Blowing Rock My Hometown 2023

Letter from Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers

Iwould like to welcome back our summer residents and visitors to our beautiful town of Blowing Rock. Now, we are into 2023 and looking forward to a great summer in our fabulous community with Art in the Park in full swing the second Saturday of each month through October, outdoor entertainment at local venues, restau-

rants at full capacity, the 100th annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, Saint Mary’s Tour of Homes, and the Symphony by the Lake at Chetola.

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, The 1888 Museum, the Artist in Residence at Edgewood Cottage — which welcomes visitors, local tourist attractions — and all retailers and

restaurants are in full swing ready to serve your needs.

During 2023, a number of very positive changes have and are taking place in our community: The construction of the new history walk down Laurel Lane and around Broyhill lake has been completed. The 1888 Museum is being restored to its original appearance and

the replacement of water and sewer lines will begin on Main Street with a completion within nine months so there will be traffic delays, please be patient. Once again, welcome to all of you that make our town a special place to visit and call home.

Charlie Sellers Mayor of Blowing Rock NC

Letter from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to the Village of Blowing Rock!

Resident, visitor, seasonal resident or someone who is dreaming of relocating to our community, you are most certainly aware of the quaint charm of Blowing Rock. Often weekend visitors turn into week-long visitors, then possibly purchase a small cottage or cabin for multiple visits each year and finally some move up to a full-size home often at retirement. Our historic downtown is a picturesque

background for the community. It represents the heart and soul of the town.

For many years, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has partnered with The Blowing Rocket / Mountain Times to produce “Blowing Rock My Hometown.” The goal of this publication is to showcase all that Blowing Rock has to offer year-round, from shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, the arts, and social events, to services, places of worship,

and civic organizations.

The Chamber has been supporting the Blowing Rock business community since 1927. We take pride in our member businesses and their commitment to their products and world class service. We hope you will join us for one of the Chamber produced events: Art in the Park, held one Saturday monthly May – October followed by the Alair Summer Concert in the Park on Sunday afternoon, Symphony by the Lake

in late July; or WinterFest in late January.

This year, you may find Main Street under construction. The water and sewer lines are being replaced to better serve you, our guests. You will also see several new hotels being built to accommodate the many visitors we are hosting. If you haven’t walked the new History Walk along Laurel Lane and around Mayview Lake, please take time to visit the twenty-one stations with inter-

esting historical stories and narratives about our Town’s past that has propelled us to the Blowing Rock of today.

Blowing Rock is a great place to live, work, own a business or play. Stop by our office and let our friendly staff help you make your Blowing Rock dream a reality whether you are visiting or planning to relocate.

Charles Hardin President / CEO Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

Blowing Rock My Hometown Index

Charlie Sellers

LOGO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Important Numbers in Blowing Rock

(All numbers reside within the 828 area code, except where noted.)

COMPILED BY MOSS BRENNAN

Exploring the Village of Blowing Rock

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Village of Blowing Rock has no shortage of activities for folks of all ages — especially on a sunny day! Beyond the countless scheduled events and festivities throughout the year, public spaces and local art galleries are great options to take in the town and buy a souvenir or two (or three)!

Memorial Park

Many small towns across the country have a central park, but none have anything quite as special as Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park.

With paved paths, courts for a variety of sports, horseshoe pits and two adventure-filled playgrounds, there

is no shortage of opportunities for exercise for kids and kids-at-heart. Whether you’re looking to play tennis or pickleball, go for an evening run or find a bench to enjoy ice cream cone or need a place to tucker out the children before heading back to the hotel, Memorial Park is the place to be in downtown Blowing Rock.

The Rotary Gazebo, expanded a few years ago, serves as the perfect venue for summer concerts and community events. The shady spot is also a great spot to read a book, catch up with friends or people-watch.

The Grover Robbins Swimming Pool

The Grover Robbins

Pieces of pottery by Bolick and Traditions Pottery sit inside a wood kiln prior to being unloaded during a previous Annual Heritage Day and Wood Kiln Opening.

FILE PHOTO

Blowing Rock Memorial Park playgrounds yield many an adventure for residents’ and visitors’ kids alike.

VILLAGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Swimming Pool does more than catch the eye — it cools body, mind and soul, too.

Open to the public, the swimming complex is a popular place, especially for the younger folk, on hot summer days. It is located at 173 Lakeside Drive and open noon to 8:30 p.m. when the sporadic mountain weather allows.

Art Galleries

There’s a little bit of everything for art lovers to enjoy in the Blowing Rock. From drawings and paintings to metal work and pottery, local art galleries are sure to bring plenty of visual pleasure to visitors. Galleries in small-yet-

mighty Blowing Rock include:

• Edgewood Cottage, located at 115 Ginny Stevens Ln BRHS.AIR@gmail.com, www.artistsatedgewood.org

• Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, located at 159 Ginny Stevens Ln. (828) 295-9099, www. blowingrockmuseum.org/

• Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, located at 7539 Valley Blvd. (828) 295-0041, www.blowingrockgalleries.com

• Bolick and Traditions Pottery, located at 1155 Main St. (828) 295-5099, www. traditionspottery.com/

• Crown Gallery, located at 1153 Main St. (828) 8180008, crowngalleryusa.com

• Martin House Gallery, located at 1098 Main St, Blowing Rock (336) 5082828, martinhousegallery@gmail.com

The Grover Robbins Swimming Complex in Blowing Rock is open through Labor Day weekend.

Learn about Blowing Rock with a short walk

BY MOSS BRENNAN

BLOWING ROCK — This year, on Blowing Rock’s June 1 History Day, the Blowing Rock Historical Society and The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock unveiled the latest addition to the town with those who helped make it happen: a new history walk.

“We think that the Blowing Rock History Walk is going to be a tremendous community asset,” said president of the Blowing Rock Historical Society Tom O’Brien said. “It doesn’t matter if your name is Greene and your family has been here for hundreds and hundreds of years, or you moved here last week, or you’re a visitor to the town. We think this is going to be an asset for the whole community and something that people really, truly enjoy.”

The history walk consists of 21 podiums placed strategically along the trail around Mayview Lake. Each podium is made of local stone and concrete, with bronze plaques that tell a little piece of history. QR codes are included at the bottom of the

plaque for those looking to read more about the town’s history. The walk, which is handicapped accessible, begins in Mayview Plaza adjacent to Main Street and features 21 History Stations. It is approximately ¼ mile in length. The walk follows Laurel Lane into Broyhill Park, and goes around Mayview Lake. The History Stations are prominent bronze plaques featuring relief images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history.

John Aldridge, of The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock, approached O’Brien in 2020 with the idea. Together, they decided that the historical society would write the history plaques, and the village foundation would raise funds to elicit the design and construction of the pillars, Aldridge said. The groundbreaking on the trail occurred in May 2022.

The history walk includes:

1. Blowing Rock’s History

2. Early Visitors and Settlers

3. Lenoir-Blowing Rock Turnpike

4. From Mountain Village to

Resort

5. Mayview Lake

6. Early Education

7. Tourism

8. Ski Industry

9. Medical Care

10. Chetola

11. Philanthropy

12. The Blue Ridge Parkway

13. Religious Heritage

14. The Cone Estate and Family

15. Green Park

16. A Wet or Dry Town

17. Glen Burney Falls

18. Watauga Hotel and Memorial Park

19. Mayview Park

20. Uncle Joe Clark and Becoming a Town

21. Main Street through the Years

The individual pillars were sponsored by individuals and families in Blowing Rock, and roughly 30 organizations and people worked to bring this project together.

