Summer – Page 2 – Blowing Rock, NC

A Mountain Getaway: Three Things To Do in Blowing Rock This Summer

Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and nestled along ridges against the Pisgah National Forest, Blowing Rock is a Rockwell-esque town with rugged nature in its backyard. Offering the feeling of seclusion without isolation and the quality of being old-fashioned but not outdated, the town has an individual charm. Long cherished as an escape from the summer heat of the lowlands, the town has been welcoming visitors since its incorporation, growing to feature dozens of distinctive local shops, galleries, restaurants, and inns. Now, year-round events entertain and delight, many of them part of long-standing traditions. All of this, plus a laid-back mountain attitude, make Blowing Rock a pretty little town worth noting. The “village” has been featured by Travel & Leisure among a dozen “Prettiest Winter Towns in America,” which followed behind a summertime granting of the title “Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina” by a group of southeastern travel writers. The town is appealing in any season, to be sure, but it’s also close to a wide array of attractions and activities from National Parks to fine dining, climbing to fishing. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of mountain adventures or the slow pace of relaxation (or both), Blowing Rock is an ideal hub for a mountain getaway. Three Things to Do This Summer Visit an Iconic NC AttractionThe Blue Ridge Parkway is, rightfully, at the top of everyone’s to-do list when they visit the High Country. But did you know that Blowing Rock is also home to NC’s oldest travel attraction AND its first theme park? The town is named for The Blowing Rock, a unique rock formation jutting over broad forests far below; it’s been a landmark destination since 1933. The Blowing Rock is the site of an old romantic legend and home to near-constant winds, where even the snow blows upside down. Tweetsie Railroad, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is a rip-roaring Wild West theme park featuring the historic steam engine No. 12 that once ran the commercial rails in Western NC. Enjoy trips on the train and other classic amusement rides, themed performances, gem mining, and even a small zoo. Special guests and events fill the calendar, too, from the Grammy-award winning Riders In The Sky to the Railroad Heritage Weekend. Hit the TrailsBlowing Rock is surrounded by natural beauty, and there is a huge network of nearby trails that provide up-close access. If you are looking for relaxing leg-stretchers, try one of the loops or byways within the 26 miles of carriage trails at Moses Cone Memorial Park, just a stone’s throw from downtown. The Blue Ridge Parkway features more paths to explore, like the Boone Fork and Tanawha trails, which offer glimpses of a wide variety of mountain streams, coves, glens, and vistas. Up for a real challenge? Take on the Grandfather Trail on Grandfather Mountain. This ridge-and-peaks trail is a rugged path that features a series of ladders for access. There’s even a trail right off Main Street in Blowing Rock- the Glen Burney Trail follows the path of New Year’s Creek, ending at a picturesque waterfall. You can also access the extensive Appalachian Trail and the cross-state Mountains to Sea Trail in Blowing Rock. Take in the CultureThe Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is a distinctive place, offering an impressive permanent collection alongside engaging rotating exhibits that highlight the regional culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. BRAHM is also dedicated to highlighting creators of art with regular concerts and lectures and encouraging budding artists with workshops and classes, all open to the public. This preoccupation with creativity is itself part of the culture in Blowing Rock, as the town has been a haven for generations of artisans inspired by the Blue Ridge. This tradition is celebrated in local galleries, recurring concert series, and events like the long-running Art in the Park. Right next door to BRAHM in the historic Edgewood Cottage, regional artists are celebrated at Artists in Residence each July and August. Edgewood was the summer cottage of famed artist Elliot Daingerfield, who called Blowing Rock home and taught classical painting classes for ladies (still taboo at the time) at the cottage.

Family canoeing on Price Lake in Blowing Rock, NC

Water Adventure

Are you looking for a place by the water to enjoy the view? Perhaps you’d like to cool off on a warm Blue Ridge day. The Blowing Rock area features lots of places where water and related activities are the main attraction.

Photo of booths and people shopping at the Blowing Rock Art in the Park event.

