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Best Adventures and Activities
in Blowing Rock
by Renee Wright
Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to do in the Blowing Rock/Boone area. River rafting and kayaking, mountain biking, caving, rock climbing and horseback riding are all popular summertime activities.
High Mountain Expeditions, with an office right on Blowing Rock's Main St., organizes many whitewater raft trips and other adventures.
One of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon, especially when the mountain laurel blooms or during the autumn leaf season, is riding horseback along the miles of shady carriage roads that surround the Moses Cone mansion in one of the country's least known, and least crowded, corners of the national park system. The mansion itself houses the Parkway Craft Center with a fine selection of Appalachian crafts. Bring your own horse or rent one at Blowing Rock Stables.
During the winter, the Moses Cone carriage roads see use as cross-country ski trails during times of heavy snow. The many ski areas in the region—Beech, Sugar, Appalachian, and Hawksnest—don't depend on the natural stuff. They make snow all winter.
The area abounds in hiking trails. One local favorite is the 2-hour walk to Glen Burney Falls just south of Blowing Rock's town center. Visit the Chamber of Commerce on Main St. for maps and information.
On rainy days, visitors take refuge in the spectacular Linville Caverns or try to figure out the gravity-defying optical illusions at Mystery Hill.
Summer evenings in the mountains are best spent enjoying theater performances. The Blowing Rock Stage Company offers a full season of favorites, while Boone's "Horn In The West" is one of the nation's highest rated outdoor dramas.
Our favorite day trip in the area takes us north along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Glendale Springs and Jefferson to see Ben Long's frescoes in the chapels there. Stop at the Ashe County Cheese Factory in downtown Jefferson to see local cheese made or enjoy a refreshing ice cream.
Originally published in Charlotte's Best Magazine.
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