There’s nothing like a delicious cup of coffee to make a good day in Blowing Rock great. Here are a few of our favorite spots in the area (just a short walk or drive from Chetola) to cozy up with a warm or iced cup:
You’re engaged! Congratulations! This is a very exciting season of wedding planning, but don’t feel like you have to jump in right away. There are a lot of decisions and things to consider when planning a wedding. It can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. To make things a little easier on you, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions when planning your wedding at Chetola.
Planning your dream wedding at Chetola Resort? The Weddings Team at Chetola Resort has created this wonderful checklist for you to help plan your special day from start to finish!
#GivingTuesday is the global day of giving and is held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity by encouraging individuals to give to their favorite organizations during the giving season.
We love and appreciate every organization in the High Country but here are a few whose mission speaks to our hearts.
A High Country Christmas tree is the perfect addition to your home for the holiday season and what better time to grab your tree than on your holiday visit to Chetola Resort!
If you’re hoping to leave the mountains with a beautiful tree on the roof of your car, here are a few of our favorite tree farms to enjoy during the holiday season:
Fall is the most beautiful season for hiking in the High Country. Breathtaking views of oranges, reds, and yellows, crisp autumn air, and crunchy leaves makes fall the perfect time to hit the trail.
Though any trail in the High Country is spectacular during the fall season, these are a few that you can't miss:
Autumn in the mountains is simply unmatched. Between colorful leaves, crisp mountain air, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and cozy getaways to Chetola, we can't get enough of this season.
To make the most of the fall season, Chetola Resort has put together a Fall Bucket List to make sure guests can experience the best of fall in the High Country this season.
They say not to go chasing waterfalls, but when you’re visiting an area like Blowing Rock or Chetola with 20+ waterfalls around you, it’s impossible not to enjoy them. So we say grab your gear, pack accordingly, and go chase those High Country waterfalls.
Summer is the season for hiking in the High Country during your stay at Chetola Resort. With beautiful views of greens & blues all around, long days full of sunshine, and breathtaking hikes at every turn, summer is the perfect season for exploring a new trail.
There are so many different ways to experience the beauty and wonder of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blowing Rock is a haven of adventure and one of our favorite family adventures to embark on when vacationing to Chetola Resort is flying through the trees down an alpine zipline course!
Outdoor adventure is abundant in North Carolina and especially around Chetola Resort. One of our favorite and less well-known spots to explore in the area is the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST). The Mountains to Sea Trail is North Carolina’s state hiking trail. Stretching 1175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, the Mountains to Sea Trail traverses some of the most beautiful spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read below to explore some of our favorite sections of the MST near Chetola Resort!
Though there’s no bad season to go hiking in the High Country, spring is at the top of our list to get outside and explore. The warmer weather, colorful blooms, and an abundance of trails makes this season the perfect one to adventure in. If you’re ready to head on a spring adventure, here are a few of our favorite spots around the area to explore.
One of our favorite reasons for coming up to the mountains in the summer: you can enjoy live music almost every night of the week. Explore spots all around the High Country while discovering your new favorite bands. Here are just a few of our favorite spots around Blowing Rock and beyond to enjoy a night full of tunes:
With selections of everything from fresh produce to original art, apothecary products, and more, our local farmers’ markets are one of the best ways you can treat yourself on your next visit to Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, and the High Country. Whether you’re staying for the week or just a few days, there’s always a few goodies you’ll enjoy from a High Country Farmers’ Market.
We are welcoming the spring season with the introduction of our newest addition, The Wading Room, Fly Shop & Coffee Lounge. The Wading Room is a curated and charming retail space inside the Lodge. It is the perfect space for our guests and visitors to enjoy coffee, cozy up on plush leather sofas, shop OrvisⓇ gear, experience an intimate meeting space, and so much more.
The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and beautiful days abound in spring and summer at Chetola Resort. To us, this picture-perfect weather means it’s time to grab our favorite meal (and maybe a dessert) to-go from Timberlake’s Restaurant, pack up our picnic basket, and head into the mountains. So, pack up your blankets and favorite foods and be sure to explore these beautiful spots for your next picnic during your spring vacation to Chetola Resort.;
As we welcome groups to Chetola Resort one of the top priorities for many family reunions, corporate groups, and even wedding parties is enjoying activities together as a group.
Savor spring zing with a bite of Atlantic Beach Pie. With warm weather and sunny days ahead, this is the perfect spring treat to enjoy at home!
Whether you’re coming to see us at Headwater’s Pub in the next few weeks or want to enjoy one last wintry cocktail at home, we’ve got you covered with the Hornet’s Kiss.
The High Country is known for its delicious food, elegant wines, and tasty beers but if you know where to look, it also has some amazing dessert spots. After a day full of adventures, if you’re craving something divine to slice into, check out our favorite spots around the High Country to enjoy a treat.
Whether traveling with family, friends or even solo, sometimes it can be difficult to find activities for all interests – especially on a rainy or snowy day. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fun activities for all interests! Read on for a few of our favorite indoor activities around the High Country!
Finding time for a family escape can seem like a daunting task, but when you have endless opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors, we believe that it is easier to make it happen, as creating unforgettable memories is a must! We have compiled 5 of our favorite and lesser-known adventures that are perfect for the whole family. Do a little stretching, grab your favorite boots, and the rest of your favorite people, and head this way!
We want you to have the best Chetola Resort and High-Country experience possible. To ensure an amazing trip, we’ve put together a few sample winter itineraries to help you and your loved ones plan the best trip ever – no matter your interests.
No matter your age, there’s nothing quite like a cup of hot cocoa (or another delicious cozy beverage) to warm up a chilly winter’s day. Here are a few of our favorite spots in the area (just a short walk or drive from Chetola) to cozy up with a warm cup:
There is no better season to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and good book than winter in the mountains. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite read or something to pass the time, here are a few of our staff’s favorite winter reads:
If you’re reading this, then you’ve likely already made the biggest decision of this unforgettable process – finding your special someone! Congrats! In this blog, we will share some practical ways to start planning that will make getting started less daunting.
One of the most popular reasons that people visit the High Country is the endless array of recreational opportunities for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Lucky for us, we have loads of experience in enjoying this beautiful area and have put together a list of our favorite winter outdoor activities.
Winter may seem like the perfect time to stay inside and cozy up next to the fire with a warm cup of hot cocoa, but when cold weather hits, that means it’s time to hit the trails.
We love to see you in person at Headwater's Pub, but when you can't join us in person or you need a taste of Chetola then this Final Rest cocktail will be your new go-to drink.
No matter where you are, the fall season wouldn’t be the same without the wonderful and colorful pumpkins. To help you celebrate the season in the High Country, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite pumpkin patches in the area, just a short drive from Chetola Resort.
One of our guests’ favorite fall traditions is gathering with family or loved ones to pick apples at a local orchard. And this year, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite U-Pick Orchards within an hour of the Resort!
When Was the Last Time You Went on an Adventure? If it's been a while since your last one, it's time to make a trip to the Chetola Sporting Reserve. Check out our blog on why this should be your next adventure!
Many of Chetola’s guests feel like Blowing Rock is a “home away from home.” If you are looking for lodging that offers privacy, room to spread out, enough bathrooms for the entire family, along with all of the resort’s amenities, then one of Chetola’s condos might be the perfect option. We have put together some helpful information that will allow you to get the most out of your visit.
Netting a fish can be easy and safe for both you and your fish with proper etiquette. Here are a few tips from our Orvis® Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides on the best methods for safely netting a fish and taking that epic fish photo:
On warm summer days in the mountains, the best way to cool off is an adventure to a beautiful waterfall! Luckily, being in Blowing Rock, you are never too far from waterfall adventures all around the High Country.
The higher elevations of Western North Carolina have been a refreshing respite for those living in the “lowlands” of the state for years. There are stunning views, big mountain peaks, endless recreation, lush forests, cascading rivers, exciting wildlife, room to roam, and plenty of fresh air. As you go up in elevation, the temperatures are also noticeably cooler.
Looking for adventure and to explore all the beauty that Western North Carolina has to offer? One of the best ways to experience the outdoors in the High Country is to visit one of the four North Carolina State Parks located within an hour of Chetola! All 4 of these beautiful state parks boast hiking trails for all skill levels, breathtaking views, and unique plant and animal life.
Vacations are meant for sweet treats and delicious foods. And, the best way to start your vacation in Blowing Rock is with sweet, sugary treats from one of our favorite local donut shops.
For many of us, we dread the idea of exercising while on vacation, however, it is easy to find a balance between a total “haven of rest” and an epic, heart-pounding adventure to the mountains. Because there are so many places to explore within walking distance of Chetola Resort, we have come up with a top 10 list of enjoyable walks to get outside,
Epic adventures await you in the Blue Ridge Mountains when you stay at Chetola Resort. While everyone's idea of adventure looks different, we know some of our visitors are looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience. And if you’re looking for some adventurous bike rides, we've got you covered.
Everything about the High Country is unique; from the attractions to the lodging, the weather, and the views, but one of our favorite things about the High Country is the variety of unique shopping options in this area.
Few things are better than savoring an exquisite glass of wine while enjoying the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lucky for us, there are quite a few beautiful wineries around the High Country for locals and visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of our High Country favorites only a short drive from Chetola Resort:
Warm weather is arriving in the mountains and there is nothing better than enjoying a cold drink from a local High Country Brewery on a sunny day. With many options to choose from, no matter where your adventures may take you during your visit, there is a delicious brewery nearby. Cllick to read about a few of our High Country favorites just a short drive from Chetola Resort!
The views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are always spectacular, however, there is something about how the blue hues pop in the winter that makes the season a special time to enjoy an adventure along the Parkway. In between winter and spring when it's warm enough for the parkway to be open, but cold enough that plants aren't blooming yet, there's no better time to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Shepherd's Pie from Timberlake's Restaurant is ALWAYS a good idea. Whether you choose to tackle it yourself by trying Chef Matt's recipe or enjoying it on the patio at Timberlake's, our Shepherd's Pie is sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance!
