The Best Small Town In North Carolina For A 3-Day Weekend
The town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is named after a rock that hangs over a granite cliff above the Johns River Gorge. The rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the wind sweeps with such force that it appears to blow upward. The rock and the unusual effect it produces are known as “the oldest travel attraction in North Carolina.”
Blowing Rock is a great small town to spend a three-day weekend, especially if the whole family is joining in on the fun. Blowing Rock is one of the towns in Western North Carolina that gets occasional snow in the winter, so it’s close to skiing, as well as an old-fashioned railroad and amusement park, and plenty of mountain hiking. From exploring Appalachian and Native American history to viewing art and shopping downtown, Blowing Rock has more than enough to keep visitors busy over a three-day weekend.
Outdoor Adventures
While you might not think of the Carolinas as a ski destination, Blowing Rock is ready to surprise you. In the winter, Appalachian Ski Mtn. makes its own snow so skiers and snowboarders can experience the 4,000-foot-high peak elevation. With 13 slopes ranging from beginners to black diamonds, as well as lessons available, it’s accessible to nearly anyone.
For hikers, the 25 miles of trails at Moses Cone Memorial Park are easy to navigate. This park is not just a hiker's dream, but a destination for arts and history. It sits on the estate formerly owned by Gilded Age textile businessman Moses Cone. Cone’s home on the estate, Flat Top Manor, is a 20-room mansion that is now the home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Guild is a place for local artists to display and sell their crafts to the people of the region.
Historic Homes and Museums
Art lovers will enjoy the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM), which offers free admission, changing exhibits, and a permanent collection. The Historic Edgewood Cottage is located next door to BRAHM, and is home to Blowing Rock’s summer Artist-in-Residence program. Each summer, 30 juried regional artists display and sell their original art at the cottage.
History fans will enjoy touring the 1903 Dougherty House in the Mystery Hill complex, the home of Dauphin Disco Dougherty, the oldest son of explorer Daniel Boone. In its early years, the home housed Appalachian State University classrooms and administrative offices. The mountains and surrounding forests of Blowing Rock have a rich Native American legacy, and the Moon Mullins Native American Artifact Museum, also in the Mystery Hill complex, features one of the largest private collections of Native American artifacts in the world. Mullins owns more than 250,000 authentic arrowheads that he has collected over the years, but space allows for only 50,000 to be displayed at a time.
Family Fun
Tweetsie Railroad is a “Wild West”- themed amusement park right in Blowing Rock. Although it doesn’t feature the mega rollercoasters some might expect at amusement parks, kids will delight in the child-size rides, such as the mini swings, carousel, Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, and more. The park is divided into sections such as “Miner's Mountain,” “Country Fair,” and “Main Street.” Visitors can even ride a three-mile steam-powered train through the North Carolina mountains. During the winter holidays, take the Christmas Train Ride to visit Santa, and during Halloween, ride the “Ghost Train.” Don’t miss the annual “Day Out With Thomas” ride on Thomas the Tank Engine.
Where to Dine and Stay
With so much to do in the town, visitors will need a place to stay. Hellbender Bed & Beverage downtown offers 8 hotel rooms and has been part of the town since its opening in 1931 as the Sunshine Inn. The modern inn offers cozy rooms, a restaurant for lunch and dinner, and a bar (the “Beverage” in the name). All rooms include king beds, smart TVs, and Keurig coffee makers. Rustic beams support the ceilings, and large windows provide plenty of light. Don’t let the name scare you - a hellbender is an indigenous salamander found in Appalachian mountain waterways and recreational spaces.
Chetola Resort is a 50-room lodge that was first established in the nineteenth century as a “haven of rest” for the owner, who was recovering from Tuberculosis. The resort now features views of Chetola Lake, spa services, and Orvis®-endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Services with half- and full-day trips. Guests can relax lakeside on Chetola Beach, kayak, paddle boat, or canoe. Chetola Amenity Club features a Fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a disc golf course, and members can also schedule horse rides through local stables.
Hungry visitors to Blowing Rock can dine at Timberlake’s Restaurant inside Chetola Resort. The upscale eatery features locally sourced ingredients prepared by the executive chef. For more casual dining, head downtown to Blowing Rock Ale House. The Ale House features indoor and outdoor seating, as well as rotating taps and a menu with burgers, sandwiches, and wings, as well as its namesake’s craft beer.
Whether drawn by the legend of the wind-swept rock or the promise of family-friendly adventure, Blowing Rock delivers a memorable mountain escape. From amusement park rides and ski slopes to art galleries, historic homes, and welcoming places to stay and dine, a long weekend here is more than a mere getaway. It's an opportunity to relax, connect with nature, and make memories to last a lifetime.
