Blowing Rock, North Carolina: Weekend Itinerary

Blowing Rock Village is the Ideal Weekend Getaway! Downtown Blowing Rock, is a quaint village which offers many quirky shops, tasty eateries and of course the famous Blowing Rock is just a few minutes away!

We came here for 3 days over a long weekend & for such a small area, it packs a big & memorable punch!

Map of Downtown Blowing Rock:

Dive into our Map below to find out the best Things to Do and Best Restaurants in Blowing Rocks Downtown!

DIVE INTO OUR MAP! User Guide:  Simply Click the +/- buttons to zoom in & out, (Zoom out to see Blowing rock). Click on a favourite restaurant, and click directions symbol to give you the driving or walking route directly there!

(Many visitors choose to share our map on facebook by clicking the link in the top right corner!)

Example Below:

Custom Blowing Rock Restaurant guide:map

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Weekend Getaway in Blowing Rock:

Day 1: Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock features the famous cliffs, which offer powerful wind gusts! Many kids play the game of throwing an object out & watching the strong winds magically blow it back to them...like a boomerang.

These miraculous gusts of wind are caused by the unique shape of the valley which blows wind upwards!

Insider Tip:

Head here during snowfall, to have your mind blown by watching the winds blow up from the valley beneath as opposed to falling from the sky.

How much does it cost?

As Blowing Rock is privately owned, they charge an entrance fee of $7 per adult, $2 fo children (4-11) and free for children below free years old. With free Parking and a good sized parking lot.

Is it worth it?

The views are spectacular & there is an overlook deck to offer near endless views of the area. You can even see house on the slopes of the rock! There is also a short walking loop, brochure with mountain names and a gift shop.

However, it has to be said that Blue Ridge Parkway nearby offers very similar views & Endless hiking trails for FREE! But I suppose you don't get the crazy up winds!

Where is Blowing Rock?

Blowing Rock is just 5 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock off Valley Boulevard/Hwy 321. However, you should allow at least 30 minutes.

Address: 432 The Rock Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States.

For Weather check out: Live webcam of the Downtown Blowing Rock.

Blue Ridge Parkway:

Blue Ridge Parkway passes right by Blowing Rock and offers some fantastic Hiking opportunities!

Blue Ridge Parkway  Blowing Rock North Carolina Travel Guide

Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place for an Epic Road Trip, for more details see:

• 25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A: Road Trip Ideas!
• Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip: U.S.A: Coast to Coast!

Insider Tip:

Blowing Rock is at milepost 290 of Blue Ridge Parkway. So you can select a variety of hiking trails nearby. Here is a short list below:

Milepost 294 –

• Rich Mountain Carriage, Horse, & Hiking TrailLength: 3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
• Flat Top Mountain Carriage, Horse & Hiking TrailLength: 3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
• Watkins Carriage, Horse & Hiking TrailLength: 3.3 Miles Skill Level: Easy/Moderate
• Black Bottom Carriage, Horse, & Hiking TrailLength: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Easy
• Bass Lake Carriage, Horse & Hiking TrailLength: 1.7 Miles Skill Level: Easy

Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide Itinerary

Moses Cone Manor

On Blue Ridge Parkway you can also find Moses Cone Manor, (Parkway Craft Center). This is the historic home of Moses H Cone who constructed the Mansion during the 20th Century. Here you can find, fine arts & crafts and some instagrammable photo opportunities!

Insider Tip:

The Facility is open between March-November.

Doug Coldwell | Wiki

Grave Of Moses Cone At Moses Cone Memorial Park

Be sure to check out the Historic Cemetery of the Cone Family, nearby.

Where to Eat?

Sunny Rock Eggs and Things - Breakfast/Lunch

Before traveling up to Blowing Rock try a mouth watering Breakfast Burrito from Sunny Rock Eggs and Things. This is a home cooking vendor which serves southern dish & great coffee & espresso. Reviews are 5 star!

Insider Tip:

It can get real busy on the weekends, so try to get there early (it opens from 7AM-1:30pm)

Where is it?

8146 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-414-9636

Restaurant at Gideon Ridge - Dinner

After Blowing Rock, head back into downtown for Dinner at "Restaurant at Gideon Ridge".    A cozy retreat in the mountains which offers locally sourced foods & a welcoming atmosphere.

Insider Tip:

Try the Mushroom Fondue or Peach Cobbler!

Where to Drink?

For a more Casual atmosphere head to the Town Tavern, sports bars & grill. Here you will find a selection of TVs, large outdoor patio and live music!

Address: 1182 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-295-7500

Day 2: Activities

On Day 2, get ready to dive into a selection of Activities. As we had a family we took the short drive up highway 321 where we found a variety of adventure parks & Museums.

Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie is a family fun park with offers train rides, amusement parks a petting zoo and even live shows! This is the ideal place for young families.

Family-oriented park with train rides, an amusement park, chair lift, petting zoo & live shows.

LegoTimeNinjaelite | Wiki Commons

Address:

300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-264-9061

Mystery Hill

Close by you will find Mystery Hill , a site which features 3 museums offering historic artifacts & exhibits from giant bubbles to optical illusions! This is another ideal place to bring the family.

Address:

129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-264-2792

Hip Gravity Adventures Zip line & Aerial Park

For an Adrenaline Pumping adventure, drive down to Hip Gravity Adventures.   Here you will find zip lines and a most of obstacle courses & aerial activities nestled in the forest.

Ideal for Families, Couples or even Solo Adventures!

