Before heading out to Yellowstone, Shane and I decided we should test out our tent to make sure it was still in good condition. We drove about two hours east from Charlotte, North Carolina to explore Grandfather Mountain and spend one day in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It’s an area I grew up visiting as a kid when my parents would pack us up into our RV and explore the Southeast. I have so many childhood memories of the Blue Ridge mountains and I was eager to show it all to Shane in one day.
STOP ONE
We woke up early on Saturday morning and drove straight to Grandfather Mountain. While it’s along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain is actually a state park. It’s so heavily visited, they have a grand entrance with toll booths to get in. Each adult is $22 and children are $9. I’d plan to stay in the park for at least four hours to make the entrance fees totally worth it. The drive through the park makes you really feel like you’re in the mountains. The roads are winding (but nicely paved) and there are stunning overlooks along the way.
We stopped at the nature center where there are animal exhibits. The river otters were our favorite part. They were playful and kept running up to the glass curious about the people. It’s a great place to stop and learn a little something about the type of animals that live in the habitat around you.
Afterwards, we got back in the car and headed to the very top of the mountain towards the Mile High Swinging Bridge. I remembered this landmark as a kid. Particularly, when my dad (who is absolutely terrified of heights) sat cautiously on a bench while the rest of the family playfully ran across the bridge to the other end. I can hear his pleas to “Be Careful” even to this day. I remember loving feeling so brave.
Returning this time with Shane, I laughed when I saw the bench still there. And the bridge is much shorter than I remembered. It’s a metal suspension bridge so you feel super safe walking across it. Only in the middle do you start to feel the breeze sway the bridge. It’s a beautiful spot and worth a visit.
Shane braving the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
This picture would probably make my Dad’s heart drop.
STOP TWO
We made our way back across the bridge and back down to the parking lot and loaded up our backpack with water and snacks and headed to the trail entrance right across from the bridge. Shane and I chose to do the hike to MacRae Peak because it was only 3 hours round-trip and would ensure we could get back to the parking lot before the park closed at 6pm.
This hike was easily the most strenuous hike Shane and I had ever conquered. While it takes 3 hours, it’s only 0.9 miles! The elevation is so steep, you don’t even really go THAT far in that amount of time. It was crazy! And to top it off, I thought we would only have a leisurely hike that I left my hiking boots at home! Fortunately my Nikes worked fine, but I had only wished for a little extra ankle support.
The hike to MacRae Peak has ladders and cables to help you along the way. Shane and I had never been on a hike with ladders where the edge of the mountain was only a hair away. As we kept climbing, we giggled nervously about how the hell we were ever going to get back down. Eventually we reached the peak and the views were absolutely worth every step and every nerve. We pulled out our PB&J sandwiches and couldn’t stop commenting on how we’d never eaten a sandwich with a more beautiful view.
Our all-time favorite lunch view – MacRae Peak.
STOP THREE
We successfully, and safely, made it back to our car with time to spare before the park closed. We drove back onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is worth taking some time just to drive along if you’re in the area, and went to our campground. The Julian Price Campground was the perfect place for our tent experiment. Our campsite was lush so you couldn’t see your neighboring campers, had a clean restroom facility, and a nice tent pad. We set up our tent, freshened up after hiking, and then got back in the car to head into Blowing Rock for dinner.
STOP FOUR
Blowing Rock is the cutest, quaint mountain town. Main Street is lined with adorable shops and restaurants so Shane and I decided to park at one end of the street and walk. At the corner of Main Street and Maple Street is the most precious shop (that was once the old Chamber of Commerce building). They have the most stunning little garden off to the side of the building where people have hung up their dreams and prayers. After hanging my own dreams in the garden, I couldn’t stop smiling at how beautiful and positive it was. I was already in love with the town, but my love grew exponentially after seeing that sweet garden.
Just a portion of the garden of sweet notes.
We decided on eating at the Blowing Rock Brewing Company and since I was driving, Shane was living his best life with a flight of beer. We both ordered burgers which was FANTASTIC and much needed after a long day of exploring and hiking. The staff was so friendly there too. It made the whole experience so nice.
After dinner, we walked to the Blowing Rock Market, which looks like a converted gas station. The place had a little bit of everything and if we didn’t have to drive back to the campsite in the dark, it would have been the perfect place to grab a glass of wine. We picked up a deck of playing cards and made our way back to the campground.
The face of pure happiness at the Blowing Rock Brewing Company.
CONCLUSION
The next morning we packed up our stuff and hit the road back to Charlotte. We had such a fun time even though it was a short trip. I think Shane fell in love with the area, just as I had growing up and I can confidently say we’ll be returning soon and often! Blowing Rock is a total gem.
And good news… the tent still works! Thanks for following along on this Blowing Rock, North Carolina day guide. I hope you go spend one day in Blowing Rock, North Carolina (or more) and enjoy the area!
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