Blowing Rock
Named for the unusual rock formation, which juts out 1,500 feet above the Johns River gorge, today the town is known as the "Crown of the Blue Ridge". Visitors have been coming to here since before 1752 when a Moravian Bishop August Gottleib Spandenberg visited the area and heard about the star-crossed Indian lovers from two warring tribes. The story goes that a depressed young brave, unable to choose between his love for the Indian maiden and loyalty to his family, jumped off the windy cliff. His maiden begged the Great Spirit to bring him back to her, which he did, hence the legendary name, Blowing Rock.
Today, Blowing Rock is known for other remarkable qualities. In fact, it was named the "prettiest Small Town in North Carolina" by a pool of in-state travel professionals and writers, and "Favorite Southern Destination" by the readers of Southern Living. Only 3 square miles, it is boasts more than 100 shops and a range of dining options from Kilwin's Ice Cream On the Square to Crippen's Restaurant. Moreover, the calendar of events in Blowing Rock is year-round.
Elevation & Weather
Blowing Rock reaches elevations of more than 3,600 feet, and elevations at SweetGrass peak at 3,625 feet, offering spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. With an average July temperature of 75°, Blowing Rock offers a welcome escape from the summer heat.
Grandfather Mountain
This natural wonder, which sits proudly at 5,945 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers an endless array of activities for families, from Behind-the-scenes Habitat Tours to numerous walking and hiking trails. There is even a Mile High Swinging Bridge.
Blue Ridge Parkway
SweetGrass is located off the historic Blue Ridge Parkway, near Mile Marker 300 just north of the Linn Cove Viaduct and Visitor Center. This scenic byway stretches nearly 500 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains through North Carolina and Virginia and encompasses both prehistoric and early European settlements.
Price Park
Julian Price Memorial Park provides enjoyment for the whole family and is only a short walk away through trail access from SweetGrass. The 3,900 acre park provides picnic grounds, campgrounds, nature walks, amphitheater, hiking trails and boat rentals. Overlooking Price Lake, the park honors Julian Price who donated land to the National Park Service in 1946.
Links
Blowing Rock, NC
From shopping and dining in a storybook village to whitewater rafting and skiing, the town of Blowing Rock has plenty to offer residents and visitors.
Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
The source for information about the town's array of businesses and services.
The Blowing Rock
This natural wonders sits 4,000 feet above sea level and is North Carolina's oldest tourist attraction.
Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Celebrate the rich heritage of the mountains through visual arts and local history.
Blowing Rock Winter Fest
Highlighted by the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake, celebrate winter in the North Carolina Mountains.
Blue Ridge Parkway
This winding 469-mile drive through outstanding scenery has been deemed "America's Favorite Drive."
Grandfather Mountain
The highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range features a nature preserve and mile-high swinging bridge.
High Mountain Expeditions
Outdoor adventure tours including hiking, caving, mountain biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Linville Caverns
Tour the expansive caverns with experienced guides, just south of Blowing Rock.
Mast General Store
Outfitting the Appalachians with traditional goods, comfortable clothing and mountain gear since 1883.
Orchard at Altapass
Enjoy homemade fudge, jams, jellies and more made from delicious apples grown onsite.
Tanger / Shoppes on the Parkway
Shop over 30 name brand outlet stores.
Tweetsie Railroad
Pan for gold, visit the Tweetsie Jail and ride Tweetsie's historic steam locomotive.