For accommodations, we can recommend the Meadowbrook Inn, a boutique hotel just two blocks from downtown. Main Street offers just about anything a person could want. About 30 restaurants are inside the village and you'll also find a brewery and wine bar within a short walk. There are also interesting shops aplenty and a market to replenish your supplies.
Dining In Blowing Rock
One thing we learned is that you need to make dinner reservations far in advance, perhaps two weeks or even a month. Some of the top restaurants are closed on Monday or Tuesday, making the hunt for sustenance even more challenging.
We were delighted with our choices, first was the Hearth @ the Embers. Although this is a restaurant inside a hotel, the food and service were impeccable. Blowing Rock and the surrounding area is one of the few places in North Carolina where trout fishing flourishes. You must eat local trout when you dine in Blowing Rock. The trout at the Hearth was delicious and the sleek, upscale decor added to our dining experience.
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| Main Street Blowing Rock, dessert at Hearth and Chicken entree at Storie Street Grill |
Hollywood & Vine is a wine shop around the corner from Main Street with a front porch that serves as an ideal location for sipping and people-watching. When we returned from our town walking tour, we decided to sip some bubbly and chilled rose and unwind before returning to the hotel. The bottle shop has a wonderful selection and the by-the-glass menu has plenty of options.
Grandfather Mountain and The Mile High Swinging Bridge
Grandfather Mountain is one of the jewels of North Carolina, a rugged peak that ascends to 5,946 feet and encompasses 16 distinct ecological communities. Until 2008 the mountain was privately owned and operated as a nature preserve and tourist attraction. Today, 2,600 acres of the undeveloped portion of the mountain comprise Grandfather Mountain State Park. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation manages the 720 acres that include the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, Nature Museum, and Animal Habitats.
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| Be prepared for high winds on Grandfather Mountain |
The $28 per person admission (with AAA discount) is almost as steep as the mountain, but we found it worth every penny. Our first destination was the Mile High Swinging Bridge. While temperatures at home in the Raleigh area were in the 90s edging to 100, it was in the 60s at the top of the mountain. There was also a 20 to 30 MPH wind that made any thought of wearing a hat a prelude to disaster.
The Green Dragon, knowing my fear of heights, was anxious to see me attempt to walk across the swinging bridge dangling above an 80-foot gorge at an altitude of exactly 5,280 feet. Apparently, she thought this would be a rope bridge with wooden planks. Much to my relief, it had sturdy aluminum footing with sturdy metal cables supporting it.
Magnificent views surround you as you walk across. On the other side, the lofty views continue to amaze. You can also walk out further on a rocky promontory if you dare.
We walked through the wildlife habitat area and were pleased to see elk with massive horns. There are also viewing areas for mountain lions, otters, and bears.
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| Grandfather Vineyard & Winery |
Our trail of choice was Black Rock, two miles in length. What the trail description doesn’t say is that there is no real path. Most of the way you are hopping from one rock to another. Halfway out, a thunderstorm came pouring through the trees. Luckily we found shelter in a large cave before heading back.
If you plan on hiking, be prepared with water, a waterproof jacket, and good hiking shoes. Conditions can change quickly on the mountain.
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Our first winery visit was to Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, which opened in 2011. It’s located in the Appalachian High Country AVA, which encompasses parts of three states: North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The unifying factor is the height of the terrain. The average height of vineyards is over 3,000 feet.
The elevation of Grandfather Vineyard is 3,300 feet. The Watauga flows through the property, and we quickly grabbed a table next to the gurgling water. We decided on two flights, one dry and the other the “staff spotlight.”
Standout wines included the Pinot Noir Rose and the Big Boulder red blend, made from Merlot, Carignan, and Marquette. There is plenty of covered seating here with scenic views of the river and hillside vineyard. A packed calendar of events at the vineyard features food trucks and musical performances.
Linville Falls Winery
Linville Falls Winery has its roots in a Christmas tree farm started by Jack Wiseman. The opening of the winery in 2012 was the culmination of a dream he had for 60 years. Today the family-run winery specializes in high-mountain wine and exceptional hospitality.
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| Linville Falls Winery |
On the patio, we had an expansive view of the hillside vines and the picturesque grounds. It’s a beautiful and tranquil setting to sip wine – so we did.
Favorites included the 2021 Cascade, a white wine made from North Carolina Pinot Gris grapes, and the Red Barn Blend, their take on a Super Tuscan wine. It includes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot. Their flagship wine is the estate-grown Dry Riesling, be sure to grab a taste.
Blowing Rock and the surrounding High Country of North Carolina is a revitalizing destination, filled with memorable vistas, outstanding food, and great wine.
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