Arts & Culture – Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock Art & Sculpture Trail

The Art & Sculpture Trail meanders through Blowing Rock, stopping at all of the installations that have popped up over the years making the town more beautiful and interesting. In addition to numerous galleries and the first-class Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Blowing Rock is home to a growing collection of art that can be enjoyed by strolling through town. See conceptual and portrait sculpture, outdoor murals, carvings, and paintings on a self-guided tour.

Concerts in the Park

Blowing Rock’s Concert in the Park Series is an annual set of free outdoor concerts at the Rotary Gazebo in Memorial Park. Always on Sundays following Art in the Park shows, the performances offer entertainment from a variety of musical genres. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Memorial Park on Main Street to enjoy the music.

Blowing Rock History Walk

The Blowing Rock History Walk opens June 1, 2023! This new downtown feature presents 21 History Stations. Each station offers images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history on a bronze relief plaque atop a handsome stone pillar. Each station will also have a QR code linking to online “back stories” that amplify the narratives. The trail follows the sidewalk from Main Street down Laurel Lane. It then meanders through Broyhill Park, arguably one of the prettiest parks in NC. It is approximately ¼ mile in length and handicapped accessible. The trail is lined with welcoming benches through Broyhill Park. “We are excited to open this wonderful new trail during NC’s Year of the Trail,” says Tom O’Brien, President of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. “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.” The History Walk was funded and constructed by a public/private partnership among the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock. In recognition of the opening of the History Walk, the Town of Blowing Rock has proclaimed that June 1 shall be “Blowing Rock History Day.” As a new cultural and educational attraction, the trail is a welcome addition to Blowing Rock’s many other attractions for residents and visitors alike. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to tell engaging stories,” Tom adds. “We’re excited to share them!” More information, including the additional in-depth narratives, will be available on the Blowing Rock Historical Society’s website. For more information about the Blowing Rock History Walk, visit blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com.

The Blue Ridge Craft Trail

Blowing Rock has a rich history of being called home by artisans and artists alike. There is something about the atmosphere that uplifts and inspires people and that includes artisans of all stripes. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Craft Trail, a trail committed to preserving and promoting the distinct crafts of Western North Carolina, has a large presence in Blowing Rock because of some of the special artists and locations we have here.

Tips for Attending Symphony by the Lake

About the Event: Often described as the “pinnacle of the summer season” here in Blowing Rock, the Symphony by the Lake is a must hear event! The Symphony is celebrating its 35th season this year, solidifying its place as a summer tradition. Set against the lake at Chetola Resort and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the atmosphere is truly special. Featuring the Symphony of the Mountains, the 2022 event theme is “Movie Soundtracks.” The selections will cover 80 years of movie music. From Beauty and the Beast to Wagner, the selection is sure to delight all audiences. See the full program here. The music concludes around 9:30 PM and is followed by a fabulous firework display that lasts approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy an evening of picnics, music, beautiful scenery, and festive fireworks at Symphony by the Lake. Essential details: Symphony by the Lake is on Friday, July 22nd. The gates open at 5:30 PM, performance begins at 7:30 PM. $65.00 for General Admission, $125.00 for Audiophile Seating, and $10.00 for a Parking Pass. Children 2 and under are no charge. Tickets are available online. Pick up your tickets at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. They will be available from 9AM – 5PM Monday – Saturday until July 22. Tickets will also be available for pick up at the gate at 5:30 PM on the day of the performance. A $10.00 parking pass is available for purchase and allows guests to park at the Chetola Resort. Tanger Outlets has first come/first serve parking. A shuttle for handicapped or disabled people is running from the Food Lion parking lot. (This shuttle will not start return runs until after the fireworks.) Packing a picnic is allowed! There is a limited cash bar available with some fun specialty drinks or bring a favorite beer or wine to enjoy. Want to get food onsite? Grab a boxed picnic dinner from Chetola- get them quick before they sell out. Consider having dinner on Chetola’s patio or arbor for fantastic views and food! Reservations are needed. Click here to see pricing and menu options. There will be Restroom Trailers with stalls and running water for public use in the parking lot of the Timberlake Restaurant. Here are our top 5 tips for attending the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola! Get your tickets early. This year tickets are limited! Park at Shoppes on the Parkway and enter the Symphony event via the back gate (on the Rack Room Shoes side of the outlet center). Arrive early to get a good spot! Like to spread out? To avoid the crowd, consider sitting around the perimeter of the lake. The symphony performers may not be visible, but they can still be heard and space is much more plentiful. Bring layers or blankets to keep warm after sunset. The event will continue if it rains, so check the local weather forecast so you are prepared with rain gear if needed!