More information on the Blowing Rock Historical Society can be found at www.blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com/copy-of-blowing-rock-stories.

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS

Mayor Charles Sellers, President of Blowing Rock’s Historical Society, Tom O’Brien, member of the village foundation, John Aldridge, and President of the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock Cathy Robbins at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Blowing Rock History Walk.

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS

One of the pillars along the walk.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOWING ROCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Along the Blowing Rock History Walk in Broyhill Park.

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Just Imagine: A Home in Blowing Rock

BY LESLIE EASON LESLIE@EASONTEAM.COM

Imagine waking up in the summer to a cool morning and a mountain view. Then having your choice of going on a mountain hike, a walk around a lake, or visiting one-of-a-kind shops on one of the prettiest Main Streets in the country, all within a few minutes’ drive. Maybe you prefer a round of golf, or a farmers market?

Now imagine you are thinking about all of this from the comfort of your home, with no check out times.

It is the abundance of choices like these that make living in and near Blowing

Rock so desirable.

Blowing Rock boasts some of the finest homes in the Southeast, and is a sought-after location for second homes. With Charlotte a two-hour drive and Raleigh/Durham three hours away, Blowing Rock is a convenient escape for buyers from North Carolina, as well as a seasonal destination from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Many buyers purchase a second (or third) home in Blowing Rock with plans to make it their retirement home, and some choose to purchase a home they can rent to vacationers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LESLIE EASON REAL ESTATE TEAM

The exterior of a home located at 181 Picasso Drive.

HOMES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Real Estate options in Blowing Rock range from efficiency condos to incredible mountain homes with sweeping views in the seven figures.

Over the past year, home and condo prices in Blowing Rock ranged from $200,000 — $3,500,000. The current median price for homes in the Blowing Rock zip code is $735,000, and $507,000 for Watauga County overall.

A drive through the meandering roads in Blowing on both sides of 321 will show you the charm and range of homes close to town. This is just a fraction of what Blowing Rock has to offer. There are many

PHOTO COURTESY OF LESLIE EASON REAL ESTATE TEAM

The exterior of a home located at 252 Pinnacle Avenue. SEE HOMES ON PAGE 11

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

HOMES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

neighborhoods and pockets of homes both in the town limits and throughout the Blowing Rock zip code (28605). To provide a guide, several neighborhoods are noted later in this article.

THE BLOWNG ROCK REAL ESTATE MARKET

As in most parts of the country, demand for homes in Blowing Rock and the High Country has been extremely high over the past three years, especially since more people can work remotely and spend more time in their second homes. Demand continues to outpace supply and homes are selling at 99% of asking

price, but higher interest rates have lengthened the time on market. This has given buyers a little breathing room. Additionally, dramatic price growth has slowed.

INVENTORY AND INTEREST RATES:

Reduced home inventory and higher interest rates have served to slow sales, although almost all local Realtors report that demand continues to be very high and that they have numerous buyers waiting for the right home to hit the market.

Home inventory is -14.0% lower than it was in 2022. Many homeowners refinanced their homes when interest rates were low, and the higher rates have dampened a desire to

SEE HOMES ON PAGE 12

The view from a home located at 226 Forest Park Drive.

HOMES

sell. Homeowners also have more limited inventory to choose from elsewhere if they want move. As inflation slows and interest rates come down, it is expected more sellers will capitalize on the increased equity in their homes and list their homes.

SALES AND PRICING:

For the past year through May, there were 169 homes and condos sold in Blowing Rock, a decrease of 23.2%. Of those sales, 41 were condos and 128 were homes. The median sales price for the past three months is $735,000, a 2.8% increase over last year. The average sales price per square foot is in the $400 range, and varies widely.

Prices are expected to remain flat or grow slightly for the remainder of the year. Multiple offers and sales prices significantly over asking price have slowed significantly, but still happen with popular properties. Homes are still selling at 99% of asking price.

TIME ON MARKET:

Median time on market has increased to 69 days. Note that this includes the time while under contract (usually 30-45 days). Higher interest rates have made buyers more selective about homes. While we are seeing very quick sales for popular types of properties, some with multiple offers, there is a little more time for buyers to view homes.

TIPS FOR BUYERS IN THIS MARKET

For buyers both curious

and serious about purchasing a home in this market, a local High Country Realtor can help you navigate the process. Here are some suggestions:

• Be prepared to move quickly for popular listings, with your financing ready, and willingness to come to view a home on short notice.

• Work with a lender to get pre-approved for a loan before you make your visit. A pre-approval letter or proof of funds if you are paying cash is highly recommended with any offer.

• Even if you are further out in your purchase process, contact a Realtor® now to set you up on

a property search directly from the MLS so that you get a better sense of the market. You never know when the right house will come on the market.

• Ask your Realtor to schedule a virtual showing so that you can decide whether to make a trip to see the home.

OVERVIEW OF BLOWING ROCK HOMES

Luxury Homes

Blowing Rock is well known for its gorgeous mountain homes, both newer and historic. Several of these homes have been featured in magazines and on tours and have entertained

visitors including U.S. Presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities. These homes can be found in town in the historic Mayview and Laurel Park neighborhoods and along Main Street, as well as in nearby gated neighborhoods such as Timber Creek and Firethorn. For buyers looking to build a custom home, this area boasts some excellent builders and offers many options for land purchases.

Condominiums

Most condo and townhome developments are in the town limits of Blowing Rock. These include Royal Oaks, Glen Burney, Village on the Green, as well as more luxury condos such as

Chestnut at Blowing Rock.

Chetola Resort is the largest condominium development, and it boasts a hotel, fine dining restaurant and spa. There are condos with views in the Mayview area of Blowing Rock as well as in the Blue Ridge Mountain Club (noted below). The most recent addition to the condo market is The Bluffs at Blowing Rock, located about 4 miles down Hwy 221.

Vacation Rentals

A strong segment of the Blowing Rock Real Estate market is second homes that can also be used as vacation rentals to help pay for the cost of owning and maintaining the home.

There are several excellent vacation rental management companies in the area that can manage the entire vacation rental process.

Vacation rentals of less than 28 days are not allowed in the town limits of Blowing Rock and in some developments. If you are looking for a home that can also be used as a vacation rental, be sure to ask whether vacation rentals are allowed in that location.

AREAS OF TOWN:

In Town Blowing Rock: The town of Blowing

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

PHOTO COURTESY OF LESLIE EASON REAL ESTATE TEAM

The interior of a home located at 252 East Stone Drive.

HOMES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Rock is known for its grand homes along Main Street and in historic Mayview and Laurel Park as well as cottages and homes around Ransom Street and Chestnut Drive. Most condo developments are in the town limits.

In Town Across 321: Cross U.S. 321 (Blowing Rock Blvd) to Echo Park, Green Hill Road, Wonderland Woods and areas surrounding the Blowing Rock Country Club and Golf Course. There is a wide variety of home styles and sizes in these quiet neighborhoods.

U.S. 221 Southwest: There are several neighborhoods on either side of Highway 221 headed southwest toward Linville, some offering beautiful

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Grandfather Mountain and St. Johns River Gorge views. These include Misty Mountain, Fair Mountain Acres, Saddle Hills and Sweetgrass, a development with trails and a lake.

