June 13, 2019. At Tuesday’s Blowing Rock Town Council meeting, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the hotly discussed Rainey Lodge was approved by a 3-1 vote. Doug Matheson, Jim Steele and Virginia Powell voted to support the permit while Albert Yount voted against it and Sue Sweeting was recused from voting. Rainey Lodge is a proposed 40-room hotel that will be constructed in downtown Blowing Rock on less than one full acre of land near Rainey Street, Morningside Drive and U.S. Highway 221. The project has drawn the ire of elected officials and residents in Blowing Rock with complaints ranging from traffic impacts, the height of the building and property valuation. “This has been a very tough situation for all of us, council and citizens,” said Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers prior to the council’s vote on Tuesday. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 10, 2019. An elegant penthouse in Chestnut at Blowing Rock has just sold for $2,005,228, the first sale in the new luxury enclave of 23 single-story luxury residences. The penthouse encompasses 2,860 square feet of open concept living, barrel cathedral ceilings in the great room, four bedrooms, four full baths and a full laundry/pantry. Marketed exclusively by Ashley Hutchens and Jerry Hutchens of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Blowing Rock office, new residences in Chestnut at Blowing Rock are available. “Sales in Chestnut at Blowing Rock are off to a strong start. We are very pleased to have closed the beautiful penthouse residence; with numerous upgrades, it offers the new homeowner a luxurious retreat. We anticipate a busy summer for this exclusive neighborhood, which features stunning amenities and is close to all the restaurants and shops on Main Street,” said Ashley Hutchens.  / Read more…

June 6, 2019. The installation of the large-scale kinetic sculpture by renowned sculptor, Mike Roig occurred on June 3 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Main Street at Chetola and marks the beginning of the inaugural cultural event, The Sculpture Walk on Chetola Lake August 9-11  from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Town of Blowing Rock approved the sculpture placement and the 900 lb., 13-foot tall kinetic sculpture will enhance the sidewalk along Main Street, (US 321) for a period of one year.  The sculptor was contacted by organizers of this major cultural event. Norma Suddreth, Arts Advocate and the First Sculpture Chair of The Sculpture Celebration, Lenoir, NC advocated Mr. Roigs work as he is distinguished nationally.  She relates, that a signature piece by Mr. Roig became the first public art piece to be placed along the US 321 corridor in Lenoir, NC.  “ A public art initiative enhances and provides visitors a first impression of how art can transform communities.” , Ms. Suddreth stated. / Read more…

May 24, 2019 Now in its 57th year, Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park continues to present an incredible diversity of artistic media. The monthly Saturday event, which runs from May through October, sets up downtown on Park Avenue. More than 90 artisans will be at each show, adjacent to Main Street and central shops and restaurants in Blowing Rock, creating an incredible stroll-and-shop experience.“Some of the unique art forms featured this year include puzzle and pipe making, fabric processing and glass blowing, basket weaving and pottery of all types- true Village Craft,” said Loni Miller, Art in the Park Director. “Old favorites are returning and new artists are added each year, so repeat visitors will find fresh appeal at each show.”2019 Art in the Park dates are May 25, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7 and October 5. Prices for objects, from a handmade card to a large sculpture, range from $5 to $10,000. Free parking is available downtown, along with frequent free trolley service from the Tanger Outlets and Food Lion for parking at larger lots. / Read more…

May 24, 2019 A Blowing Rock man was found dead outside of his home in Blowing Rock after fire and rescue personnel discovered his body outside of a structure fire. According to details provided by Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman, on Thursday, May 23, units were dispatched to 1694 Flat Top Road at 2:43 p.m. in reference to a residential structure fire. Upon arriving on scene units found smoke and flames coming from the structure. While fire suppression efforts were underway, units on the scene also located a deceased male on the property outside the residence. The deceased male was identified as Dennis Charles Coffey, 63, who was the owner of the residence. An investigation into the fire has concluded and indications show that the fire was intentionally set.  / Read more…

