Blue Mountain Retreat
Fall Favorites
Suggestions for different days of the week
Open on Saturday mornings, this market is our go-to spot. We love shopping to the sounds of local musicians, and the fresh produce and pastries cannot be beat. Since the Historical Association is adjacent to the market space, on many weekends one can find people dressed up in clothing from the 1700s reenacting local battles. Weather permitting, we put our purchases in the car and stroll through the quaint Daniel Boone Native Gardens found a quick stroll down the hill. The Gardens host events such as a fairy festival, native plant sales, and live concerts – and while it is easy to see online what events are planned, for us we let serendipity determine our fortune.
(Note: Blowing Rock Farmers Market is on Thursdays from 3-6 PM and is also charming!)
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Watauga County Farmers' Market
591 Horn in the W DrOpen on Saturday mornings, this market is our go-to spot. We love shopping to the sounds of local musicians, and the fresh produce and pastries cannot be beat. Since the Historical Association is adjacent to the market space, on many weekends one can find people dressed up in clothing from the 1700s reenacting local battles. Weather permitting, we put our purchases in the car and stroll through the quaint Daniel Boone Native Gardens found a quick stroll down the hill. The Gardens host events such as a fairy festival, native plant sales, and live concerts – and while it is easy to see online what events are planned, for us we let serendipity determine our fortune.
(Note: Blowing Rock Farmers Market is on Thursdays from 3-6 PM and is also charming!)
We make it annual tradition to visit New River in the fall. The maze is amazing, and it leads you to the river multiple times. After the maze it’s time to w alk the pumpkin patch to choose from their huge assortment of multi-colored pumpkins. This farm also has corn hole and swing sets - so enough to keep you entertained for the afternoon! Note that the farm accepts various payment types, but no credit cards.
New River Corn Maze
556 Laurel Gap RidgeWe make it annual tradition to visit New River in the fall. The maze is amazing, and it leads you to the river multiple times. After the maze it’s time to w alk the pumpkin patch to choose from their huge assortment of multi-colored pumpkins. This farm also has corn hole and swing sets - so enough to keep you entertained for the afternoon! Note that the farm accepts various payment types, but no credit cards.
Seeing App State’s football team play a home game in the new stadium is a blast! App has been one of the most consistent programs of the last decade, and fan support is returned at this point to pre-pandemic levels . Check online for exact dates of the games, and have an experience you’re sure to love as much as we do. Just bring layers - it can get cold sitting and cheering, especially once the sun goes down.
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Kidd Brewer Stadium
270 Stadium DrSeeing App State’s football team play a home game in the new stadium is a blast! App has been one of the most consistent programs of the last decade, and fan support is returned at this point to pre-pandemic levels . Check online for exact dates of the games, and have an experience you’re sure to love as much as we do. Just bring layers - it can get cold sitting and cheering, especially once the sun goes down.
Leaf peeping is the fall sport of choice for many in the High Country, us included! We have listed Todd as it’s the halfway spot of one of the beautiful drives you can take in the fall . This route will take you through Todd along the former railroad route, and also runs along the New River. Navigate to US Hwy 421 in Boone, then turn onto NC-194. Turn left onto US Hwy 221, then turn left onto Jefferson Avenue to enter downtown West Jefferson. Get some Ashe County Cheese when you arrive! Total time is about 45 minutes each way.
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Todd
Leaf peeping is the fall sport of choice for many in the High Country, us included! We have listed Todd as it’s the halfway spot of one of the beautiful drives you can take in the fall . This route will take you through Todd along the former railroad route, and also runs along the New River. Navigate to US Hwy 421 in Boone, then turn onto NC-194. Turn left onto US Hwy 221, then turn left onto Jefferson Avenue to enter downtown West Jefferson. Get some Ashe County Cheese when you arrive! Total time is about 45 minutes each way.
Fun for Kids
If you listen carefully from our house, you can hear the railroad whistle in the evenings as you sit by the fire pit. For the uninitiated, the "Tweet" as it's known locally, is a rite of passage for children in the surrounding areas. Part amusement park and part train ride, this is not cheap but is a great activity for a family trip. The "top tip" I've received is that when you enter after 3:00 p.m. you can use your tickets the next day at no additional charge.
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Tweetsie Railroad Vergnügungspark
300 Tweetsie Railroad LnIf you listen carefully from our house, you can hear the railroad whistle in the evenings as you sit by the fire pit. For the uninitiated, the "Tweet" as it's known locally, is a rite of passage for children in the surrounding areas. Part amusement park and part train ride, this is not cheap but is a great activity for a family trip. The "top tip" I've received is that when you enter after 3:00 p.m. you can use your tickets the next day at no additional charge.
