Blowing Rock

The High Country of North Carolina is home to the highest mountain elevations in the eastern United States and the deepest Gorge east of the Mississippi in Linville. The best small towns in North Carolina are also located here, the towns of Blowing Rock, Boone and Banner Elk. The region is known for ski resorts, challenging mountain golf courses and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

North Carolina's most visited tourist attraction is also found here. Grandfather Mountain in Linville attracts thousands of people during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and during the summer months. Award winning restaurants, mountain festivals and art galleries draw folks to the High Country as well while they're searching for Western North Carolina real estate at places like Echota Boone NC. 

Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and trout fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities common in the High Country of North Carolina. Both summer and winter sports are equally as popular.  America's Favorite Scenic Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the High Country of North Carolina from mile post 339 to mile post 217.5. During the fall foliage season, it's one of the best small towns in North Carolina to take photographs of the mountains ablaze in color. The area is also known for apple orchards, vineyards and Christmas tree farms where you can choose and cut your own Christmas tree. 

• BLOWING ROCK: The Norman Rockwell-style mountain town has been on the list of the prettiest small towns in America numerous times. Downtown Blowing Rock NC is a foodie hot spot with 20% of North Carolina’s certified chefs cooking things up in the High Country. Award winning restaurants, world class spas, unique boutiques, impressive art galleries, festivals and the Tweetsie Railroad have been attracting families to the region for generations along with Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, home to nine ski trails.

• BOONE: One of America's best college towns is named after Daniel Boone and is located just north of Blowing Rock. Appalachian State University continues to expand adding more educational and cultural curriculums. Collegiate team spirit bubbles over into all the High Country towns during the school year adding excitement to the region. Boone has been named one of America's Best Places to Live by National Geographic providing the ultimate outdoor adventures. 

• BANNER ELK: West of Blowing Rock in between Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, is the town of Banner Elk NC. Home to two of the most popular ski resorts in the High Country of North Carolina. During the summer months, Banner Elk converts into a popular cycling area. Lees-McRae College is located in Banner Elk and hosts summer theater productions. The Wolly Worm Festival held in October is Banner Elk's largest festival.

If you're searching for Western North Carolina real estate, here are reasons to consider Banner Elk, Boone and Blowing Rock:

ARTS AND CULTURE

The new Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts attract major exhibits and headline performances year round. The Turchin Center Community Art School offers art classes to students of all ages. Appalachian State University’s Performing Art Series and Lees-McRae College’s Performing Art Series showcase theatrical performances, dance and a broad range of musical concerts. From Shakespeare to Woody Allen, the High Country is rich with cultural experiences. On a more intimate scale, the Mountain Home Music and the Blowing Rock Stage Company present live comedy and musicals. All three mountain towns have a variety of fascinating art galleries to explore near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

CLIMATE

At elevation of 3,600 feet, the High Country’s average temperature is in the 30’s December through February. The average annual snowfall is about 60 inches. May through September, the average temperature ranges from the high 50’s to low 60’s. The High Country has four distinct seasons. 

LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS

Two colleges are located in the High Country; Appalachian State University and Lees-McCrae College. Formerly known as the Institute for Senior Scholars, Appalachian State University’s Lifelong Learning (ALL) program provides academic, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities to adults throughout the region.  ALL offers lectures, courses, field trips, special events, and activities to promote intellectual growth, establish and reinforce community bonds, and promote the health and well-being of its members. Blowing Rock real estate is easy to find near lifelong learning campuses and at Echota Boone NC.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

There are two hospitals in the High Country; Blowing Rock Hospital and Watuaga Medical Center. Established in 1952, the Blowing Rock Hospital provides emergency services, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, speech therapy and ultrasound services, as well as long-term/extended care. The hospital also offer Adult Day Health Care. Their program offers mental, physical and spiritual activities, music therapy, arts & crafts classes, exercise, bible study, shopping trips, field trips, transportation and nursing supervison. The Watuaga Medical Center received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for the 4 year in row. Wataugua Medical Center is ranked among the top 5% in the U.S. for Overall Pulmonary Services in 2012.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Known for its ski resorts, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain are outdoor playgrounds in the High Country. In 2012, Appalachian Ski Mountain celebrates its 50th year. During the winter months, all three mountains have state of the art snow blowing equipment in the event the year has light snowfall. During the summer months, many of the ski slopes open up as mountain biking trails. Zip lining, rock climbing, caving and horseback riding and more mountain sports popular in the High Country, near Grandfather Mountain. As the snow melts, the rivers swell creating awesome whitewater rafting adventures and kayaking challenges. Fly fishing for wild trout hot spot’s include the Watauga River, New River, South Holsten and Nolichucky. Kids find gem mining in the High Country fun too.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway is Blowing Rock's outlet shopping mall, less than five minutes from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mast General Store is a popular tourist attraction in the High Country offering clothings, candy and one of kind items. Traditional box stores such as Lowe’s Home Improvement, Walmart and Belks are available in the region. Boone Mall and SouthMarke Shopping Mall have more big box and brand name stores. From sophisticated restaurants to family style Mom & Pop’s catering to one of America's best college towns, just about every type of cuisine is available in the High Country. The Gamekeeper Restaurant in Blowing Rock has been Voted as One of the Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S. by Open Table. Excellent restaurants such as Gamkeeper and the newly re-opened Timberlake's Restaurant at Chetola Resort are among the best restaurants in Blowing Rock. Dining is in integral part of the High Country culture as many of the annual festivals revolve around cooking competitions.  

HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES

Western North Carolina real estate (homes) average $410,000 for Blowing Rock, $290,000 in Boone and $267,000 in Banner Elk NC. Many Floridians have chosen the High Country as their retirement destination in places like the gated community of Echota Boone NC. Snow skiers from Florida find the High Country a great vacation home area because region is closest to Florida to enjoy winter sports and cooler summer temperatures. Watauga County and Avery County are the county names for Blowing Rock, Boone and Banner Elk. The estimated real estate tax millage rates range from .0031 to .0073 per $100. Visit our library to find help and to learn how to calculate property taxes in North Carolina. If you're searching to live in one of the best small towns in North Carolina, there are a number of gated master planned communities we find of interest.