U.S. 321 North (toward Boone): One of the largest residential areas in this direction is Appalachian Ski Mountain, with many mountain homes close to skiing. This is a popular location for vacation rentals. Also along U.S. 321 are the luxury gated communities of Firethorn and Timber Creek, as well as the log home community Friendly Mountain Acres.

Blue Ridge Parkway North: There are several established neighborhoods with mid-range to high-end homes along this route. This general area is referred to on maps as the Aho area and includes the neighborhoods of Sorrento, Grey-

stone, Blackberry, Goshen Valley, Summit Park and Brown Stone Ridge, to name a few. Some of these neighborhoods are in the Boone zip code but are considered the Blowing Rock area from a Real Estate standpoint.

Also in this direction is the Blue Ridge Mountain Club, an impressive development with timber frame homes, townhomes and many lots available. BRMC offers trails, a gym, restaurant and clubhouse facility.

Leslie Eason is a Realtor with Keller Williams High Country Realty, and is owner of the Leslie Eason Real Estate Team. She and her team have helped numerous buyers purchase homes in Blowing Rock and the High Country. She can be contacted at leslie@ easonteam.com or 828484-4811

PHOTO COURTESY OF LESLIE EASON REAL ESTATE TEAM

The interior of a home located at 707 Chestnut Drive.

New businesses bring new life to Blowing Rock

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

While the timeless architecture and unbeatable views of Blowing Rock remain consistent, the Chamber of Commerce ensures there is always new things to do and see for visitors and locals alike! The business hub connects leaders and small businesses to promote the local economy and entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams — supporting the ever-growing number of new businesses to call the Village of Blowing Rock their home!

This year, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has celebrated four new businesses with ribbon cuttings and grand openings, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet the community and celebrate their new beginnings.

The Speckled Trout Outfitters

The Speckled Trout Outfitters celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting on March 24 after opening at 916 Main Street in mid-January.

The store front and sign for The Speckled Trout Outfitters.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

BUSINESS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

The Speckled Trout restaurant is a must-visit when visiting Blowing Rock owner by avid outdoor adventures. The outfitters side of the business is now a home base for the guided trips and exploration and specializes in fishing rods, reels, flies, packs and technical clothing.

“The owners and head chef at the speckled trout (Will, Erica, Eric, and Emily Brinker, and Michael Foreman) are all avid outdoors people and had been discussing the idea for a while, even to the point of starting to order some gear to get the outfitter going,” said Reed Conner, general manager of Speckled Trout Outfitters. “Then in April of 2021, Joel Brown, our head fishing guide, joined The Speckled Trout to be a waiter at the restaurant. Upon ownership seeing his resume and how it was packed with guiding experience out West, it was like everything aligned to start the guide service and outfitter. From there, the fly fishing guide service was created and 100 square feet at the back of the restaurant was dedicated to selling the essentials for fly fishing and a few hats and tees. Growth since then has been wild and is why we are now so blessed to be in our new shop right next door.”

The Speckled Trout Outfitters is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

More information on the new business can be found at www.thespeckledtroutoutfitters.com.

Jerky Outpost

After a decade in the High Country, Jerky Outpost fulfilled its dream of opening a location in the village of Blowing Rock with a grand opening on May 4. Located at 1132 Main Street, owners Susan and Damon Stevens said she is excited to bring a grab-and-go option to town.

The Stevens’ have been residents in the High Country for 20 years and have owned and managed the Jerky Outpost Stores in Valle Crucis and Blowing Rock. Their first location opened up in Valle Crucis and then four years ago, they opened their second location in the Tanger Outlets in Blowing Rock — now Shoppes on the Parkway. The opportunity to welcome customers on Main Street in Downtown Blowing Rock presented itself and they decided to relocate the store at the Shoppes on the Parkway Store to Main Street.

“We are beyond thrilled and look forward to seeing all of our return customers and new visitors,” they stated in a press release.

Jerky Outpost is open 10 a.m. til 6 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on the new business, visit www.jerkyoutpost.net.

Rooster Rock Supply Co.

Rooster Rock Supply

Co. celebrated the grand opening of its location in the Village of Blowing Rock with a ribbon cutting with

the Chamber of Commerce on May 23. The family-owned outdoor lifestyle store specializes in clothing,

outerwear, footwear and other adventure supplies and is located at 938 Main Street in Blowing Rock.

Owners Toby and Hailey Oliver are excited to bring the second retail location to Blowing Rock following

all the support they have received.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Owner Susan Stevens excitedly accepted a welcoming proclamation from Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Membership Engagement Director Cathy Barker.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Rooster Rock Supply Co. celebrated the grand opening of its location in the Village of Blowing Rock with a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce on May 23.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

Rooster Rock Supply Co. is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Myers Kitchen and Pantry

Myers Kitchen and Pantry celebrated its grand opening on May 31 to give the building located at 8146 Valley Boulevard a new life!

Burt and Yvonne Myers, owners of Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub, replaced the restaurant that formerly housed Sunny Rock Eggs and Things with Myers Kitchen and Pantry.

“We came up with the concept after so many people told us that this is what is needed in town. We noticed this has become popular in small towns,” the Myers said. The kitchen offers fresh and

frozen foods such as vegetables, meats, quiches, homemade pies, casseroles, chicken pot pies, Moravian pies, daily soups, homemade bread, sticky buns and scones.

Andrew Myers specializes in togo pizzas and salads with Fabled Pizza, housed in the same kitchen. In addition to the prepared foods, the kitchen also offers fresh seafood, meat, and produce from local farms.

Pantry items inside Myers Kitchen and Pantry are sourced from primarily local vendors, with a majority being from North Carolina. These items include gifts, gourmet foods, jams and jellies, local honey and other staples.

Myers Kitchen and Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.fabledpizza.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Myers Kitchen and Pantry celebrated its grand opening on May 31.

JORDYN DANIELS

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

American Legion Hall

Historic building still serves Blowing Rock after nearly eight decades

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Here in Blowing Rock since just after World War II, there has always been a well-maintained American Legion Hall. Ever-ready for business conducted by its namesake organization or for community events, it represents the sense of patriotism and togetherness that the town possesses.

First constructed in Blowing Rock by WWII veterans returning to the mountains of North Carolina, the American Legion Hall got a major renovation in 2014 into 2015, updating it to fit the needs of the townsfolk.

Originally built using volunteer labor and financed by donated funds, the Hall immediately became an important part of social life within the Town of Blowing Rock.

Starting in the late 1940s after its completion, the American Legion Hall played host to live music events, cookouts and barbecues, crucial town meetings and even operated as a dance hall on occasion.

Over time and frequent use, the hall started to show wear and tear, eventually culminating in the need to give it a facelift in the 2010s.

Renovations began on the

American Legion building in the fall of 2014, with a majority of the work being done by Greene

Construction Company — a Watauga mainstay almost as old as the building itself. Among the

upgrades were an outdoor covered terrace on the back of the building, a new roof, a new floor, new

bathrooms, new windows and

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

The American Legion Building hosts the annual Blowing Rock Rotary Club Charity Auction.

HALL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

other amenities.

A final personalized touch upon the renovation included an $11,000 donation from Town Councilmember Albert Yount to have the American Legion Hall’s kitchen remodeled in memory of his wife Martha. Other contributors to the 2014 repair and update included $142,00 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Foundation Grants program, $65,000 from the Blowing Rock ABC Store, $50,000 from the Blowing Rock Historical Society and $15,000 from the Blowing Rock Community Foundation.

The Blowing Rock Historical Society’s significant endowment shows that the organization takes a keen interest in the preservation of the history and legacy of the structures in town, per the wishes of its citizens.

In recent years, the American Legion Hall has continued to serve as a location for all kinds of happenings in town: holiday events, town birthday parties, town and county council meetings, auctions, raffles, fundraisers, musical performances and more.

Through it all, the venerable old building stands firm, serving the community and reminding all of those who served them in more desperate times.

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PHOTO BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Vice Admiral Sean Pybus (Ret.) speaks to Blowing Rock community members inside the American Legion Post Building.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Blowing Rock’s Places of Worship

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Blowing Rock Methodist Church

Open June to September

1314 Main Street

(828) 372-7009

Hymn singing at 10:30 a.m., and service starts at 11 a.m.

Church of Epiphany Catholic Church

Open May to October

168 Galax Lane

(828) 264-8338

9 a.m. mass

FaithBridge United Methodist Church

194 Aho Road

(828) 295-8333

Service starts at 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock

350 Sunset Drive

(828) 295-7715

Opens at 8:30 a.m.

First Independent Baptist Church

Possum Hollow Road

Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church

1218 Memorial Street

(828) 295-7675

8:45 a.m. Worship through September 1

9:45 a.m. Sunday School

11 a.m. Worship

St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church

140 Chestnut Drive

(828) 295-7323

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist

9 a.m. Sunday School

10:10 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Sandy Flats Baptist Church

1776 Hwy. 221 S., Blowing Rock

The Temple of the High Country

1043 West King Street

(828) 266-9777

Shabbat Services every Friday at 6 p.m.

Rabbi Alty’s office hours Tuesday and Wednesday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Islamic Center of Boone

643 Greenway Road

Masjid is open at 1 p.m.

Jumaah Prayer is conducted every week at 1:45. p.m.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Blowing Rock Methodist Church is one of the area’s ‘seasonal’ churches, open during the warm weather months only. It was first opened in 1900 by Dr. Charles Waller and his wife, Edith. Dr. Hal Warlick is the current minister.

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Apart of the Watauga County School District and with an enrollment that averages “about 350” students in grades K-8, Blowing Rock School in the heart of downtown.

As one of eight k-8 schools, Blowing Rock School is part of a a Watauga County Schools system that works hard to provide the best education for all students.

To start the 2022-23 school year, the school system as a whole had approximately 4,800 students enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade. Blowing rock School itself averages approximately 350 students every year, which can vary year to year.

Each k-8 school in the WCS system operate on a “school within a school” model, where middle school students and younger students use separate parts of each building for their classes. Each K-8 school offers an Extended Learning Center (after school program) for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Blowing Rock School can also brag about it’s leadership with principal Patrick Sukow earning the recognition of Watauga County Schools Principal of the Year three times. His most recent award was in 2022.

Sukow is in his 19th year as Principal of Blowing Rock. He first came to the

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Blowing Rock School

Watauga County Schools in December 1999 to become an assistant principal at Watauga High School and later served as assistant principal at Parkway before becoming principal of Blowing Rock in July 2004.

“This award is not just about the principal — this award is about the whole school,” Sukow said after his most recent honor. “A principal’s job is about the students and the teachers. Without all of you, I can’t do what I do. I appreciate this group of teachers and staff so much, and I am so grateful for you. I am so proud of this school.”

This past school year, Blowing Rock teacher Brittany Bolick earned recognition as the school’s teacher of the year.

“To be voted teacher of the year by your colleagues is an enormous honor,” former WCS Superintednet Scott Elliott said of the school teachers of the year. “These teachers have proven themselves to be outstanding leaders in their classrooms and schools. Being chosen for this kind of honor by your peers who understand what it takes to be an exemplary teacher better than anyone else is a wonderful achievement, and I want to thank and congratulate all the Teachers of the Year for their well-deserved recognition.”

Bolick also earned a grant from the Watauga Education Foundation this past year to create “Ping Pong

PHOTO BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

The main entrance to the 2022 Blowing Rock School Fall Festival.

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK POLICE

The Grinch visited Blowing Rock School right before Christmas break as he tried to convince the students of Lisa Clinard’s kindergarten class that his heart was not two sizes too small. The Grinch was Blowing Rock Police Officer Caudill. It remains unknown of the Grinch was truly able to convince the young students that his heart really was not two sizes too small.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Playtime,” allows the students to be exposed to lifelong physical activities, requiring social interaction, working with small groups, hand-eye coordination and activity.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Two other teachers also earned WEF grants this past year.

Blowing Rock teacher Carol Critcher earned one for “Let’s build a Bristle Bot and Run

Through the Keva Maze: Empowering students to build and explore creativity through STEM projects.” The grant will help Critcher purchase a Bristle Bot

making kit and Keva Bot Mazes to introduce students to engineering concepts and the design process, thereby strengthening problem-solving skills, collaboration and creativity.

Blowing Rock Reading Specialist also earned a WEF grant for “Putting the ‘Science of Reading’ into Students’ Hands.” The grant

will be used to purchase decodable text sets to address the pivotal areas in learning-to-read for K-3 students. Teachers can weave the decodable books into small group instruction tuned to the phonics concepts, giving students the chance for students to apply their phonics skills.

Among other progressive fea -

tures of elementary education, Blowing Rock School was the first school in Watauga County to have a School Resource Officer hired by the town. The Blowing Rock Police Department has equipped the SRO with a ballistic shield after a community donated two to the department.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WATAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS

Patrick Sukow, WCS principal of the year, was greeted at a school assembly by his family, wife Anne and sons Brody and Cullen.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Watauga County Schools maintenance crew members David Cook and Jason Norris work to install Blowing Rock Schools’ indoor beehive.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

A guide to medical care in Blowing Rock

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Despite the small size of Blowing Rock, there are options for quality healthcare right here in town — along with larger hospitals and other facilities in neighboring Boone and Lenoir.

In Blowing Rock itself, there are healthcare practices at Davant Medical Clinic, Blowing Rock Medical Park and a dentistry practice at the offices of Dr. Adam Hill.

Davant Medical Clinic

Located at 623 Chestnut Ridge Pkwy in Blowing Rock, Davant Medical Clinic is a member of the Appalachian Regional Medical Associates, alongside The Foley Center care facility.

Davant Medical focuses on family medicine and women’s health services, stating that their mission is to assist patients in achieving and maintaining high levels of health and quality of life. Employing

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Blowing Rock Medical Park is located at 8439 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock.

DI ANNE DAVANT &A SSO C IATES

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

MEDICAL

Caldwell Memorial Hospital terms as a PLUS Urgent Care site.

medical professionals committed to lifelong learning, Davant Medical “welcomes questions on new and emerging treatments and strategies for preventive health,” according to their website.

Dr. Gregory Price is the primary physician at Davant Medical, and his practice offers comprehensive treatment for adults and kids aged 6 and up, including immunizations, physicals, illness or injury care, preventative care and more.

Also practicing at Davant Medical are Dr. Cecilia Grasinger and Heidi Robertson, FN, who offer services in gynecological and women’s health fields. Davant Medical’s website says they “meet a woman’s needs throughout her life cycle, ranging from well-women care to complex medical and surgical management of gynecological disorders.”

