Winter / Spring Weekend Romance Guide
Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a charming and picturesque town that offers plenty of opportunities for a romantic weekend getaway. From exploring the great outdoors to indulging in delicious food and wine, below we’ve shared sample itineraries for a romantic weekend in Blowing Rock during spring or winter.
The Perfect Romantic Day: Winter
Check into The Getaway. Turn up the sparks by booking one of our Deluxe Townhomes with a fireplace, soaker tub and balcony for added romance.
After sleeping in, head to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park for a winter hike. The park has miles of trails, including the 3.5-mile Flat Top Trail, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These trails experience far less traffic during winter months, and are some of the locals favorite times to enjoy these trails. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa to keep warm once you reach the top of this trail. Climb 40ft up to the top of the fire tower to enjoy 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bass Lake can be viewed from the manor house at Moses Cone. View other local hikes below.
For lunch, stop by Hellbender Bed and Bev, a cozy restaurant in downtown Blowing Rock with an intimate atmosphere. Order their Trout Dip to share, and pair with a local craft beer or glass of wine.
In the afternoon, visit the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, which showcases local artists and history. This is the perfect place to remind your one and only that they’re a work of art.
The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, so check their schedule before you go. Looking to get off your feet instead — there are a number of local spas and we recommend a couple below. Of course there’s always the option of skiing at one of the three area ski resorts for couples who prefer to pair their romance with a splash of adrenaline.
For dinner, head to The Best Cellar, for the ultimate romantic dinner. We can’t begin to count all the couples that return year after year for their anniversary dinner. After indulging in gourmet eats, return to your townhome for a soak in the private soaking tub or cuddle up by the fireplace.
The Getaway Deluxe Townhome has a private balcony and soaking tub.
The Perfect Romantic Day: Spring
Start the day with breakfast with our neighbors over at Social on Main, a casual breakfast spot with a wide variety of breakfast dishes and outdoor seating. Or if you need something quick to fuel your adventure walk over to Camp Coffee and get a specialty drink, and a bag of our favorite energy bites for the road.
After breakfast, head to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park again, but this time, for horseback riding with Vx3 Trail Rides. Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains from an entirely new perspective. Schedule your ride in advance here.
For lunch, stop by The Speckled Trout, enjoy their outdoor seating on warmer spring days. If there is a wait, head over to their newly opened Speckled Trout Outfitters and grab a drink in their tasting room. You can shop around or plan your next fly fishing adventure!
In the afternoon, visit The Blowing Rock, a natural wonder that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains without the hike. The attraction also has a gift shop with local crafts and souvenirs. If you prefer a more challenging hike, check out the our list of favorite hikes below.
Head to Bistro Roca for dinner. This rustic-chic restaurant has an extensive wine list and serving New American comfort foods & pizzas from a wood-burning oven. After dinner, stroll along the quaint streets of downtown Blowing Rock adorn with twinkling lights and colorful flowers, take a lap around Broyhill Park and stop for a quick dance in the gazebo if you’re feeling bold.
Hike, Eat, Drink, Spa. Connect.
Hike
Blowing Rock is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, so take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area. Head to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Blowing Rock, and explore the many trails that wind through the mountains. The trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, and it's a great way to get some fresh air and exercise together.
Our favorite local hikes include:
Bass Lake, 1 mile from The Getaway. This short but sweet hike circles a beautiful lake with offshoots that connect to more challenging hikes through the forests.
Moses Cone Manor, 2.5 miles from The Getaway. Breathtaking in every way, there are miles of graveled trails, intriguing milestones and long range views. The sun hits the south facing side of the property during winter which makes for more enjoyable cold weather hikes.
Boone Fork Trail, ~ 6 miles from The Getaway. If the weather is dry, this is a can't miss hike. A challenging hike in distance more than changes in elevation, this 5 mile loop puts you along a beautiful river much of the hike.
Rough Ridge Lookout, 11 miles from The Getaway. Worth the drive, a quick climb from the parking area brings you to panoramic views of western North Carolina. If you want to be moved by the sheer scale of nature, Rough Ridge is the hike for you.
The Linn Cove Viaduct, 12 miles from The Getaway. If you’ve seen photos of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ve likely seen the engineering marvel that is the Linn Cove Viaduct. A giant highway in the sky, built onto the side of a mountain with minimal disruption to nature surrounding it, the Viaduct is incredible to witness. The hiking trails woven around the structure allow you to interact with nature and modern architecture in a very rare way. With a few parking areas nearby, this hike is both unique and inspiring.
Linville Falls, 26 miles from The Getaway. A longer drive South on the Blue Ridge Parkway will allow for a picnic along the way at one of the many overlooks. Linville Falls has a large parking area and many trails that evolve around a massive series of waterfalls. There are trails for most levels of hiker ranging from ‘safe’ to challenging. Unlike the other, closer hikes, Linville Falls will consume about half a day, but are well worth the time.
An early spring drive across the Viaduct reveals stunning long range views.
Eat
Blowing Rock has no shortage of fantastic restaurants that offer delicious food in a romantic setting. Check out The Speckled Trout offering a modern take on traditional Appalachian cuisine in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Alternatively, try Gideon Ridge Inn for a more upscale dining experience with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ve written three Restaurant Guides for Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk, so be sure to review our recommendations before making any culinary related decisions.
Drink
North Carolina has a growing wine industry, and Blowing Rock is just a short drive to several wineries that offer tastings and tours. Head to the Grandfather Vineyard and Winery to sample some of their award-winning wines. Their riverside location has stunning views of the vineyard and surrounding mountains. There is always something going on at Grandfather Vineyard, check out their events! Banner Elk Winery is another jewel of the High Country. This is the place for those interested in a wine tasting, learning more about the art and science of winemaking, or just relaxing with a glass of wine.
Reid’s Cafe in Banner Elk has a large wine selection and locally sourced menu items.
Relax
If you're looking to unwind and de-stress, book a couples' massage or spa treatment at one of the local spas. The spa at Chetola is just around the corner from The Getaway. The Westglow Resort and Spa was awarded one of the Top 15 Domestic Spas by Travel & Leisure, with its luxurious amenities and picturesque setting.
Cruise
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country, and it's just minutes away from Blowing Rock. Take a leisurely drive and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, forests and valleys. Winter leafless ranges offer less obstructed views, and you can’t beat that feeling when the lush green and bright blooms return in spring.
One incredible day trip worth mentioning is driving from Blowing Rock to Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views south of the Viaduct are truly breathtaking. An early start from Blowing Rock will put you in Asheville by 9am with your entire day ahead of you to visit the Biltmore Estate, tour downtown Asheville, visit one of the many gardens around Asheville or indulge in their renowned food and ‘beverage’ scene.
Any Given Weekend Means Romance
Blowing Rock, North Carolina offers plenty of opportunities for a romantic weekend getaway. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, indulging in delicious food and wine, or relaxing at a spa, you're sure to have a memorable and romantic experience.
