With a sense of quiet pride, Erica Brinker surveys the early lunch service from the dining room of The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop that she co-owns with her sister-in-law, Emily, whom she considers a sister. Some diners relax in locally made chairs with metal frames and black channel-stitched leather, while others settle outside at picnic tables beneath navy blue umbrellas, soaking up the spring sunshine. As a plate of Devilish Eggs is set before a guest, Brinker’s gaze lingers for a moment, watching the familiar dish in the hands of the server. “That dish has been with us since day one,” she says. “We add a little Appalachian flare by topping it with house-smoked rainbow trout and pickled red onions — it’s a comfort food and crowd favorite!”
Blowing Rock eases into spring with a calm transition — warmer afternoons, the return of birdsong, and the first blooms of the season. From the inviting charm of Main Street to the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, April offers an abundance of sights and experiences to enjoy. Here’s where to begin:
As the name suggests, The Speckled Trout serves creative takes on the area’s iconic fish, such as the cilantro trout nachos, but if you prefer turf to surf, try the Farm Burger with a fried egg and bacon. photograph by The Speckled Trout
The Brinker “sisters” didn’t set out to own a restaurant, but a little while after moving to Watauga County in 2015, an unexpected opportunity came their way when their family friend David Bartlett was considering retirement and decided to pass on his beloved café and oyster bar. Originally opened in 1986, The Speckled Trout has long been a fixture in the community. The Brinkers have since updated the space, transforming it into a welcoming restaurant and bottle shop that celebrates the rich flavors of the region. “We wanted to focus on the roots of Appalachian food and drink,” Brinker says. “Trout is in our name, but we offer a wide variety of menu items.”
Soak up warm daytime hours with brunch and a drink on The Speckled Trout’s patio. photograph by Roger Brooks
The menu is always evolving to match the seasons, so you’ll find something fresh and exciting with each visit. While the restaurant doesn’t officially serve brunch, there are plenty of brunch-friendly options perfect for fueling up before or after a spring outing. Try the Devilish Eggs — pillowy egg whites cradling smoked trout with house-made hot sauce on a bed of fresh arugula. For something heartier, dig into the sweet potato smoked Gouda grits topped with Palometa-style trout, or indulge in the cilantro trout nachos: “People are obsessed with it,” Brinker says. But no matter what you order, note that all the trout served at the restaurant is sustainably raised, freshwater rainbow trout.
Tip: Make a reservation — weekends can be busy.
Cozy lighting and leather-bound seats add homey, library-like touches Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar. photograph by Amanda Lugenbell
For a menu that reimagines New American cuisine with a seasonal touch, take a less-than-five-minute detour from Main Street to Wonderland Trail. Here, Executive Chef Seth Parker, whose culinary passion was sparked by the family meals of his youth in the Outer Banks and western North Carolina, brings a fresh perspective to every dish. Starting his restaurant career at just 14, Parker was mentored by chefs who taught him the foundational techniques that form the backbone of his cooking today. Now, he channels that expertise into Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar.
Sip one of the creative cocktails at Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar, made with a variety of spices and botanicals. photograph by Tyler Graves
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a light-strung chandelier made of hardwood branches, hanging in front of the wood-fired oven and pizza station. To the left, the Antlers Bar provides a cozy spot to enjoy thirst-quenching drinks like Permafrost Punch. With its inviting atmosphere and seasonal menu, Bistro Roca often fills up quickly, so making a reservation is recommended. The menu showcases the best of made-from-scratch favorites, from French toast on brioche to signature pizzas like the Roca, layered with fresh ingredients like local prosciutto and caramelized onions. Plus, Parker says, “We have fireplaces everywhere — especially this time of year, it’s nice to come in out of the cold and have a nice drink by the fire.”
Pause your Main Street explorations for a sweet pick-me-up from Cupcrazed Cafe. photograph by Ingrid Lemme
Cupcrazed Cafe, located along Main Street, offers an eclectic mix of baked goods, flavorful dishes, and refreshing drinks. While the original Cupcrazed Cakery continues to delight customers in Fort Mill, South Carolina, the Blowing Rock location includes an expanded menu of breakfast and lunch options. Red velvet cupcakes remain a favorite, but the menu goes far beyond sweets — offering everything from savory dishes to breakfast pastries. A full coffee bar serving lattes, iced coffee, frappes, and more adds to the experience, along with other beverage options that perfectly complement any meal. “A lot of people think we just do cupcakes,” says owner Wendy Shanahan, “and they’re always pleasantly surprised when they discover how much more we offer.”
The cafe provides cozy indoor seating with an inviting atmosphere. During warmer spring days, the patio is a peaceful setting for relaxing with a meal or drink. Try the crispy chicken and waffles or opt for something lighter like chia seed pudding. And if your pup’s along for the ride, there are dog treats on hand too.
