Blowing Rock Day Trip – 2025
Day trips are fun, and our recent trip to Blowing Rock was no exception! In a word, it was perfect! We were treated to warm temperatures, an almost cloudless sky, and just the right amount of foot traffic.
We went with our friend and neighbor, Barbara, and enjoyed our day shopping, eating, and seeing the famous rock for which Blowing Rock is named – “The Blowing Rock.”
The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level that overhangs Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon is so named because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.
We found a parking space, and the first shop that caught our interest was Wild Birds Galore & More. The owner was helpful, fun, and informative, and they had the best outdoor goodies to spruce up any yard! We discovered more solar-powered goodies downstairs. The owner turned off the lights so we could see everything glowing in the darkened room. It was magical, and all three of us were hooked.
As we walked up the sidewalk, we ducked into shop after shop that beckoned us inside, and there were plenty of shops that did, just that!
From the Spice & Tea Exchange to Sunset & Vine Wine, and from The Brass Exchange to Barks & Co, we were happy campers – or maybe I should say, shoppers!
By the time we worked ourselves back down the street on the opposite side, all three of us were hungry. We stopped at the Town Tavern for lunch and ate on the patio, saving room for dessert. Ron and Barbara saved room, but I was full from lunch, so I didn’t have room for homemade ice cream. They ordered sundaes, which looked good, and on a warm day, I’m sure they hit the spot!
We were so enamored with Wild Birds Galore & More that we stopped by the shop on our way back to the car and bought more items for our yards. Now, it’s playtime!
Leaving, we drove further north to Boone to scope out the town. It’s much larger than we thought. Heading home, it was a must to stop on the south side of Blowing Rock to check out The Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction. It’s a beautiful area with decking to overlook the valley below. A great place we highly recommend visiting.
