Blowing Rock Retreat

The sleepy mountain town you’ve been waiting for

Savanna Fuller
Nov 6 · 3 min read
Chetola Resort | https://chetola.com

As a lifelong resident of the Carolinas, I speak for both states when I note that their prime destination spots are coastal towns: Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Wilmington, to name a few. While these places are beautiful in their own right, North Carolina’s best-kept secret resides in the shadows of the Appalachian mountains, miles from the closest grain of sand.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is literally the town at the end of the road; Highway 321 winds its way straight into the heart of Blowing Rock and (correctly) presumes that travelers will not want to go anywhere else. Home to gourmet resturaunts, antique shops, beatific mountain views, and exclusive spa resorts, this small mountain town is a tucked away paradise for those who want to unwind and breathe in some fresh air.

For the Foodie:

Blowing Rock has a range of options for even the pickiest eaters. Craving classic southern food with a rustic, modern twist? Visit Bistro Roca, home to both the famous “wall of dogs” and N.C. Chicken Breast dish complete with candied cacao nibs. After dinner, head up to the bar and order a Sparkle Pony cocktail- and ask the bartender to add the edible glitter.

For the classic date night, be sure to visit Best Cellar, an upscale restaurant serving roasted duck, acorn squash, and filet mignon. With an extensive wine list, soft lighting, and garden views from the main dining room, Best Cellar makes it a point to spoil its guests and leave a lasting impression.

For the Shopping Addict:

An entire day can be spent perusing Blowing Rock’s main street, where local artists and small antique shops have stood the test of time. Stop by Hanna’s for an authentic oriental rug for your living room, Windwood Antiques for copper kitchen appliances, or Last Straw for the quirky home decor you never knew you needed.

More interested in clothing? Better pop into Monkee’s of Blowing Rock, where brands like Tory Burch and Frye are typically on sale for the majority of the year. If you’re anything like me, get ready to salivate over these handmade MIgnonne Gavigan earrings…

For the Hiker:

Who says vacation means entering a complete vegetative state? Nature lovers will find no shortage of local trails, although Bass Lake is in walking distance from any hotels and villas. At just under a mile, the trail at Bass Lake is an idyllic backdrop to an early morning jog or a late afternoon picnic.

Want to upgrade your experience? Hop on a (very well trained) horse for a memorable ride around the lake and surrounding areas. If intimidated by the thought of horses, put your mind at ease with these glowing trip advisor reviews.

For the Experience Seeker:

Once through with your eating, shopping, and horseback riding, you’re going to need a soft pillow to lay your head down on. Good news! Blowing Rock is home to numerous boutique hotels and resorts.

For those seeking atmosphere, The Inn at Ragged Gardens is anything but ragged. Home to the aforementioned Best Cellar restaurant, The Inn is a former seasonal cottage turned hotel comprised of twelve bedrooms and suites. Decorated with lavish mahogany wood, luxe furnishings, and roaring fireplaces, The Inn doesn’t project coziness- it demands it. Borrow a book from its extensive collection, order a hot chocolate, and breathe deeply…

For an equally soothing experience, stay across the way at The Chetola Resort, birthplace of the annual Blowing Rock Christmas Festival. Pictured above, The Chetola offers essential components of a relaxing stay: an in-house restaurant, spa, and traditional afternoon tea complete with English scones and bite-sized desserts. Complete bliss.

Let me know in the comments below what you think! Is Blowing Rock the next destination on your list?

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