerfield, a notable artist, built several homes in Blowing Rock. He taught ladies’ painting classes at his downtown cottage, Edgewood. His estate home, now the location of a world-renowned resort & spa, still maintains the name he gave it: Westglow. Moses Cone, known as the “Denim King” for his textile mills that helped shape NC industry, built his summer home overlooking Blowing Rock. Moses Cone’s sisters, Claribel and Etta, were friends with artists such as Matisse and Picasso. The bulk of their impressive art collection is a cornerstone of the Baltimore Museum of Art. The Cone Wing contains over 3000 works. Chetola Resort was originally built as a private estate and was once owned by Luther Snyder, the “Coca-Cola King of the Carolinas.” Demographics During summer months Blowing Rock has a population of about 6,000 During winter months the population is around 1,400. Median Age: 58.9 Median Household Salary: $52,813. Median Family Salary: $80,682 Median Home Value for Owner-Occupied Homes: $453,900

Trip Tips: Recreation Primer for Blowing Rock

Are you considering a first-time visit to Blowing Rock? Looking to get outdoors but not sure how to plan ahead? For this primer, our Trip Tip host Brian Baldwin answers some basic questions about the recreational areas around Blowing Rock. Brian is the store manager at Footsloggers of Blowing Rock, a local outfitter & outdoor supply shop. He’s an avid hiker, backpacker, camper, and lover of all things outdoors. Brian’s true outdoor passion is just being in nature! He’s all about taking a walk in the woods, getting bare feet in a creek, and finding serenity in a still, green place that’s full of birdsong. Check out his thoughts below, and stop by Footsloggers if you have more questions- the folks there really do love the outdoors! About Recreation in Blowing Rock What sets Blowing Rock apart from other destinations? Blowing Rock’s proximity to natural areas is what sets it apart. And I mean true proximity. We have all these places to eat and stay, outfitters to get geared up, and they are literally adjacent to all these gorgeous trails and views. You barely even have to go 2 miles from the center of downtown before you feel like you are fully immersed in nature, away from everything. What’s unique about the facilities and infrastructure in Blowing Rock? Again, that proximity to nature makes the infrastructure unique. Blowing Rock is like a gateway to those natural places, and locals know and appreciate that. So I think the people here help make a visitor’s experience stand out. Locals know they live in a place with a special relationship with natural spaces, and that relationship draws others here. They understand the importance of welcoming those visitors, too- it keeps our economy going. What level of experience is needed to recreate in Blowing Rock? People of all levels of experience can find something incredible here. No experience to expert. You can come up to do a guided float trip with the family, with no previous experience, and have a great time. You can also head out to climb in Linville Gorge, a true life-risking adrenaline rush, reserved for experienced climbers. Linville Gorge also has some of the toughest hiking on the East Coast, in my opinion. What’s your favorite season to recreate in and around Blowing Rock and why? Late spring into early summer is an incredible time here. Bird migrations and spring blooms make that time super special. It can be rainy then, but that’s why our summers are so verdant, so green. It’s hard to beat summer here, too. It’s so much cooler than down the mountain. Planning for the Trip How long should someone plan on visiting the area? Any amount of time will do you good! But ideally, if you can do it, I think two weeks would be a great amount of time to really explore this area. You will not run out of places to see! You still wouldn’t experience all of the outdoor areas and trails, but it would be enough time to really immerse yourself in the vibe and location. I’ve been hiking in this area for well over a decade and still find new places or trails to enjoy. How do you plan ahead and prepare for your preferred recreational activity? Preparedness scales. This is important, and what I mean by that is my prep for a short walk in the woods versus a full day of hiking is different, even though they are both getting out on a trail. I tend to keep a basic pack that I take with me anytime I spend time outdoors. It includes water, a snack, a pocket knife, a headlamp, and I have my phone. If I am planning to go more than 5 miles one way, I take everything I need to be comfortable sleeping outside, just in case. No matter what the trip is, though, I always tell someone where I’m going and when I expect to be back. How do you put one Leave No Trace principle in action before, during, or after you spend time in the outdoors? It’s so important to pack out all your trash. I always carry a reusable water bottle so that’s one less item that’s wasted or becomes trash to carry. What piece of outdoor equipment is your must-have? That water bottle! Water is the most important thing to have with you outdoors. If you’re going on a longer trip outdoors, being able to filter water will keep you from having to carry it all in with you, since water weighs a lot. Water is so essential that it might not even count as equipment, so I think footwear is worth noting. No matter the length of an outdoor experience, proper footwear is key equipment. If your feet aren’t comfortable, you won’t be. Hidden Gems & Recommendations What is your ‘can’t miss experience’ in the area? Grandfather Mountain State Park. Incredible trails, and they will challenge you, no matter how experienced a hiker you are. The views and forests are beautiful. And Footsloggers for all your outfitting! Are there any overlooked or under-visited activities in the area to see while in town? I think the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is probably missed more than it should be. When it comes to activities, the fishing here is amazing! We have so many waterways nearby that you will absolutely catch fish, especially if you go with one of the local guides. What is your favorite place to visit before or after an outdoor adventure for refreshment? I love to get a burger and a beer at the bar at Bistro Roca after a great day outside! For coffee, it’s gotta be Camp Coffee, especially before an adventure. Share a unique place to stay in the area. Why do you recommend these accommodations? Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins has these cute little cabins right on Main Street. You can walk to everything in town, which is especially nice after

