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“The Crown of the Blue Ridge”
Considered by many to be the original mountain resort town in Western North Carolina, Blowing Rock has welcomed travelers for well over a century. Long before modern highways were built, visitors journeyed into these high peaks to camp, take in the crisp mountain air, and soak up the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge. Today, Blowing Rock stands as one of North Carolina’s premier mountain destinations—a vibrant village offering boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries, outdoor adventures, and winter skiing.
Before European settlement, the area was home to the Cherokee and Catawba nations. In the 1800s, Scottish and Irish settlers made their homes high atop the ridge, drawn by terrain that reminded them of their ancestral homelands.
By the late 19th century, word of the town’s invigorating climate spread, and tourism quickly became Blowing Rock’s primary industry. Early inns and grand hotels began welcoming city dwellers seeking refuge in the cool mountain climate. With the advent of the automobile and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock flourished into a world-class vacation spot filled with historic charm and enduring mountain legends.
Explore iconic destinations and family favorites around Blowing Rock:
Whether you're strolling down historic Main Street, exploring local galleries, dining at award-winning restaurants, or hitting the slopes in the winter, Blowing Rock delivers an authentic High Country experience in every season.