Blowing Rock North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
1. Tweetsie Railroad
HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN ADVENTURE
Tweetsie Railroad is a historical steam engine train ride that winds through scenic mountain views with interactive shows. This family-friendly amusement park offers a variety of children's rides and a petting zoo. Visitors can enjoy the immersive Wild West experience while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the North Carolina High Country.
2. The Blowing Rock
LEGENDARY NATURAL FORMATION
The Blowing Rock is the oldest tourist attraction in North Carolina, featuring a unique cliff where winds from the Johns River Gorge blow upward. The attraction provides a magical setting with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can experience the phenomenon that inspired the town's name while learning about the Native American legend associated with this natural wonder.
3. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
HISTORIC ESTATE TRAILS
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers over 25 miles of scenic carriage trails perfect for hiking, walking, or horseback riding. The elegant manor house, previously owned by textile magnate Moses Cone, now houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds while enjoying mountain and lake views throughout the expansive property.
4. Flat Top Manor
HISTORIC COLONIAL REVIVAL
Flat Top Manor is a stunning Colonial Revival-style mansion built in 1901 as the summer home of textile entrepreneur Moses Cone. The 20-room white mansion sits atop a hill in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and now serves as a craft center for the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Visitors can tour the historic home, shop for handcrafted items, and learn about the region's cultural heritage.
5. Julian Price Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Julian Price Park is a haven for outdoor family fun just minutes from Main Street in Blowing Rock. This expansive park features activities like the Price Lake Loop, Green Knob, and Boone Fork trails for hikers of all skill levels. Highlights include canoeing or kayaking on Price Lake, picnicking by the river, and exploring the boulders and pools at Hebron Rock Colony.
6. Bass Lake
SERENE WATERFRONT LOOP
Bass Lake offers a picturesque setting with an easy one-mile loop trail that circles the tranquil water. The flat, accessible path is perfect for families, joggers, and those seeking a peaceful nature walk with mountain views. Visitors can enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities in this scenic corner of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
7. Doc's Rocks Gem Mine
MINING ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine offers an interactive gem mining experience where visitors can search for precious and semi-precious stones. The family-friendly attraction provides buckets of mining rough that guests sift through using traditional mining equipment. Each visitor gets to keep what they find, with experts on hand to help identify discoveries and even create jewelry from the gemstones.
8. Appalachian Ski Mountain
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Appalachian Ski Mountain is the NC High Country's first ski area, renowned for teaching beginners, families, and groups how to ski since 1962. The resort features multiple slopes with varying difficulty levels, an ice skating rink, and the French Swiss Ski College for those looking to learn or improve their skills. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and special events at this versatile mountain destination.
9. Mystery Hill
GRAVITATIONAL ANOMALY WONDER
Mystery Hill is North Carolina's only natural gravitational anomaly where water appears to flow uphill and visitors can experience unusual physical sensations. The attraction also includes hands-on science exhibits, giant bubble experiences, and houses the second largest private Native American artifacts collection in the state. Families can spend hours exploring the various interactive exhibits and unique phenomena that seem to defy the laws of physics.
10. Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) celebrates the visual arts, history, and heritage of the mountains through rotating exhibitions and educational programs. The museum offers free admission to view its collection of regional artwork, historical artifacts, and special exhibits that change throughout the year. Visitors can gain insight into Appalachian culture through engaging displays, workshops, and events designed for all ages.
11. Blowing Rock Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Blowing Rock Brewery is a custom designed, state-of-the-art boutique brewing facility located in the heart of Blowing Rock. As the town's first brewery, it produces both standard and specialty craft beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities, sample flights of locally-made beers, and enjoy casual dining in this popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
12. Grandfather Mountain State Park
MILE-HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE
Grandfather Mountain State Park features some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking trails in the region with rugged cliffs and diverse ecosystems. The park's iconic Mile-High Swinging Bridge offers breathtaking 360-degree views from its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. Visitors can also explore wildlife habitats featuring native animals like black bears, cougars, eagles, and otters in naturalistic enclosures.
13. Main Street Blowing Rock
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Main Street in Blowing Rock offers a delightful stroll through a charming mountain town filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The pedestrian-friendly street features historic buildings housing unique retail establishments selling everything from outdoor gear to fine art and local crafts. Visitors can enjoy the small-town atmosphere while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures and sampling local cuisine at the various dining establishments.
14. Mast General Store
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN MERCANTILE
Mast General Store is an authentic old-time general store established in 1883 that continues to serve the community with a mix of practical goods and nostalgic items. The historic building houses everything from outdoor gear and clothing to traditional candy sold by the pound and local food products. Visitors can step back in time while browsing the creaky wooden floors filled with merchandise ranging from cast iron cookware to hiking equipment.
15. Linville Falls
DRAMATIC CASCADING WATERS
Linville Falls is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, plunging into Linville Gorge, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians." Several hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to different overlooks providing dramatic views of the falls and surrounding wilderness. The area offers some of the most photographed scenery in the region with its combination of powerful cascading water, rugged cliffs, and lush forest landscapes.