Grasinger and Robertson also collaborate closely with the midwives and obstetricians at Harmony Center for Women, located in Boone.

Blowing Rock Medical Park

Situated at 8439 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock, is a subsidiary practice of Caldwell Memorial Hospital — based a half-hour’s drive south in Lenoir.

The BR MedPark has a pair of family medicine and primary care practitioners in Dr. Charles Davant III and Amanda Kincaid, NP-C. Furthermore, there is what

CMH’s Urgent Care facilities can see walk-in patients as well as scheduled appointments. BR MedPark’s Urgent Care can provide treatment for acute and chronic minor illnesses and injuries, alleviation of sickness symptoms, allergic reactions and the like. BR MedPark can also process basic lab technology needs, and even has x-ray services.

Caldwell Memorial Hospital’s website stresses the importance in understanding the difference in capabilities between urgent care locations versus hospital ERs. CMH’s website states, “Urgent Care is NOT for medical emergencies. If you are having a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for treatment.”

The nearest hospitals to Blowing Rock are Watauga Medical Center at Watauga Medical Ctr, 336 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607 (10 minute drive from Blowing Rock) and Caldwell Memorial Hospital at 321 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 (30 minute drive from Blowing Rock).

Dr. Adam E. Hill, DDS, PA

Operating as the lone general dentistry practice in Blowing Rock, Dr. Adam Hill’s offices are located at 123 Little Springs Road in Blowing Rock, across from the Food Lion grocery store.

Dr. Hill and his five-member staff offer family, implant and cosmetic dentistry services, as well as dental

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 SEE MEDICAL ON PAGE 31

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

From right: Dr. Adam Hill receives the Outstanding Business Service Award for his dental practice on Feb. 7, 2017, flanked by Charles Hardin and Mandy Poplin.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Blowing Rock Medical Park and PLUS Urgent Care are a division of the Caldwell Memorial Hospital, based out of Lenior.

MEDICAL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

hygienic education to patients.

According to the practice’s website, Dr. Hill has been offering dentistry treatments in the Blowing Rock and Boone region for nearly two decades, and “offers a convenient High Country location and broad-ranging dentistry services for every member of your family,” using techniques ranging from “basic preventive care to complex cosmetic procedures.”

Dr. Hill holds undergraduate and doctorate degrees of dental surgery, obtained at UNC-Chapel Hill, is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and retains an Associate Fellowship status at the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Outside of the general family medicine, women’s health and dentistry, Blowing Rock residents will have to travel to utilize other healthcare industry practices and services — but the basics are well-covered within town.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

From right, Dr. Gregory Price of Davant Medical Clinic in Blowing Rock with his medical office assistant, Lacon Parsons, CMA.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

The Blue Ridge Parkway — a road that calls to adventurers

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Welcome to Blowing Rock, a charming resort town full of fascinating adventures. Explore beautiful shops and one-of-a-kind shopping possibilities, take in breathtaking views, indulge in excellent dining at elegant restaurants, enjoy live music and take leisurely strolls down Main Street for delicious ice cream and other goodies. There’s a historic road nearby that beckons you to experience the area and visit the highest mountains east of the Rockies. Your route to a spectacular adventure is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Cherokee, N.C. to Waynesboro, Va. The Blue Ridge Parkway is there to direct you

whether you like to drive to breathtaking sites, walk or bike there, or both.

There are two ways to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock — firstly, by taking Highway 321 north toward Boone, you’ll come across an interchange just outside Blowing Rock town limits. Alternatively, if you’re in the center of Blowing Rock, head west on Highway 221 until you see the Parkway sign after a few miles.

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s concrete mileposts are useful landmarks, particularly in rural locations where GPS may not be accurate. These mileposts direct you past all of the detours off the road, including trailheads, attractions and pull-offs.

Don’t leave town quite yet, though!

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY

Linn Cove Viaduct along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY

Grandfather Mountain is along the Blue Ridge Parkway. SEE PARKWAY ON PAGE 34

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

PARKWAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Instead, pop on over to the famous Moses Cone Park and the Cone Manor residence (also known as Flat Top Manor), which are located on the Parkway just outside Blowing Rock.

The Cone Family — who were wellknown for their denim and textile businesses — originally owned this beautiful estate. The Cone Family kindly gave the National Park Service their farmhouse and more than 4,000 acres. While there, visit the Appalachian Arts and Crafts Store, where members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild created each item in the shop. The Guild and the National Park Service have shared management of the shop since 1951.

Flat Top Manor’s parking area also provides access to the Fire Tower Overlook Trail, a pleasant 4-mile roundtrip climb on sunny days. The 4,000-acre park has 25 miles of well-maintained

SEE PARKWAY ON PAGE 36

Winter overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway can

different experience compared to other seasons. The natural beauty of the High Country shines on the route.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

roads, including the Watkins and Black Bottom paths, the scenic Rich Mountain Carriage Trail and paths that round Bass Lake and Trout Lake. You may still see relics of the Cone Family’s vast apple orchards along these pathways, along with colorful rhododendrons, mountain laurels and other natural plants.

Moses Cone Park and Flat Top Manor sit near BRP milepost 294.

Heading south, the next 25 miles of the Parkway provides stunning vistas and trailheads. Love hiking, or are looking for breathtaking views? Visit Wilson Creek Valley View Overlook Rough Ridge Trail at milepost 300, Yonahlossee Overlook Trail near milepost 304. Finally, the Linn Cove Viaduct Information Center and the Beacon Heights Trail are at milepost 305.

You’ll also see the exit for Grandfather Mountain State Park at milepost 305, which offers a ton of family-friendly attractions and activities. Grandfather Mountain State Park provides amazing experiences with a menagerie of wild animals, hiking

FILE PHOTO

Flat Top Manor overlooks Bass Lake and Blowing Rock at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

PARKWAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

paths, a gift store, a restaurant and the renowned Mile High Bridge. From there, the Charlotte skyline can occasionally be seen on the horizon on very clear days, despite being almost 90 miles away.

From milepost 305, the towns of Banner Elk and Sugar Mountain — as well as Beech Mountain ski area — are all accessible. Additionally, you may find the Grandfather Mountain and Banner Elk Wineries, both of which provide live music on summer weekends. Beech Mountain

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Ski Resort offers its 5506’ Skybar throughout the summer, providing summit vistas, beers and live music on Saturdays.

Around there, you can explore the wilderness routes, if you’re an enthusiastic hiker looking for more untouched settings. A few examples are the Big Lost Cove Cliff Trail, Little Lost Cove Cliff Trail, Darkside Cliff Trail, North Harper Creek Falls Trail and the Flat Rock Trail.

Up next, the Linville Falls Visitors Center, campsite and picnic area are located at milepost 316. Continue on the Parkway to milepost 317 and take the Hwy. 221 exit for a breathtaking vista

of Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. In less than a mile, turn left onto Highway 221 and then left once again onto Route 183. On Rte. 183, after about 7/10 of a mile, there is a gravel path on the right that leads to Linville Falls. Turn into the first parking lot on the left to find a pair of trails that give glorious vantage points of Linville Falls and the vast, 12-mile-long Linville Gorge.

You can reach the stunning Wiseman’s View Gorge Overlook by continuing four kilometers along the dirt road. Make note — if you’re traveling in a two-wheeldrive car, proceed with caution and make sure the

road is entirely dry before starting off on this journey. If the road is wet, you should only drive if your car has all-wheel drive or fourwheel drive, and even then keep an eye out for patches of mud.

