As they say in Blowing Rock: don’t hibernate, celebrate!
There are many reasons why we love Blowing Rock, NC. It’s a foodie’s dream, from fine dining to quick gourmet bites. They even have a wonderful little spice and tea shop on Main Street staffed with amazing, knowledgeable employees who won’t hesitate to tell you what spice blend pairs best with what…sometimes they’ll even share a recipe or two! There’s great shopping all around, from antiques to numerous chic little boutiques filled with hand-picked, unique pieces. And of course there’s plenty of classic southern charm: it’s Blowing Rock, North Carolina, after all. You may think of Blowing Rock as a summer vacation town, but think again. During the winter there’s great skiing nearby, and they’ve got a special, weekend long event coming up called Blowing Rock Winterfest. It might just be our favorite annual winter event in the high country, so read on to learn more!
A winter festival is born!
The idea for a winter festival was born in ‘97 when Blowing Rock business owners came together with the intention of creating an event to celebrate the season. The first festival took place in ‘98. Over the years the festival grew, and was even named a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society. Did you know that Blowing Rock itself has also been named “one of America’s Prettiest Winter Towns” by Travel & Leisure magazine?! This year’s Blowing Rock Winterfest kicks off on Thursday, January 24th and ends on Sunday, January 27th, 2019. There really is something for everyone during this weekend long festival.
Activities for the whole family!
Doodlebug Club
Winterpaws Dog Show
Hot Chocolate from the Winter Warmer Project
Bonfire, Smores, & Entertainment at Chetola
Hayrides
Snow Making Demo with Meteorologist Brad Panovich
K9 Keg Pull
Polar Plunge at Chetola For obvious reasons your kids can’t do this… but they might enjoy watching you do it!
If we’re lucky, maybe we’ll see some snow. If we’re really lucky, maybe we’ll get to see some cute pups playing in it after the Winterpaws Dog Show!
The avid shopper will enjoy…
Shop Til you Drop – specials occur all throughout the festival, Thursday-Sunday.
Winter Fashion Show
Silent Auction & Raffle
For the wine enthusiast…and the beer drinker, too!
Wine Tasting at Sunset & Vine
Winterfest Sip & Stroll
Wine Seminar at Sunset & Vine
Cork & Canvas at BRAHM
Wine Tasting & Auction at the Green Park Inn
Prefer beer? Don’t miss the Winterfest Beer Garden!
Consider yourself a foodie? You’ll enjoy…
Winterfeast – sample food from an array of fantastic Blowing Rock restaurants.
Pancake Breakfast at Sunny Rock
Breakfast special at Southern Comforts
Rotary Charity Chili Challenge
Love art?
Hands on Ice Carving
Winterfest Ice Stroll
Ice Carving Demonstrations
Brrrr-AHM Free Admission
Arctic Art at BRAHM
Don’t miss the live music, either!
Get more info about Winterfest events!
For more information about all of these happenings, explore the festival’s website by clicking here. They do a great job listing what’s happening when and where, and explaining each event. As you can see, there’s so much going on! In addition to all of those great events, perhaps the thing we love most about this festival is how it truly gives back to our community. Over the years the festival has raised thousands of dollars for numerous charities. If you plan on attending the festival this year, we encourage you to grab a cup of hot chocolate from the Winter Warmer Project. They’re collecting warm winter items for those in need in the high country. They need blankets, socks, and gloves so if you’re able to donate, we encourage you to do so.
We’re lucky Blowing Rock is just a quick 10 minute drive from Boone. We couldn’t ask for a better sister town! We are so close to being open at The Horton Hotel & Rooftop Lounge, but we’re not quite there yet. In the meantime, if you’re in need of a place to stay during Blowing Rock Winterfest, check out The New Public House in Blowing Rock, NC. We hope you make it to the high country next weekend…don’t hibernate, celebrate!
