Blowing Rock

A Local’s Guide: Blowing Rock and Boone

Head to the High Country to find the beauty of the Blue Ridge on the parkway, at the top of Grandfather Mountain, and in charming local shops.

by Our State Paid Partnerships

Photo Essay

Retro Mountain Magic: A Photo Essay

Two classic theme parks — Land of Oz in Beech Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock — hold fond memories of growing up in North Carolina.

by Katie Saintsing

6 Blue Ridge Adventures in Blowing Rock

Mountain magic — and adventure — abounds in this small town on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

by Robin Sutton Anders

Editors’ Picks

Recipes

9 of Our Favorite Stew Recipes to Warm You Up This Season

During the chilliest months of the year, only a soul-warming stew will do.

by Our State Editors

Podcasts

What Happens After You Finish Hiking The Mountains-to-Sea Trail

In this season finale of the Away Message podcast, we check back in with our hikers to see what changed (and what didn't) after their hike across North Carolina came to a close.

by Jeremy Markovich

Features

The Museum That Tells Princeville’s Story

A new mobile museum helps visitors understand the deep history of the country’s first incorporated African American town, its faith born of resilience, and, most important, its hopes for the future.

by Latria Graham

Guides

UPDATED: The Leaf-Peeper’s Guide to the North Carolina Mountains

Western North Carolina is at its most stunning when autumn arrives and the leaves burst into color. Before you head out leaf-peeping this fall, check in weekly to see what colors our experts are seeing at 22 of our favorite mountain spots.

by Our State Staff