The same Hwy 221 exit at milepost 317 leads to the Linville Falls Winery, which has live music every Saturday afternoon. To get there, keep right at the exit and the winery will be on your right-hand side in less than a mile.

The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area has a variety of easy-to-challenging paths for more experienced hikers to explore. Knowing your limitations, being prepared

and packing appropriately are essential when hiking in Linville Gorge, because it is a genuine wilderness environment. Sought-after trails include the Table Rock Mountain Summit Trail, Rock Jock Rim Trail, Chimneys Rim Trail and Hawksbill Mountain Summit Trail.

Continuing south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find more lovely spots like Crabtree Falls, the village of Little Switzerland, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, the Orchard at Altapass — a captivating live music venue — and more. Eventually, if you keep trekking south, you’ll arrive at Asheville, and further

west are the Great Smoky Mountains.

A final famous attraction on this leg is Mount Mitchell, with a turnoff found at milepost 355. The tallest peak east of the Rocky Mountains, Mount Mitchell rises to a height of 6,683 feet. Fortunately, you can drive almost all the way to the top, making access to the breathtaking views a simple walk from the car.

There are many more sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway — yet even the section from Blowing Rock to Asheville is so chock-full of things to do, that one could spend a lifetime exploring and still find plenty more.

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway with Hawksbill Mountain behind on the left and Table Rock Mountain on the right.

Middle Fork Greenway

Connecting Boone to neighbors through nature

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Middle Fork Greenway is just one of the many reasons why Blowing Rock is so special and how the town helps the

community connect with neighbors through nature.

Major progress has been made on the long anticipated Middle Fork Greenway that will connect Blowing Rock and Boone along one of the most popular rivers in the High Country.

According to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, The Middle Fork Greenway will be about six and a half miles connecting to the already existing Boone Greenway, creating more than 15 miles

of contiguous trail. With the majority of the trail being a 10-foot wide asphalt path, some other locations will be slightly less wide at six to eight feet and made of natural surface trail to preserve and protect topography and the trout stream.

The trail will connect the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountain-to-Sea trail, Shoppes on the Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, the hospital and three pocket parks, according to

Blue Ridge Conservancy. A group of volunteers began conversations about the Middle Fork Greenway in the mid-1990s, said Wendy Patoprsty, Director of the Middle Fork Greenway. A feasibility study was conducted with several App State professors following the initial conversation. Then, more than a decade later in 2012, another feasibility study was done and then another this past year, Patoprsty said.

Patoprsty said the concept for the greenway was a “big picture” for a long time, but nothing can happen until the “fine tuning” happens. From the 1990s til today, a lot of progress has been made, especially in the last seven years since the Blue Ridge Conservancy got involved.

Blue Ridge Conservancy began working with the NC Department of Transportation who funded the most recent feasibility study and

found it was possible to connect Boone and Blowing Rock with this trail, Patoprsty said. So they began “diving into it inch by inch.”

Patoprsty said the conservancy has acquired about 85 acres from Boone to Blowing Rock along the Middle Fork River with the intention of people “coming out and connecting with the river, learning about the river, learning about our

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Wendy Patoprsty is the Director of the Middle Fork Greenway.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

ecosystems and being a part of the environment that’s here.”

When creating trails, there are a lot of obstacles, Patoprsty said. Acquiring land from private land owners, working with the National Parks Service, approving grants through two town municipalities, requesting land access from Watauga County and applying for public grants while collecting private donations are just some of the steps needed to complete each portion of trail, Patoprsty said. Through hard work and a lot of collaboration, just under two miles of the trail has been completed and additional mileage is in progress. Completed portions of the trail are open to the public and accessible through the US Hwy 321 Trailhead.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The development of the Middle Fork Greenway gives public access to one of the most popular trout fishing spots in the area.

GREENWAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

The Middle Fork River is one of the most popular trout fishing spots in the area, Patoprsty said, and now the land is public. Those who enjoy fishing no longer have to worry about trespassing on private land to access the area.

“When thinking historically, thinking about ‘how do we have mountaintops that don’t have houses and condos on them?’ They’re protected and they have either easements in place or protections that will limit the amount of development that can happen and that’s kind of why we all want to live here. People move here and flock here because of our natural resources, so if all of our natural resources are private lands, then that means anybody can develop anything they want and that you have no access to that,” Patoprsty said. “Our mission is to protect land.”

The Middle Fork Greenway is funded by Watauga TDA, state grants, NC Land and Water Fund, NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, NC Division of Water Resources, NC Recreational Trails Program, numerous foundations including Wells Fargo, Truist, Bank of America, The Cannon Foundation, The Anne Cannon Trust and numerous private donations including those made through the Greenway Round-Up.

“This project and the Greenway could not be done without Watauga County, Town of Blowing Rock, Town of Boone, lots of state funders like Parks Recreation Trust Fund, but really Watauga County TDA and our local donors are what’s making this happen,” Patoprsty said. “It’s just really important to put local dollars into creating more public access. COVID taught us was that we all need to get outside for that peace of mind and sense of well being and so having spaces

where you can go out and enjoy the trees and the birds and some quiet time, it’s just really important for all of us.”

Patoprsty said she believes connecting with nature helps people want to preserve nature, and one of the goals of the Middle Fork Greenway is to give people the opportunity to form that connection.

“Small, little connections has brought so much joy to so many people who come to visit us that on a larger scale, when you can get outside and have a positive experience in nature, that stays with you,” Patoprsty said. “I think getting outside and having a healthy mind and a healthy body helps you make those choices in life.”

FILE PHOTO

Among the dignitaries and supporters of the Middle Fork Greenway at an Aug. 18 ‘ribbon tying’ event were NC Representative Ray Pickett and former NC State Senator Deanna Ballard.

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS Middle Fork Greenway project director Wendy Patoprsty outlines the six sections of the six miles of pathway to connect Blowing Rock and Boone for hikers, bicyclists and runners.

Festivals, events and more!

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Blowing Rock holds events for tourists and community members that draw thousands of people. With so much to do, there is never a stale moment in the High Country.

WinterFest

WinterFest is a four day long event celebrating winter festivities such as polar plunges, ice carving contests, and more.

WinterFest draws visitors every year to Blowing Rock in late January.

Trout Derby

Blowing Rock celebrates the beginning of Trout Season annually in April with anglers at every skill level. The event takes place on Broyhill Lake, Bass Lake, Trout Lake, and on the Middle Fork of the New River. Prizes and trophies are awarded to a variety of categories including first caught, largest catch

and more.

Easter Festival

Blowing Rock’s Park and Recreation celebrates Easter with the town of Blowing Rock. Aimed at the younger citizens, games and pictures with the Easter are available during this event.

Art in the Park

A staple in the town’s summer events, Art in the Park is a juried art showcase where you can purchase

the work of local artisans and artists. 80 to 100 local artists are showcased from May to October in the monthly event. Art in the Park is hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Farmers Market

The Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market opens in May and runs until October, on every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy shopping the market stalls for fresh produce, and locally made goods.

Concert in the Park

In concurrence with Art in the Park, the summer concert series Concert in the Park is a free program hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. Starting at 4 p.m., these shows always attract a crowd with their featured musical artist.

Charity Horse Shows

The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Shows is home to the

PHOTO BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Participants fish at Broyhill Lake during the 43rd annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

longest continually running annual horse show in the eastern half of the country, running strong for 100 years. This show brings horses lovers to town for three

weeks each summer starting in June.

