Summer / Fall Weekend Romance Guide
If you read our Winter / Spring Romance Guide, you know there’s no shortage of options here in the high country. Every year during May, something magical happens and everything about our area transforms — the days are longer, the birds sing louder and that once chilly breeze becomes ‘just right.’
Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a popular destination for those seeking a romantic getaway, especially during the summer and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the foliage is stunning. Our charming town is enveloped in natural beauty as renowned restaurants as Appalchian culture comes to life. Let’s review a few sample itineraries and highlight the best our picturesque area has to offer.
The Perfect Romantic Day: Summer
If you're planning a summer getaway to Blowing Rock, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. Start your morning with a walk around Bass Lake or a bit more challenging hike at Boone Fork Trail along a quiet mountain stream. There’s also horseback riding available from Vx3 Riding Trails if you’re interested in exploring any of the 25 miles of trails at Moses Cone Manor. If you’re looking for a way to cool off, book Speckled Trout Outfitters for a guided fishing tour!
For lunch, head to the quaint downtown area of Blowing Rock and stop at one of the many restaurants (check out our restaurant guide). Bistro Roca is a favorite for their New American comfort foods and full bar. After lunch, explore the town's unique boutiques and art galleries. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is always worth a visit, showcasing a collection of regional art and exhibits.
In the evening, make reservations at Cafe Violette, an upscale restaurant overlooking Main Street with a sophisticated menu and signature cocktails. The restaurant's outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a warm summer evening. Spend the remainder of this storybook day connecting with your partner on your townhome’s balcony or unwinding in your private soaking tub.
Moses Cone Manor in summer is picturesque, and less than 3 miles from The Getaway.
The Perfect Romantic Day: Fall
In the fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains come alive with vibrant foliage, making Blowing Rock an ideal destination for a romantic weekend. Start your day with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks to take in the breathtaking views or for a hike at one of the many trails that spawn from The Parkway.
If you’ve reached the Linn Cove Viaduct, a short drive brings to Grandfather Mountain, a towering peak that's home to a nature preserve and wildlife habitat. Take a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where you can enjoy colorful panoramic views of the mountains and fall foliage.
On your return drive to Blowing Rock, grab lunch at The Gamekeeper, an elegant restaurant with an emphasis on wild game and local produce. After lunch, head back into town to recharge in your townhome or take a leisurely stroll around the Main Street shops. Be sure to check for local events going on during Fall, because there are many! One of our favorites being Art In The Park running one Saturday a month from May to October. On these days you’ll be extra thankful for your parking spot at The Getaway.
In the evening, indulge in a wine tasting at Sunset Vine, a specialty wine shop.They hand-select each wine to reflect the best taste and value of each wine region, locally and around the world. These wines are mostly from small producers and they have a great selection to fit any budget. Cap off the night with a romantic dinner at one of the many enchanting restaurants in our area such as Timberlake's Restaurant at Chetola Resort, a lakeside restaurant with a cozy ambiance.
We captured this photo of the Viaduct on a cool October morning.
Explore, Eat, Relax. Connect.
Explore
Blowing Rock is known for its outdoor activities, making it the perfect place to spend time with your loved one in the fresh air. During the summer, take a hike in the Julian Price Memorial Park, where you'll find stunning views of the lake and mountains. In the fall, the park is even more spectacular with the changing colors of the leaves. For a more adventurous outing, head to Grandfather Mountain and hike to the top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge, or go ziplining for a bird's-eye view of the mountains.
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.
Sunrise at Rough Ridge is breathtaking, on clear days you can see the Charlotte skyline.
Eat
Blowing Rock is home to many restaurants that serve up delicious Southern fare, as well as international cuisine. For breakfast, stop by The Famous Toastery for a filling meal to fuel your day. For lunch or dinner, head to Bistro Roca for New American comfort food dining or Twigs for a cozy atmosphere and gourmet cuisine. Craving something sweet? You’ve got options. Kilwin's ice cream and candy shop, Blue Deer on Main, or The Blowing Rock Market all have something to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the day.. We’ve written three Restaurant Guides for Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk, there are dozens of locally owned restaurants in our area to choose from.
Relax
After a day of hiking, exploring, and eating, unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. The Westglow Resort and Spa offers a variety of luxurious treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa is located in a historic mansion, making for a romantic and elegant setting. It’s also been awarded one of the Top 15 Domestic Spas by Travel + Leisure.
Grandfather Vineyard in Foscoe is also an incredible place to unwind and pass a few midday hours. Their winery is set on a beautiful stream at the foot of Grandfather mountain with plenty of shade, food trucks and live music that love birds of all ages to enjoy.
Grandfather Mountain is surrounded by incredible hikes, cafes and wineries.
Drive The Parkway
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Blowing Rock is to take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway is a winding road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys. During the summer, the parkway is lined with wildflowers and lush green foliage. In the fall people travel from all over the world to witness the beauty of our mountain ranges covered in leaves of changing shades of red, yellow, and orange. It’s truly something everyone should experience at least once in their life.
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. The longer days in summer give you more time to enjoy Asheville and still catch the sunset on your drive back up The Parkway.
Memories Await You In The Mountains
A romantic weekend in Blowing Rock, NC, is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved one.With its stunning natural beauty, charming downtown area, and world-class dining and accommodations, it's no wonder that Blowing Rock is a popular destination for couples looking to escape and reconnect.
