Blog – Page 5 – Blowing Rock, NC

July 4th Celebration in Blowing Rock

2024 4th of July ParadeSaturday July 6, 10:00 am Join the town of Blowing Rock for the best small-town Main Street parade you’ll find anywhere! Local families, musicians, organizations, and characters celebrate the holiday with a patriotic procession. The parade is usually 40 minutes to an hour long. *PLEASE NOTE the 10am Parade Time! In addition, Main Street will be closed to parking from midnight the night before, to just after the parade (12am-11am on July 6). No parking on Main Street for the parade will ensure better visibility and safety! To make parking easy, a complimentary shuttle service will run from the parking lot at Shoppes on the Parkway to Main Street, beginning at 8:00am. The shuttle will run continuously through 2:00 pm. After the parade, enjoy holiday shopping and dining around town until ready to return to your vehicle, then check out what’s new at Shoppes on the Parkway! Want to participate? Complete a registration form with Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation. Visit their Programs Page here (use the “General” filter or enter parade in the search bar to find it quickly). 2024 July 4th Celebration Schedule will be posted as soon as it is finalized. For more information, call Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation at 828-295-5222 To see what this past year’s celebration looked like, see the video below! https://youtu.be/5wTM5DhsNBo?si=NjvuTLQJ4AMHE11d

Spectator’s Guide to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

The Saddlebred Division is June 8-11, 2023 The Hunter/Jumper I Division is July 25-30, 2023 The Hunter/Jumper II Division is August 2-6, 2023 The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest continual outdoor horse show in the country, having persevered through wars, depressions, and recessions. Rain or shine this show goes on year after year, making it truly historic and special. Every year competitors and spectators alike descend on Broyhill Preserve to celebrate all things Equestrian for three long weekends in the summer. The show features Saddlebred, Hunter/Jumper I, and Hunter/Jumper II competitions. Here is a helpful guide to visiting the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show as a spectator: Getting to the show From downtown Blowing Rock, turn onto 221 towards Linville. Pass Bass Lake and start looking to the left for Laurel Lane. Turn left onto Laurel Lane. Drive uphill and the entrance to Broyhill Preserve will be on your left. Entrance & Ticketing Be sure to bring cash! Payment is taken at the entrance to the parking area. Admission is $10 per person for the day and re-entry is allowed. Make sure you get a program at the gate. Parking Parking is in an open field. Most of the exhibitors park close to the borders of the field so parking in the center is usually fairly easy. Stick to the right at the intersections as the left leads toward the stables and the practice ring. A free golf cart shuttle runs from parking to the stands at regular intervals. Entering the show Follow the gravel road to the right of the parking area. This may seem counter intuitive, as the practice ring and box seats often look busier. However, that is the long way around and the horses that are competing will be coming and going from the show ring in that direction. Stay to the right for safety and convenience. Heading to the Grandstands The gravel road to the right heads directly to the grandstands. Follow the gravel road past a number of stalls on the left where vendors sell their wares, and past box seats where cameras are set up for recording the show. Enter the Grandstands at the end of the box seats. Behind the grandstands you’ll find the bathrooms and food vendors. Food Vendors There are a few food vendors at the event. Bring cash, as some of the vendors will accept a card and some will not. The first food vendor, Gobblin’ Gourmet, is the only one not located directly behind the grandstands. Upon entrance, they are on the box seat side (left) under a purple tent. They fry up fair foods and serve sweets such as chocolate dipped cheesecake. Behind the grandstands, a food truck called Antojitos la Ranita is serving up fresh, authentic, Mexican food every day of the show. They are friendly, fast, cash only, and are at the show every year. To sate the sweet tooth, an ice cream truck called Sisters II comes all the way from Benson, NC. They offer delicious, handmade ice cream served plain or smothered in toppings. Crave’n Kettle Corn is also available for purchase in multiple flavors, combating cravings for both sweet or salty with a satisfying crunch. Bathrooms Porto-johns located directly against the back of the grandstands. Spectator Best Practices Wear sunscreen. The stands are covered, but the food truck areas are open. Grab a program from the parking attendants. Bring cash. While outside the grandstands, avoid making loud noises that may spook the horses. The show is dog friendly, however, the dogs cannot bark at the horses as it is unsafe for the rider. Bring a seat cushion; the grandstands are wooden. Plan for mud or dust. Don’t wear your favorite white sandals. Traveling? Plan for all weather, bring layers and a waterproof outer layer.