Art in the Park is an Outdoor Gallery

Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park offers open-air gallery experiences for art-lovers, collectors, and craft enthusiasts each year. The six-show series, which is presented once a month from May through October, sets up downtown on Park Avenue. The show is adjacent to Main Street and central shops and restaurants in Blowing Rock, creating an enjoyable stroll-and-shop experience that always features fresh art. “Artists spent a lot of time this past year in the studio creating, and I am really excited to see their new work,” said Suzy Barker, Art in the Park Director. “We had a lot of new applicants this year, too.” Some show favorites will be returning for 2021 as well, like painter Marcus Thomas and woodworker Andy Costine. Art in the Park artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Attendees can meet artists and purchase art directly from creators. “My goal as Art in the Park Director is to have everyone who visits be able to walk away with their own piece of art. I think we’ve produced a well-rounded show in terms of different mediums and price points,” Suzy said. Last year, Art in the Park was modified for COVID-19 safety with fewer vendors, mask requirements, and measures to reduce crowding. This season, the show will continue to follow local and state guidelines, and will relax modifications as recommended. However, one change may be here to stay. “In 2020 we implemented one-way walking paths in the show to improve traffic flow. With patrons focused on one side of the show at a time, artists and visitors found that they had more meaningful encounters with each other. It also seemed to help artists’ sales. So we’ll be continuing that this season” Suzy said. “State guidelines may shift as the summer progresses, so please be sure to check the event webpage to confirm expectations prior to attending each show.” 2021 Art in the Park dates are May 22, June 12, July 17, August 14, September 11, and October 2. Show hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some free parking is available downtown. During show hours, a continuous free trolley service provides transportation for easy parking at Tanger Outlets. A Concert in the Park is paired with each show, presented each Sunday following Art in the Park. Blowing Rock hosts more visual arts programs throughout the summer, like Artists in Residence and the Plein Air Festival. For a complete listing of events, see the calendar on blowingrock.com Art in the Park is a Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce event. For more information, call 828-295-7851 or visit blowingrock.com/ArtinthePark.

Conductor in an elegant evening gown directs a symphony at dusk, with a chandelier overhead and a large outdoor crowd seated behind her.

Symphony by the Lake at Chetola: Return of a Summer Tradition

Released May 11, 2021 Symphony by the Lake returns to Chetola Resort for a centerpiece event of the summer on Friday, July 23rd. The theme, Music from Around the World, will be reflected in the musical selections as well as the décor of some of the 20 patron tents that line the lake. With COVID-19 considerations in mind, regular attendees will want to note that a few changes have been made to the event: Availability of tickets is limited, as the number of attendees will be reduced this year. Tickets are available in advance only. All tickets are Will Call, and will be available for pickup ahead of the event, including a Will Call drive thru at the Chamber of Commerce office on the day of the event. Attendees will be required to wear a mask when not seated at their chosen spot on the lawn. In most ways, the 2021 Symphony by the Lake will be the exciting summer tradition attendees have come to enjoy. The much-loved Symphony of the Mountains, directed by Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth, will be featured once again this year. Symphony of the Mountains consists of professional musicians that call a great many places home, including the Tri-Cities, TN/VA; Knoxville, TN; Asheville, NC; Winston Salem, NC; and beyond. Attendees to this year’s performance will be delighted by musical arrangements inspired by musical traditions from across the globe. As always, the Symphony will perform the last musical selections during the thrilling fireworks finale! In addition to the headline guests, the Symphony by the Lake also welcomes an opening act, performing from 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm, with the Symphony beginning at 7:30 pm. The opening performers will be announced soon. Avid music enthusiasts will want to consider the special Audiophile Section. Located just in front of the Symphony tent, this special area encourages quiet enjoyment of the event. Reserved seats and side tables are provided along with a charcuterie box, two beverage tickets and water. Many attendees enjoy a special Symphony by the Lake dinner at Timberlake’s Restaurant prior to the performance; menu details and reservations are available through Chetola Resort. Gates will open at 5:30 pm. Parking at Chetola Resort is limited, so it is recommended to buy passes in advance from the Chamber. Limited free parking is available first come, first served at Tanger Outlets, where attendees can walk directly into the back entrance of Chetola. Abundant free parking is available at Tweetsie Railroad, where complimentary shuttles will take attendees directly to the back gate at Chetola. Special parking and trolley service is available for those with mobility challenges at Food Lion. This trolley will take attendees directly to the lawn for seating. Masks are required while riding any of the event transportation. Guests that prefer to walk in can park downtown at one of the parking decks in Blowing Rock (at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum or the American Legion); sidewalk connection and crossing guard assistance at Chetola’s main gate make the walk safe and enjoyable. Tickets go on sale at 9:00 am on Monday, May 17 and will be available online and at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 132 Park Avenue. All tickets are advance Will Call only. Due to the short sale window and to avoid potential postal delays, purchased tickets will not be mailed this year. General admission tickets are $50 each and Audiophile tickets are $125 each. Parking passes are $10 per vehicle. For more details and tickets, go to symphonybythelake.com. The Symphony by the Lake at Chetola Resort is produced by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by The Kennedy-Herterich Foundation and Hendrick Luxury Group. Additional sponsors include Chetola Resort, Monkee’s of Blowing Rock, 100 West Union Men’s Store, Our State Magazine, WNC Magazine, and Tanger Outlets. Photo by Lonnie Webster.