With a rainbow of blooms and color, you won’t miss the Blowing Rock Memorial Garden in the heart of town. photograph by Roger Brooks
The Blowing Rock Memorial Garden, tucked along Main Street, is a testament to community dedication and the long-standing efforts of the Blowing Rock Garden Club, whose members volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the garden thrives year after year. The garden begins to come alive with pockets of colorful blooms each spring, and, in April, visitors are likely to see plants native to the area like cinnamon ferns, with fronds unfurling, and great white trillium, along with non-native tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs.
Above, the club celebrates the Fourth of July. Mark your calendar for the Blowing Rock Garden Club’s Mile of Flowers tour, happening June 27, 2025. photograph by Tyler Graves
“Our garden club’s main objective continues to be the continued care of the Memorial Gardens and the beautification of Blowing Rock,” says Evenlight Eagles, Horticulture Chair of the Blowing Rock Garden Club. “And recently, with growing enthusiasm for native plants, we are hoping to use the gardens to educate about the importance of incorporating native plants into our gardens, demonstrating how they can be used in cultivated spaces, and using ecologically sound gardening practices.”
Visitors to Memorial Garden in April can witness the culmination of decades of community care and effort — a vibrant and ever-evolving display that celebrates the town’s rich horticultural legacy.
Explore new vantage points alongside the knowledgable guides from The Speckled Trout Outfitters. photograph by The Speckled Trout Outfitters
As the Blue Ridge Mountains awaken to spring, there’s no better time to discover their natural beauty than on a guided hike. And with the expertise of local guides, such as Ryan Crawley at The Speckled Trout Outfitters, you’ll not only gain insight into the ecology and history of the land, but you also benefit from the added security of a trained expert who knows the ins and outs of the trails.
In addition to trails, Julian Price Memorial Park is a destination for paddling, fishing, picnicking, and camping. photograph by Todd Bush
One of the most accessible and picturesque trails in the area is the Price Lake Loop in Julian Price Memorial Park. The 2.2-mile route, accessible from the Price Lake Overlook Parking Lot, encircles the tranquil Price Lake. For a special experience, join The Speckled Trout Outfitters on a moonlit hike around the lake on April 11. This guided adventure invites participants to experience the woods after dark, learning the nuances of hiking by moonlight — an entirely different rhythm from the daytime trails. “We do it without headlamps and use the natural light off of the moon to illuminate the trail,” Crawley says. “It takes 20 minutes or so for people to adjust with their eyes, but once they do, they feel very comfortable with it.”
Take a picnic lunch to Mayview Lake and wait for mountain trout to nibble. photograph by Amanda Lugenbell
All ages can cast their line in hopes of hooking the big prize at the Blowing Rock Trout Derby. photograph by The Speckled Trout Outfitters
For those seeking a peaceful outdoor escape, Broyhill Park offers a serene setting to unwind. The passive recreation area features a walking trail that circles the picturesque Mayview Lake, inviting visitors to take a leisurely stroll or simply relax by the water. The Broyhill Gazebo, available for rental, is a popular spot for small gatherings, while multiple seating areas around the park provide tranquil places to sit and take in the view. The park also features a dock, ideal for those looking to spend some time fishing or enjoying the surrounding beauty.
If you’re in town the first Saturday in May, don’t miss the 45th annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby. Compete for prizes in different age categories for the largest fish, plus ages 12 and under can fish at Mayview Lake for special awards. Older participants can fish anywhere in the county and have their catch measured for the competition. No entry fees or pre-registration is necessary. “It’s a fun, family-friendly event that encourages being outdoors for all ages,” says Jennifer Brown, director of Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation.
Birders in Blowing Rock can keep their eyes peeled for Blackpoll warblers (above), Canada warblers, and black-throated blue warblers. photograph by Carol Hamilton/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Blowing Rock and the surrounding High Country are a haven for birdwatchers, notably in the spring when migratory birds pass through on their way north. “The mountains of North Carolina are a remarkable spot for birding,” says Paul Laurent, a board member of the High Country Audubon Society and owner of Epic Nature Tours, a family-run company offering private, customized birding tours. “During this season, the variety of birds you can spot is incredible; the males are more visible, out in the open singing and showing off their colors to attract females.”
With a diverse landscape of forests, meadows, and lakes on 3,600 acres, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a haven for outdoor recreation along the Blue Ridge Parkway. photograph by Amanda Lugenbell, Tyler Graves
Two great spots for birding are Trout Lake and Bass Lake in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, both of which provide opportunities to find species like Canada warblers and black-throated blue warblers. But here’s something you might not expect: “It sounds odd, but parking lots located in natural areas are often surprising hotspots for birding,” Laurent says. “Birds love those transition zones — edges of habitat where woods meet fields or water. These areas tend to have higher biodiversity, more plants, more bugs, and, therefore, more birds.”
Ready to explore Blowing Rock? Whether you’re taking in the sweeping views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, watching the early morning mist rise over Trout Lake, or strolling down Main Street viewing spring blooms, this mountain town offers a rare kind of peace, one that invites you to pause, breathe, and reflect.
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