In the Forest
Moises Cone is *the* central hiking spot of Blowing Rock, and it truly has something to offer for everyone. On a recent stay, my dad wasn’t feeling up for a hike - so he chose to spend time viewing crafts and fabulous views offered inside the manor house. The rest of our group, aged 2 to 75, decided to do our favorite hike, which is a 2.5 mile incline to a fire tower. The views are breathtaking, and we almost always see horses along the wide, well-packed trails. The extensiveness of the interconnected trails means hiking can be as strenuous or laid back as you’d like; sometimes we even bring a stroller for the baby.
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Moses Cone Herrenhaus
Moises Cone is *the* central hiking spot of Blowing Rock, and it truly has something to offer for everyone. On a recent stay, my dad wasn’t feeling up for a hike - so he chose to spend time viewing crafts and fabulous views offered inside the manor house. The rest of our group, aged 2 to 75, decided to do our favorite hike, which is a 2.5 mile incline to a fire tower. The views are breathtaking, and we almost always see horses along the wide, well-packed trails. The extensiveness of the interconnected trails means hiking can be as strenuous or laid back as you’d like; sometimes we even bring a stroller for the baby.
This is one of the first places recommended to us when staying in Blowing Rock, and we have come back innumerable times since. We suggest parking at the picnic tables as you’ll find there is a stream that meanders behind. With a good book and blanket, you can stay all day as kids/dogs frolic in the stream. When we come, we spend hours playing in the water – our children love seeing the fish, frogs and snakes. We usually get so sucked into the streams that we don’t venture too far. However, Price Park is also home to an extensive set of hiking trails directly connected for those looking to get in more hikes.
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Julian-Price-Gedenkpark
297 Blue Ridge PkwyThis is one of the first places recommended to us when staying in Blowing Rock, and we have come back innumerable times since. We suggest parking at the picnic tables as you’ll find there is a stream that meanders behind. With a good book and blanket, you can stay all day as kids/dogs frolic in the stream. When we come, we spend hours playing in the water – our children love seeing the fish, frogs and snakes. We usually get so sucked into the streams that we don’t venture too far. However, Price Park is also home to an extensive set of hiking trails directly connected for those looking to get in more hikes.
Linville Falls is another great area spot for those who love hiking and for those who don’t. The actual walk from the trailhead to the falls is under a mile - but the trails surrounding the falls are extensive enough to keep even the more advanced hikers happy. Bring your best (waterproof) camera - the pictures you’ll take of the falls will be stupendous!
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Linville Falls
Linville Falls is another great area spot for those who love hiking and for those who don’t. The actual walk from the trailhead to the falls is under a mile - but the trails surrounding the falls are extensive enough to keep even the more advanced hikers happy. Bring your best (waterproof) camera - the pictures you’ll take of the falls will be stupendous!
Grandfather mountain is a day trip distance from Blowing Rock, but worth the trip. The swinging bridge can get crowded so going first thing when it opens is a solid way to beat the crowds. We have found that spending lunchtime at the zoo works for us - pack a lunch and eat “with” the bears! Note that this park does charge an entrance fee.
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Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyGrandfather mountain is a day trip distance from Blowing Rock, but worth the trip. The swinging bridge can get crowded so going first thing when it opens is a solid way to beat the crowds. We have found that spending lunchtime at the zoo works for us - pack a lunch and eat “with” the bears! Note that this park does charge an entrance fee.
Coffee Connections
This coffee shop has quite the cult following with the locals, us included! My husband finds the chill café vibe and good Wi-Fi perfect for sneaking in some work, and we also like coming at more social times. If we're lucky, there's a converted van with a posh-hipster vibe selling plants that we visit in the parking. Our favorite items on the menu are the cold brew (hubby's high- caf choice) and lavender lattes (my low-octane selection). We also like grabbing breakfast while we're here, particularly the breakfast burritos and the avocado toast (yum!).
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Hatchet Coffee
150A Den Mac DrThis coffee shop has quite the cult following with the locals, us included! My husband finds the chill café vibe and good Wi-Fi perfect for sneaking in some work, and we also like coming at more social times. If we're lucky, there's a converted van with a posh-hipster vibe selling plants that we visit in the parking. Our favorite items on the menu are the cold brew (hubby's high- caf choice) and lavender lattes (my low-octane selection). We also like grabbing breakfast while we're here, particularly the breakfast burritos and the avocado toast (yum!).
Our family has a debate that’s be raging for years between my daughter and my husband: Is Hatchet Coffee or Local Lion the better spot for coffee and a quick breakfast? My daughter (and many, many of the locals) are strongly on Team Local Lion. Weighing in Local Lion’s favor is that it also serves homemade doughnuts - lots and lots of yummy kinds that change seasonally. We find ourselves particularly drawn to Local Lion if the weather isn’t great. Local Lion has outdoor covered patio seating or a drive thru that can be used when needed.
