There’s nothing like a delicious cup of coffee to make a good day in Blowing Rock great. The High Country is full of adventures, and the perfect start to a day full of fun is a divine cup of caffeine. Luckily, Blowing Rock & the High Country are full of amazing local spots to enjoy before or after your day's adventures.

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:

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Birdies Coffee & Treats (Blowing Rock, NC & Boone, NC)

If you’re up for a little bit of an adventure, just a few minutes down the road — along Highway 321 in the cutest camper — is Birdies Coffee & Treats. Enjoy delicious seasonal beverages and classic coffee staples while taking in the view of the Middle Fork of the New River. Whether you drive up and order to go, or you enjoy your drink at a picnic table or while taking a walk on the Middle Fork Greenway, you’ll never be disappointed with a drink from Birdies.

If you’re not looking to drive-thru or the weathers a bit unpleasant, Birdies also has a fully indoor location located inside the Watauga Medical Center. With all the same delicious drinks that are offered at the camper and an indoor seating space, this is also a spot you don’t want to miss on your visit to the High Country.

P.S. Birdies often has sweet treat offerings from local spots around the High Country to go with your coffee!

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Tout Suite (Blowing Rock, NC) 

One of the newest spots in Blowing Rock, NC, Tout Suit is a creation of Cafe Violette (a cozy, sophisticated cafe with Mediterranean French flavors). Tout Suit takes after its partner and also boasts delicious treats and beverages with Mediterranean French flavors. A bakery and gourmet market serving pastries, sandwiches, bread, & coffee - whether you’re craving a delicious cafe au lait, lavender matcha, jambon beurre, or a mouth watering eclair, Tout Suit should be on your list of places to experience on your next visit to Blowing Rock.

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Camp Coffee Roasters (Blowing Rock, NC)

Just a short drive or walk from Chetola Resort, Camp Coffee is located on Main Street in Blowing Rock. Known for their yummy coffee and delicious pastries that make any day better, Camp Coffee Roasters is a well-known local entity in Blowing Rock. And with delicious seasonal coffees, tasty specialty drinks, and cozy upstairs seating area there’s no better spot in Blowing Rock to enjoy a morning or afternoon pick me up. 

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Bald Guy Brew (Blowing Rock, NC)

Another great spot right in the heart of Blowing Rock is Bald Guy Brew. Offering delicious hot chocolate, a variety of coffee brews, treats from local bakeries, and a cozy spot to sit, Bald Guy Brew is a spot you’ll want to experience for yourself. Located in the heart of downtown, Bald Guy also has quaint outdoor patio seating for warmer days or for sitting with your furry friend. 

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Hatchet Coffee (Boone, NC)

A favorite spot for locals, students, and visitors, Hatchet Coffee, located in East Boone is a must stop if you’re craving a delicious hot or iced cup of coffee. Aside from their mouth-watering coffees, Hatchet also has delightful specialty drinks, hot cocoa, tasty smoothies, and yummy snacks.

Local Lion (Boone, NC)

Although Local Lion is known for its amazing donuts, they are also known for their heavenly hot or iced coffee, espresso, hot cocoa, and tea for visitors to enjoy.  And you can enjoy all their drinks & treats inside their wonderful space overlooking Blowing Rock Road or take it on the go by picking it up in their drive thru.

Drip Coffee Bar (Boone, NC)

The newest coffee spot in Boone, NC, Drip Coffee Bar is located right on King Street next to Betty’s Biscuits. Housed in a former law office and newly decorated with a beautiful coffee mural and cozy vibes, Drip Coffee Bar is a wonderful addition to the coffee scene in Boone. With drinks from delicious chai’s to special teas to elevated classic coffees, Drip is a definite stop on your cozy coffee tour of the High Country.

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Espresso News (Boone, NC)

Espresso News is a staple in the Boone area. A long beloved coffee spot for locals, students, and visitors alike, there’s a reason this spot has withstood the test of time. Located in the heart of Downtown Boone with a cozy, eclectic atmosphere, and flavorful coffee, Espresso News has a full espresso bar, smoothies, hot chocolate, and pastries made in-house daily.

