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Blowing Rock

Second in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn in Blowing Rock 1888 – 1906

January 16, 2025. This is the second in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. As these articles show, this property has historic significance to Blowing Rock. The Springhaven Inn is located on S. Main Street and 116 Globe Road, Blowing Rock, NC and it is for sale. A group of town residents and the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI) are working to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer or buyers for the property who are willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

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Winkler Hosts Blowing Rock Community Listening Session at the Green Park Inn

January 15, 2025. John Winkler, joined by two business partners, an engineer and an architect, held a listening session at the Green Park Inn on January 9. Winkler’s attorney Chelsea Garrett facilitated the conversation. Winkler intended the event as an opportunity to review construction and renovation plans along with the rezoning process that is required to update and add to the current Green Park Inn. He reminded attendees several times that no decisions would be made that evening since the event was not an official town event. Winkler initially expected to meet with 20-30 community members in the front lobby of the Green Park. As five o’clock drew near, more people arrived and the gathering was eventually moved to the Chestnut Grill dining area to accommodate over 100 attendees. By Sam Garrett `

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Exciting Addition to 2025 Blowing Rock WinterFest: WinterFest After Dark!

January 14, 2025. Blowing Rock WinterFest, held this year from January 23rd-26th 2025, is bringing even more reasons to step out of hibernation and celebrate! For the first time, this annual celebration of the season will feature an After Dark experience with live music, and stores open late adding a lively new twist to the lineup of activities. Mark your calendars for Friday, January 24th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and prepare to embark on a memorable evening in the heart of Blowing Rock. This exciting addition invites participants to visit local establishments and enjoy live music from local artists along the way.

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“Considerations: An Installation by Sarah Vaughn” to Open February 15 at BRAHM

January 9, 2025. A new exhibition entitled “Considerations: An Installation by Sarah Vaughn” will open at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) on February 15,  2025, and will be on view in the Museum’s Atwell Gallery through August 10, 2025. Sarah Vaughn’s “Considerations” invites visitors to step into a landscape of thousands of carefully crafted glass river rocks. Made using techniques like blowing, flame-working, casting, and laminating, these fragile stones are stacked and arranged to create an immersive installation that explores how we experience and remember the world around us. Each glass rock represents a moment in time—some tied to personal memories, others shaped from reclaimed glass, blending stories of loss and creation.

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Winkler Requests Rezoning of the Green Park Inn to General Business (CZ-GB), Hosts Information Meeting Thursday at the Inn

January 7, 2025. Steve Irace, the current owner of the Green Park Inn, has been working for months with John Winkler to complete the sale of the historic property to Winkler Properties. After a few more details are solidified, due diligence will be completed and closing will tentatively occur during the first quarter of 2025. A public meeting is being held at the Green Park Inn on January 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The primary topic is Winkler’s request to the Town of Blowing Rock to change the zoning from multi-family to conditional zoning – general business. By Sam Garrett `

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First in a Series – The History of Springhaven Inn, Blowing Rock, NC: A Summary

January 6, 2025 This is the first in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, which was built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC, located on S. Main Street. You will find, as you read these articles, that this property has historic significance to the town of Blowing Rock. The Springhaven Inn is for sale. A group of town residents, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI) are engaged to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer/s for the property willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. But, first, let’s take a precursory look into its history.

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Town of Blowing Rock Seeks Applicants for Various Boards

December 13, 2024 Are you interested in the future of your community and have extra time to volunteer?  Would you like to serve on one of Blowing Rock’s municipal boards? The Blowing Rock Town Council will soon consider appointments to the Planning Board, the Board of Adjustment, the Tourism Development Authority, the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and the Public Land, Appearance, and Recreation Board. Each of these boards has an essential role in preserving and protecting the quality and character of our community.  These vacancies are for those members who live within Town limits, except where noted.

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The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock Announces New Officers for 2025

December 13, 2024 The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock is proud to announce its newly selected leadership for the year 2025. The organization, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and improving the quality of life in Blowing Rock, welcomes a talented and diverse group of leaders to guide its continued growth and impact in the coming year. The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock is thrilled to have such a capable and committed group of leaders who will continue to foster the Foundation’s work in preserving Blowing Rock’s unique character and supporting its future development.

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Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Announces New Chief Executive Officer, Robin Miller


December 11, 2024  The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has named Robin Miller, a veteran chamber of commerce executive, as the chamber’s next President & CEO. The chamber’s board of directors voted to approve Miller for the position after a search committee that reported to the board of directors conducted an extensive nationwide search. The chamber retained Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC to provide oversight for the executive search. Starnes specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce. Miller will begin work officially on January 6th, 2025. “I am honored and humbled to have been selected to lead the Blowing Rock Chamber,” said Miller. 

