Things to Do

Appalachian Ski Mtn is less than 4 miles from The Mountainaire Inn and Log Cabins in downtown Blowing Rock. Their projected ski season is from November 22, 2019 - March 22, 2020. They offer equipment rentals, instruction, a restaurant, and ski shop. There are 12 slopes, night skiing, and 100% coverage from snow making. There is also an ice arena.

Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. Today, Art in the Park is host to 90 artisans at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Event Time: 10 am - 5 pm, May 25, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept.7 and Oct. 5. Location: Park Avenue in Downtown Blowing Rock, RAIN OR SHINE!

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum seeks to provide cultural enrichment to the High Country communities by promoting the arts and Southern Appalachian heritage and history through educational programs, exhibitions, activities, and permanent collections. Admission to our museum galleries is FREE!

Fly fishing opportunities near Blowing Rock are numerous. There are wild streams, hatchery supported streams, Delayed Harvest streams, and tail-waters. We can recommend guides tailored to the experience you desire and skill level. We can also provide directions to locations where you can fish with kids and friends. Please feel free to talk to Jim about fly fishing in the Blowing Rock area and guide suggestions.

Grandfather Mountain is a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina. A unit of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Man and Biosphere Reserve, the mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old – with certain rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years. One third of the mountain is operated as a scenic travel attraction by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. All proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward preserving Grandfather Mountain and sharing its wonders in ways that deepen visitors’ appreciation of nature and inspire good stewardship of the earth.

In downtown Blowing Rock, you’ll find streets filled with unique boutiques, art, jewelry, antiques and home decor shops. It’s a great place to shop with friends or to do some serious holiday shopping. Downtown shops are an easy walk from The Mountainaire Inn and Log Cabins. You’ll also find great restaurants, and wine shops within walking distance from our location!

The Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a geographic phenomenon estimated to be more than 250 million years old. This unusual rock formation has created a flume in which the northwest winds consistently gust up the rocky mountain. This location has a rich history and is famous for visitors being able to through light objects over the edge and having them return to you. Even the snow falls backward at this unique and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain phenomenon.

The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is renowned for its beautiful landscape and home to the Moses Cone estate built and named after the prosperous textile entrepreneur, conservationist, and philanthropist of the Gilded Age. Cone built this Flat Top Manor in 1901 containing 20-rooms in the grand Colonial Revival style. You’ll also enjoy 25 miles of carriage trails that wind through the fields and forests of the 3,500-acre estate. Experience a horse-drawn carriage, horseback riding, and hiking in this pristine Blowing Rock, NC landmark. It is located at Mile Post 294 on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Tweetsie Railroad is a fun and fantastic western-themed amusement park located between Boone and Blowing Rock. The main attraction is a three-mile train track that has two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives, but you’ll also be able to ride an assortment of rides like the Round up, Turnpike Cruiser ride, Ferris wheel, and much more. They also host a variety of holiday events throughout the year.