Talia Espresso Boone (Boone, NC)

Located on King Street in Downtown Boone, Talia’s Espresso offers a wide variety of coffee to choose from in their cozy space. With delightful brews like Blackberry Lavender Lattes, Cinnabun, Hummingbird Latte, and more there’s so many sips to enjoy at Talia’s. Besides yummy coffee, Talia’s has a wide variety of specialty drinks, hot & cold drinks, cozy spots to sit, and serves smoothies and pastries.

Kovu’s Coffee (Boone, NC)

Enjoy dog-gone good coffee on your next adventure to Boone at Kovu’s Coffee. Kovu’s offers a cozy spot for you AND your pup to enjoy some coffee, beverages, and treats. In addition to their delicious coffee, this adorable spot, just a short walk from Appalachian State University also offers hot chocolate, nitro cold brews, specialty drinks, and a selection of baked goods. 

P.S. Besides having awesome coffee, Kovu’s is the perfect spot to visit because your pup can join you in their cozy space.

Higher Grounds Coffee Shop (Boone, NC)

Whether you’re in the mood for a normal cup of coffee or a fancy drink, you can’t go wrong with any choices you make at Higher Grounds. A cozy spot, with old school vibes located away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, Higher Grounds offers visitors a spot to work, cozy up, and even ‘grind-your-own’ beans. In addition to their amazing coffee options, you can also indulge yourself in one of their espresso creations, specialty beverages, coffee basics, and specialty hot chocolate.

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Mountain Dog Coffee (Foscoe, NC)

Another new spot to the area, Mountain Dog Coffee located in Foscoe, NC (just a short drive from Boone), will be you AND your dog's favorite coffee spot in the area. Housed in a former pet store in a newly renovated, beautiful stone building and with a dog park (!) right outside, Mountain Dog is the perfect place for you and your dog to have a good time. & with classic drinks like cortados to specialty drinks like white chocolate hot chocolate there is something for everyone (and your pup) to enjoy at Mountain Dog Coffee. 

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Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. (Banner Elk, NC)

Located in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain, Mountain Grounds in Banner Elk, is a cozy, comfortable coffee shop perfect for dropping in or staying all day. 

They serve tasty cups of coffee but also an array of specialty drinks, delectable & warm apple ciders, and other seasonally inspired drinks. You can accompany any of their drinks with an array of delicious locally made pastries, cinnamon rolls, breakfast burritos, or snacks. 

Insider Tip: On weekends, enjoy one of their specialty toast options like avocado, apple butter, or nutella - YUM!

Fred & Larry’s Coffee (Banner Elk, NC)

A Banner Elk staple, with great vibes and strong coffee, Fred & Larry’s Coffee offers many different coffee, espresso, and latte options for visitors to enjoy. If neither of those choices entice you, they also offer specialty hot chocolate, tea, smoothies, kratom, and kava to drink. And on certain days, enjoy live music and local art around the shop!

Banner Elk Café

Known for their gourmet hot chocolate and yummy coffee, the Banner Elk Café has its own espresso bar that serves fresh roasted coffees, hot teas, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, and fresh baked bagels and pastries. Feeling a bit peckish? Be sure to also enjoy a delicious breakfast or meal while you’re there.

Starting a day (or ending it) with a local cup of coffee is the perfect way to get you geared up for adventure or to wind it down. With so many coffee spots in the High Country AND all kinds of fun activities, you’ll never be bored or non-caffeinated on a trip to Chetola Resort. We hope to see you with a cup of coffee in hand soon!

*If you’re winding down your day, and don’t want to leave the comfort of Chetola for a beverage, join us at Timberlake’s Restaurant for a plethora of delicious beverage options.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Chetola Weddings

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. 