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Local Lion
791 Blowing Rock RdOur family has a debate that’s be raging for years between my daughter and my husband: Is Hatchet Coffee or Local Lion the better spot for coffee and a quick breakfast? My daughter (and many, many of the locals) are strongly on Team Local Lion. Weighing in Local Lion’s favor is that it also serves homemade doughnuts - lots and lots of yummy kinds that change seasonally. We find ourselves particularly drawn to Local Lion if the weather isn’t great. Local Lion has outdoor covered patio seating or a drive thru that can be used when needed.
Finding Blue Deer (currently open till 10 PM) has made us so happy. By far, it is our evening coffee spot of choice. The Deer is also on our “crowd pleaser” list because it has the ingenious idea of being both a coffee shop and an ice cream joint specializing in made-to-order ice cream sandwiches. Can you imagine why we come here again and again? Of note, while there are a few seats inside Blue Dear, they are very limited. So unless it’s particularly quiet inside, we grab our yummy items and walk around outside or go to the park.
Blue Deer on Main
960 Main StFinding Blue Deer (currently open till 10 PM) has made us so happy. By far, it is our evening coffee spot of choice. The Deer is also on our “crowd pleaser” list because it has the ingenious idea of being both a coffee shop and an ice cream joint specializing in made-to-order ice cream sandwiches. Can you imagine why we come here again and again? Of note, while there are a few seats inside Blue Dear, they are very limited. So unless it’s particularly quiet inside, we grab our yummy items and walk around outside or go to the park.
Breweries & Wineries
Booneshine nears the top of our go-to list of breweries because it has a great verity of local craft beer on tap and the perfect outdoor-indoor atmosphere to enjoy it. The hillside seating has a food truck always on site, and you can also play cornhole, oversized 4-in-row, etc. The restaurant area has an extensive local/seasonal menu that we also love. Be aware that the wait can be long for a restaurant table at peak hours, but there is almost no wait for the food truck.
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Booneshine Brewing Company
465 Industrial Park DrBooneshine nears the top of our go-to list of breweries because it has a great verity of local craft beer on tap and the perfect outdoor-indoor atmosphere to enjoy it. The hillside seating has a food truck always on site, and you can also play cornhole, oversized 4-in-row, etc. The restaurant area has an extensive local/seasonal menu that we also love. Be aware that the wait can be long for a restaurant table at peak hours, but there is almost no wait for the food truck.
This is a great local spot only 5 minutes from Linville Falls. The wines are good, and the atmosphere is great! We’ve found it to be one of the best places for consistently good local music. When we visit, we check out the food truck offerings or grab some cheese to go with the wine selection. In terms of wine, the flight is a great option to enjoy sampling 4 different kinds of wine. We love seeing the grapes growing too!
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Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls HwyThis is a great local spot only 5 minutes from Linville Falls. The wines are good, and the atmosphere is great! We’ve found it to be one of the best places for consistently good local music. When we visit, we check out the food truck offerings or grab some cheese to go with the wine selection. In terms of wine, the flight is a great option to enjoy sampling 4 different kinds of wine. We love seeing the grapes growing too!
AMB is the local brewery of choice for most Boone locals. Things we love are: the staff are tremendously welcoming, pets (dogs :) abound, the pizza is super, and live music on Friday lets you enjoy everything with a perfect atmosphere. We keep coming back again and again.
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The Appalachian Mountain Brewery
163 Boone Creek DrAMB is the local brewery of choice for most Boone locals. Things we love are: the staff are tremendously welcoming, pets (dogs :) abound, the pizza is super, and live music on Friday lets you enjoy everything with a perfect atmosphere. We keep coming back again and again.
Night Out
This is one of our absolute favorite places to eat in the High Country. Its unpretentious vibe, great patio and indoor seating options, and to-die-for local burgers and dogs have us coming back again and again. Be on the lookout for the local, wild game options that rotate onto the menu throughout the year.
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The Cardinal
1711 NC-105This is one of our absolute favorite places to eat in the High Country. Its unpretentious vibe, great patio and indoor seating options, and to-die-for local burgers and dogs have us coming back again and again. Be on the lookout for the local, wild game options that rotate onto the menu throughout the year.
What a great spot for a night of fine dining! We love the intimate atmosphere that Cafe Violette provides - it's almost as if you have this adorable, French eatery all to yourself. Cafe Violette is nestled in downtown Blowing Rock, so it's a lovely spot to end the evening with a post-dinner stroll. Calling ahead for reservations is recommended but not required.