Monday Night Concert Series Returns

The first concert of the series is held on July 1, 2024 and runs through July 29, 2024. The concerts are located at 173 Lakeside Dr. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 and are set up in the gazebo at Broyhill Park. They begin at 6:30 pm, run approximately one to two hours, and are free and open to the public. Performances will cover a little bit of everything from jazz, to country, to show tunes. Attendees will want to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating comfort. The lineup for the 2024 season is as follows: July 1 – The Conundrums July 8 – Kyle Horton July 15 – Abby Bryant and the Echoes July 22 – Steve Sensenig, Amy Young Escalante, Andy Page, and Krista Jo July 29 – 3 Toe Possum Please note that the lineup is subject to change. How it began The Monday Night Concert Series is steeped in local history. It begins with the Farm House Inn and Restaurant, a Blowing Rock staple from the 1950’s until 1997. Blowing Rock has many amazing restaurants, but The Farm House Inn stands out in people’s memory. They were known for their food, view, and talented, singing, waitstaff. Guests would have a meal and be serenaded by some of the best singers in the area. The owners, EJ and Shirley “Shirl” Blackwell are remembered fondly by their former staff, and Shirl is credited with supporting and inspiring the young performers. Performers at the Farm House Inn and Restaurant would sing solos and put on larger scale productions such as Godspell. The restaurant often served up to 700 people a night! Many longtime Blowing Rock residents and visitors remember The Farm House Inn and their experiences there warmly. Monday Night Concert Series Amy Marie Young Escalante is a previous performer at The Farm House and a creator of The Monday Night Concert Series. She began the series with the help of EJ and Shirl Blackwell continuing the Farm House’s mission to support and showcase rising, local talent while sharing a variety of music with residents and visitors of Blowing Rock. First called “The Farm House Live,” the now Monday Night Concert Series is embarking on its 24th season this summer. Last year Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation took over the management of Monday Night Concert Series and tries to book familiar artists. Photographs courtesy of Amy Marie Productions

Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery

Welcome to Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, celebrating 28 years in business! The gallery represents 25 local artists and has framed over 33,000 works and photos. Owner Tim is a Certified Picture Framer, as is his shop manager, Alex, and they are among the only ones in this part of the state. Tim even studied in England at the Fine Arts Trade Guild to earn the title of Guild Certified Framer. Photos of milestones like births, graduations, new pets, and other memories are treated with the same meticulous care as works of art, and customers often return for each new commemoration. Tim takes pride in the selection at the gallery. As a friend of each of the artists represented, he can give special insights on the works for sale. Works are available in a wide range of sizes and mediums, and all original pieces from artists like Lita Gatlin, Wes Waugh, Karla Mann, and Jason Drake. The gallery also keeps collector pieces from artists like Phillip Moose and Elliot Daingerfield, and is even the nation’s leading seller of Daingerfield work. The gallery hosts special shows often, and available works change constantly.

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) serves as the only museum in town with changing exhibits! Originally opening in October of 2011, a group of people who love the town of Blowing Rock, decided that a museum would enrich the community and quality of life here.In catching up with Lee Carol Giduz, executive director at BRAHM, she explained the importance of having an art & history museum: “(…) Bringing high quality art exhibitions, thoughtful presentations of our local history, and high quality art education to our community gives a rare opportunity to this largely rural community.” Giduz continued “BRAHM is a safe haven, a place to learn, a place for enrichment, a place for education, a place for beauty, a place to enjoy, and a place to treasure.” BRAHM operates significantly through memberships, sponsorships, funds raised at their annual gala, donations and grants. This serves to keep BRAHM a completely free museum! You can sign up today to become a member, or simply make donations through their website: www.blowingrockmuseum.orgStop by 159 Ginny Stevens Lane Blowing Rock, N.C. to experience the exhibits and programs all for yourself!

Elliott Daingerfield’s Edgewood Cottage

Built around 1890, Edgewood Cottage was the first home and studio of artist Elliott Daingerfield (1859-1932) and was revitalized by the Blowing Rock Historical Society to preserve his legacy.

Sculpture & Art in Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock community embraces art with sculptures, murals, and works that are accessible to the public. Most are outdoors, some are indoors- take a tour!

Category: Arts & Culture