May 22, 2019 Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers spoke briefly at Tuesday night’s Watauga County Commissioner’s meeting and left with a bit of optimism for how his town, and other towns in Watauga County, can work together with the county on future budget requests. “I stated going into it I thought they (the commissioners) were doing a good job, and it’s a tough job. I know everybody wants a piece of the pie and being the mayor of Blowing Rock, I understand,” Sellers said. “There was nothing negative said by them or myself. I think they expected me to come in loaded for bear but I lightened up. Sellers added that he feels like the county commissioners will be more open to future requests made by towns for funding help. “We’ve got a new town manager coming into Blowing Rock. I think we can all work together, Blowing Rock, Boone, Beech Mountain, Seven Devils, and the county, we can all work together as one with the common goal of improving our communities moving forward,” Sellers said. “I think if we continue a positive dialogue, and everybody has a positive dialogue, it will continue well.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

May 20, 2019 Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers wants to see more county funds coming to his end of Watauga County. Mayor Sellers has told the High Country Press that he intends to speak at Tuesday’s Watauga County Commissioner’s Meeting with the hopes of seeing more county tax dollars to be given to the smaller towns outside of Boone such as Blowing Rock, Seven Devils, and Beech Mountain. One of the main agenda items for Tuesday’s meeting is the public hearing for county citizens to comment on the proposed budget for the 2020 fiscal year. That is when Mayor Sellers will make his points to the county commissioners. “My whole issue is that I do not feel like that Blowing Rock reaps a lot of benefits from these property taxes that we are paying to Watauga County,” said Sellers. “Within the city limits of Blowing Rock this year, we pay $3.6 million that goes to Watauga County. We get $12,000 for parks and rec and $35,000 for fire and rescue and that is essentially it.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 26, 2019 The Blowing Rock Chamber’s Leadership Challenge Graduation was held on April 17th, at the Blowing Rock Country Club. Charles Hardin, President / CEO of the Blowing Rock Chamber and the facilitator of the Leadership Challenge stated, “We graduated 14 sharp, young professional leaders. I am always encouraged about the future of our town and its leadership as these emerging leaders graduate from this program.”The keynote address titled “Building Innovative Communities” was delivered by Erich Schlenker, Director of Appalachian State University’s Insight Transportation Center for Entrepreneurship. Following the address, diplomas were presented to the participants. The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge, started in 2007, is an innovative leadership development program sponsored and produced by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. This program is designed to meet our community’s future need for the active participation of informed and educated leaders. / Read more…

April 26, 2019 Note: Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers will be providing the High Country Press with news and updates on projects in Blowing Rock. This week, Mayor Sellers shared an announcement that Blowing Rock has hired a new town manager. The Blowing Rock Town Council has selected Shane Fox, 40, to serve as the community’s next town manager. Mr. Fox will officially take on the responsibility as town manager on June 3, 2019. Mr. Fox will relocate from Shelby, where he is currently serving as the CFO and Assistant County Manager for Cleveland County, NC. During his tenure in Cleveland County, Fox was charged with direct oversight and accountability of the County’s internal administrative and public safety functions. Serving as CFO, Fox led development and implementation of an annual budget of $150 Million. During his tenure, Fox was instrumental in providing oversight to the County’s capital projects and developing several reengineering processes that resulted in significant savings to the County.  / Read more…

April 26, 2019 The Blowing Rock Town Council has selected Shane Fox,40, to serve as the community’s next town manager. Mr. Fox will officially take on the responsibility as town manager on June 3, 2019. Mr. Fox will relocate from Shelby, where he is currently serving as the CFO and Assistant County Manager for Cleveland County, NC. During his tenure in Cleveland County, Fox was charged with direct oversight and accountability of the County’s internal administrative and public safety functions. Serving as CFO, Fox led development and implementation of an annual budget of $150 Million. During his tenure, Fox was instrumental in providing oversight to the County’s capital projects and developing several reengineering processes that resulted in significant savings to the County. Fox is no stranger to the High Country, having served for more than two years as the Executive Director of the High Country Council of Governments in Boone. As Executive Director, Fox led a team that served 26 local governments within the High Country, providing planning, consultation, aging, and workforce services.  / Read more…

