Location: Blowing Rock
Top Things to do in Blowing Rock
What to do and see in Blowing Rock, North Carolina (NC): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Sky Valley Zip Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 932 reviews
We provide the best zip line adventures in western North Carolina. Three tours are offered: 1) Canopy Tour: A thrilling ATV ride leads to 10 zip lines, a 45' vertical descent off a rock face, and a 120' cable bridge over a 35' cascading waterfall. Cross the valley from 300' above its floor. Must be 10 years old and 70-250 lbs. to participate. 2) Kid Zip: Called the Whistle Pig Adventure Park, our kids' zip line is a miniature version of the Canopy Tour. Includes 7 zips, a small bridge, and a 20' slide out of the trees. Kids can play for up to 2 hours and zip through the course as many times as they can. An adult chaperone can relax in the viewing area or walk around just below the kids to take pictures and cheer them on. A covered picnic shelter and water are provided. Children must be 4 years old and be able to reach 48" high. 3) Night Flight: Starting after dark on select weekends, this moonlit tour covers the first half of the Canopy Tour course and ends with the cliff jump.
2. Vx3 Trail Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 283 reviews
See the North Carolina mountains like never before! Enjoy customized horseback riding in Moses Cone Memorial Park with experienced trail guide Tim Vines. 3 Hour ride on trustworthy horses with easy trails in Blowing Rock NC. Reservations required. Age restrictions. Weight restrictions. Social distancing is easy on a horse!
Reviewed By T5435JKkatiec
I don’t think we can say enough wonderful things about Tim and his horses. This ride was amazing even for experienced riders like my daughter & I - the views were lovely, and Tim patiently answered all of our questions about both horses and park history. The horses were amiable and gentle: our friend who came along, with little riding experience, enjoyed every minute and gladly said she’d come again.Tim even gave light riding pointers to my daughter Maddie...who immediately decided she’s going to take up western riding and barrel racing. (Thanks, Tim - there go more riding lessons. ????) We’re heading back up to Blowing Rock in the summer, and we know exactly who we are going to call to take the rest of our family on this gorgeous trail ride.
3. 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.
4. Flat Top Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
This 3,600-acre estate, managed by the National Park Service, features the historic mansion that was owned and built by the antebellum aristocrat Moses Cone.
Reviewed By davepI2798SF - Spartanburg, United States
The house , which is currently undergoing renovation is in an absolutely stunning setting with views to match. The grounds are just beautiful, 25 mile of smooth carriageway trails to stroll along through forests of rhododendrons . We took a 5 mile loop through the grounds right down to and around Bass lake which forms the centerpiece of the view from the house porch. A lovely spot - wish it was my house !
5. 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.
6. Wahoo's Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,882 reviews
ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS! "2 Time Outfitter of the Year", 8 Time TripAdvisor "Peoples Choice Award", an Hall of Fame. Celebrating our 40th anniversary. Award winning service, with the highest quality outdoor adventures in the region, at the GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES! Fantastic full service Outposts, located on or by the areas best rivers. Providing the ultimate in convenience with riverside parking, hot showers, store, catered meals(basic to gourmet), camping, treehouse cabins, and so much more. NO LONG BUS RIDES! We have adventures for the smallest of children "MILD", up to "WILD" World Class Extreme Rafting adventures. Our Guides are known as some of the "Finest Seasoned Outdoor Professionals", you will find in the World today. Many have been running rivers for over 15+ yrs, honing skills on rivers Worldwide and then sharing their skills with our younger Guides and YOU our GUEST to offer an amazing experience! Go with the PROS at WAHOOS, You will WITNESS and EXPERIENCE the DIFFERENCE!
7. 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.
8. Footsloggers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Founded in 1971, Footsloggers is the region's first resource for hiking, travel, and backpacking. We take our selection seriously, and continue to challenge our assortment and make certain that we aren't selling anything that we would not purchase for ourselves. Our buyers also work on the sales floor, to help maintain our connection to the customer. We are an outdoor 'chamber of commerce' of sorts, as we have a diverse adventure-loving staff. We know our local trail systems, and can direct you on the best area, considering the weather and your time allowance. Footwear and backpacks require a custom fit to ensure the most fun out of your next adventures. These areas are our core strength, and we take pride in our ability to get fit dialed. Appropriate clothing and accessories are important elements to the comfortable and safe adventure as well. Our selection is continually updated to address current weather trends and shifts in technology. At both of our locations- downtown Boone and Main Street Blowing Rock- we have an Outdoor Outlet. In this area we stock salesman samples and closeout items, the majority of which are current-season and all are found at a great discounted price. Our customers are the most important part of our day, and we hope that you will communicate your needs with us. If you do not find something you're looking for, please let us know so that we can consider updating our selection. We are here to work for you... "Footsloggers: Sharing in Your Outdoor Adventures Since 1971"
Reviewed By mjpc36 - Wilmington, United States
We stopped at Footsloggers Wednesday and the kids and hubby thoroughly enjoyed the rock wall. Everyone working was very kind and helpful. On Saturday the kids (10, 12, 14, 17) and dad went out to their ropes course and had a blast! Three hours of fun as they clambered around and the guys working there were great. They were really good with all the kids helping them feel confident and be successful as they worked through the course. The kids wouldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had! Thanks for helping us find some fun on a rainy week!
9. Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By travelcrazies49021 - Chapel Hill, United States
Little museum with a lovely vibe Enjoyed paintings and sculptures by local artists lot of info on blowing rock history Best of all : free though we did leave a donation of what we felt was a fair entry fee Nice gift shop
10. Doc's Rocks Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine is a McCoy Minerals, Inc. business extension. We strive to treat every customer like family and ensure that they always feel welcome and know that they can trust our staff to give them the highest quality customer care possible. These values are the main things that sets 'DRGM' apart from our competition.
Reviewed By alisongates - Houston, United States
If you’re looking for the best place to have a unique birthday party for your kid (a three year old, in my case) in this area, look no further! We had my son’s third birthday at Doc’s Rocks this am and he and seven of his friends had an absolute blast. Booking the space was easy and the party was cost effective. As soon as I pulled up, several employees helped unload my car and set up the party room. The mining area was already set up for the kids, a special dry erase board was prepared for my son, and several tables had nice tablecloths on them (prepared by the employees). We had two outstanding ladies help us throughout the party - Brie and Isabella were super friendly and helpful - they hung decorations, provided AV assistance, read a book to the kids, facilitated the mining and gem education experience, made sure we all got through the fossil museum, assisted with clean up, and made sure that my special guy had a great day with his friends. The space was clean, amply sized, and close to a good restroom. It was a great day and I think kids of all ages (including myself!) would enjoy a party here due to the unique experience and wonderful employees. Many thanks - we WILL be back!