Marketing & Promotional Opportunities

The BRTDA offers many resources to help with marketing and promotions for our local tourism partners! BRTDA Website (this one!) BlowingRock.com is the official visitor information website for Blowing Rock. Qualifying tourism-related businesses in Blowing Rock, such as accommodations, restaurants, and shopping, are listed on the website free of charge. High Country attractions within a 15 mile radius may also eligible for listing on the website free of charge. Each business is listed with eye-catching photos to attract visitors, and has a link to that business’s website. We rely on industry partners to keep their information on the website current and relevant. How does this help me?A listing on the BRTDA’s website provides additional exposure for your business thanks to the 478,000 unique users who visit the website each year. Having your business listed also increases your own website’s search engine optimization (SEO). What do I need to do?Contact Lindsay Garcia with your business details if you are not currently listed on our site! Some businesses are automatically added to the website. Accommodations need to confirm occupancy tax compliance with the Town of Blowing Rock Finance Department (located at Town Hall) before being listed. Each listing needs an image, description, contact information, and a web link. Visitor Guide This brochure-style publication helps visitors plan their trip to and within Blowing Rock. Local attractions, activities, restaurants, and accommodations are listed for free. How does this help me?Your business may be listed or featured in the Visitor Guide, giving you added exposure. Approximately 75,000 printed Blowing Rock Guides are distributed annually, with additional digital copies downloaded from our website. Additionally, these Guides are available (in any quantity) without charge for you to display and give to your guests. What do I need to do? Make sure your business is listed on our website and up-to-date. We will announce in the Village Tattler e-newsletter as we update the Visitor Guide, so double check the accuracy of your listing then as well. For copies, come to the TDA offices on Park Avenue. Online Calendar of Events As a service to visitors and the community, the BRTDA maintains a listing of events happening in the area on our website. We encourage all our partners to submit special events and upcoming activities for listing. Events must meet certain guidelines, like being open to the general public. How does this help me?In addition to putting your event in front of potential visitors, the online calendar is how the BRTDA learns about your events. We use the online calendar to develop the calendars that are distributed in other communications and in the Information Center. It helps us know what to promote on our social media channels, too. What do I need to do?You can find the criteria for being included on the calendar and a submission form here. >>Submit your events as far in advance as possible, giving as much information as possible. Glow Time and Other Seasonal Promotions The BRTDA coordinates “Glow Time” promotions from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This features festive activities and holiday shopping with free listing opportunities for a “favorite thing” from each participating store. The Glow Time theme is promoted in seasonal paid ads and many social media features, all directed to a special web page that highlights seasonal activities. Similar promotions have been coordinated for Valentine’s Day and other special events. How does this help me?For retailers in particular, the Glow Time promotions can help increase visibility, especially on social media as we use our web content to build features. Lodging and attractions partners can also list specials or packages, all free of charge. Holiday travel and messaging is always a great theme to gain extra promotion for any business. What do I need to do? Keep an eye on announcements in The Village Tattler Newsletter to learn when seasonal promotions are happening. Retailers should choose an item to feature as their “favorite thing” and send details to Lindsay Garcia. All businesses should send their holiday features to us around the beginning of November. We will find the best fit for promoting it! Information Kiosks in Town The Blowing Rock TDA maintains the four information kiosks in town. Local businesses are marked on the maps, and a bulletin board is available for event posters How does this help me?Having a presence in the kiosks boosts visibility and knowledge of businesses. These kiosks are located in the center of town and at three main parking areas. Lots of visitors see these and stop to check them out! What do I need to do?Businesses are listed on the maps automatically, but keep us notified of location changes for your business. To post an event poster, the event must be open to the public and of potential interest to visitors. Contact Tracy or Amanda to inquire about current space on the bulletin board, and provide copies of the poster for posting. Social Media Shares & Features The Blowing Rock TDA has 82,000+ followers on Facebook, 41,000+ followers on Instagram, and a growing following on Tiktok and Pinterest. Fresh content is posted multiple times a week, and we love to highlight our local businesses! How does this help me?Being included in our social media posts can increase your reach on social media platforms. We regularly reshare business posts on Facebook and Instagram. We will also create original content that features businesses, from announcing big news at that business, to including them in seasonal promotions. What do I need to do?Tag us in your posts so we can find your content to share and repost those that will interest our audience. Reach out to our social media manager, Tyler Graves, via email or direct message on social platforms to ask about collaborating on a new feature. Also, participate in our other promotions to stay on our radar for inclusion in roundups or features on social media! Social Media Event Promotion Invite Blowing Rock, North Carolina to co-host your event on Facebook! Any event geared to attract visitors