April 4, 2019 On April 3, the Blowing Rock Historical Society (BRHS) presented the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation with a $3500 check for restoration projects at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. This donation was from the proceeds of BRHS’s 2018 Artists in Residence program. In presenting the check, President Rita White and AiR Chair Tom O’Brien said, “We are so pleased to be able to contribute to this worthwhile cause.  This is AiR’s 10th anniversary at Edgewood Cottage, originally the home and studio of renowned artist Elliot Dangerfield. We feel certain that both he and his friend Moses Cone would be delighted with this donation.” The Artists in Residence program is an annual event held at Edgewood Cottage where area artists spend a week showcasing their art and talent.  Beginning this year in late May, the program not only benefits the artists, but is a destination event for Blowing Rock residents and tourists alike. / Read more…

March 29, 2019 Note: Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers will be providing the High Country Press with news and updates on projects in Blowing Rock. This week, Mayor Sellers provided us with an update on the construction project that is about to begin on Sunset Drive. Project Inclusions? The project general extends from Valley Boulevard to Main Street, and includes replacement of existing water and sewer lines, minor drainage improvements, replacement of sidewalks and curb/gutter, removal and placing of selected street trees, and new roadway asphalt. Construction Begins? Construction is to begin the week of April 1, 2019 and anticipated to be complete by November 2019. Construction Sequence? The first step will be installation of new sewer lines in the west bound lane from the stream near First Baptist, west to Main Street. The next step will be water line installation along the north shoulder of the road from Valley Boulevard to Ransom Street, then along the east bound lane to Main Street. Drainage work will follow water and sewer work, then curbing and sidewalks will be replaced/installed in sections along the route. Paving will then proceed followed by landscaping. / Read more…

March 5, 2019  Fourteen participants of the 2019 Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge (BRLC) met Friday, March 1, 2019 for a retreat at the Blowing Rock Conference Center to begin an eight-week program to help them become even more active as leaders in the Blowing Rock community. The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge is sponsored and produced by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to meet the Town’s growing need for the active participation of informed and educated leaders. The goal of the program is to identify potential leaders and provide them with the community information and encouragement needed to spur local action and involvement. The program is co-managed this year by Charles Hardin and Don Hubble along with assistance from many of the alums of prior year’s programs. The teambuilding and leadership development will be conducted by Michael Misenheimer, Lead Facilitator, Blue Ridge Learning Centers. “Mizey” as an experienced corporate trainer and group facilitator led the group through various exercises in team building, individual leadership reflection and other activities during the retreat. / Read more…

February 15, 2019 The Blowing Rock Town Council unanimously voted against possible zoning changes for the downtown area that were put forth by Blowing Rock Planning Director Kevin Rothrock. Despite the recommendations from the planning department, public opposition to these zoning changes has grown as the special meeting date grew closer. The Blowing Rock Civic Association was one of the biggest detractors of the zoning changes and sent a letter to the High Country Press that was published on January 15 to let people know what the proposed changes were and providing contact information for how citizens could share their opinions with elected officials. The changes included eliminating the density of residential units on downtown property, increasing the building height above the sidewalk from 30 feet to 35 feet, increasing the allowable total of building height and reducing the amount of green space required in a building setback area from 75 percent to 40 percent.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