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Blowing Rock Art & History Museum Announces New Exhibition Featuring Watauga County Art Educators; Opening Reception on December 5

December 4, 2024 The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is delighted to announce a new exhibition celebrating the creativity and vision of Watauga County art educators. This special showcase is entitled “High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Educator,” and will be on view in the Museum’s Alexander Community Gallery December 5 through December 29, 2024. The community is invited to a reception to celebrate the opening on Thursday, December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Museum. Highlighting the artistic contributions of local educators, this exhibition will feature works by Alyssia Ruggiero, Ashley Tate, Courtney McWhorter, Dacia Trethewey, Elle Lowry, Genal West, Kelly Blake, Lindsey Postlethwait and Lori Hill.

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Definitive History of Watauga County Published in 1915 Was Written by John Preston Arthur

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December 4, 2024 This article is about the man who is credited with writing the definitive history of Watauga County — John Preston Arthur. He was a teacher, lawyer, orator, poet, and writer/historian. J.P. Arthur was born October 21, 1851, in Columbia S.C. to Edward John Arthur and Martha Ann Henry Arthur. He practiced law in Columbia and New York before moving to Asheville in 1887 where he practiced law and worked for the Asheville Street Railway Company. In 1904, he began his groundbreaking work on a book that was published in 1914, “Western North Carolina: A History, 1730-1913.” In 1912, he relocated to Boone where he resided at the Blair Hotel until his death on December 6, 1916.  While he was in Boone, he was commissioned by 22 citizens to write a book on the history of Watauga County that was published in 1915, “A History of Watauga County, North Carolina,” which he sold for 1.50 a copy. His writing style was unique in that he covered the big picture history but also customs and personal history.

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PMI Enters into Option Agreement to Preserve Springhaven Inn in Blowing Rock

December 4, 2024 Preserve Mecklenburg Inc. (“PMI”), a North Carolina 501 c (3) and real estate active preservation organization, has entered into an exclusive, assignable option with the owner of the Springhaven Inn (located on the corner of Main Street and Globe Rd. in Blowing Rock) to pursue a purchase and preservation strategy for the property.  Under the terms of the Option Agreement, PMI will not only seek a new owner of the property but will also work to put in place deed covenants that will ensure the preservation of the Springhaven Inn and its rich historical and cultural significance, in perpetuity.

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Blowing Rock Art & History Museum and Blowing Rock Historical Society Unveil Plans for Reimagined Ginny Stevens Gallery: Blowing Rock, A History

November 13, 2024. The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) will open the newly reimagined Ginny Stevens Gallery: Blowing Rock, A History on Saturday, November 16. This immersive exhibition celebrates the town of Blowing Rock’s rich history and features an extraordinary new highlight: a 1-to-87 scale diorama of the Mayview Manor Hotel, crafted by renowned Charlotte-based realist painter and diorama artist Dan Nance.

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BRAHM Receives IMLS Inspire! Grant for Small Museums Totaling $23,500

October 30, 2024 The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded a coveted Inspire! Grant for Small Museums to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM). The $23,500 grant will allow BRAHM to develop new outreach programs aimed at enriching the lives of the region’s aging lifelong learners. As part of the grant program, BRAHM will collaborate with professional weavers from Southern Appalachia to offer 48 fiber art classes exploring a variety of topics and a series of eight peer-led fiber workshops at Watauga County’s two Senior Centers and at BRAHM. The grant program aims to literally “weave” together local fiber artists and seniors, fostering community connections and meaningful engagement.

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Blowing Rock School Fall Festival Set for This Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m.

October 29, 2024 The Blowing Rock School Parent-Teacher Organization will host its annual Fall Festival this Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. on the school field, located at 165 Morris Street in Downtown Blowing Rock. The beloved autumnal event was postponed following Hurricane Helene. Now set for Halloween, the event supports teachers and students year-round through PTO grants for school improvements, classroom supplies, special projects and educational experiences. In an effort to respect recovery while celebrating the incredible resilience we have all witnessed these past weeks, entry to the event will now be by donation. Wristbands include bounce houses, face painting, a photo booth and more. The new date will also allow for some Halloween-themed surprises. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be plenty of candy and prizes for Trick-or-Treaters.

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World Central Kitchen delivers more than food after Helene hits North Carolina

September 25, 2024 Blowing Rock, NC – During the first few days after Hurricane Helene, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain were only accessible by air. The same day the National Guard evacuated Lees-McRae College students from the area, World Central Kitchen (WCK) transported food into Banner Elk. One of many temporary FAA helicopter landing sites and staging areas for WCK to pick up food and supplies was Davant Field in Blowing Rock. 

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2024 Blowing Rock Tour of Homes Grants over $90,000 to 32 Local Groups

September 26, 2024 Thirty-two local non-profit organizations serving the High Country will share the $90,250 net proceeds from this year’s 66 th annual Blowing Rock Tour of Homes. The St. Mary of the Hills Outreach Committee received over $182,000 in requests from programs serving those in need, demonstrating that the work of the many volunteers who pitched in to make this year’s Tour a resounding success is more urgent than ever. The programs feed the hungry, clothe the needy, provide shelter and sanctuary, offer educational and recovery services, and care for children. Fr. Andrew Hege announced the grants saying, “We are called by the Gospel to care for those who need us, and the Tour provides one way to answer that call.”