Trails We Took In May

With leaves still unfurling and wildflowers in bloom, May is a beautiful time to hit the trails! Here’s a wide variety of recommended paths.

boone fork trail on the blue ridge parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds & More Open Memorial Day Weekend

National Park Service officials remind visitors to enjoy the view, and watch the road.May 23, 2023: Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers open with full services for the 2023 visitor season this weekend, and National Park Service managers want to take the opportunity to remind visitors of the important role they play in keeping the park a safe and welcoming place for everyone who visits this season and for years to come. “The Parkway’s varied landscape and diverse experiences invite everyone who visits this park to enjoy something that matches their personal interests.” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “To help everyone find the Parkway experience that most excites them, requires planning ahead for a safe and memorable visit. We are also excited for the historic investments in road maintenance visitors will see this year; we are pleased that while these projects are underway, visitors will still have access to popular visitor areas- even if from a different direction than originally thought.” Multiple road projects are underway this season, and as with any road project, motorists and park visitors must exercise caution and observe closures. The Parkway website and road status page are important planning tools that provide milepost by milepost status information daily with links to additional project information or detour maps where applicable. In addition to previously announced projects for a major paving project in northwest North Carolina and repairs to Price Lake dam bridge, visitors may experience intermittent or one lane closures related to paving projects in some NC overlooks, parking areas and picnic areas. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the largest designed landscapes in the country, providing visitors with a wide variety of opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history, and culture. The park’s drive-a-while, stop-a-while design enhances the experience and requires extra attention while driving. Whether at Milepost 0 or 469, driving the scenic route, hiking a trail or taking in a concert or ranger program, visitors are reminded to recreate responsibly and safely. A complete schedule of open facilities is also available on the Parkway’s website. –NPS– www.nps.gov/blri www.Facebook.com/BlueRidgeNPS www.Twitter.com/BlueRidgeNPS www.Instagram.com/BlueRidgeNPS https://npgallery.nps.gov/BLRI —- More about the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock: Learn more about local Blue Ridge Parkway attractions and overlooks here >> Get details about Blue Ridge Parkway repair projects in and near Blowing Rock here >>

New Summer Square Dance Series in Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) and Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music are pleased to present a summer square dance series at BRAHM. Dances will feature local dance callers and a live band! The first dance of the season will take place on Thursday May 18, 2023 from 6 – 8 PM. Dance events in this series are FREE and open to the public. All levels of dance experience are welcome and encouraged to participate. From 6 – 6:30 PM there will be a beginners lesson, where they will go over the basic moves so you can join the fun! Willard Watson, BRAHM programs and outreach director said, “We are so excited to offer these dances free of charge for the public. It was important for us that BRAHM is used as a community space for fun cultural events like this square dance! Square dances are a rich part of Appalachian culture and have been an important part of community building for generations. We are very grateful to have received financial support from the Center for Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University to help fund this fun family friendly event.” Square Dance dates for the 2023 summer series are all on Thursdays: May 18, June 22, July 20, and August 17. Though events are free of charge, pre-registration is encouraged so coordinators have an idea of how many people will attend. Registration is available at blowingrockmuseum.org. Water and popcorn will be provided for the audience and cash tips for the band are greatly appreciated. BRAHM is located in downtown Blowing Rock at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane. Parking is available in the parking deck adjacent to the museum. The Mission of BRAHM is to provide cultural enrichment by promoting the arts, and Southern Appalachian heritage and history, through educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections. The mission of Mountain Home Music is “To celebrate diverse styles of Appalachian performing arts, including music, singing, storytelling, and dance. Mountain Home Music strives to educate and build community through the arts, providing accessible cross-generational experiences.” Members of Mountain Home Music help to support this mission. See more Blowing Rock events on our calendar!

A New Trail for Old Stories: Blowing Rock History Walk Opens June 1

The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Town of Blowing Rock invite the public to celebrate the opening of the newly constructed Blowing Rock History Walk. A Ribbon Cutting for the History Walk will be held at 4pm on June 1, 2023 in Mayview Plaza in 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.” After the Ribbon Cutting, all are invited to the History Day Celebration at the American Legion Building in Blowing Rock. 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. The walk, which is handicapped accessible, begins in Mayview Plaza adjacent to Main Street and features 21 History Stations. It is approximately ¼ mile in length. “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 walk follows Laurel Lane into Broyhill Park, and goes around Mayview Lake. The History Stations are prominent bronze plaques featuring relief images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to tell engaging stories,” Tom adds. “Each station will also have a QR code that will direct people to the Blowing Rock Historical Society website for ‘back stories’ that amplify the narratives on the plaques.” As a new cultural and educational attraction, the Blowing Rock History Walk will be a welcome addition to Blowing Rock’s many other attractions for residents and visitors alike. For more information about the Blowing Rock History Walk, visit blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com. May 2023

Trails We Took In April

April brings a host of wildflowers to the High Country, and we know some of the best places to see them- check out these trails!

