From hiking to restaurants, to local ice cream shops, to wineries, to local shops or boutiques, to relaxing at a spa, the High Country has a lot to offer when it comes to finding something to do for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Step 1: Get Relaxed
You can’t enjoy all that the High Country has to offer without being 100 % relaxed. We recommend booking a massage at The Spa at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. This spa offers couples massages and packages for both men and women. What if I don’t like to be touched? Head down to Valley Crucis Park on the Watauga River to enjoy some peace and quiet by the river or walk the trails to soak in the mountain air.
Step 2: Be Spontaneous
Think of something you wouldn’t normally do and schedule it into your day! Have you ever gone to High Mountain Expeditions? They have tons of outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, canoeing, caving, hiking, kayaking, and river tubing. If you aren’t up for an outdoor adventure, try to attend the 5th Annual Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson with live music, street dancing, food vendors, Santa and Civil War Re-enactors.
Step 3: Sip, Sip, and Then Some
Head over to one of the three local wineries in the High Country for awesome wine, cheese, and mountain views! Grandfather Vineyard is the closest of the three, located at the bottom of Grandfather Mountain in Banner Elk. Watauga River runs through the property where you can enjoy your wine tasting or a glass of wine while listening the river flow. Banner Elk Winery and Villa is the next stop here in Wine Country and is known for their price winning grapes. Here you can enjoy the mountain views or stay in their Luxury Private Retreat. If you are looking for something spectacular, try Linville Falls Winery located in Linville Falls, NC. Enjoy live music, wine tasting, special events, mountain views, or walk their Christmas tree farm. Their blackberry and blueberry wine are a must if you are looking to do a wine tasting!
Step 4: Enjoy Your Night Out
End your fun-filled day with a cozy, lodge-like dinner at Bistro Roca located in a Prohibition-era building just off Main Street in Blowing Rock. They have just about everything from lobster or pork-belly mac and cheese, burgers, to mountain-trout sandwiches. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, it’s a local favorite! Want something fancier? Try The Best Cellar Restaurant at Ragged Gardens. They have the finest of food, wine, and service perfect for a romantic night. If you have a sweet tooth, end your night out with Homeland ice cream from Julian, NC, and homemade cookies at Blue Deer Cookies. You can enjoy a cookie with a glass of milk or lemonade or create your own ice cream sandwich!