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2024 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum Hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce is Monday, September 16 from 5:00-9:30 PM at Appalachian Theatre

September 13, 2024 The annual Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum is scheduled for Monday, September 16 from 5:00-9:30 PM and will be broadcast live from the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce. This event is free and open to the public. In order to maintain decorum, political literature and signage will be not be allowed in the room. For those unable to attend in person, this event will be broadcast live, in its entirety, on YouTube, WATA (1450 AM / 96.5 FM), and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website. Archives of each segment of the forum will be made available on Boone Area Chamber of Commerce platforms following the event. 

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Blowing Rock Garden Club to Host Wildflower Bingo Fundraiser for Memorial Garden Sept. 26

September 13, 2024 The Blowing Rock Garden Club is excited to announce its upcoming fundraiser, “Wildflower Bingo,” set to take place on Thursday, September 26 from 6:00-8:00p.m. This lively event will be held to raise funds for the maintenance and improvement of the beloved Memorial Garden in downtown Blowing Rock. Tickets for Wildflower Bingo are priced at $20 each, which includes a bingo card, a raffle ticket and a selection of snacks to enjoy throughout the evening. Attendees will have the chance to win fantastic prizes from local businesses and artisans, while supporting a great cause that benefits the entire community. In addition, silent auction items will be available, such as Tweetsie Railroad tickets, 4 rounds of golf from Linville Harbor, art prints and carvings from local artists.

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This Week at Edgewood Cottage… Lucas Hundley, Woodworking, and Crystal Hurt, Watercolor/Shadowbox Art

September 4, 2024 Lucas Hundley, woodworking, and Crystal Hurt, watercolor/shadowbox art, will close Edgewood Cottage’s  2024 Artist in Residence Program this summer.  Come enjoy their work from September 2 – September 8, 10-5 p.m. daily, with a free artist reception on Thursday, September 5 from 5-7 p.m. Function, beauty, feeling and fun drive Lucas Hundley’s  work.   Lucas’s  hope is that the energy he invests in every woodworking piece flows to the users and enriches their lives.  Whether his creations are functional or decorative, the wood he uses is sourced responsibly from local woodlands. Every twist, curl, knot, bug hole, shake ring or rotten spot speaks to the life of the tree and the environment in which it grew. And did I mention his work is beautiful?

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High Country Caregivers to hold “A Night at Chetola” on Thursday, September 12

September 3, 2024 Sponsored by one of the North Carolina Mountains’ most worthwhile and needed charitable organizations—High Country Caregivers (HCC)–the 5th Annual “A Night at Chetola” will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024. This much-anticipated event will begin at 5:30 p.m. under the tent by the lake at the Chetola Resort, located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive in Blowing Rock. This exclusive fundraising event, set against the majestic and picturesque backdrop of Chetola Resort’s lakeside, promises to be an extraordinary experience with a delectable meal, an open bar, a captivating silent auction, and live music with dancing entertainment.

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BRAHM Partners with Absolut Vodka to Celebrate Artist Maud Gatewood

August 30, 2024 The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) along with Absolut Vodka are announcing a marketing collaboration for a multi-location promotion celebrating the work of esteemed North Carolina artist Maud Gatewood. The partnership will bring attention to an exhibition, titled “The Hard Edge & The Soft Line: A Retrospective of Maud Gatewood,” on view through January 5, 2025, in BRAHM’s Fort, Atwell, and Rankin West Galleries. Local and statewide bars and restaurants featuring Absolut Vodka will showcase art by Gatewood throughout the exhibition. Participating venues will offer special drink menus inspired by Gatewood’s art. Additionally, promotional materials such as posters and coasters celebrating Maud Gatewood and the exhibition will be displayed in participating establishments.

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Gregg Bergstrom Removed from Planning Board by 4-1 Vote During Special Called Blowing Rock Town Council Meeting

August 28, 2024 On Thursday, August 22, Mayor Charlie Sellers called for a special meeting of the Blowing Rock Town Council. The meeting took place on August 26, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., which adhered to the town’s bylaws requirement that a special called meeting be scheduled and announced at least 48 hours in advance. The meeting topic was a discussion of the Blowing Rock Planning Board’s membership. “I am very concerned with the conversations going on in town,” Sellers said prior to the meeting. “We have a planning board that is not functioning in the way it should be. Gregg Bergstrom has made comments that the mayor and town council have not been transparent,” Sellers said. “Calling the meeting was a decision I had to make.” Sellers opened the meeting by stating, “This is special meeting that I called. We should all act in a professional manner. Some people can’t do that.”

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Groovy Nights 2024 Videos! – Show Stopping Performances to Benefit the Blowing Rock Community Foundation: See Videos Here!

August 26, 2024 The Blowing Rock Community Foundation presented its long running benefit “Groovy Nights” over three nights in August at the Blowing Rock Country Club. Thirteen acts took to the stage to lip sync their way through hilarious skits that entertained sold-out audiences. Groovy Nights started with an idea from Karen Curlin in 2008. This was the 13th year of performances.

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