Travel Guide to Blowing Rock, NC

Everything you need to know about packing for the mountains, where to go, and what to do in the mountains with a baby.

Hey ya'll! If you're looking for an action packed vacation with your baby, you have found the right blog. I will give recommendations for packing tips, and everything kid friendly: restaurants, hikes, parks, etc.

I have been traveling with Aiden since he was a few weeks old. I have worked on my packing list each trip to make sure that I have only the necessities needed and that the car is packed perfectly. We have learned so much since our first tip and I would love to share our knowledge so your first trip goes more smoothly than ours did!

We are learning with every trip and will continue to update ya'll with any new tips and tricks we learn.

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What to do?

Blowing Rock Park:

• Blowing Rock is one of my favorite places to visit when I first arrive to the mountains. Experiencing that view really sets the tone for the entire trip. Not only is it a beautiful, scenic setting, but you do not have to do any hiking to experience the view. As soon as you leave the admission desk, you walk out to a leveled walking ground and are greeted by the blowing rock. The majority of the park has side rails, so it is relatively safe for children to walk around, too. I felt safe using my TushBaby seat with Aiden instead of having him strapped down.

• Besides the breathtaking views, one of the things that draws me back every year - the cat that lives at the park. I make it a mission to find where she is lounging while we are visiting, and I always find her!

Grandfather Moutain:

• We decided to go to Grandfather Mountain in the morning as soon as they opened (8AM). Not only was the weather beautiful, but the park was empty! It was nice to be able to be on the first groups in the park and view everything at our own pace.

• As you drive to the top of the mountain, you can listen along to a CD that narrates all of the wonderful things that Grandfather Mountain has to offer. You might even recognize a popular location from Forrest Gump as you make your way to the top of the mountain.

• Our first stop at Grandfather Mountain was the Mile High Swinging Bridge - the highest suspension bridge in the US. I was VERY pleased to be able to walk over the bridge with rarely any other people.

• I wore Aiden in a baby carrier so that he was safe during the entire walk over the bridge and during the walk afterwards. If you have young ones, you will want to keep an extra eye on them once you walk over the bridge - there are no barriers at the edge of the cliffs.

• If your kids are interested in a small hike, you can hike from the mile high swinging bridge to the parking lot down below - It's not very strenuous and fun for the kids (Bridge Trail)

  • I DO NOT RECOMMEND HIKING THE GRANDFATHER TRAIL WITH CHILDREN. This hike includes climbing ladders on the side of the mountain and is recommended for experienced hikers. I completed this hike 6 years ago and it is breathtaking and worth it, but not with kids.

• Next, we visited the Wildlife Habitats. Fun fact: most of this area is shaded so it is great to visit in the summer heat. You can see: Bald Eagles, Elk, Cougars, Otters, and Bears. It's a really unique experience where you can get up close and personal with the eagles, otters, and elk. I have never had the opportunity to visit so closely with these animals. For all of our safety, the bears and cougar exhibits are further away from the viewing area.

  • We arrived a few minutes before 11AM and we able to watch the staff feed the bears. Any guesses what they fed them? MARSHMALLOWS!

• Beside the Habitats houses the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery - never has the Air Conditioning been so rewarding! Besides the lovely AC, it was a nice exhibit to walk through with the kids.

• There are 12 different locations to sit with the family and have a picnic - which I highly recommend. There is a grill located in the Wilson Center, but with the amount of picnic spots, you don't want to miss out on that opportunity.

Grandfather Vineyard:

• Located only 22 minutes away from Grandfather Mountain is the beautiful Grandfather Vineyard & Winery. Sounds like a weird suggestion to go to a winery with a baby, right? Think again!

• The Vineyard is located beside a stream that was perfect for Aiden to play in after hiking all morning. For the adults, the scenery is beautiful and the wine is VERY TASTY! I wanted to try multiple wines while we visited, so I ordered the "Sweet Flight".

• Not only do they offer a wonderful wine selection, they also offer food trucks, live music, frozen drinks, and are animal and kid friendly!

Downtown Blowing Rock

• The main street in downtown Blowing Rock is small but mighty - this is hands down one of my favorite places to shop. There's also a large playground for older kids. Only downside is that it is not shaded.

• Any of the stores on the street are great to stop in, but I will highlight my favorites!

  • High Country Candles: I got my first candle from this store over 10 years ago. It was in the shape of a tiny mushroom - and I still have it (I never lit it - I have just used it for decoration). I make sure that I go to this fabulous store every visit. They have every scent that you can imagine!

  • Blowing Rock Brewing: I got a bison burger & a limited edition beer: Blueberry-Lemonade Kolsch.... FABULOUS! (And the venue is kid friendly)

• Bolick & Traditions Pottery: This store has very unique pieces of pottery in a variety of colors.

• Blowing Rock Market: Easy place to stop to pick up local products - food, beer, etc.

Laurel Creek Falls:

• Now this was an adventure and off the beaten track. There was no sign that we had arrived - just some sand on the right side of the road for us to park on. The path was a little sketchy, so I would recommend wearing the baby if you plan on taking them on this trek. I researched a lot of waterfalls in the surrounding area and I chose this specific one because there was a swimming hole and because there was no current in the swimming hole. The waterfall was pretty and there was an area for Aiden to play in the stream.

What to pack?

Baby Items

• Kitchen Items:

  • Portable Fridge

  • Sterilizer

  • Bottle Warmer

  • Bottle Nipples

  • Bottle Parts & caps

  • Milk

  • Cooler

  • Drying Rack

  • Bottle Cleaner

  • Baby Food Containers

  • Baby Nutribullet

  • Spoons & Plates

  • Snacks

  • Oatmeal

  • High Chair

  • Bibs

  • Burp Cloths

• Travel Items:

  • Toys

  • iPad & iPad head rest holder

  • Baby Gate

• Bedroom Items:

  • Layered Outfits

  • Shusher

  • Sound Machine

  • Paddle

  • Night Light

  • Tooth brush & tooth paste

  • Pacis

  • Tylenol

  • Lotion

  • Thermometer

  • Shampoo/Body Wash

  • Wash Cloth & Towels

  • Hair Brush

  • Pack-N-Play

  • Pack-N-Play Mattress

  • PJs

  • Socks

  • Fitted Sheets

  • Blankets

  • Changing Pads

  • Diaper Wipes

  • Butt Paste

• Adventure Items:

  • Portable Fan

  • Chest Strap Carrier

  • Swim Diapers

  • TushBaby

    • Diaper Wipes

    • Diaper

    • Portable Diaper Mat

  • Stroller

  • Portable Bottle Warmer

  • Hats

  • Socks

  • Paci Clips

  • Bug Spray

  • Sunscreen

  • Poop Bags

  • Swim Suits

  • Diaper Bag

  • High Chair Seat Cover

Packing Essentials

Surrounding Area Activities:

• Bass Lake

• Green Mountain Creek Falls

• Price Lake

• Tweetsie Railroad

• Cascades Trail

• Watauga County Farmers Market

• Appalachians Outdoor Adventures

• Blue Ridge Parkway

• The Boone Greenway

• Appalachian Tubing Co.

• Julian Price Park

• Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

• Banner Elk Winery & Villa

• Linville Caverns

• Linville Falls Winery