Location: Blowing Rock
Top Things to do in Blowing Rock
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What to do and see in Blowing Rock, North Carolina (NC): The Best Nature & Parks
Named "the only place in the world where snow falls upside down" by Ripley's-Believe-It-Or-Not, the legendary Blowing Rock geological formation has been attracting visitors to its corner of North Carolina since 1933. The accompanying mountain village of Blowing Rock sits 4,000 feet above sea level along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The winter brings enough snow to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain peaks that it is possible to ski the south, staying over at one of Blowing Rocks charming B&Bs.
Restaurants in Blowing Rock
1. Bass Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By 15gregk - Southport, United States
A really beautiful walk around a historic lake without a lot of ups and downs. Fun but not strenuous.
2. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
The home and grounds of textile manufacturer Moses Cone.
Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States
Some of the best horse trails in Western North Carolina! These trails were originally built as recreational carriage trails by the Cone family back in the early 1900’s and have been beautifully preserved by the park service over the years. There are 25 miles of trails, leading past two lakes, an historic apple barn & two mountain tops. One has a lookout tower with 360 degree views of the Boone area, including Grandfather Mountain. A highlight is the manor house, now home to art and craft shows and a small ranger/information station. Restrooms with flush toilets are available in the nearby carriage house. Trails open to hikers & equestrians , but not bikes or motor vehicles. Horse trailer parking available at Trout Lake & near the Bass Lake lot. Non-trailer parking available at Bass Lake & right off the Parkway at the manor house.
3. Trout Lake
4. Julian Price Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By 836sarahm - Cleveland, United States
The hike around the lake is about 2.3 miles, or you can rent a canoe and go about the lake! It's beautiful no matter what time of year you go, very easy hike that goes by a beaver dam, tons of cool wildlife! It's also close to the craft/cultural center which has amazing local art for sale.
5. Glen Burney Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By elliottriley8 - Statesville, United States
Moderate hike with cool views. Not strenuous at all but also not "easy". Nice to get away from the clutter of the downtown area and not be too far from civilization. Great for couples, families, friends. The trail is barely wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side, so keep that in mind if you have small children or animals with you. Very cool to walk alongside water the whole time. Almost no trash on the trail (did see a bottle or two), so please don't trash this area!
6. Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By SeniorTravelTales - Oldsmar, United States
We visited the Memorial Park and Playground 9 years ago with our then 1 yr. old grandson. Visiting now the Playground has been totally revamped and according to our grandchildren ages 8 & 10, it is "The BEST PLAYGROUND!" We agree it is a great playground. The soft cushiony surface is great for kids and keeps everything safer. The playground has thought of about everything - all features are climbable, safe, and create so many intriguing and unique playful activities. We visited on a Friday evening after dinner when the Playground was empty. Visiting again on Saturday afternoon it was packed! Covid or not the kids were playing at full speed - some with masks and others not. The best we did was make sure after playing the kids washed up and were sanitized as best possible. The flowers around the park are beautiful as are the various statues, gazebo and clean restrooms. There are nice picnic tables in a separate area, too. A really great downtown Playground and Park.
7. Broyhill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By pnl11341
walk, sit, picnic, photograph, read, etc while u r in heaven..enjoy the gazebo, pond, gardens & surrounding views.. DONT MISS the monday night concerts supported by the chamber of commerce...FREE-just bring your chairs, drink, food if desired...each week presents music of a different genre...ENJOY!!! larry
8. Green Knob Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 83margiem - Apex, United States
Loved this hike! We went counterclockwise from Sims Pond as some reviews suggested. Half of the hike is among massive rhododendrons and follows a beautiful creek with small waterfalls providing lovely babbling brook noises as you trek and is visible a lot of the way. We ventured closer to the water a few times just to view the water cascading over stones and fallen trees. It is very doable for the average hiker. You do need to cross the creek several times stepping on stones that may be wobbly/wet/slippery. Recommend waterproof boots if you have them. About halfway in, you will find yourself in a meadow with a bit of a climb to the top of the hill, followed by a downhill. We didn't see any cows though I have seen some in photos of this trail. It is about 2.5 miles which took us about an hour and 1/2 due to all the meandering we did along the creek. I will definitely return to this one!
9. The Blowing Rock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,317 reviews
Reviewed By Bellabelle1 - Rocky Mount, United States
We thought it was absolutely worth the $7 admission fee. Best views of our trip and we went to many other places. Awesome rock formations and great photo ops. Wouldn’t pay to go there every year, but I am so glad we went at least once.
10. Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 380 reviews
The NC High Country’s 1st ski area. Renowned for teaching beginners, families and groups how to ski since 1962. Home of the French Swiss Ski College, the place to learn to ski and ride. 3,000 sets of ski and snowboard rentals. Offering NC’s only Flex Ski Ticket and only late-night skiing. Snowmaking on all slopes, mostly after operating hours. Jacket, bib, glove, goggle and helmet rentals. 3 terrain parks, refrigerated outdoor ice skating rink, 46,000 sq. ft. Bavarian-style lodge with wireless internet and 200’ observation deck. Restaurant with fireplace overlooking slopes, Ski Shop, Gift Shop, nursery, locker room, TV lounge and group meeting rooms. Ski-in/ski-out chalet rentals. Open 7 days and nights, mid-November to late March. 2 miles off 4-lane US Hwy. 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone. Closest resort to Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Raleigh.
Reviewed By caleaX - Tampa, United States
Loved our weekend at Appalachian Ski Mountain and Boone in General. The whole area is great for families and there is plenty to do for non skiers to do while everyone else is on the mountain. We where there Feb 28-March 1. I’m not sure their normal conditions, but the days we were there were amazing. We had been watching the weather to pick the weekend we would head up from FL so my wife and 4 year old could get better acquainted with skiing. This weekend we got great snow and had a great experience at Appalachian Ski Mountain. The instructors my wife and son had were great. Like really great!! The value for the instruction and rental equipment is incredible compared to what thing cost at larger more well known resorts. One drawback is that the learning slopes can have very long lines and there are lots of beginners that are skiing/riding in a very dangerous manner. For learning and beginners I wouldn’t recommend anywhere higher than ASM. It would also be a fun friends weekend. Give it a shot.