February 11, 2019 A hiker from Charlotte who planned on taking a day hike on Saturday afternoon was located on Sunday evening by area search crews. Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue as well as several other agencies located Frank Sanady, 67, of Charlotte and was able to safely rescue him at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Sunday evening. According to Sergeant Shane Robbins of the Boone Police Department, Sanady began his hike at noon on Saturday. When he did not return by early Saturday evening, Blowing Rock Emergency Services were notified and launched a search and recovery operation. Crews worked overnight to find the hiker and were eventually able to locate him on Sunday morning at around 11:30 a.m. It took rescuers over five hours to bring Sanady to safety. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 18, 2018. Ed Evans, who has been Blowing Rock’s Town Manager since January of 2017, will be resigning his position effective November 30. Evans is no stranger to holding down a similar position in the High Country. He started off serving as town manager of Seven Devils from 2009 until 2015 when he took over as town manager for Beech Mountain. Evans then replaced outgoing Blowing Rock Town Manager Scott Fogleman nearly two years ago. Evans submitted his resignation earlier this week. The move came as a surprise to quite a few people, including Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 1, 2018. Blowing Rock citizens and other Watauga County residents are invited to attend a special round table discussion and audience Q&A with the three current Watauga County Commissioners and their challengers. The event is happening this Thursday, October 4 at the American Legion Building in Blowing Rock, located at 333 Wallingford Street. Light refreshments will be served at 6:15 p.m. with the program and audience questions beginning at 7 p.m. Incumbent Democrat Billy Kennedy is being challenged by Republican Tim Hodges in the District 3 race. In the District 4 race, Republican David Blust is challenging Democratic incumbent Larry Turnbow. In the District 5 race, Democrat Charlie Wallin is battling Republican Tommy Sofield for the position. Current incumbent Jimmy Hodges is not seeking reelection. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 3, 2018. Due to the forecast of heavy rains and wind from what was left of Hurricane Florence, the festival was originally moved from September 15 to this Sunday. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for this Sunday’s date, and tickets are still on sale up until the day of the festival. Adult ticket prices are $30 and ticket prices for children 12 and under are $10. The annual music festival happens at the Blowing Rock Attraction, located at 432 Rock Road. This year’s musical lineup is headlined by the Harris Brothers, Wayne C. Henderson, the Jeff Little Trio, Robertson Boys, The South Carolina Broadcasters and Strictly Clean and Decent. Other musical guests include The Neighbors, Shelby Rae Moore Band, Soul Benefactor, Dave Braun Band and Charlie Carpenter.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 13, 2018. The Blowing Rock Music Festival originally scheduled for this Saturday, September 15, has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 7. The pending landfall of Hurricane Florence and the high amounts of rain predicted across the High Country forced the event to be rescheduled, according to Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers. Sellers, who owns and operates The Blowing Rock Attraction and helps organize this event, said that due to the State of Emergency being in affect across North Carolina, the safety of festival goers and entertainers was the most important thing. “The schedule will remain the same, the entertainers will remain the same and tickets are still on sale for $30 for adults, $10 for children up until the day of the festival,” Sellers said.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 22, 2018. Blowing Rock Town Officials, Tourism Development Authority and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce all had a chance to brag about the “State of the Town” last Thursday at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. The “State of the Town” event has been going on in Blowing Rock for a decade. Chamber of Commerce President Charles Hardin, Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers, Blowing Rock Town Manager Ed Evans and Blowing Rock TDA Executive Director Tracy Brown all shared some of the major accomplishments that have taken place in Blowing Rock over the last year and took a look at some of the future projects that will be taking place. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

July 12, 2018. The Mayview Plaza construction work recently finished up in Blowing Rock, signaling the completion of the second phase of the Laurel Lane Beautification Project. The project, which is a three-phase project that started in 2017, was put together as a public and private partnership between the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and The Village Foundation. “Our economic development committee spearheaded this along with the Village Foundation doing a lot of the fundraising for it,” said Charles Hardin, the president of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We got it open and dedicated and it’s beautiful.” Hardin says there is no official start date yet for phase three of the project. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 20, 2018. Blowing Rock Town council members will meet on Monday for the annual mid-year retreat in Blowing Rock with potential road improvements for Sunset Drive at the top of the list for discussion. According to Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers, plans for the roadwork will be presented by Town Manager Ed Evans in Monday’s meeting and will likely be voted on in July’s regular town council meeting. Sunset Drive travels from Highway 321 to Main Street and sees its fair share of traffic day in and day out. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 19, 2018. The Blowing Rock Historical Society came together on Monday to host the annual Jerry Burns’ Day to honor the former editor of the Blowing Rocket who passed away in 2010. The gathering took place at the Edgewood Cottage with Blowing Rock Historical Society President Rita White serving as introductory speaker and moderator of the event. Each Jerry Burns’ Day has guest speakers to talk about not only their memories of Jerry, but also their own personal family stories. Speakers often answer questions from the crowd in attendance. Blowing Rock Mayor, Charlie Sellers, and his mother, Peggy Sellers, were the featured speakers for Monday’s event. Peggy is the daughter of the late Grover Robbins Sr., who leased and developed the land for the Blowing Rock attraction and the sister of the late Grover Robbins Jr., who purchased Tweetsie Railroad from actor and singer, Gene Autry. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

