Blowing Rock is located on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.
Legend has it, a Chickasaw chieftain, who was protecting his daughter from a white male suitor, journeyed to The Blowing Rock. One day the lovely maiden was daydreaming on the cliff and noticed a brave Cherokee who began to court her. A strange reddening of the sky brought the couple to The Blowing Rock and the Cherokee took it as a sign he needed to return to his tribe in the plains and leave the maiden. The grief-stricken maiden prayed daily to the Great Spirit until one evening a gust of wind blew her lover back onto The Rock and into her arms. To this day, a perpetual wind has blown up onto The Rock from the valley below.
Consider staying at the Meadowbrook Inn, a tranquil mountain retreat. It’s conveniently situated one block from the upscale shops, restaurants, and galleries on Blowing Rock’s Main Street. The family friendly boutique hotel features cozy yet spacious rooms with modern amenities. Among our favorites was the complimentary High Country daily breakfast buffet with Southern yummies like grits and homemade biscuits. The Inn also has an indoor pool, fitness center and highspeed internet access in all rooms and public areas. A definite highlight was the complimentary coffee, tea, fruited water and freshly baked cookies found in the lobby from morning to evening. It’s the perfect treat when you come back to your room after a day of hiking or exploring. They even have an outdoor fire table on the terrace that is lit in the evenings.
One of Meadowbrook Inn’s most unique features is that in 2019, they created a rooftop apiary. It features two hives of Italian hybrid honey bees that are known to be superb pollinators. They have on-site beekeeper and the harvested wildflower honey is used by their Executive Chef in select signature dishes and is also available for purchase at the Front Desk.
On-property, you can also find an heirloom vegetable and herb garden, adjacent to their serene duck pond. We happened to be there as some ducklings were being born and it was fascinating for the kids to observe.
Meadowbrook Inn offers a relaxing mountain escape in the midst of some of the High Country’s most popular attractions.
Aside from hikes and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock has many family friendly activities.
North Carolina’s first theme park boasts historic steam locomotives, Wild West shows, dancing, rides and more! It’s open mid-April through October with a Ghost Train Halloween Festival on weekends in October, and Christmas Train Light Festival on weekends in December. It’s perfect for kids of all ages including the little ones.
Mystery Hill is located right next to Tweetsie Railroad, and offers more carefree entertainment. Kids will have fun experiencing the disorienting gravitational vortex, cool science experiments, and historical artifacts.
Doc’s Rocks Gem Mining is an informative mining experience, with welcoming rock experts at the helm ready to teach kids about the gems they will find. They can cut and set gems for you as well, so you can have a memorable souvenir from your mining fun.
HGA is an aerial adventure park offering exciting fun for all ages. This is a must visit if you have adventurous kids! Strap on some safety gear, get off the ground and enjoy everything from ropes, to platforms, to climbing challenges.
Grandfather Mountain is a short drive (25 minutes from BR) but totally worth it! Watch otters swim, learn about the mountain habitats, see black bears, and walk on the mile high swinging bridge. This is a treat for sure! We took babies and grandparents so it is accessible to many folks.
A visit to this quiet yet bustling town truly is like a restorative breath of fresh air from the daily grind of life.
