Location: Blowing Rock
Top Things to do in Blowing Rock
What to do and see in Blowing Rock, North Carolina (NC): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. 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.
2. High Gravity Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 248 reviews
**We are open periodically throughout the winter and as weather allows, check our website for the most current information. High Gravity Adventures is located in the Boone/Blowing Rock area of North Carolina and specializes in unique and active outdoor recreation for ages 4 & up. Complete with a Zip Line Tour, an Aerial Adventure Park, and a Giant Swing, there is everything your family needs to have a fun and adventurous day in the high country! Soar across multiple lines on the Zip Line Tour, culminating in a 1,000 ft zip over a beautiful valley and a 70 ft (optional) breathtaking free-fall experience. Explore over 75 aerial challenges including rappelling stations and climbing stations, all ranging from 15 to 50 feet off the ground in the aerial adventure park. Take a thrilling 45 ft plunge on the Giant Swing. Whatever adventure you’re ready for, we’re ready to lead the way!
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. Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
The Blowing Rock Historical Society uses Edgewood Cottage to showcase high country artists. Up to 30 artists are selected each year and given a week to display and sell their art in the restored original home of renowned American artist Elliott Daingerfield. There is art for every interest and budget, and it is a special opportunity to meet the artists, watch them work, and buy their art.
5. 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 !
6. 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.
7. Tweetsie Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,041 reviews
Experience a action-packed day of Wild West Adventure at Tweetsie Railroad where you can hop aboard a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, enjoy classic amusement rides, feed the animals in Deer Park Zoo, pan for gold, participate in live entertainment, and more! Special annual events: Day Out With Thomas, Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas. History: As North Carolina’s original family theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, or an engineer. Shop along Main Street, pan for gold, or visit the animals in the Deer Park. Tweetsie has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. And, of course, hop aboard our historic train for a fun-filled three-mile Wild West journey through the scenic mountains. Located in Blowing Rock, NC.
Reviewed By frankr888 - Pinehurst, United States
Bottom line, up front...in the end, with a military discount, we paid $140 for a family of four and added an additional $100 for food and souvenirs. Yet, beyond the high price point, Tweetsie Railroad was well worth the day. Our kids will remember this experience for a long time. Between the actual train and riding on numerous kiddie rides, the lines were never an issue. If I could offer one complaint, it'd be the price of concessions. I paid in excess of $15 for water not realizing one could bring in their own bottle. Perhaps more advertising is due?
8. 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!
9. 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.
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!
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