A message from the Mayor A message from the Chamber

As the old song goes, “Baby, it’s cold outside” — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of warmth and good cheer — and loads of great fun — with the return of Blowing Rock Winterfest in 2023.

I want to officially welcome all of you who are visiting Blowing Rock for this wonderful event. We hope you find it fun and worth your while enough that you will share the good times with all of your friends and relatives about it back home so they might be able to visit next year and beyond.

I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible team of volunteers spearheaded by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce for putting this event on. Almost everything about Winterfest is not only fun, but for worthy causes, too. Organizations like Mountain Alliance, Western Youth Network, Hospitality House, Blue Ridge Conservancy, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and Blowing Rock Art & History Museum are just a few of the non-profit organizations that benefit.

The first Blowing Rock WinterFest was presented in 1998, created to bring celebration to an otherwise sleepy season — unless, of course, you are a skier or snowboarder. During its 25th anniversary, the festival continues with a refresh of several past events and some new ones, too.

Lots of festival activities are free; some are ticketed with most or all of the proceeds going to benefit a non-profit.

WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group. The Town of Blowing Rock thanks them, as well as all of the sponsors, volunteers, and you, our guests, for making WinterFest possible.

Charlie Sellers Blowing Rock Mayor

After three years of scaled back WinterFest activities, we are pleased to be able to bring back many of the events that you have come to know and look forward to.

On Friday evening, you will want to stroll around town to see all the beautiful ice sculptures that our businesses have designed with the professionals at Artisan Ice. The sculptures and lighting make a magical evening. To locate all the sculptures, you can find a map at the Visitor Center or on the WinterFest website.

Saturday morning features the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort. You will want to come out and cheer on those who will be jumping into frigid water for local charities. From there, please stop by Meadowbrook Inn for the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge where local restaurants will serve up some creative versions of chili. After enjoying these culinary creations, you may wish to enjoy featured brews from local High Country breweries.

For those who enjoy wine, please consider a wine tasting event at Sunset & Vine. For family entertainment, you will definitely want to go to Memorial Park to watch the ice carving competitions or learn how snow is made. Don’t forget to visit the curling demonstrations at Blowing Rock School.

If you are staying over until Sunday, you can conclude your visit with a stack of pancakes at the Pancake Breakfast over at the school.

Remember, WinterFest is an event to celebrate winter and to raise money for local non-profit organizations. Please share some of your fortune with those who are making an impact in our community.

We are glad you chose to visit the Village of Blowing Rock and hope that you will make many lasting memories at WinterFest as we celebrate winter!

Charles Hardin President/CEO Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce