Things To Do in Blowing Rock, NC

The area's biggest attraction, from which the town takes its name, is the Blowing Rock (tel. 828/295-7111; www.theblowingrock.com), on U.S. 321, 2 miles south of town. Rising 4,000 feet above John's River Gorge, the mountain has a strong updraft that returns any light object (such as a handkerchief) that's thrown into the void. The observation tower, gazebos, and gardens offer panoramic views of John's River Gorge and nearby Blue Ridge peaks. You can visit the mountain January to February Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm, March to May daily 9am to 5pm, June to Labor Day daily 8:30am to 7pm, September and October daily 9am to 6pm, and November and December daily 9am to 5pm. Admission is $6 for adults and $1 for children 4 to 11.

Another natural phenomenon at Blowing Rock is Mystery Hill (tel. 828/264-2792; www.mysteryhill-nc.com), where balls and water run uphill. The pioneer museum is interesting, and you'll get a kick out of the mock grave marked simply HE WAS A REVENOOR -- a pile of dirt with boots sticking out one end.

The Main Street Gallery, Main Street (tel. 828/295-7839; www.blowingrockfinecrafts.com), is a cooperative gallery featuring handmade contemporary art and crafts from the North Carolina mountains. The location is in the center of Blowing Rock across from the post office. Hours are daily 10am to 6pm.

Orchard at Altapass, milepost 328.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Spruce Pine on Orchard Road (tel. 888/765-9531 or 828/765-9531; www.altapassorchard.com), sells apples from July to November; you pick, or they pick. The orchard has an array of fresh baked goods, free tours, and even music and tall tales. The proprietors will arrange hayrides for you on Saturday and Sunday. From May to October, hours for Monday to Saturday are 10am to 6pm; on Sunday they're 11am to 6pm. The rest of the year, the store is open only on Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday noon to 6pm. Finally, Parkway Craft Center (tel. 828/295-7938) is at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Moses Cone Manor just off Route 321. Here, you'll find the finest-quality Appalachian Mountain crafts, handmade by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Craft demonstrations are presented on the porch. Open daily 9am to 5pm.