Big Events This Month

Some of the most-anticipated events of the year happen in July:

The Symphony by the Lake is attended by over 2000 people, and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the sounds of the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra on the lawn at Chetola Resort. A fireworks show wraps up the evening.
The St. Mary's Tour of Homes brings enthusiasts from all over the state and beyond. See some of the most beautiful homes in Blowing Rock and learn their stories.
The free Art in the Park shows continue. This month, browse unique photography techniques, intricate hand-made baskets, high-tech digital art, fantastic paintings, and much more.
The Hunter-Jumper divisions of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show begin this month. The  Charity Horse Show is the oldest continuously-running horse show in the country. Watch as equestrians from across the Southeast participate in this long-standing Blue Ridge tradition. Admission is $5.
And, the Arts & Antiques Show is back again! Join the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum in their celebration of stunning collectibles, and take some home with you!

For the Whole Family

Blowing Rock is a great getaway for all ages! Spend time on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Main Street, or at Tweetsie Railroad this summer.

Did you know that the Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers conduct lots of free programs each weekend?  Usually about 45 minutes long, they cover a huge variety of fun and educational topics. Programs this week include a wildflower walk, a sunset history lesson about the Cone Estate and family, and a one-on-one interview with a rattlesnake puppet. Programs change regularly and are planned each week. Call the ranger office at the Moses Cone house to find out about schedules and topics: 828.295.3782 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.3782      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.3782      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Blowing Rock Library invites everyone to story time! Step into the quaint stone library on Main Street to enjoy this simple and fun activity with your child all throughout the month of July. Visiting children are welcome to attend pre-school story-time Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or school-aged story-time Mondays through Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to attend the special programs Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Call the library at 828.295.7000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.7000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.7000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information.

Also this month, join the Blowing Rock Stage Company interns for free presentations of Jack Tales. Wacky and fun stories will delight kids of all ages as the few actors take on dozens of characters. The plays are presented in Annie Cannon Gardens, a short walk from Main Street. Enjoy the shows each Thursday and Saturday through July 25th. Click here to find out more, and to see a video!

And, as always, Tweetsie has great special guests and performers all summer long. Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, and Barney will be visiting the park July 17th-19th. Later this summer, enjoy the sounds and antics of The Riders in the Sky, and watch the K-9's in Flight Frisbee Dogs perform amazing stunts. All shows are included in park admission. Visit www.tweetsie.com to find out more.

Live Music

As the summer heats up, so does the music scene in Blowing Rock. There are live performances to enjoy every week!

The Monday Night Concert Series has several dates throughout the summer. The lawn at Broyhill Park fills up with music lovers on these highly anticipated evenings. Concerts begin at 7pm and are free to all. Three more performances remain this summer: July 13, July 27, and August 10. Call Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation for more info: 828.295.5222 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.5222      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.5222      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Concerts in the Park are sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. Located in the gazebo in Memorial Park, they are also free and open to the public.  Usually on Sundays, the concerts begin at 4pm and feature many different styles of music. The next Concert features the Minute Men of the 444th National Guard Band, who play classic rock and country. Remaining dates for the season: July 19, August 9,  September 13, and October 4. The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 828.295.7851 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.7851      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              828.295.7851      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Mountainhome Music presents many concerts at the Blowing Rock School throughout the year, most during the warmer months.  Mountainhome Music is known for providing the very best in traditional Appalachian music, and concerts sell-out at the door regularly. You can find out more about the program, music, founders, and performance dates at www.MountainHomeMusic.com. Check out family ticket prices, too!

And all year round...

Blowing Rock Jazz Society welcomes a variety of Jazz performers in a monthly concert at the Meadowbrook Inn. On July 12, pianist Larry Lapin and singer Michelle Amato will entertain fans.  You can become a member of the Blowing Rock Jazz Society and attend these performances for free. Visit their blogsite for more info.

Don't miss the live musical performances at several local restaurants! Canyons, Twigs, and Glidewell's all have regular schedules for late night music, and most performances are free. If you prefer music during dinner, check out Woodlands BBQ, the Manor House at Chetola, and Crippen's. Find out more about these restaurants on  our website.
At the Hayes Performing Arts Center

Find the best in entertainment at the Hayes Center. In addition to Blowing Rock Stage Company productions, the Hayes Center offers film screenings, concerts, comedy acts, children's entertainment and more. Upcoming shows include Suite Surrender, the Summer Blues Festival, and Bye Bye Birdie. Later this month, world renowned Elvis impersonator Ryan Pelton takes the Hayes stage.
Catch the big-city shows at small-town prices. Visit www.HayesCenter.org for details and show times. 

  Around Town
We have a few new stores in town! Next time you visit Blowing Rock, be sure to check them out:

Poppy's of Blowing Rock is on South Main Street and specializes in flower arrangements and home decor.
Flora Ottimer is located in the SouthMarke shops. Here you will find the very best in children's clothing and accessories.
Feather Your Nest, one of our newest galleries, carries a great selection of original paintings in many styles. You will find this shop on Sunset Drive.
Fritz and Riley is a consignment furniture and decor shop. You'll find great pieces with even better prices here; find them in the Food Lion shopping center on Hwy 321.
Art & Artifacts carries a variety of art by local and national artists. Located on Sunset Drive.

Find more about these shops on our website.

Speaking of shopping, our merchants are gearing up for a great Independence Day Weekend. If you join us tomorrow night (July 3), keep a lookout for the red, white, and blue balloons. These mark the shops that will be open late as part of our weekend festivities. Click here to see a full schedule of free holiday events this weekend!

Have a happy and safe Independence Day Weekend!