Trails We Took In March

We recommend some late-season snow sports and a variety of trails with easy winter access for March. Winter hangs on a for a while!

Two young boys excitedly pose alongside their grandfather with fish they caught at the Trout Derby

43rd Blowing Rock Trout Derby on April 1

The 43rd annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby will take place in Blowing Rock on Saturday, April 1, from sunrise to 4:00pm. No entry fees are required for this family-friendly event. The Blowing Rock Trout Derby has celebrated the opening of trout season for over four decades, encouraging families to get out together to enjoy the outdoors and friendly competition. The casual nature of the Derby makes participation fun, and there are two ways to join in! For the Classic Tournament, simply catch a trout in Watauga County on April 1, and bring it to Blowing Rock to measure and enter it into the contest. No pre-registration is required for the Classic Tournament. The Catch and Release category, coordinated by Speckled Trout Outfitters, offers a more eco-conscious approach and a wider eligible area for fishing. Catch and Release participants must pick up the official tape measure before heading out to fish. Timestamped photos of trout caught in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties, with size shown by the official tape measure, are eligible for entry into the Catch and Release division. “We love to meet first timers and hear all about everyone’s fishing adventures,” says Kim Rogers, a longtime coordinator of the Trout Derby. “If you’re a seasoned fisherman, come by and help some of the younger anglers with your stories, bait suggestions, or just friendly support. We can’t wait to see your catch!” Derby Headquarters, where participants’ fish are measured and registered and where folks register for the Catch and Release category, is at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 108 Lakeside Drive. Kids should come by the Derby Headquarters early in the day to grab their free Derby bag and t-shirt before they run out! The North Carolina Wildlife Commission supports the Trout Derby with free “Fish for Fun” bags, including a tackle box, regulation book, bumper sticker, stringer, and bobber. The Trout Derby T-shirts commemorate the event and feature art from last year’s Art Contest winner. While kids are at Headquarters, they can participate in the Art Contest; all supplies are provided! The 2023 poster and t-shirt features art by Caleb Mott. Steps from Headquarters, kids are invited to fish in the lake at Broyhill Park. The lake is stocked in the days ahead of the event, and some of the fish are tagged for special prizes! New this year, Speckled Trout Outfitters will host fun Trout Derby activities outdoors between the Outfitters shop and the Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop on Main Street. The Watauga Riverkeeper is partnering with this event and will have a tent set up, along with other sponsors and local breweries. Hula hoops and rods will be set out for anyone seeking to learn how to cast a fly rod! Activities begin at 10am. “Throughout the day, The Speckled Trout Outfitters will be hosting tents of some of our brands, breweries, and one of our experienced guides to educate anybody on casting and fly fishing tactics in our shared lot with the Speckled Trout Restaurant,” says Joel Brown of Speckled Trout Outfitters. “We will be a hub for all of your last minute fly and conventional needs inside our shop, or take a break over a beer!” Also new in 2023, the Awards Ceremony for both competition categories will be presented at Speckled Trout Outfitters. Winners and prizes will be announced starting at 4:30pm. First-place winners will receive trophies in five divisions: Men, Women, Girls and Boys (12-15), and Small Fries (11 and under). Great prizes for all winners include items like fishing and outdoor gear, gift certificates, and cash. There is plenty of free parking available at Broyhill Park, just off Clark Street, by the Derby Headquarters and kid’s fishing. Fishing licenses are not required at Broyhill Park, but anglers will need to have a current fishing license and obey posted fishing regulations in all other locations. The Blowing Rock Trout Derby is sponsored and supported by over two dozen local businesses and organizations. Complete details on the Trout Derby can be found at BlowingRock.com/TroutDerby . For more information on local shopping, attractions, and lodging in Blowing Rock, visit blowingrock.com or contact the information center at 828.295.4636. March 2023.

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.

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