Experience A Magical Winter Wonderland At This North Carolina Festival
It seems like it has been ages since Charlotte got even a remotely decent snow. At least anywhere in South Charlotte. North of 85 sometimes gets a little accumulation. But…
It seems like it has been ages since Charlotte got even a remotely decent snow. At least anywhere in South Charlotte. North of 85 sometimes gets a little accumulation. But those fantastic snows that we got while I was growing up- seem to be a thing of the past. I often joke that the next time the mountains are expected to get snow I'm going to hightail it to Blowing Rock so I can enjoy it! And the time to do that may be January 25th-28th. That's when the town of Blowing Rock is hosting their Winterfest event. The website for the event describes this winter time North Carolina festival as a "a magical winter wonderland filled with thrilling events and unforgettable experiences for the whole family!"
The festival runs Thursday-Sunday and features an impressive lineup of events throughout the quaint downtown. There is a nightly festival of lights at Chetola Resort, a polar plunge on Saturday (I think I'll skip that one!), and ice stroll on Main Street, and an ice carving demonstration.
But what festival is complete without food and drinks? The answer is none. And in a town with as much fantastic dining as Blowing Rock (see the end of this story for more on that) of course you won't want to miss that portion of Winterfest! Just some of the highlights include the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge, a beer garden at the Meadowbrook Inn, a wine tasting and wine auction at Green Park Inn, as well as a pancake breakfast.
And the can't miss event in my opinion? The Winter Paws Dog Show on Sunday from 1-3. Show categories include
- Most Unique Breed
- Most Clever Trick
- Best Dressed/Winter Attire
- Looks Like Their Owner
- Cutest Dog
- Best in Show
Some events do require tickets which can be purchased here. Is there anyway to guarantee snow and a true winter wonderland at this North Carolina festival? If so I'm 100 percent there.
11 Must Dos When Visiting Blowing Rock, North Carolina
One of my favorite mountain towns to visit any time of year but especially in the summer months is the town of Blowing Rock. Just a short drive up 321 before you hit the college town of Boone, you'll find the quaint village of Blowing Rock. The town boasts a rich history dating as far back as the 1700s. You'll see some of that history reflected below. It's also home to some charming mountain inns and the luxurious Chetola Resort. Blowing is close to the previously mentioned Boone, Linville Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Banner Elk among other towns. So with so much to do in the general area what are the must-dos in Blowing Rock itself?
That's where I come along. I grew up going to Blowing Rock with my parents as a kid every summer. In fact, my mom often reminds me that the first "vacation" I ever went on was a week in this North Carolina mountain town. So I'd say I have some qualifications to tell you the must-do activities. As a child, I would have told you about the playground in the park. They had the most fun slide I still remember to this day. The park has since been redone, and at this point, I'd look a little odd on a playground. But I bet it still brings the same joy to kids today as it did to me then. And while I didn't include that park on my must-dos in Blowing Rock list, I did include another of my childhood favorites.
On this list, you'll find activities, restaurants, shopping, places to grab a drink, and more. If hiking is your thing, you'll have to do your own research. Outside of a leisurely stroll, I didn't include any of that on this 11-item list. I'm not known for my outdoorsy spirit that's for sure! So check out the collection of must dos and adventures in the town of Blowing Rock North Carolina.
Grab A Bite To Eat At Town Tavern
Typically my first stop when getting into town in lunch at Town Tavern. While it is a sports bar, the food is excellent and the games on are just an added bonus! Have lunch and stay for the sports if you so choose. Plus it's a great place my dad likes to hang out and have beers while my mom and I shop.
Browse The Vendors Art In The Park
Art In The Park is a monthly arts and crafts festival that takes place in the summer months. It has a rich 60-year history and attracts vendors from across the southeast offering a variety of handmade goods. Each show features a different group of artists, so you'll get a different experience each time you visit.
Take The Kids To Tweetsie Railroad
When I was a kid Tweestise was my must-do on any Blowing Rock trip. While I was afraid of the cowboy and Indians on the train, I loved the ferris wheel and the smaller kiddie train. And they have even more rides to offer now. As well as special events including a ghost train, Thomas The Train, and more! If you have kids visiting with you, they are sure to love a trip to Tweetsie!
Go Antique Shopping
The town of Blowing Rock is home to several antique shops perfect for treasure hunting. As someone who loves the Grand Millenial style, I love browsing antique stores and stumbling across gems. One of my favorites is Hanna's but some other options include Winwood Antiques, Possom Hollow, and Blowing Rock Antiques.
6 Pence Pub
This quaint British Pub is a favorite of mine for dinner. It's affordable and the food is delicious! You can choose outdoor dining on the patio, or inside at in the cozy pub. Enjoy British favorites like scotch eggs, bangers and mash or fish and chips. But don't worry if American Fare is more your style with chicken fingers, salads, sandwiches, and burgers also as options.
Visit Moses Cone Manor and Memorial Park
Moses Cone Memorial Park is home to the Moses Cone Manor a gilded age mansion that is now home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The park also includes 25 miles of carriage trails perfect for a leisurely stroll. The most popular is surely the Craftsman's trail which is a 20 minute loop around the home and estate.
Have A Beer At Blowing Rock Inn And Alehouse
This unique bed and breakfast is also the town's first microbrewery. Overnight guests and daily visitors can enjoy all-day dining and fifteen tap beers. Plus the patio has fantastic views of the town and Sunset Dr.
Take Home A Homemade Candle From High Country Candles
Not only will you find 80 different candle scents at High Country Candles you'll also find some unique designs that I wouldn't even dare burn (they are too pretty!). I love the layered candles pictures above and have several Christmas ones as well as some smaller ones I use in my every day decor. I always look forward to seeing what's new and adding to my collection.
Have Some Wine & Cheese at Sunset And Vine
http://www.blowingrockwine.com/
Personally, I'm more of a wine kind of girl than beer. So you'll more often find me at Sunset & Vine having a glass of wine and some cheese. You can also shop their selection of wine to take home as a souvenier or just take back to where you are staying.
Shop The Boutiques
Downtown Blowing Rock is full of adorable boutiques as well as home decor stores. You never know what you may find, but some of my favorite clothing items have come from stores in town. Some of my favorites include the Funky Tulip, Monkee's of Blowing Rock, and The Gilded Lily. My mom and I also enjoy shopping decor stores such as the Brass Exchange and The Last Straw.
Enjoy An Ice Cream Cone at Kilwin's
What is any vacation without ice cream? You've probably tried Kilwin's Ice Cream before, but that doesn't mean you should pass up the chance to grab a cone. Located on Main Street, they will almost always have a line after dinner, so perhaps go for a mid-afternoon snack instead.
