The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.

The current of air flowing upward from "The Rock" prompted the Ripley’s “Believe-It-Or-Not” cartoon about “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Visible from “The Rock” down the gorge to the southwest are Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock. To the west are Grandfather Mountain (the highest peak in the Blue Ridge chain) and Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi).

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Grandfather Mountain is a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina. Grandfather Mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old — with certain rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years.

One third of the mountain is operated as a scenic travel attraction by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc. Being a non-profit organization -- all proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward preserving Grandfather Mountain, along with sharing its wonders in ways that deepen visitors’ appreciation of nature and inspire good stewardship of the earth.

800.468.7325

• Best Cellar. 203 Sunset Dr. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-3466
• Bistro Roca. 143 Wonderland Trail Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-4008
• Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub. 8180 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-8869 
• Mellow Mushroom. 946 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-3399
• Outback Steakhouse. 8280 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-6283
• Six Pence Pub. 1121 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-3155
  
• Speckled Trout Cafe & Oyster Bar. 922 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-9819
• Storie Street Grille. 1167 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-7075
• Town Tavern. 1182 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-7500
• Twigs. 7956 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-3769
• Village Cafe. 1105 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-295-3769
• Woodland's Barbecue. 8304 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

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While staying with us, take a trip to the Tanger Outlets Shoppes On The Parkway in Blowing Rock, NC. You will find an upscale shopping center with more than 20 name-brand shops. Find incredibly great deals and discounts on hundreds of brand name products.

The Tanger Outlets contains brands like Chico's, Coach Factory, Levi's, Sunglass Hut, Aeropostale, Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap, Izod, Polo Ralph Lauren, Van Heusen, J.Crew and even a Rack Room Shoes. As always you can stop by Kilwins Chocolate & Ice Cream for a delicious afternoon treat!

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A drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway is like no other... Enjoy a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.

When staying with us, the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is just minutes away from breathtaking views all around you. During adverse weather, please be advised, as the Parkway does not condition for special weather -- thus, closing if need be. Updates regarding road closures or weather can be found on their website.

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Located just a short 10-minute drive away from The Homestead Inn, Appalachian Ski Mountain is the perfect winter day retreat for the entire family! With their hills being the ideal size for skiers of all ages and skill, Appalachian Ski Mountain is the perfect resort to explore!

Home to the south east's oldest and most well-known teaching/instructing school -- the French Swiss School will train you how to ski swell as snowboard!

Appalachian Ski Mtn. has expanded to twelve slopes including two terrain parks serviced by one double chairlift, two quad chairlifts, two conveyor lifts and one handle-pull lift. The base lodge now covers 46,000 square feet, is smoke-free, and has complimentary WiFi in the restaurant. 

Note: During inclement weather we shuttle up the mountain, if available, for an additional fee. 

800.322.2373

All aboard, for a family-friendly Wild West adventure in the North Carolina Mountains at Tweetsie Railroad! Just a short 5-10 minute drive from The Homestead Inn.. enjoy a blast from the past (a 3-mile train adventure), live entertainment, amusement rides, delicious snacks, gem mines, and even the deer park zoo! With so much to see and do at Tweetsie Railroad, you will need to spend the whole day with your family there! 

Seasonal events at Tweetise railroad include The Ghost Train, day out with Thomas the Train, July 4th fireworks extravaganza, k9 dog show, and the easter bunny at Tweetsie Railroad. Tweetsie Railroad is open from April 10- October 29 (Christmas time: Tweetsie open select weekends Nov-Dec)

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Come explore beautiful Mountain crafts in a gilded age mansion! Just being a few minutes away from The Homestead Inn, the Manor Estate is covered with abundant natural beautiful sights to see. 

The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, preserves the country estate of Moses Cone -- a prosperous textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist of the Gilded Age. In 1901, Cone built Flat Top Manor, the gleaming white 20-room mansion in the grand Colonial Revival style.

25 miles long of carriage trails are available for horseback riding, and even hiking! Overlooking beautiful Trout lake, Moses estate also includes an apple orchard barn, family cemetery, and carriage ride. 

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Linville Falls is known to be the most famous water fall in all of the Blue Ridge Mountains, located right off of the Parkway at milepost 316.3.

The trails include four overlooks to the waterfalls, where breathtaking views can be captured. The steep-walled Gorge is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.”

 Linville Falls Visitor Center is available to the public year-round from dawn til dusk. Free of charge.

The Original Whitewater Outfitter of the High Country!  Wahoos Adventures provides you with exhilarating Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand-up Paddleboarding, and Tubing adventures. Wahoos's is located on well-known waters apart of The New River, near Todd, NC. While delivering the most exciting water adventure possible, Wahoos' has (for the last three decades) consistently set the standard for whitewater trips in the southeast. 

With safety being the number one priority, enjoy gourmet sandwiches on the river, professional yet entertaining guides, along with convenience and comfort the most with outposts right on the water! Wahoos Adventure is the perfect day trip for your friends and family!

828.262.5774

See the Forest from the Trees!  Experience all of what The Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer from over 300 feet in the air!  Sky Valley Zip Tours is a family friendly adventure experience that endures heart-pounding fun! 

Having over 10 years of experience in the high country, Sky Valley Zip Tours offers zip-lining for kids as young as 4 years old. Plus, day/night tours for anyone over the age of 10. Sky Valley Zip Tours is open 7 days a week. 

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Located right in downtown Blowing Rock, BRAHM provides cultural enrichment by promoting the arts, and the southern Appalachian heritage and history -- through educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections. Experience Art & Discover History through unique programming, educational offerings, and special events. Additionally, hands-on workshops held at BRAHM are a great activity for both adults and children to enjoy. 

Hosting multiple Summer camps, and Art camps/clubs, The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is a great attraction right within walking distance from The Homestead Inn. Free parking is available, open year-round. 

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