Its the Location!

Best Pre-check in itinerary

If you’re ready to get to the mountains, before the cabin is ready for you, there’s a few must see places that you can hit before you even unpack your car! Here’s a quick little itinerary to get you on mountain time.

From Raleigh (3hrs away): Leave at 9am, for a noon arrival into Boone.

1. Grab a bite to go and head to the Parkway for lunch with a view

Pick up lunch at Chik-fil-A, a good burger at Come Back Shack or a tasty sub at Jimmy Johns. All on 321 as before you head toward Blowing Rock.

Head to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Thunder Hill Overlook for lunch with a view. Our favorite (and closest overlook). Enjoy the long-range views. You can walk across the road, onto the rocks and get a view to the north which is also a great view.

2. Visit Moses Cone Manor

After you have a full belly, jump back on the parkway and head to Moses Cone Manor, about 10 mins away. There you can park and explore the house, which is also part Cone History Museum and part Blue Ridge Parkway gift shop. Take in the view from the rocking chairs on the porch!

There are a few hikes you can do right from there, but this is a quick visit and you can come back to enjoy the grounds and carriage trails now you know where everything is. After the visiting the Manor, it’s time to stretch your legs and get a little energy out.

3. Bass Lake Loop for a short walk

Back on the parkway heading south for about a mile and you’ll exit at 221/Shull’s Mill Road. If you take the Shull’s Mill turn, you’ll soon be at the entrance and parking area for Trout Lake - a nice place for a hike or try your hand at fishing (another one of our Best of spots). But for now you’re going to turn left on 221 and drive toward Blowing Rock.

About a mile on the left side you’ll see the entrance to Bass Lake. Drive all the way in - sometimes this can get busy, but often times you’ll find that others are coming and going and parking spots open up quickly. Here you can get out for a little walk around the wide gravel walkway that loops around the lake that’s just under a mile. If you look up the hill, you can see nice views of Moses Cone Manor and there’s a great family photo spot on the stone bridge about half way around the lake. If the fishing poles are in reach, you can toss in a line as well.

4. Stroll Main Street

Next we’ll head back to 221 and turn left to drive over to Main Street Blowing Rock. You can park right on the street or if its busy, there’s a parking available if you turn on Laurel Lane, the lot is on the right. Take a quick stroll on Main Street and check out some shops and grab an afternoon treat at Kilwins Ice Cream and Fudge, or a coffee at Camp Coffee Roasters (next to super cool Footsloggers outdoor store).

Since you’re right in Blowing Rock, you might want to stock up on some local beer at Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House (Growlers with fresh brew are $15) and if you don’t want to cook dinner the first night at the cabin, maybe grab a pizza to take home at Mellow Mushroom or order food to go at Foggy Rock Pub.

5. Pick up supplies

And if you want to pick up supplies and settle in, the Food Lion in Blowing Rock is the closest grocery store, then you can grab some firewood at the self-serve location on 321 just north of Tweetsie Railroad on the right side; and pick up your Live Bait at the 76 Gas Station on 321 as you head back toward the cabin. If your car is too full for anything else (you pack like us!), no worries since these places are all a very short drive after you’ve unpacked.

6. Time to Kick Back!!

Now its time to head on over to The Blowing Rock Cabin (you’re only 5 minutes away) to relax and enjoy your stay!!

Live Bait

At the 76 Gas Station is J&M General Store on 321, just north of Aho Rd, where you can get live bait.

Directions to J&M on 321