When visiting the High Country, we can oftentimes be overwhelmed with the plethora of outdoor activity options. At Chetola Resort alone, we have hiking, disc golf, paddle boating, fly-fishing, sporting clays, tennis, kayaking, and more. While participating in these activities may be calming for some, for others, we prefer a bit of retail therapy.
Valentine's Day may look a little bit different this year, but we want you to still be able to have a SWEET day with your favorite person. That's why Pastry Chef Abby has put together a tasty dessert recipe for you! So whether you're opting for a Valentine's Day from home this year or just want to make your valentine an extra special treat, this recipe is for you!
It is important for families to get outside and enjoy the outdoors - no matter the weather. And while it is not always easy, and full disclosure, our kids occasionally resist our good intentions, we get outside just about every day. Here’s why this is so important for us:
Here in the high country, we live in a haven for outdoor recreation with a variety of outdoor fitness activities at our fingertips. These activities range from skilled sports such as climbing at Blowing Rock Boulders to something as simple as taking a walk. Exercising outdoors offers so many benefits physically and mentally.
Though this year's Winterfest will look a little bit different, due to restrictions and safety precautions there will still be fun activities going on for all our guests and Blowing Rock visitors to enjoy!
Enjoy your favorite cup of hot chocolate from home with this delicious hot cocoa recipe from Pastry Chef Abby. You'll never go back to hot chocolate from a packet again. Get your whipped cream ready and enjoy a piping cup of hot chocolate by the fire.
Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock makes for the perfect peaceful escape for couples looking to disconnect from their busy lives, and gain a closer connection to the natural world while enjoying cozy mountain lodging, upscale comfort food, awe-inspiring activities by day, and relaxing hospitality at night.
In this interview with Eric Anderson from Ray's Weather, we learn about wild winter weather in the High Country, the perfect setup for a big snowstorm, whether or not the weather is ever predicted from Wooly Worms, and so much more! Learn all about the weather in your favorite mountains.
A Chetola holiday tradition, the Festival of Lights brings many people holiday joy every year. Close to 30,000-holiday illuminations light up Chetola beginning at dusk in November and shine on through January 31st, 2021. The lights take weeks of hard work to set up and there's a story to how they came to be. This holiday season, we want to share with you, The Story Behind the Festival of Lights.
The winter season introduces new resolutions, goals, and challenges that can quickly become overwhelming leaving no time for self-care. We believe that self-care is important as it allows you to digitally disconnect and personally revitalize. We’ve developed a guide to winter wellness to beat those winter blues and feel warm both inside and out.
There’s nothing like skiing or snowboarding on a bluebird day in the mountains of North Carolina. The rush of soaring downhill, the scent of fresh pine in the air, and the satisfaction of successfully completing a challenging run. Find out how to make the best of your time on area slopes with Chetola’s guide to a seamless experience.
Many of us have attended a corporate retreat in the past. Whether it is an annual event we enjoy (or not) or a quarterly trip off-site to help teams bond with one another, retreats allow individuals a much-needed break from the office to aid in proper reflection.
We’re all about getting back to nature here at Chetola Resort. Whether you are in search of a new perspective or just need to stretch your legs after a long car ride: our staff are happy to direct you to the perfect trail for your needs. Chetola is central to some of the best hiking in the Blue Ridge and we’ve compiled a list of five of our favorite trails just moments from the resort.
We’re all about getting back to nature here at Chetola Resort. Whether you are in search of a new perspective or just need to stretch your legs after a long car ride: our staff are happy to direct you to the perfect trail for your needs. Chetola is central to some of the best hiking in the Blue Ridge and we’ve compiled a list of five of our favorite trails just moments from the resort.
Summer has officially begun, and it certainly feels like it. Your friends at Chetola have some ideas to share with you, which also encourage you and your family to get outside this summer, all while staying cool. Please note that in order to get the most out of our recommendations, we highly suggest that you visit the High Country (Blowing Rock/ Boone area and elevations above 3000 feet).
Do you remember your first camp experience? Ok, besides the initial homesick feeling and having to crawl out of your comfort zone to try new things and meet new people. For introverts such as myself, year two was definitely a lot more fun, so think on that for a moment. You drive up into the mountains where it’s 10-20 degrees cooler, pass through those familiar gates and past the lake with the boats, and then beside the big field where you enjoyed endless games late into the evening. You pull up to the lodge or cabin and smell homemade goodness (I always had a thing for those camp cookies!). It’s that sense of familiarity, coming to a place you call your own where you know you’re safe, and people are genuinely nice, as they greet you with a smile or a friendly wave.
When I was growing up, money was tight and for Easter dinner, we always had brisket instead of lamb. Brisket is a more affordable cut of meat that takes a little more time to prepare. This recipe is my updated version of my grandmother’s recipe that my mom prepared for us every Easter. I’m delighted to share this recipe with our friends and family of Chetola. This recipe typically feeds 8 to 10 people. Happy Easter!
Nothing pairs better with summertime than a deliciously crafted cocktail. Our bartenders have compiled a list of their top five favorite drinks sure to please the cocktail connoisseur. Whether you’re sipping from our lake-front patio or your own front porch, we invite you to treat yourself with a classic from Timberlake’s Restaurant. Cheers!