Partner Resources & Education

Free One-on-one Assistance The Blowing Rock TDA’s skilled staff members stand ready to help our tourism industry partners make use of all our organization has to offer! From social media tips for your business, to ideas for promotions, we are happy to help. Whether your business is new or well-established, we invite you to schedule a meeting to review all the programs offered by the BRTDA and find those that fit your needs. We love to brainstorm and share what we have learned from other businesses and organizations! It’s a wise investment of your time. How does this help me?This is the easiest way to get expert guidance on your promotions, or learn about useful programs, all paid for by occupancy taxes. Plus, developing a relationship with the BRTDA is a great way to get connected to others in the industry who can become effective partners. What do I need to do? Contact Amanda Lugenbell and schedule a meeting. If you have particular interest in a specific area, you may be meeting with a different member of our staff. The Village Tattler Tourism Industry E-newsletter The Village Tattler is a weekly, business-to-business newsletter from the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority. It includes locally-relevant tourism news, updates on Blowing Rock TDA activities, event reminders, and promotional opportunities. The Tattler newsletter is useful for those working in hotels, shops, attractions, and restaurants along with local volunteers, county and municipality leaders, BRTDA board members, and other members of the community who want to stay up-to-date on the local tourism industry. How does this help me? The newsletter is full of information that you will find helpful. You will always be able to answer guests and customers when they ask “what’s going on in town this weekend?” It will also keep you in-the-know about ways you can get more involved with the BRTDA, such as participating with media, when to update guide & website listings, and more. If your business has been featured in the media, won an award, or has special events, the Tattler is a great way to share your news with your industry partners and colleagues. What do I need to do?To receive the newsletter, let us know you’d like to be added to the mailing list, or sign up here >>If you have something to you’d like us to include, reply to the newsletter for consideration! Research & Data Resources The BRTDA maintains data on local occupancy tax revenue, which shows seasonal trends and changes in visitation over time. Additionally, collected data from Arrivalist and AirDNA gives insights on our travel markets and where our visitors spend their time. The BRTDA also participates in and occasionally commissions visitor studies. How does this help me?As a tourism partner of the BRTDA, you have access to these valuable industry insights and research resources. These can help you understand your potential customer base, make marketing decisions, confirm staffing levels needed for various seasons, and more. What do I need to do?Find links to relevant market research, results of BRTDA commissioned studies, local occupancy tax revenue reports, and more on these partner pages. If you are looking for a particular set of data or want to know which research can help you find the answer to specific questions, contact Tracy or Amanda and we’ll get the relevant information directly to you. 87% (104.5k) of the 120k trips in FY 2022-23 were made by visitors from these 10 areas. Source: Arrivalist, Smarinsights Photo Sharing & Resources The BRTDA has a selection of free, high-resolution destination & event photography available for partners to use on their websites or in promotions. It’s important for us to have up-to-date images of your business, too, so we invite you to send us any professional-grade images you have of your business. We use current images of local tourism-related businesses to tell specific and engaging stories on our website and social media, and we also send photos of local businesses to the media in response to inquiries. We can also take high-resolution photos of your business for use in your materials and in our promotions! How does it help me?The BRTDA’s image library and photo services saves our partners the time and expense of creating their own images. And when we have good images of your business, we can promote you more specifically and effectively. What do I need to do?Request use of destination & event images or schedule a time for our staff to visit your business to take photos by contacting Amanda Lugenbell. You may email existing photos you have of your businesses directly to us. Details on the photo program are available here >> Printable Calendars A monthly/weekly (depending on season) printable calendar of special events and activities that take place in and around Blowing Rock is available to share with visitors. How does this help me?Your guests will appreciate this item! Accommodations can leave this in their guest rooms or in a common area, such as a front desk. Other businesses may find it beneficial to have copies available as well. What do I need to do?Let us know if you’d like the printable calendar in your inbox. Field Trip: Industry FAM Tour The BRTDA currently offers one annual tour in early June, open to tourism-related business management and frontline staff, to familiarize them with our various industry partners. These fun tours help to increase participants’ awareness of the many things the Blowing Rock area has to offer. These experiences are open to anyone in our local tourism industry, but they’re particularly effective at educating lodging partners’ frontline staff so they can inform guests of the great things to do while in town. How does this help me?This is a great, FREE way for you and your staff to discover all there is to do in Blowing Rock, which you can in turn share with your guests. Happier, more informed visitors are more likely to stay longer and make a return visit. What do I need