Address:

215 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-266-0176

View this post on Instagram

Ziplining in the fog? Yes please! #HGA

A post shared by  High Gravity Adventures (@highgravityadventures) on 2019-09-28T19:47:00.000+06:00

Where to Eat?

Drive back to Valley Boulevard for a selection of great eateries:

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse   is a lively Australian themed restaurant which serves, steaks seafood and other hearty foods.

Address: 8280 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-295-6283

Woodlands Barbecue Restaurant

Woodlands Barbecue offers a rustic venue with evening live music! Foods served include BBQ & Mexican dishes.

Address: 8304 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-295-3651

Twigs - Dinner Date Venue!

Twigs offers Refined Southern dishes served in a trendy venue, with fully stocked bar and  live music on weekends.

Address: 7956 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

Tel: +1 828-295-5050

Day 3: Broyhill Park

On Day 3, you can have a more relaxing adventure at Broyhill Park. Here you can find a nice walking trail around Mayview lake, in addition to a fishing dock, and water front Gazebo.

Top Tip: Rotary Picnic Pavillon is a nice summer spot with tables perfect for picnic lunch.

Also within a short walking distance you can find Robbins Pool and Anne Cannon Gardens.

Robbins Pool:

Also nearby by you can find, Robbins Pool, a public swimming pool, great for families.

Address: 173 Lakeside Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-229-7525

Anne Cannon Gardens:

The is a beautiful gardens which is perfect for a light hike or spring stroll.  Here you will find wildflowers, Streams and a cute white Pavilion overlooking the lake.

Address: 229 Laurel Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-295-5222

Bass Lake & Bass Lake Trail

Bass Lake is a serene lake with lilly pads, ducks, geese and even horses! Take the light family friendly hiking trail around the lake and even connect onto blue ridge parkway as it's part of the Moses Cone Memorial Park Trail System. The route around the lake is less than 1 mile.

Insider Tip:

The Colors here during the Fall as astonishing! Pets are also allowed!

Address: 1 Bass Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-266-1345

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Afterwards head to Blowing Rock Museum for a Contemporary showcase of American art, history & Appalachian culture. They also run a range of  classes & events.

Address: 159 Ginny Stevens Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-295-9099

Where to Eat?

Savannah's Oyster House - Lunch/Dinner

Just 5 minutes walk from Anne Cannon Gardens or the History Museum you will find the mouth watering, Savannahs Oyster house.   This is a relaxed eatery which offers seafood boils, shrimps, and classic Fish n chips!

Insider Tip:

Sit outside if the weather is nice and soak up Bowling Rocks atmosphere.

Address: 155 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-414-9354

Store Street Grill

Storie Street Grill offers an upscale casual eatery with roots in Mediterranean & southern Cuisine. They also include a great wine, craft beer and spirit selection.

Address: 1167 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-295-7075

Bistro Roca

Bistro Roca  is a high end bistro higher up in the rocks, they serve Modern american comfort foods & are famed for there Pizzas created using the wood burning oven.

Address: 143 Wonderland Trail, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-295-4008

Bistro Roca North Carolina Bowling Rock

Where to Drink?

Just down the street you will find, Six Pence Pub.

Six Pence Pub:

Six Pence Pub is a British style pub offers a homely vibe and a large selection of drinks and comfort foods.

Address: 1121 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, United States

+1 828-295-3155

Extra Things to Do in Bowling Rock:

Here are some other great things to do in Bowling & Boone Areas.

Grand Father Mountain

Grand Father Mountain has a summit height of  5,946 feet and is the highest peak of the eastern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains.

Hiking Trails:

Grandfather Mountain offers 11 trails, which vary in difficulty from light walks through the woods to challenging treks across rugged peaks!

How much does it cost?

Grandfather Mountain has an Admission cost of $22 for adults (ages 13-59) and children (ages 4-12) cost $9.

Insider Tip:

Bring a Picnic and enjoy at the top of the mountain with many great spots on offer. Alternatively head down to Mildred’s Grill, next door to the natural history museum. There you will find large windows which offer feeding areas for birds, and chipmunks!

Grand Father Nature Museum:

The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum houses over two dozen excellent exhibits designed to educate visitors about the natural history of Grandfather Mountain.

Diamonds are forever??

Be sure to check out the display cases which contain emeralds, Rubies and the large Amethyst ever found in North America! There is also Tar Heel Gold Specimens an 62 kinds of minerals.

Horn in the West & Hickory Ridge Homestead:

Horn in the West & Hickory Ridge Homestead is just 15 minutes from Blowing Rock, and offers a series of live drama performances on the History of the region.

Located in Boone, NC there motto is  "Keeping Yesterday For Tomorrow"...be sure to check ahead for the latest show times.

Gem Mining at Docs Rock:

Just 10 minutes from Bowling rock you will find Doc’s Rocks.  This is an old-timey geology store & museum, where you can pan for your very own stones, gems & fossils!

Linville Falls - Blue Ridge Mountains.

Linville Falls  is a cascading waterfall nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a twin set of falls which combined offer a 45 foot drop!

How long does it take to hike up?

The Hiking trail takes between 1-3 hours and is a major highlight of Blue Ridge Parkway, located at milepost 316.

Linville Falls - Blue Ridge Mountains.

Linville Caverns:

Just south of Linville Falls, you will come to Linville Caverns.   They are privately owned active limestone caverns, which are open all year round to the public for tours!

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Appalachian Ski Mountain is a ski area, which offers three ski mountains. It's conveintely located just of US 321 between Blowing &  Boone Rock.

For More on the Appalachians check out: Appalachian Trail 2019 : State-by-State Guide.

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