Blowing Rock Attractions

There’s something for everyone within driving distance of Holiday Inn Express in Blowing Rock! Close to downtown Blowing Rock, Appalachian State University, Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway, our convenient location provides easy access to everything Blowing Rock has to offer. We bring you within minutes of all the attractions that make Blowing Rock the "Crown of the Blue Ridge." From incredible deals at the outlets to the breathtaking views of the Appalachian mountains, you’ll find plenty of adventures to fill your days during your stay with us.

If you need help figuring out your Blowing Rock plans, we invite you to swing by our front desk. We would love to give you directions to can’t-miss spots, tell you where to find the perfect cup of coffee and more!

Things to Do

Blowing Rock Brewery 0.9 mi
Downtown Blowing Rock 1.0 mi
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 1.2 mi
The Blowing Rock 1.3 mi
Bass Lake 1.9 mi
Flat Top Manor 3.2 mi
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine 3.6 mi
Mystery Hill 3.7 mi
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park 3.8 mi
Appalachian Ski Mountain 4 mi
French Swiss Ski College 4 mi
Green Knob Trail 4.2 mi
Tweetsie Railroad 4.2 mi
Julian Price Park 4.9 mi
 

Dining

Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant & Catering 0.1 mi
Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub 0.2 mi
The New Public House 0.8 mi
Savannah's Oyster House 0.9 mi
Kilwin's 1.0 mi
Camp Coffee Roasters 1.0 mi
Mellow Mushroom 1.1 mi
The Speckled Trout 1.1 mi
The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge 1.3 mi

Shopping

Sunset & Vine 0.9 mi
Handtiques 0.9 mi
Rustic 1.0 mi
The Mountain Thread Company 1.0 mi
Tanger Outlets Blowing Rock 1.2 mi
SouthMarke Shopping Mall 1.2 mi

Featured Attractions

Land of Oz

Tickets go on sale in late June (the exact date to be announced soon) for the opportunity to experience a piece of N.C. history dating back to the 1970s. The Wizard of Oz-themed amusement park drops visitors in the center of Oz.

Learn More: News Break

The Blowing Rock

A little over a mile away from Holiday Inn Express, The Blowing Rock is about 4,000 feet in elevation and juts out over the Johns River Gorge. This 250 million-year-old cliff formation is the namesake of the town of Blowing Rock. In addition to being “North Carolina's Oldest Travel Attraction,” Blowing Rock is the only place in the world where snow falls upside down! In addition to learning about the legend of The Blowing Rock, you can enjoy a short stroll on the nature trail and take in the sweeping views of peaks, forests and Johns River Gorge.

Wahoo’s Adventures

WAHOO’S ADVENTURES is the High Country’s oldest and finest rafting, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and caving adventure company–receiving two “Outfitter of the Year” awards by the Professional Paddlesports Association and we are Voted #1 on TripAdvisor. Since 1978, Wahoo’s has offered the highest quality outdoor adventure experiences available east of the Rocky Mountains. They are nationally acclaimed for safety, cuisine and service, continually raising the bar in the Southeastern Paddlesports Industry. Wahoo’s Adventures offer full service riverside outposts equipped with hot shower and restroom facilities, changing rooms, campsites and so much more! All ages and experience levels welcome and any size group can be easily accommodated. They are located just 5 miles from our hotel! When visiting the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, a Wahoo’s Adventure is a MUST!

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain has been an icon in North Carolina’s landscape for generations, offering stunning scenery and unmatched ecological diversity. This state park opens the mountain’s 2,456-acre backcountry to spectacular hiking and backpacking. The park is known for some of the South’s most severe weather and challenging terrain, with trails that have hikers scrambling along cliffs and up ladders. Access to 12 miles of trails and backpack camping sites is generally from the Profile Trailhead on NC 105 or trailheads along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway. However, trails can also be reached from the park of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (which includes the mile-high swinging bridge and other attractions) and there is a fee for this access. Ask our front desk staff about discounted tickets. Reservations are required.

Tanger Outlets

Enjoy some of the world’s finest outlet shopping at Tanger Outlets! A little over a mile away from Holiday Inn Express, you can save 25% to 65% on the world’s leading designer and name brands including Coach, Gap Outlet, Bass and Polo Ralph Lauren. Tanger Outlets is easily walkable with over 40 stores ranging from apparel to footwear to housewares. Spend a relaxed afternoon browsing the shops- we know you won’t leave empty-handed.

Downtown Blowing Rock

With a thriving shopping scene and year-round recreation activities, it’s no wonder visitors love traveling to this breathtaking destination. Less than a 5-minute drive from Holiday Inn Express, Downtown Blowing Rock boasts a variety of art, specialty shopping, fine dining, cultural entertainment and more. However you define a good time, you’re sure to find it in spades in Downtown Blowing Rock!

Summer Events

The first Farmers Market of the season will take place on Thursday, May 18th from 2-6 PM! Then will continue every Thursday from 2-6 PM until October!

An Appalachian Summer Festival (July 1)

Blowing Rock 4th of July Festival (July 1)

An Appalachian Summer Festival (July 11)

Riverkeeper Float Festival (June 24-August 19)

Party on the Mountain (July 28-30)

Sheryl Crow with Souther Aveneyu (July 28)

Darius Rucker (July 29)

An Appalachian Summer Festival (July 26)

Music on the Lawn (July 28) - This is every Friday