May 11, 2018. Blowing Rock School’s Terri Hodges was named Watauga County Schools district-wide Teacher of the Year in surprise ceremony held Friday morning at the school. Hodges was presented the award by Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott along with Blowing Rock and WCS central office staff. Each year, Watauga County School celebrates its Teacher of the Year candidate with a surprise ceremony. Hodges was honored in front of the school’s students and staff who awaited her entrance in the gym. This year marks Hodges’ fourth teacher of the year nomination since 1990, and Blowing Rock’s third-consecutive teacher of the year award.. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 2, 2018. Crowds will be lining up to catch a ride on the train when Tweetsie Railroad opens the gates this weekend for the first time in 2018. Opening Day for North Carolina’s longest-running theme park is officially scheduled for Friday, April 6 at 9 a.m. This will be Tweetsie’s 61st year in operation, dating back to the very first trip by the No. 12 train on July 4, 1957. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

March 28, 2018. Easter Sunday will take place on April 1 this year. For those who are deciding how to celebrate Easter, here is a list of Easter Sunday Services and egg hunts to attend. Some egg hunts are taking place this coming weekend, others will take place on Easter weekend.  By Kate Herman / Read more…

March 28, 2018. Looking to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your neighborhood? Want to keep an eye on criminal activity in your area? Take a look at these recent incident and arrest reports from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Boone Police Department. Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

March 26, 2018. Thanks in part to a heap of early-spring snow, the annual Meltdown Games at Appalachian Ski Mountain this weekend were a success, according to marketing director Drew Stanley. By Luke Weir / Read more…

March 8, 2018. The first batch of replacement trees to fill the void left behind after 12 trees had to be cut down arrived in Blowing Rock on Thursday. The trees weigh between 6,500 and 7,500 pounds and the parks and recreation staff worked through some snow this morning to get the trees off of a flatbed semi-truck and into the ground. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Feb. 26, 2018. Black Mountain College was structured differently than most educational institutions at the time. In 1933, it was founded out of a desire for a more progressive education through the use of art, hands-on learning, close student-faculty interaction and critical thought. As an early example of a liberal arts college, this model has since spread throughout the U.S. and is used at Appalachian State University today. / Read more…

Feb. 26, 2018. “Game Night” sees its characters playing one of those elaborate role-playing games that’s spread out over several miles and involves a full company of actors. I’m weary of movies with this kind of premise because of the inevitable twist: at some point, we’re going to learn that everything that’s been happening is all part of the game. It’s the same thing with movies about con artists, magicians, or people who meddle in dreams. It’s not that I necessarily mind being played for a fool, I can enjoy some well-planned manipulation, but it just seems like a waste of time when the movie practically announces its intentions so early the way this one does. By Bob Garver / Read more…

Feb. 21, 2018. BRAHM is known for hosting enriching events within the community. Read below to discover the four main upcoming attractions that are being offered during the month of March at the museum. The following events include: 
1) Smithsonian Exhibition Exploring the American Workforce Coming to Blowing Rock Art & History Museum​
2) Scholars & Scones: Crafting Coffee: The Daingerfield Blend
3) Thursday Art and Culture Talk (TAC Talk): Supporting Your Health with Essential Oils
4) Smithsonian Exhibition Featured in BRAHM’s Latest Coffee with the Curator Tour / Read more…

Feb. 19, 2018. During the month of February, help W.A.M.Y have a heart for our community! For only one dollar, you can purchase a heart from one of the participating vendors. Your heart goes right back into supporting your community and helping to break the cycle of poverty in the high country.  / Read more…

Feb. 12, 2018. “Shamrock floats” take on a new meaning this March, as the Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources Department presents the inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boone, and be part of a new tradition! Events begin Saturday, March 17, at 2:00 P.M. on King Street in Boone with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will start at the Poplar Grove Extension traveling east on King Street through Boone. / Read more…

Feb. 8, 2018. On the 18th eve of the month of February in the quaint little village known as Blowing Rock there will be held a festive celebration filled with merriment, dancing, music, and festive attire.  This event, known as the Mardi Gras, is being put on by the Watauga County Arts Council and will be held at the Meadowbrook Inn, located at 711 Main Street in Blowing Rock. / Read more…