Summer in Blowing Rock

Summer Activities & Interests | Summer Events

SUMMER ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

What to Pack for a New or Longer Hike

One of Blowing Rock’s most beloved pastimes is hiking in the beautiful surrounding wilderness. When heading out to a short, familiar path, you can often just grab a water bottle and go. But sometimes you may be in the mood for exploring a new trail or taking a longer hike, and it’s always best to be prepared! What do you need for a new or longer hike?

Trails We Took In August

For August, we enjoyed the height of summer with tubing, visited the Blowing Rock Boulders, and trekked fan-favorite Boone Fork Trail.

Trails We Took In July

For July hiking, we chose trails that showcase diverse experiences, from mountaintops to riverside greenways!

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

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

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.

8 Fun Picnic Spots in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is an excellent place to go on a picnic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date, a fun lunch with friends, or a family memory, a picnic can be a great option. We’ve compiled a list of picnic locations in and around Blowing Rock that are beautiful and versatile!

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

Rosebay Rhododendron Bloom Update

Lots of people ask about when the rhododendrons bloom, and that depends on species, elevation, and local climate. The Rosebay, also known as the white rhododendron, is a prominent rhododendron along the Blowing Rock areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The blooms vary from white to very pale pink/purple and typically begin to bloom in mid- to late-June in this area. Best viewing usually continues into mid July. This is later than the Catawba Rhododendron, the bright pink species found in masses at nearby Roan Mountain. Peak bloom for Roan Mountain is usually around mid-June. The darker, sometimes near-fuschia,

Spa Vacations: A Relaxing Girlfriend Getaway

In town, you’ll find The Spa at Chetola Resort, just the relaxing retreat you’ve been searching for. Enjoy various massages, manicures & pedicures, facials, and a beautiful indoor pool. While there, you might also enjoy a natural cooking class or invigorating yoga session.

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