Grand Ole Blowing Rock

You may have never heard of this town, but you will certainly want to visit. Situated in the mountains of North Carolina, Blowing Rock is certainly a booming town, full of history and it abounds with charm. There is so much to do in this area, from shopping, to theater, quiet walking trails, biking trails, and all in close proximity to top rated Appalachian State University a member of the University Of North Carolina Schools.

How did Blowing Rock get its name?

The name for Blowing Rock comes from a long told Indian Legend and goes along these lines. A Chickasaw Chieftan, who was afraid of the admiration that his daughter was receiving from the White Man, took his beautiful daughter from the plains of North Carolina to the mountains to be cared for by a squaw woman. The beautiful Indian girl was daydreaming at the edge of the rock that later became the Blowing Rock when she saw a Cherokee Brave in the woods far below. She shot an arrow his way, just being playful and this lead to a wondrous romance. The Cherokee Brave made his way to the beautiful maiden's wigwam and courted her with songs of his land. One day the sky started to redden and drew the two lovers to the Blowing Rock. The young Cherokee Brave thought of the reddening sky as a sign that he must return to his tribe in the plains. The young brave became torn between his lover and his duty to his people and threw himself off the edge of the Blowing Rock. This of course made the beautiful maiden heartsick, and she prayed on a daily basis that her brave would return to her. With the next reddening sky, a gust of wind blew the young Cherokee Brave back to his maiden. Every since that day an enduring wind has blown up from the valley to the top of the Blowing Rock.

For scientific purposes, the reason for the wind blowing upward is due to an updraft that builds in the valley and moves upward toward the rocks even making snow in the winter fall upside down. The area is now the oldest travel attraction in North Carolina.

Blowing Rock is also home to the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center. You can take in a play, opera, festivals, and comedy shows. If shopping is more to your liking, there are dozens of little shops, and eateries. Along with the shops along Main Street, you can visit Shoppes On The Parkway and do outlet shopping at its best with stores such as, Carter's for Kids, Adolfo II, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jones New York and so many more.

Need accommodations take a relaxing stay at Chetola Resorts where there are tennis courts, gym, dining, massages, and lake activities. The quaint town is home to many wonderful Inn's and Hotels. In addition, there are plenty of great restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of activities in theses gorgeous mountains to keep you busy no matter the time of year. Enjoy a visit in the spring to watch the mountains bloom with wonders. Go in the summer to enjoy the amazing weather and activities. Watch the mountain colors come alive in the fall. On the other hand, come in the winter to enjoy skiing, tubing, and relaxing family fun.

There is so much to discover in the mountains of North Carolina that one article does not do it justice. So, take a trip to the mountains and see for yourself all the amazing things Blowing Rock has to offer.