Dirt on Blowing Rock

locations and attractions

The town of Blowing Rock takes its name from an unusual rock formation which juts over 1,500 feet (460 m) above the Johns River gorge. Due to the rock's shape and size, wind currents from the gorge often blow vertically, causing light objects to float upwards into the sky. The Blowing Rock area was once fought over by the Cherokee and Catawba Native American tribes. According to legend, two lovers - one from each tribe - were walking near the rocks when the man received a notice to report to his village and go into battle. When his lover urged him to stay with her, he became so distraught that he threw himself off the blowing rock into the gorge. The woman prayed to the Great Spirit to return her lover, and the Spirit complied by sending a gust of wind which blew the man back up the cliff and landed him safely on the blowing rock itself.  Today "The Blowing Rock" is well-known for its superb views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Another popular tourist attraction in Blowing Rock is the Tweetsie Railroad theme park, which is home to the only remaining fully-functional steam engine train in North Carolina. Visitors to Tweetsie can ride the train for three miles (5 km) and enjoy the mountain scenery; the park also contains traditional amusement-park rides and attractions. Other attractions in the Blowing Rock area include the elegant and historic Green Park Inn, Mystery Hill, the Blowing Rock Country Club, and the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center, which presents music, dance, and films as well as being the home to a professional theatre company (Blowing Rock Stage Company). On the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is Moses Cone Memorial Park, which offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The park contains the impressive Moses Cone Manor and Estate, and features two large lakes surrounded by forests and trails. These well-maintained trails wind miles, and were once carriage trails for the Cone family. Adjacent to the park is the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, where visitors can board their horses convenient to the trails; there are 25 miles (40 km) of riding and carriage trails in the park. Annual festivals and events in Blowing Rock include: the "Art In The Park" festival, a monthly summertime (May-Oct) event in downtown Blowing Rock where artists of all types set up booths to sell their work to tourists; the "Fourth of July" festival and parade; Blowing Rock Winterfest in January; the Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival in April; Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town festivities, including a Holiday Parade; the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola Resort; and the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show which has been a tradition for 84 years. It is the longest continuously-run horse show in the United States. The show features some of the best horse riders in the Eastern United States.

The town's elevation of 3500 to 3600 feet (1067-1097 meters) above sea level results in substantially cooler summer temperatures compared to lowland areas to the east and south. Daytime temperatures in the summer rarely rise above 80 degrees fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures in the winter are much colder and harsher than would be expected in a southern state. Daytime highs can frequently fall into the 20s or lower. Snow is common in the winter months and creates excellent skiing conditions. Springtime in Blowing Rock is cool and generally pleasant. Rainfall is moderate; thunderstorms are occasional, and rarely severe.