Birding in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and bordered by the Pisgah National Forest, providing close proximity and easy access to a multitude of habitats. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a home for about 160 breeding species of birds, with over 250 species appearing with regularity during migrations. In fact, the High Country is one of the most diverse breedings and spring migration areas in the eastern United States, with large numbers of neo-tropical migrants and forest interior species. Several species, like the Canada Warbler, are at the southern-most end of their breeding range while here, contributing the wide assortment of birds found in our backyard. When is the best time to view birds in Blowing Rock? Spring migration in the area happens in April and May, and September is the best time to see fall migrations. The months between are great for viewing breeding species. Winter months are host to our year-round residents like crimson Cardinals and cheeky Juncos. Which species can be found here? See the The High Country species list here! The above list is created by the High Country Audubon Society. The High Country Audubon website is especially helpful if you want to time your visit to see certain birds. This local Audubon Chapter has a great website with checklists for great local birding spots, too! Where can birds be observed in Blowing Rock? With so many undeveloped areas near Blowing Rock, birds can be seen almost anywhere. Spending time on park benches early in the morning or in quiet woodlands on the Blue Ridge Parkway will reveal many species of interest. High Country Audubon offers a list of Local Birding Hotspots, complete with bird lists and access details for the sites! Find great details on Blowing Rock locations like Trout Lake, Sims Pond, and Price Lake, plus many others across the High Country. Many of the best places for bird viewing have become designated sites on the North Carolina Birding Trail, a state-wide collection of great birding sites and communities. Here is a list of official sites closest to the accommodations, dining, and activities in Blowing Rock. Nearby North Carolina Birding Trail sites – estimated mileage from Blowing Rock: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, in Blowing Rock Julian Price Memorial Park, 5 miles from downtown Blowing Rock Tanawha Trail, access 5 miles Boone Greenway, 7 miles Grandfather Mountain, 12 miles Valle Crucis Community Park, 12 miles Elk Knob State Park, 17 miles Green Valley Community Park, 17 miles E.B Jeffress Park, 22 miles Lewis Fork Overlook, 24 miles Linville Falls, 25 miles Buckeye Lake Recreation Area, 27 miles The North Carolina Birding Trail recognizes many more sites in the mountains, piedmont and coast of our state. To see a full listing, and to get more information on the sites above, visit www.NCBirdingTrail.org. Other great birding links: Audubon North Carolina Carolina Bird Club Local Birding News on Ray’s Weather– This page is updated infrequently now, but archives give good info on past sightings, local habitats, and bird behavior While you’re here: Click the calendar link at the top of this page to see other events happening in the area. The attractions tab will show you what else the area has to offer during your visit. If you are coming to see a crimson Cardinal in the snow, don’t forget about our great local ski slopes. When here to see summer Warblers, plan to stay over for an Art in the Park show. Our restaurants, shops, and accommodations are great any time of year!

