Town off the Blue Ridge praised for its food & wine by Southern Living
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Southern Living says Blowing Rock has a storybook appeal, and so does the author of “At Home In Mitford.”
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The novel is set in a fictional town author Jan Karon has said is based on Blowing Rock, a North Carolina mountain town with oodles of charm.
Blowing Rock is a small village along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a population of 1,600 in the off season — but about 6,000 in the summers.
Western North Carolina is often known for moonshine, like that sold in Cedar Mountain, another small town Southern Living recommends.
Southern Living recommends classing it up a bit while visiting Blowing Rock, however. The village is an easy drive to three wineries.
The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn offers a menu that changes daily, and Southern Living recommends booking a reservation a month in advance.
The Speckled Trout is another restaurant option, known for serving mountain trout in various ways. Like the inn restaurant, Southern Living recommends a reservation.
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Western North Carolina’s is renowned for its scenic beauty and accessible parks. Southern Living recommends a visit to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which is a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was once the home of Moses H. Cone, a textile entrepreneur.
Cone’s mansion is now home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The guild started during the great depression as a way for artists to sell their work.
Visitors can also swing by Doc’s Rocks! Gem Mine to pan for stones. If you find a pretty stone, take it to McCoy Minerals to be made into jewelry.
Check out hotel options and more recommendations at Southern Living.
Southern Living has featured plenty of other places in North Carolina, CharlotteFive has previously reported, including:
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