Learn About the TDA

What is a TDA? A Tourism Development Authority (TDA) is created by the NC Legislature. It allows municipalities and counties to collect occupancy taxes which are to be spent on tourism development and promotion to visitors from outside their boundaries. How is the TDA funded? The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) is funded by the 6% occupancy tax collected from overnight stays by visitors at hotels and short-term accommodations inside the town-limits of Blowing Rock. The BRTDA does not receive funding from property taxes or any other government support. What is the Blowing Rock TDA’s job? The mission of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority is to provide leadership and primary funding for promoting, developing, and supporting year-round travel and tourism to and within the Town of Blowing Rock to increase lodging sales, extend overnight stays, and boost visitor spending. This makes the BRTDA the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Blowing Rock, tasked with increasing overnight stays and visitor spending in Blowing Rock. This is accomplished by promoting Blowing Rock to potential visitors through paid advertising, travel media, and our own media channels. The BRTDA also spends funds on projects to reduce the impacts of tourism, like sidewalk improvements, increased public parking, and responsible travel programs. How does the Blowing Rock TDA do its job? The BRTDA works to increase awareness of Blowing Rock and build connections among visitors. Through advertising, promotions, and public relations, we tap into travelers’ curiosity and desire to explore new places while also reinforcing the loyalty of long-time visitors. We work with industry partners to inspire travelers to experience the things that make Blowing Rock unique. Why is this work important? The $501 million per year* that visitors bring into Watauga County boosts our local economy from top to bottom. Promotion drives visitors to book at hotels, buy tickets to activities, and dine at restaurants- all businesses that sustain local livelihoods. Tourism sustains more than 3,000 jobs within the county- that represents about 1 out of every 6 employees here. Watauga County currently ranks 15th among NC’s 100 counties for visitor spending. *2022 visitor spending data from Visit NC / Tourism Economics How do I become a BRTDA Tourism Partner? Tourism-related businesses in the Town of Blowing Rock are automatically partners! These are businesses that serve visitors on a regular basis: accommodations, restaurants, most retailers, & attractions. Nearby regional attractions and events, even if they are outside town limits, are also partners to the BRTDA because Blowing Rock visitors often plan trips around regional attractions and activities. There is no membership fee or cost to partners for TDA general promotions and programs. Meet the Staff Tracy Brown Executive Director*marketing plans & budgets*board [email protected] Amanda Fife LugenbellAssistant Director*public & media relations*[email protected] Lindsay Wright Garcia Content Manager*Website listings & calendar*monthly promo [email protected] Tyler Graves Digital Community Manager*social media content*partner [email protected] See BRTDA Annual Reports & more tourism facts here >> Back to Partner Programs page >>