family wading in the stream on the blue ridge parkway

6+ Ways To Cool Off This Summer In Blowing Rock

1.Waterfall HuntingGetting close to water is a great way to cool off, and few experiences are as exhilarating as getting close to a waterfall. Hikes vary from easy to strenuous, and a handful of area waterfalls even have a swimming hole. Blowing Rock has waterfalls right in town- just take the Glen Burney Trail. This shady hike follows the New Year Creek, offering views of the Glen Burney and Glen Marie Falls. When enjoying waterfalls, be sure to note posted signage on all local trails, and take care around steep spots. If you are curious to know more about local waterfalls, click here to see which ones spark your interest. 2. White water rafting or TubingIn Blowing Rock and our surrounding area, we have a collection of rafting companies that are great for groups of all sizes and ages. Make a reservation for an excursion that will take your group to the region’s best white water! Many of the rafting companies also provide a river tubing guide service on calmer waters. Some companies even offer cooler floats so you can stay hydrated while you’re out there on the water. Be sure to pack the sunscreen, because these trips can take a few hours! The New River is the most popular river to float down because it has a steady and calm current, and the depth ranges from 2-8 feet deep. Our rivers stay a very cool temperature year round, and you will be able to witness the natural beauty of the High Country while having fun with friends and family.To view white water and adventure companies, click here and choose the one that fits your needs. 3. Kayaking at Price LakeIf you prefer a self-guided way to cool down this summer, then stop by Price Lake. Price Lake is a 47 acre lake with calm water, perfect for canoeing and kayaking. You can rent watercraft if you don’t have your own, including canoes, single and double kayaks, and stand up paddle boards. Prices include the life jacket, paddles, and taxes. You are not allowed to swim in Price Lake, but it is very enjoyable to get out on the water and see the wonderful views.For more pricing information regarding Price Lake rentals and hours, click here

Peaks and Gorges

The Blowing Rock is a rock formation that juts out over the John’s River Gorge at about 4000 feet above sea level. The views of the gorge and the Pisgah Forest are immense and breathtaking. The Blowing Rock is so named because of the constant winds that flume up from the surrounding rocky walls. The rock itself is also unique, and is a visual testament to the formation process of the surrounding mountains. This particular rock is officially designated The Blowing Rock Gneiss by Geological Survey of The United States. www.theblowingrock.com. Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway is just 3 miles from the Blowing Rock attraction. The Parkway was built to appreciate the surrounding beauty of the Blue Ridge, and the section between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain is not a disappointment. Wide views are common and can be appreciated from the many overlook areas provided. www.nps.gov/blri Grandfather Mountain is a short trip away from Blowing Rock. When conservationist John Muir visited Grandfather Mountain in 1898 he described the experience as, “the face of all Heaven come to earth.” The mountain is home to 16 distinct natural communities that can be experienced through a network of trails. There is also a nature museum, animal habitats (for otters, black bears, cougars, and more) and the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. All the attractions, including the spectacular view from the top, are easily accessible by vehicle. www.grandfather.com The Linville Gorge and Linville Falls are also nearby. They are most easily accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316 (for reference, Blowing Rock is located at milpost 294). There is a visitor center located here, and trails to views of the massive falls. Sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina,” the gorge is one of only two wilderness gorges in the Southern US. The rough terrain is home to miles of old-growth forests and a diverse plant and animal community. The Falls mark the northern end of the gorge. http://ncnatural.com/Resources/Adventure/Gorge/Linville-Gorge.html Linville Caverns is just another 12 miles from the Linville Falls Parkway Visitor Center. Located just off Hwy 221, the caverns are surprisingly accessible. They are the only limestone caverns open to the public in North Carolina. Visitors can take tours inside the mountain to see the beautiful formations and colors within the caverns. www.linvillecaverns.com