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Café Violette
1132 Main StWhat a great spot for a night of fine dining! We love the intimate atmosphere that Cafe Violette provides - it's almost as if you have this adorable, French eatery all to yourself. Cafe Violette is nestled in downtown Blowing Rock, so it's a lovely spot to end the evening with a post-dinner stroll. Calling ahead for reservations is recommended but not required.
This rooftop bar a staple date-night spot for a drink. The views are beautiful of the surrounding area Boone area. If you're lucky, there will be live music playing too.
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The Horton Hotel
611 W King StThis rooftop bar a staple date-night spot for a drink. The views are beautiful of the surrounding area Boone area. If you're lucky, there will be live music playing too.
Over Yonder is our go-to spot for true Sothern Appalachian comfort food. The menu is limited but approachable - and the ambiance complete with beautiful gardens, adorable farmhouse, and friendly servers cannot be beat. If you go for lunch, try going to the Mast General Store after!
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Over Yonder Restaurant and Fresh Market
3608 NC-194Over Yonder is our go-to spot for true Sothern Appalachian comfort food. The menu is limited but approachable - and the ambiance complete with beautiful gardens, adorable farmhouse, and friendly servers cannot be beat. If you go for lunch, try going to the Mast General Store after!
Indoor Ideas
This place truly amazing! First, it's brand new and practically sparkles. Second, the great majority of the facility is inside - so we can hit the gym, play basketball, or even swim when it's precipitating. Third, it’s cheap (and, who doesn’t like a good deal?). The indoor water-slides and pool-based climbing wall are rated “the best” by our family. My only caution is that this place is *so* much of a hit that the kids recently had us spend the afternoon here on a beautiful, sunny day because this is now literally their top ranked activity ever.
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Watauga County Parks & Rec
231 Complex DrThis place truly amazing! First, it's brand new and practically sparkles. Second, the great majority of the facility is inside - so we can hit the gym, play basketball, or even swim when it's precipitating. Third, it’s cheap (and, who doesn’t like a good deal?). The indoor water-slides and pool-based climbing wall are rated “the best” by our family. My only caution is that this place is *so* much of a hit that the kids recently had us spend the afternoon here on a beautiful, sunny day because this is now literally their top ranked activity ever.
Despite having walked through the Blowing Rock town center for years, we only learned about the BRAHM recently. That said, it is very much worth checking out on a day with inclement weather, particularly since it offers free admission. The last time we went, we were with a friend who works in the museum field. Her top exhibit was on the oral histories of one of the oldest African American communities in NC, the Junaluska. And since the BRAHM is central to downtown Blowing Rock, you can finish off the day with a quick dash to a local lunch/dinner spot or by browsing the shops right next door.
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Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
159 Ginny Stevens LnDespite having walked through the Blowing Rock town center for years, we only learned about the BRAHM recently. That said, it is very much worth checking out on a day with inclement weather, particularly since it offers free admission. The last time we went, we were with a friend who works in the museum field. Her top exhibit was on the oral histories of one of the oldest African American communities in NC, the Junaluska. And since the BRAHM is central to downtown Blowing Rock, you can finish off the day with a quick dash to a local lunch/dinner spot or by browsing the shops right next door.
Ashe County Cheese is a wonderful local institution. They make cheese on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm. The cheese is delicious and the store that sells their cheeses is wonderful (just watch out for the Carolina Reaper flavor- it’s *very* spicy!). You are sure to find a trip where to be informative and enjoyable!
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Ashe County Cheese
106 E Main StAshe County Cheese is a wonderful local institution. They make cheese on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm. The cheese is delicious and the store that sells their cheeses is wonderful (just watch out for the Carolina Reaper flavor- it’s *very* spicy!). You are sure to find a trip where to be informative and enjoyable!
This is where we take kids who are getting stir crazy at home on a rainy day. Why? The staff is friendly, accommodating, and super enthusiastic about minerals. (Our brood is consistently enraptured by their description of the stones they find.) Also, Doc’s lets you choose whether to mine with super-authentic local earth or whether to choose buckets that guarantee gems will be found. Finally, we like that Doc’s is adjacent to more indoor activities: the Appalachian Fossil Museum and Tanger Outlets. So if it’s not quite time to go home, you have options of more things to do!
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Doc's Rocks Gem Mine
100 Shoppes on the Parkway RoadThis is where we take kids who are getting stir crazy at home on a rainy day. Why? The staff is friendly, accommodating, and super enthusiastic about minerals. (Our brood is consistently enraptured by their description of the stones they find.) Also, Doc’s lets you choose whether to mine with super-authentic local earth or whether to choose buckets that guarantee gems will be found. Finally, we like that Doc’s is adjacent to more indoor activities: the Appalachian Fossil Museum and Tanger Outlets. So if it’s not quite time to go home, you have options of more things to do!