Local Guide Wins Orvis Fly-Fishing Award

Chetola Resort’s manager of fly-fishing and head guide Dustin Coffey was named the 2024 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide of the Year on April 5 during the organization’s annual owners and partners meeting in Manchester, Vermont. Coffey calls the award the “heavyweight championship of the world for fly fishing guides.” It goes annually to the Orvis-endorsed guide who earns the highest customer satisfaction rating, while also excelling in the areas of conservation and recruitment of new people to the sport. Pete Kutzer, head fly-fishing instructor and endorsed operations manager at Orvis International, presented the honor to Coffey. Kutzer noted that Coffey not only received the best customers ratings, he also received the most customers ratings. “Dustin blew us out of the water,” Kutzer said. “He created a new standard for getting guest reviews.” Coffey, 44, began fishing with his grandfather at age five, and has 25 years of experience as a professional guide. He’s known for his friendliness, attention to detail, and ability to explain complicated fly-fishing techniques to everyday anglers, while making it fun and rewarding. Chetola is one of only two Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodges in North Carolina, and Coffey says the award is definitely a team effort. He gives credit to each of the resort’s guides and to his wife, Morgan Tarbutton, with whom he co-manages the fly-fishing program. A native of Western North Carolina, Coffey grew up just outside Blowing Rock in the small community of Globe. In addition to his work at Chetola Resort, Coffey is a member of Trout Unlimited and owner of Native Innovation Consulting, which provides consulting for land owners who are interested in fly fishing programs. Chetola Resort is a 78-acre mountain resort tucked between downtown Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For information about fly-fishing guide service and lodging options, visit www.Chetola.com or call 800-243-8652. More information about Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing and other Outdoor Adventure experiences >>

Join the Movement!

Join the Movement Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy.Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors, which will ensure our state is the world-class destination we know and love, forever. It’s simple, really: a call to action for both residents and visitors to embrace responsible recreation and leave things better than you found them. What is Outdoor NC? Outdoor NC is a movement that is committed to promoting stewardship throughout North Carolina, inspiring everyone to not only experience the outdoors, but embrace and protect it as well. It provides a wide variety of resources which educate outdoor adventurers on how they can recreate responsibly, respectfully, and safely. As an Outdoor NC Alliance partner, we actively encourage everyone to join our collective movement to protect our beloved, shared outdoor spaces. Whether it’s cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking though some of the most unique mountain ecosystems, birdwatching, or fly fishing for trout in our pristine streams, there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in our beautiful corner of the Blue Ridge. We welcome you, knowing you share our passion for seeing these special places protected and preserved for current and future generations. Join the Outdoor NC Movement with us and find out what it means to be a good steward of the great outdoors. Click the button below! Learn More About the Outdoor NC Movement Join the Outdoor NC Movement & Enter Sweepstakes Thank you for joining us and Outdoor NC in being good stewards of our environment. Future generations will greatly benefit from your commitment to preserving our natural resources.

Blowing Rock a Top Fishing Destination

As the chill of winter fades away, anglers across the United States eagerly await the arrival of spring and the start of another exciting fishing season. FishingBooker has announced the release of its 9 best spring fishing destinations for 2024. From the rugged coastlines of California to the tranquil lakes of Alabama, these destinations promise unforgettable fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Blowing Rock made the list! Why did Blowing Rock rank so well? A picturesque mountain village, Blowing Rock is nestled amid the stunning wilderness near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its tranquil streams and lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities, with abundant rainbow, brown, and brook trout waiting to be hooked. Anglers can even participate in the annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby held in early April, adding excitement to their fishing experience. Beyond fishing, Blowing Rock invites visitors to explore its natural wonders, from hiking trails in Pisgah National Forest to horseback tours of the Moses Cone Estate. With its blend of outdoor adventure and serene surroundings, Blowing Rock promises an unforgettable spring getaway. See the full unranked list of 9 best spring fishing destinations to learn more about FishingBooker’s top recommendations. About FishingBooker: With an offer of more than 42,000 fishing trips spanning over 2,000 cities across 110 countries, FishingBooker has gained the trust of countless fishing enthusiasts. Their platform has enabled hundreds of thousands of anglers to embark on fishing trips and create long-lasting memories with friends and family across the US – and beyond. By connecting anglers with skilled captains and the best locations, they are committed to making the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

BRTDA staff stand with Unity Blaze banner for Black Folks Camp Too

Blowing Rock TDA Partners with Black Folks Camp Too

Through this partnership with Black Folks Camp Too, the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority aims to promote more unity and inclusion in outdoor spaces and activities.

Author: Amanda Lugenbell