Artist in Residence

For the last several years, the Blowing Rock Historical Society has hosted a summer

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST

Jimmy Crippen and Kent Tarbutton in Chetola Lake after one of the early Polar Bear Plunges.

EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42

artist-in-residency program at the Edgewood Cottage on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock starting in late June. Chat with the artist of the week, and have the chance to take their work home with you.

Fourth of July

The annual Fourth of July festival and

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

parade shuts down Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock with holiday fun. Live music, games and an old fashioned horse shoe tournament are available for community members looking to join in on the fun.

Highland Games

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are held the second weekend of July. The annual gathering of the Scottish clans sees thousands of tourist and community members alike observing the

traditional games dancing and music.

Symphony by the Lake

Symphony by the Lake at Chetola is held on July 21 this year. This event brings world-class music to an outdoor stage at Chetola Resort. The perfect backdrop for picnics with the family in the park.

Memorial Day

Over 100 people gather in Blowing

Rock to listen to the stories of local veterans and the sacrifices they made for our freedom. The event is complete with the community singing patriotic songs.

Monster March

Blowing Rock’s Halloween festival and Monster Mash is a spooky, annual close to Halloween hosted by Parks and Recreation. Family fun is to be expected at this sweet treat event.

FILE PHOTO

In June 2022, Art in the Park was jammed with people enjoying the ‘chamber of commerce’ day and more than 80 artists and artisans’ work.

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show a 100-year tradition

BY DEREK HALSEY

BLOWING ROCK — The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is a High Country tradition that has reached the century mark. It is an event that celebrates all things horses, staking the claim to being the oldest continuous horse show in the U.S. While there are other horse shows that have been around longer, many of them had to take a year or two off due to world wars back in the day or a pandemic in these modern times. The Blowing Rock Horse Show for Charity, however, has not missed a

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

A competitor in the hunter/jumper division of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show clears a hurdle in a past event.

year since the early 1920s. For many families that have lived in these Blue Ridge Mountains over the last century, especially in or around Blowing Rock, they have maintained the same horse show booth at the event for generations. As for the horse lovers who reside down the mountain, the trek up to the Blue Ridge adds to the magic of the horse show.

What is most important is the money raised for multiple organizations and charities by the horse show, and the move to expand this special park in Blowing Rock where it takes place. The yearly funds raised go to entities such as the Blowing Rock Fire Department, the Blowing Rock Rotary Club, the Appalachian State University Equestrian Club, various animal welfare organizations and more.

To make all of that happen, the Blowing Rock Horse Show for Charity Foundation recruits and works to meet the expectations of the many sponsors involved, who are at the core of the money being raised that benefits so many.

The public is also invited to the Blowing Rock Horse Show, which will take place at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve on three separate weekends. The Saddlebred meet took place on June 8 – 11, the Hunter/Jumper 1 show date will happen on July 25 – 30, and the Hunter/Jumper II meet will commence on Aug. 2 – 6. For times, tickets, directions and more, visit brchs.

org.

As is stated on the page of the Foundation that runs this event and keeps the horse park in order, “The Foundation, the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve and the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Shows are the responsibility of a volunteer board of directors.”

The President of the Foundation is Burr Collier, who has been a part of the organization for 30 years now. Collier’s involvement with the Blowing Rock Horse Show for Charity goes back to his youth in Statesville when he was

lucky enough to be raised around these wonderfully unique animals.

“When I was a kid, my parents lived in a pretty magical neighborhood and in the middle of it was about 12 acres and a barn, and about two or three other families there had smaller barns,” said Collier.

“My parents built a threestall barn on about three or four acres, so myself and my siblings had horses while growing up. It became a passion that developed in me, so I got involved with the horse industry in a bigger way, which has been

life-changing for me as I have met people from all over the world and travelled all over the world to international horse shows and even the Olympics.”

As for Collier’s first visits to the Blowing Rock Horse Show, it took some youthful indiscretion to make it happen.

“When I was a child, the Blowing Rock Horse Show was the first big event I ever went to,” said Collier. “A friend of mine’s grandmother had a house in Blowing Rock and, at about eight years old, we snuck into the horse show through

the woods and watched famous riders and horse trainers that I only read about in magazines. And, they had spectacular horses because the quality of the horses at the Blowing Rock Show is and always has been top-notch.”

Then, around 30 years ago, Collier joined the Board of the Blowing Rock Horse Show Foundation and has helped, with many others, to bring it back to a level of prominence in the horse world.

Along with the charities mentioned above, and there are many more not listed,

Blowing Rock Horse Show has not only kept the horse park facilities at a high level, but they are also in the process of adding acreage to the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve facility. The Foundation also works with the National Park Service to help to maintain the Moses Cone Manor, the historic house that was built in 1901 by the Cone Family and located at milepost 294 on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cone Family donated the big house and 3,500 acres, which includes more than 25 miles of preserved carriage trails

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

A hunter-class horse jumps over an obstacle at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show in 2018.

HORSE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

that the public can hike or ride horses on. In fact, on open days and weekends, many folks board their horses overnight on the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve grounds and then ride the carriage trails during the day.

“As for our ever-important sponsors, we are blessed to have so many of them that love the Blowing Rock Horse Show, and we have drawn in some new people as well who also appreciate the history and the tradition,” said Collier. “We couldn’t do it without our sponsors. There are a lot of corporate-supported horse shows out there, which happen in places like Tryon, NC, Wellington, FL, Saugerties, NY, and Traverse City, MI, but we

are unique as we are more of a boutique horse show. We are blessed with wonderful sponsors who care about our event and want

to make sure this tradition lives on.”

More information about the horse show can be found at brchs.org/.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL

A competitor in a saddlebred competition rides in the rain at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show in 2019.

Blowing Rock in the Archives

BY DEREK HALSEY

The Blowing Rock has been part of Watauga’s history since 1889. While the town is old, the Watauga Democrat is even older as the county’s newspaper of record since 1888. Here’s some excerpts and photos that show what Blowing Rock was like in its early days.

In the Aug. 1, 1889, edition of the Watauga Democrat newspaper, ads were geared toward tourism for Blowing Rock. It seems that a lot of the accommodations available for rent in Blowing Rock 134 years ago came in the form of boarding houses.

In one ad, the Moore Brothers, W.V. Moore and S.P. Moore, claimed to be “proprietors of a first-class boarding house for summer.” The siblings describe their place this way, “Visitors, Blowing Rock has a delightful climate, fresh air and pure water, charming mountain scenery, and Telegraphic Connection with the outside world.”

In other words, even back then, they advertised a visit where you could theoretically work remotely with a connection to the worldwide telegraph wire. This was a serious matter, and at the time, it seemed that this latest new technology was critical for a town to grow.

Another hint of this 19th century technological creep

Before it burned down in 1926, the Watauga Inn was surrounded by cot-

The only that remains is partially seen in this old photograph’s foreground, and is now the home of BRHS’ 1888 Museum. Several years after the hotel burned down, in 1939, the property was sold to the town of Blowing Rock.

Concertgoers line up outside of P.B. Scott’s Music Hall in Blowing Rock. The music venue hosted local, regional and national acts from 1976-1983.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOWING ROCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

tages.

