| By Dathan Kazsuk |
When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their slow, colorful descent, the call of the Blue Ridge Mountains becomes impossible to resist. Each year, North Carolinians flock to the western part of the state, eager to embrace the chill, the views, and the charm of small-town retreats. Whether it’s a weekend of hiking boots, ski gear, or simply sipping mulled wine by a fire, Blowing Rock is the perfect base camp to explore western North Carolina during fall and winter.
Blowing Rock, a town that feels custom built for the colder months, is steeped in Native American folklore and renowned for its namesake attraction—the Blowing Rock itself. With a unique wind current that sends snowflakes and leaves soaring upward, it’s no surprise that this picturesque destination has enchanted travelers since it was incorporated in 1889. What was once a summer resort town has evolved into a year-round escape, offering a mix of cozy inns, upscale resorts, and outdoor adventures.
For over a decade, I’ve made the trek from Raleigh to Blowing Rock for everything from hiking in the crisp mountain air to enjoying the warmth of local drinks and the festive atmosphere of WinterFest. While there are many places to stay, a select few stand out for their charm, history, and unforgettable memories they create.
The Living Room of Blowing Rock
For more than 180 years, Chetola Resort has been a cornerstone of Blowing Rock hospitality, earning its reputation as “the living room” of the town. Set on 78 acres, the resort offers a rare blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and refined comfort.
Owner Warren Cathcart—who has a background in real estate, hospitality, and hotels—took the helm in 2023, carrying forward a legacy shaped by only a handful of family owners over nearly two centuries. “It’s the only true full-service resort in the [North Carolina] high country,” Cathcart notes, “and we’re bordered by 3,600 acres of national park land with 27 miles of trails. You can leave your car and immerse yourself in nature within minutes.”
Guests can choose from 50 hotel rooms or 120 one-to four-bedroom condominiums, all of which are booked through chetola.com and offer full hotel amenities, including front desk check-in, concierge service, daily housekeeping, and access to resort facilities.
Chetola is also the only Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge in the state, and has been recognized by USA Today on its 10 Best Fishing Lodges list. Beyond fishing, guests can unwind at the spa, dine at Timberlake’s Restaurant, or try their hand at sporting clays at the Bob Timberlake–designed clubhouse.
Whether for leaf-peeping season or snowy mountain escapes, Chetola Resort continues to embody the heritage, charm, and year-round adventure that make Blowing Rock a premier mountain retreat.
The Heartbeat of Blowing Rock
If your idea of a mountain escape involves crisp air, walkable charm, and waking up just steps from Main Street, Meadowbrook Inn should be on your short list. Built in the mid-1980s, this 62-room property has been a favorite landing spot for decades, offering a comfortable blend of modern amenities and small-town warmth. “One of the biggest pluses you hear from our guests is the location—you can walk everywhere, leave your car and go,” says sales director Jennifer Williams.
Meadowbrook Inn is part of Savara Hospitality’s local collection, which also includes Blowing Rock Inn, Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins, and Azalea Garden Inn. In total, these sister properties offer 118 rooms and cabins, giving the group the flexibility to host everything from intimate weekends to large events for up to 250 guests. “We do weddings, family reunions, car clubs, business retreats—you name it,” says Williams. Car enthusiasts, in particular, love the motor lodges for their park-right-at-your-door convenience.
The grounds have their own personality, starting with the resident ducks who make the nearby ponds their hangout. Another unique feature? An on-site apiary producing small-batch honey, so guests can take home a sweet memento of their stay. “It’s a unique touch,” Williams notes, “and something people love to take home as a little piece of Blowing Rock.”
Inside, you’ll find a welcoming lobby where guests can purchase wine or beer to enjoy on the terrace. While the bar is now open primarily for special events—such as murder mystery weekends and conferences—it remains a beautiful gathering space when in use.
Whether you’re here for the foliage, the snow, or simply the charm of Blowing Rock, Meadowbrook Inn doesn’t just put you in the middle of it all—it makes you feel like you belong there.
History Meets Luxury at Blowing Rock
High above the town of Blowing Rock at 3,832 feet, Westglow Luxury Resort & Spa blends mountain luxury with rich history. Built in 1917 as the summer home of landscape painter Elliott Daingerfield, the property still showcases his legacy. “Our main dining room is probably most notable—it’s filled with original Elliott Daingerfield artwork,” says dining manager Megan Blackburn. “This was his summer home. He had his wedding here, and raised a family here in the summers.”
Guests can stay in one of six refined rooms in the main house, the secluded lodge suites, or the spacious Daingerfield House, which sleeps up to 12. Some rooms capture the sunrise, others the sunset over Grandfather and Sugar Mountains.
Mornings begin with chef-prepared breakfasts—think frittatas and fresh specialties. The Life Enrichment Center offers massages, facials, manicures, hair services, and Pilates classes, with day passes available for those who need to take a break from shopping the main streets.
Beyond the spa, the croquet lawn hosts yoga, sip-and-paint nights, and summer cocktails. From the observation deck, panoramic views stretch for miles—sometimes, on a clear day, all the way to Charlotte. “It’s a place where history meets luxury,” says Blackburn. “People come for the views and the spa, but they leave with a real connection to the story behind this house.”
The Newest Spark in Blowing Rock
Perched near the corner of Highway 221 and Main Street, The Embers Hotel opened its doors in 2024 as Blowing Rock’s newest boutique retreat. Each of the hotel’s 36 guest rooms offers sweeping views of the mountains, whether from a shaded terrace or a charming balcony.
“It’s a welcome feeling,” says Stacey Tompack, front desk manager for the hotel. “We turn the lights on before guests arrive.” It’s those personal touches that radiate throughout—from the glowing lobby fireplace to the cozy outdoor firepit, inviting guests to relax and reconnect while people-watching along Blowing Rock’s Main Street.
At the Hearth Restaurant & Bar, executive chef Matthew Betlach crafts a seasonally evolving menu rooted in Appalachian flavors, drawing on locally sourced ingredients such as peaches, sweet corn, trout, and heirloom tomatoes. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from charcuterie boards to indulgent brunch options, such as Blowing Rock Shrimp & Grits, as well as elevated dinner entrees.
Thanks to its thoughtful design, elevated cuisine, and intuitive service, The Embers Hotel is more than a place to stay—it’s a sensory sanctuary that rekindles the spirit of mountain hospitality and great food.
Just Open Your Eyes
Blowing Rock isn’t just home to a few standout inns and resorts. Wander down almost any street and you’ll stumble across a cozy escape waiting to be discovered—whether it’s the Alpine Village Inn, Boxwood Lodge, Hemlock Inn, or The Blowing Rock Manor. This quiet mountain town transforms into a bustling getaway as the year draws to a close, offering something for everyone.
Flying solo? Celebrating a milestone anniversary? Wrangling the kids for a family weekend? Or maybe just looking for an excuse to breathe in some crisp mountain air? Whatever the reason, don’t let this charming little town slip off your radar.
