One of my favorite places in the world is Blowing Rock. It is a charming town that is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains where the pace moves a bit slower and everyone is sure to great you with a warm smile.

Blowing Rock is a truly remarkable place. Everywhere you go you can hear thee birds chirping, live bluegrass music in the background and a cool breeze rustling through the trees.

Now that you know how beautiful and wonderful blowing rock is, let’s dive into what you can do, eat and where to stay!

updated 4/13/2023

Blowing Rock Travel Guide

What To Do

Downtown – Walking around downtown is such a nice thing to do. The streets are lined with lamp posts and flower planters, you can spend hours reusing the shops and enjoy a scoop of ice cream at one of my favorite, Kilwins.

The Blowing Rock – this 4,000 foot cliff is why the town is named blowing rock. it is definitely worth a visit.

Rough Ridge – There is a lot of hiking in the blowing rock area and although I haven’t done them all I can confidently say that this one is my favorite. It is a shorter hike at .3 miles but the steep steps are very rocky. At the top you get a glimpse of grandfather mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Plus the photo ops are incredible.

Linville Falls – This waterfall is a bit further south of the town of Blowing Rock but it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. There are many different trails you can go so depending on what level of difficulty you want or what you want to see, the options are endless. (get a map at the visitor’s center)

Grandfather Mountain – Even though this is a bit of a tourist attraction, it is still worth the wait. You can walk across the mile high swinging bridge (or lay down like I did), check out the panoramic views, check out the nature museum and wildlife habitats and go on a hike on one of the 11 trails. Plus, you can check out the spot where Forrest Gump runs on his run across the United States.

Julian Price Lake – Just minutes down the road from downtown blowing rock, this 47-acre lake is the perfect place to relax, rent a boat, take a hike or have a picnic.

Moses Cone Memorial Park – The Moses Cone Memorial Park is also just minutes away from downtown but it feels like you stepped into a new world. This beautiful place is the perfect spot to take a relaxing walk with its several trails. You can get to the top and visit the historic flat top manor which gives you amazing views.

Where To Shop

There are two places I like to show when visiting Blowing Rock. First, the Tanger Outlets are right around the corner from the downtown area and they have some really good deals sometimes.

The outlets are fun and all but my favorite place to do some shopping is off of Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock. This is where the majority of the shops and restaurants are and one of my fave spots.

• Aqua B Boutique
• Finley House Couture
• J. McLaughlin
• Monkee’s of Blowing Rock
• Olivers on Main
• The Stable

Where To Eat

• Blowing Rock Brewing Company
• The Speckled Trout
• Woodlands Barbecue
• Foggy Rock
• Bistro Roca
• Twigs
• Storie Street Grill
• Six Pence Pub
• Town Tavern
• Famous Toastery of Blowing Rock
• Cafe Violette

Where To Get a Drink or Dessert

Whether you need a iced coffee to go, a hot cocoa while you sit on a park bench or a cocktail with the girls, Blowing Rock has something for you. These are some of my faves…

• Bald Guy Brew
• Kilwins
• Blue Deer on Main
• Camp Coffee Roasters
• Flavia’s
• Spice & Tea Exchange
• Sunset & Vine
• The Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop
• Blowing Rock Market

Where To Stay

DISCLAIMER: I have actually never “stayed” anywhere in blowing rock unless it was a private residence. I had the luxury of going to school about 15 minutes away in Boone, North Carolina so I stayed in my apartment there during those 4 years or I stayed at my best friends family home. So these are just some of the best places to stay that I have researched.

• The New Public House & Hotel
• Green Park Inn
• Meadowbrook Inn
• Azalea Garden Inn – conveniently placed in town
• Chetola Resort – highly recommended for pure relaxation, a getaway within a getaway

If you would like more posts like this one, check out my travel page. I also have more travel guides within North Carolina & throughout the world! Also, check out my Instagram!

xo, Kerri