ARCHIVES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48

into the High Country is found in a Watauga Democrat article published in June of 1890 that speaks of the change to come, saying, “The telegraph wire with other equipment are now all at the depot in Lenoir for the line from Blowing Rock to Boone. This line will be completed very soon and then Boone will be in communication with the world by telegraph. The next thing in order is a railroad.”

In the June 12, 1889, edition of the Watauga Democrat,

we get into more of the nuts and bolts of life in the High Country back in the day with a column titled, “The Ordinances of the Town of Blowing Rock, NC.”

In the column, Blowing Rock Ordinance No. 1 states, “It is unlawful to use any loud, boisterous, or profane language or to engage in any kind of affray or fight in the corporate limits of the town, and any person convicted of such, shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1 and no more than $10 at the discretion of the Mayor.”

As for those men who

No deposits lost. No compromise.

Rev. George Stenhouse tests the pitch of the tiny pipes of of a new and expensive organ donated to St. Mary’s in 1973 as seen in the archives of the Blowing Rocket. SEE

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

ARCHIVES

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thought they could come up to a resort town and just hang around – guess again. According to Ordinance No. 4, “All able-bodied men living in the corporate limits of the town between the ages of 18 and 45 years shall be required to work on the streets of the town upon notice of the

street overseer for ten days out of each year.” As for the consequences of denying the dreaded and powerful Street Overseer, “any person failing or refusing to work as required by this ordinance shall upon conviction be subject to a fine not less than $1 or more than $10 at the discretion of the Mayor.”

While life in Blowing Rock has certainly changed since the late 1800s, it still is the lovely town that many know and love.

PROVIDED BY THE BLOWING ROCK ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM

A historic image of two girls delivering ice from a 2018 Smithsonian exhibit at BRAHM.

The Blowing Rock School building looked like a city of bricks as work continued on the new school in June 1995.

Annie Cannon Gardens and the Glen Burney Trail

STAFF REPORT

Owned by the Town of Blowing Rock, Annie Cannon Gardens is a cute, almost secret venue that sits next to the trailhead of the Glen Burney Trail. Back in the mid-2000s, The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock built a wooden stage that has been used frequently by Blowing Rock School classes and their students. A few years ago, several rotary members were instrumental in fixing some features that had gone into disrepair over the years. Less than a football field’s distance from Main Street, the Glen Burney Trail is a rugged, 1.6 mile adventure. Not for the faint of heart, the trail drops some 800

feet into the Johns River Gorge, following the path of New Year’s Creek. It passes through native hardwood forests with views of three waterfalls. The trail was first used by native travelers in the region to get up and down the mountain, then later it connected logging camps, according to historical records.

Visitors to Blowing Rock are often surprised at how much the Glen Burney is an escape from what they know as everyday life. Out and back (up) requires about two hours-plus. The getting back is described as strenuous, but then once back, folks can always find a shady nook for a nap in Annie Cannon Gardens.

FILE PHOTO

Annie Cannon Gardens features a small outdoor stage that has featured many child productions. Just to the left of this photo is the trailhead of the Glen Burney Trail.

FILE

PHOTO

The Glen Burney Trail features three spectacular waterfalls, two of them approximately 45-feet and 55-feet.

Moses Cone Memorial Park

STAFF REPORT

At about the turn into the 20th century, Moses Cone had become widely known as “The Denim King,” selling

his textiles to the likes of Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco. While their manufacturing operations were mostly in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, with a home base near Greensboro, Cone and his

wife Bertha, “summered” in the High Country.

The Cones started construction of the Flat Top Manor mansion in 1899 and it was finished in 1901. They also built out-buildings, including a carriage house

and apple barn that survive even today, as well as servants’ quarters, caretakers’ farms and even a bowling alley.

Approximately 26 miles of carriage trails meander around the property, com-

prised of 3,496 acres. For today’s locals, the trails are known by colorful names such as “The Maze,” the “Backside” and “The Road to Nowhere,” to name a few.

Moses Cone died in 1908, but Bertha survived

another 39 years, passing in 1947. The family made the estate a gift to the Moses Cone Hospital, but it later was donated to the National Park Service, with

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A photo from ‘Blue Ridge Parkway: Through Time’ shows the former country estate of Moses Cone at Milepost 294, near Blowing Rock. This picture of the manor house was taken Feb. 5, 2009.

the requirement that it be named Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.

Today, Flat Top Manor and the Moses Cone Estate are free for the public to enjoy. The carriage trails are popular spots for hikers, runners and horseback riders. From time to time, you might even catch a glimpse of a surrey with some fringe on top.

Flat Top Manor has a gift shop and an information center manned by the National Park Service. It also serves as a showplace for members of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, featuring artists and artisans from around the region who

FILE PHOTO Moses Cone Manor is located at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

PHOTO BY J. SCOTT GRAHAM 2019 Moses Cone Manor is a history-rich estate along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The home was completed in 1901 to be a summer residence for Moses and Bertha Cone.

CONE

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not only exhibit their work but also demonstrate their crafts.

Some of the more popular venues on the estate are Bass Lake and Trout Lake. The carriage trails encircle each of them on their way to other destinations.

A $2 million restoration and renovation project was recently completed, primarily on the exterior but with some interior improvements.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

FILE PHOTO The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is some 3,500 acres, including 26 miles of carriage trails.

FILE PHOTO

Potter Lynn Jenkins of Valle Crucis demonstrates her technique on the front porch of Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone Estate.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Edgewood Cottage

Blowing Rock’s Cultural Corner

Considered one of North Carolina’s most prolific — and most famous — artists, Elliott Daingerfield built Edgewood Cottage as his first home in Blowing Rock, where he created some of his most precious paintings. In addition to being an exceptionally talented and successful artist, Daingerfield was also quite generous with his time and talent, helping other artists learn and develop their skills.

Now, the Cottage is part of Blowing Rock’s “Culture Corner” as it resides across from St. Mary’s Episcopal and Rumple Memorial Presbyterian churches and next to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Today, Edgewood Cottage has a dual purpose. From May through mid-September, it is the host site of the Artists in Residence series produced by the Blowing Rock Historical Society. In the other months, it serves as a museum for the historical society, professionally curated with exhibits telling about Blowing Rock’s development and personalities through the ages.

The Artists in Residence

program is special in itself, featuring one or more different artists every week. Those artists and artisans selected to exhibit their pieces and crafts stay on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of their assigned week to greet folks, explain what they do, answer questions, and even sell their work. Admission is free. The schedule from July to September is as follows:

• July 3 to July 9: Earl Davis and Allise Whitworth

• July 10 to July 16: Susan Payne and Jane Campbell

• July 16 to July 23: Cindy McEnery and Karin Neuvirth

• July 24 to July 30: Waitsel Smith and Kathryn

Regel

• July 31 to Aug. 6: Evenlight Eagles and Susan Sharpe

• Aug. 7 to Aug. 13: David Collins and Wendy Painter

• Aug. 14 to Aug. 20: Ashley & Samuel Burr and Morgan McCarver

• Aug. 21 to Aug. 27: High Country Modern Quilt Guild

• Aug. 28 to Sept. 4: Lee Harper and Tunde Afolyan-Famous

• Sept. 4 to Sept. 10: Fredrick “Craig” Franz and Shirley Light

More information on Edgewood Cottage — located at 115 Ginny Stevens Ln. can be found at www. artistsatedgewood.org/.

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Fresh mulch and new plants make the Cottage more noticeable for those just passing by.

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN