A Family Adventure at Downtown Blowing Rock

Discover Blowing Rock - A Hidden Gem in the Blue Ridge

Blowing Rock is a charming mountain village nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and located only five miles from Hemlock Hill Cabin. Voted best small town in North Carolina by Southern Living in 2024, this year-round destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, local art and southern hospitality in picturesque surroundings.  The Blue Ridge Parkway, Moses Cone Park and Glenn Burnie Trail are here and walkable for those wanting to stretch their legs and explore just beyond the historic district of downtown.  At 3,500 feet elevation, the air is always fresher up here!  This mountaintop sanctuary is perfect for families and friends wanting to explore, slow things down and create lasting memories.

Main Street Is Where The Magic Happens

Historic Main Street is the heart of Downtown Blowing Rock and makes you feel as though you’ve been transported into a magical Hallmark movie. This charming, walkable street is lined with cute boutiques, delicious restaurants, wine shop, market and the most amazing playground.  Benches along this strip are the ideal place to enjoy an ice cream and take it all in. 

Main Street’s vibrant atmosphere is ideal for strolls, enjoying the seasonal flower displays, family shopping sprees, and discovering local treasures. Each store and eatery has its character and local flare, ensuring every visit offers something new and exciting. The locals’ sense of community and friendliness makes exploring this area a truly enjoyable experience.

Coffee Shops

  • Bald Guy Brew: Their fresh roasted USDA Organic Coffees are Sustainably Sourced, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance Certified —because what’s in your cup matters!  Our favorite spot for a latte or drip coffee.
  • Tout Suite: Bakery, coffee shop & European market is bringing the taste of France to Blowing Rock!  Menu offers French baked goods and selection of picnic items created to transport you to the streets of Nice.
  • Blue Deer on Main: Bakery and coffee shop offering a rotating selection of homemade cookies and ice cream sandwiches.  
Main Streets view

Great Shops

Gift shops in Main Streets

Be sure to check out these great shops along Main Street for unique finds and special gifts.

  • Bee and Boxwood: This beautiful store is a special curated collection of beautiful gifts and home accessories all chosen with the charm and warmth of the Southern lifestyle in mind.
  • The Stable: A great place to find elevated chic pieces for women. 
  • Take Heart: This tiny, adorable cottage-like store is filled with bright warm natural light making you feel immediately at peace.  Here, you’ll find women’s clothing, baby gifts, amazing jewelry, and faith based items and books.  Don’t miss their new sister store, Hymn, two doors down.
  • The Brave Fox: Focusing on baby and young child items.  
  • Serves You Right!: Families go wild for this store with all the children’s education toys, books, and games you can imagine.   

Culinary Delights

Blowing Rock’s restaurants offer a delightful mix of Southern comfort, mountain-inspired cuisine, and local ingredients.  Below are a few of our favorite spots we love visiting time and time again.  Get ready to discover the perfect place to satisfy your cravings in Blowing Rock!

  • Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop:  A lively spot right on the corner of Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock with a great patio and inviting bar.  The seasonal menu reflects the roots of Appalachian food & beverage culture specializing in NC trout dishes.   Creative craft cocktails are always delicious here along with a rotating selection of local brews.  Serving lunch and dinner.  Reservations recommended.  
  • Bistro Roca: Cozy and tucked away off Main Street, Bistro Roca and is a local’s favorite.  You’ll love all the pup photos lining the walls in the bar area at this upscale-casual bistro & bar serving New American comfort foods & pizzas from a wood-burning oven.  Reservations recommended.  
  • Blowing Rock Brewing Company: At this casual brewery and restaurant, you’ll find offers excellent craft beers, quality ingredients, and a cozy atmosphere where families can unwind and socialize.  The patio provides outdoor seating areas where children can play while adults relax with their drinks.
  • Cafe Violette: Cozy, sophisticated venue presenting seafood, steak & pasta with Mediterranean French flavors. Perfect for date night and special occasions.  Reservations recommended. 
  • Kilwins: There is a line out the door for a good reason!  Offering all the sweet delights you can imagine including homemade fudge and original recipe ice cream.  If you’re lucky, you can catch the team make fudge right in front of you.  Conveniently located across from Memorial Park makes it easy to enjoy your ice cream while people watching.  
culinary delights

Grab & Go Markets

These markets offer a variety of prepared foods and snacks, ideal for a picnic on a local hike or a convenient meal to enjoy during your at Hemlock Hill Cabin.

  • Myers Kitchen & Pantry:  A newer establishment on highway 321 that combines a fresh food market, pantry, and café. They offer a variety of takeout options including handcrafted pizzas, fresh & frozen foods, quiches, daily soups, homemade pies and deserts. 
  • Blowing Rock Market:  Conveniently located in the heart of Main Street and with a new outdoor patio.  The deli offers a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast items and to-go snacks along with a wine and beer shop.

Family Fun at the Playground Park

playground park for family

Situated in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, Memorial Park serves as the town’s hub for recreational activities and community events.  The park features a custom-designed, nature-inspired playground with a soft ground surface, ideal for children of all ages.  Nearby tennis courts, pickleball courts, horseshoes and basketball goals are available. 

The park provides ample space for kids to run and play, while parents relax on nearby benches making it an ideal spot for a family outing or break from shopping. The well-maintained grounds with landscaped areas and central pavilion make it inviting for picnics, casual gatherings, and quality family time.

A Toast to Family Fun with Breweries

Downtown Blowing Rock has some fantastic breweries for parents who enjoy a good brew. Take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink at Blowing Rock Brewing Company or Frog Level Brewing Co..

These breweries offer excellent craft beers and a cozy atmosphere where families can unwind and socialize. Many have outdoor seating areas where children can play while adults relax with their drinks. Breweries often host live music and events, making them lively spots for evening entertainment.

Blowing Rock’s Perfect Location

Just under two hours from Charlotte and three hours from Raleigh, Blowing Rock is one of the easiest parts of Western North Carolina for visitors to reach.  Perched up along the Eastern Continental divide and along the Blue Ridge Parkway makes Blowing Rock a favorite amongst families, outdoor enthusiastic as well as those seeking leisure time and cooler temps.   From Blowing Rock, nearby Boone is just minutes away.  Foscoe, Valley Crisis, and Banner Elk are other favorites to check out and home to many of our favorite attractions.  

After a day of adventure, unwind at Hemlock Hill Cabin, a luxury cabin offering a peaceful escape. With beautiful surroundings, cozy amenities, and spacious comforts, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge in Blowing Rock.

 Have you ever visited Downtown Blowing Rock?

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