  1. Do you require a day-of coordinator?
  • We do require a day-of coordinator for weddings with over 100 guests. Otherwise we would recommend having one to make sure your day is running smoothly. 
  1. What does Chetola include with the venue fee? What am I responsible for?
  • Included in the cost of the venue fee, Chetola provides tables, chairs, linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes. We also have special event enhancements, listed in our Wedding Guide. 
  • Florals, photography, hair & makeup, music, and cake are all up to you!We do have a list of vendors that we have worked with and recommend as well. 
  1. Is there a food and beverage minimum?
  • There is, that is dependant on the venue you select. 
  1. Do you offer tastings?
  • If you book we offer free tastings for up to 4 people
  • If you want to have a tasting before booking, there is an additional cost. But that payment will go toward your event costs if you end up booking.
  1. What is the overtime policy?
  • Typical wedding event contracts are for 4 hours. Each additional hour is $250. 
  1. What if it rains?
  • We always have a plan! It depends on the guest count and if there is a space being used for a reception. 
  1. Is outside catering allowed?
  • Timberlake’s, our onsite restaurant will take care of all your food and beverage needs. Outside food and beverage is not permitted unless approved by General Manager
  1. Is liability insurance required?
  • Not required but recommended. 
  1. What information do you need for a quote?
  • To provide you with an estimate, we need to know your venue(s), food selection (plated dinner, buffet tier, or stations), alcohol selection (beer, wine, liquor tier), and any event enhancements you may want to add on.
  1.  How does paying a deposit work?
  • The first deposit payment comes after signing the contract. The cost of the first deposit is the amount of the venue fees. The payments afterwards will be the food and beverage cost, and any enhancements, divided up. 
Photo Credit: Dawn Marie Photo

 

Questions for your Venue

  • Is it available on your chosen day?
  • Will it accommodate your guests?
  • Is it close to your ceremony venue?
  • How long is the rental for?
  • How much does it cost for the space itself and how much are the food and beverage minimums?
  • Is the price within your budget?
  • Does it have in-house caterers with menus you like?
  • Will there be other weddings taking place on the same day?
  • Can you move furniture and pictures?
  • Is there accommodations for guests, and will they be offered a discount?
  • Are you able to have a marquee/band/candles/fireworks?
  • If you want, can you have a full bar?
  • Does the quote price include the service charges?
  • Who will your main point of contact be and who will be on site that day?

    Photo Credit: Dawn Marie Photo

Questions for your Caterer  (for Chetola Weddings, all events are catered by Timberlake's Restaurant)

  • Can menus be mixed and matched?
  • Can they alter menus to fit your budget and requirements?
  • Do they offer menu tasting service as part of the consultation?
  • What does the service include? Do they provide wait staff?
  • Do they provide alcohol?
  • If you do provide your own wine, will the corkage costs offset your savings

 

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!

18-12 Months Before

  • Decide on budget
  • Narrow down dates & check with Chetola Weddings Manager to see availability
  • Pick one of the beautiful venue locations at Chetola Resort
  • Research vendors
  • Guest list first draft

12-10 Months Before

  • Book vendors 
  • Take engagement photos
  • Decide on bridal party
  • Send save the dates

10-8 Months Before

  • Registry
  • Order your dress 
  • Book DJ/band
  • Cake tasting & order cake
  • Plan decor

8-6 Months Before

  • Book honeymoon
  • Purchase wedding bands
  • Order bridesmaids dresses
  • Create song list
  • Hotel block
  • Book rehearsal dinner

4 Months Before

  • Confirm vendors
  • Order groomsmen attire
  • Order invitations
  • Bridal party gifts
  • Dress fittings
  • Apply for marriage license
  • Hair and makeup trials
  • Finalize timeline
  • Finalize menu with Chetola Resort & Timberlake's Restaurant
  • Send invites

2 Months Out

  • Finalize seating chart
  • Review ceremony with officiant
  • Write/decide on vows
  • Review songs with DJ/band
  • Purchase day of accessories
  • Confirm day of transportation
  • Confirm details with vendors

1 Month Out

  • Bachelor/Bachelorette parties (Chetola Sporting Reserve is a great spot to enjoy the day with friends)
  • Final fitting
  • Order Thank You cards

2 Weeks Before

  • Final dress fitting
  • Review music
  • Haircut/color
  • Organize outstanding payments
  • Give final guest list/food allergies
  • Must have images to photographer

1 Week Before

  • Finalize seating chart
  • Send out day-of schedule
  • Confirm with vendors

2 Days Before

  • Pack day of essentials
  • Mani/pedi at the Spa at Chetola Resort (advance reservations required)

Day Before

  • Get excited

Ready to start planning your wedding celebrations at Chetola Resort? Inquire with us about your dates by visiting https://chetola.com/weddings/

And to help you plan, download our Wedding Timeline Checklist Here: