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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.

*Note: if you are new to the sport, we would recommend going with an experienced rider or someone familiar with the trails as many trails around the High Country can be considered as strenuous.

Here are a few of our favorite mountain biking spots around the area:

Photo by: Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park (Located in Boone, NC)

Rocky Knob is a 185-acre park with 10 miles of bike trails and three dedicated skills areas. There is a pump track for beginner mountain bikers to learn and improve skills, and a playground for visitors to enjoy. Hikers are also allowed to use the trails, however, they must follow signage that directs them in the opposite direction of bikers.

Photo by: W. Kerr Scott Reservoir

Kerr Scott Reservoir Trails: Warrior Creek, Dark Mountain, & Overmountain Victory Mountain Bike Trails (Located in Wilkesboro, NC)

The W. Kerr Scott Reservoir trail system has over 20 miles of single-track for mountain bikers to enjoy. The Kerr Scott Trails are known for flow (it’s been called a free rollercoaster) and berms.

Photo by: Cub Creek Park

Cub Creek Park (Located in Wilkesboro, NC)

Cub Creek is a 117.52-acre park that borders downtown Wilkesboro. Visitors can enjoy 4 different mountain bike trails along with many other park amenities including water fountains, restrooms, and picnic shelters (for a mid-ride snack).

Photo by: Zacks Fork Trail

Zack’s Fork Trail (Located in Lenoir, NC)

Zacks Fork Trail is a community-built, beginner-friendly, public mountain bike trail. There is currently only one trail, but expansion plans are in progress. Runners and walkers are welcome on this trail!

Photo by: Emerald Outback

Emerald Outback (Located in Beech Mountain, NC)

The Emerald Outback trail system has nearly seven miles of gorgeous and challenging trails. The trails are mostly single-track and double-track trails, with a few grassy roads and a gravel fire road. These trails are open for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers.

Photo by: Beech Mountain Ski Resort

Beech Mountain & Sugar Mountain (Located in Beech Mountain & Sugar Mountain NC)

If you’re an experienced downhill rider, then the trails at Beech and Sugar Mountain are your spot to adventure. The terrain offers something for every rider, from the beginner to experienced. But some of the terrain can be steep and technical, with lots of rocks and obstacles. The Beech and Sugar Mountain Bike Parks require lift tickets to enter the trail systems.

 

If you’re looking for a little bit of a calmer ride, here are a few rides we’d recommend:

Photo by: High Country Visitors Guide

Boone Greenway (Located in Boone, NC)

The Boone Greenway is a fully accessible trail for all types of adventurers including, cyclists, walkers, runners, wheelchairs, strollers, and hikers. Whether you’re looking for gravel or pavement, the Boone Greenway offers a fun (and flat) biking experience for riders.

Photo by: Virginia Creeper Trail

Virginia Creeper Trail (Located in Damascus / Abingdon, Virginia)

The perfect day adventure for kids and families is the Virginia Creeper Trail. Located only about an hour from Blowing Rock, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a multi-use trail with opportunities to bike, walk, run, fish, horseback ride, people watch, cross country ski, and geocache.

 

Whatever trail you choose to ride, we hope you have fun out there! And remember to wear your helmet and all other appropriate safety gear!

 

And after a day of epic riding…

Relax your muscles at the Spa at Chetola Resort or with a delicious meal at Timberlake’s Restaurant with dessert (you’ve earned it!).

 

For more information on trails and trail status visit https://ridenwnctrails.com/

And if you’re in need of a tune-up or have specific bike questions visit our friends over at Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters (just a short ride or walk from Chetola) for any of your bicycle needs during your visit to Blowing Rock!

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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.

Whether you are looking for a fun new outfit, gifts for friends, Moon Pies & RC Cola, farm fresh vegetables, or a spot to support local artisans, here are a few of our favorite spots to shop during your visit this spring and summer:

Downtown Blowing Rock (2 min drive, 12 min walk)

Downtown Blowing Rock, just a short walk or drive from Chetola Resort is one of our favorite spots to find unique boutiques, art, jewelry, antiques, and home decor shops. With countless spots to shop for unique finds (and lots of delicious restaurants nearby for a midday snack) you could spend all day exploring everything that Downtown BR has to offer.

tanger shoppes on the parkway

Tanger Outlets (4 min drive, 7 min walk)

With your favorite stores like Banana Republic, Columbia (coming soon), Gap, and stores only in the High Country like The Trading Shoppes, High Country Herbs and Holistic, and Docs Rocks Gem Mine, there is somewhere for everyone to shop at Tanger Outlets. And May – November on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, support local artisans at Tanger’s Artisan Markets!

Downtown Boone (17 min drive)

With most shopping located on the iconic King Street, experience the best of the Boone area by shopping a wide selection of great antique stores, craft venues, art galleries, and specialty shops.

Mast General Store (Boone Store – 17 min drive, Original Store – 26 min drive)

Take a step back in time at the Mast General Store. Visit the Boone location or the original Mast Store location in Valle Crucis! Whichever Mast Store you choose to experience, make sure you don’t miss out on the Candy Barrel where you can treat yourself to all your favorite nostalgic candies! Or if candy is not your thing, be sure to pick up a Moon Pie and an RC Cola!

Southern Highland Craft Guild (6 min drive)

Shop some of the best hand-crafted goods inspired by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Moses Cone Manor. After shopping, experience the beauty of the Cone Estate by hiking a few miles on some of the carriage trails surrounding the property.

Blowing Rock Farmers Market (3 min drive)

Opening May 20 and located right in the heart of Downtown Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Farmers Market hosts local vendors every week on Thursdays from 3-6pm on Park Ave in Downtown Blowing Rock. Shop for fresh flowers, local beef, local produce, plants, and more on your next visit to the Blowing Rock Farmers Market!

Watauga County Farmers Market (14 min drive)

Every Saturday morning from May until November, start your weekend out with a stop at the Watauga County Farmers Market. Whether you are a local or just up for a weekend visit, the WCFM is the place to be on Saturday mornings for live music, delicious pastries & biscuits, local produce, and handmade art. Stop by and experience one of the most enjoyable markets in western North Carolina.

Blowing Rock Art in the Park (3 min drive)

Support even more local artists when you visit a Blowing Rock Art in the Park event! Once a month, May through October, visitors are invited to enjoy arts and crafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Each show will feature a different set of artists with a wide variety of artistic mediums – so be sure to stop by every month to see new artisans!

If you would rather stay on property for a shopping experience, check out the Chetola Gift Shop where we have official Chetola merchandise, Orvis® fly-fishing gear, and locally crafted gifts!

Enjoy exploring the shops of the High Country!

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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:

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery (23 min drive)

Enjoy an award-winning glass of wine from a local, family-owned vineyard on the banks of the Watauga River with a view of Grandfather Mountain. With delicious wines, tasty food trucks, and a relaxing ambiance, your visit to Grandfather Vineyard & Winery will be a highlight of your trip.

Banner Elk Winery (40 min drive)

Offering tastings, tours, and awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk Winery is a must-stop on your winery tour of the High Country. Stop by to enjoy excellent wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains and take a bottle from your trip home with you.

Linville Falls Winery (43 min drive)

A family-owned and operated vineyard and winery, a visit to Linville Falls Winery is an experience you don’t want to miss. Located just a mile away from its namesake Linville Falls, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a beautiful hike and “earn your wine”. With a variety of wine options, yoga, chocolate, live music, food trucks, and beautiful scenery, add Linville Falls Winery to your Wine Tasting Bucket List.

Watauga Lake Winery (51 min drive)

Discover the first winery in Johnson County, Tennessee, and walk through history in their historical Dry Run Schoolhouse Winery. Inspired by the wines and scenery of Italy, these award-winning wines are made for every palate.

Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery (1 hr 9 min drive)

Travel to Tuscany right in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards. With vineyard tours, wine tasting, their annual Fest Italiana, and gorgeous views, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Raffaldini Vineyards.

If you would rather stay on property for a delicious glass of wine, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort offers elusive wines that you won’t find in stores. We’ll save you a glass!

Enjoy your winery tour of the High Country!

Visit https://www.highcountrywinetrail.com/ to see all the vineyards and wineries along the trail!

Kick Off the Summer Memorial Day Bonus

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Cool spring breezes, lake activities, bonfires with s’mores, endless adventures, and time spent with loved ones. Welcome to the warm season in Blowing Rock!

Enjoy a private escape in one of our vacation rentals, and receive resort credit to use towards our sporting reserve, spa, new fly shop, and on-site restaurant. It’s the perfect time to visit!

Stay 3 nights or more over Memorial Day and Receive a $50/ night Resort Credit

• Stay 3 nights in a Chetola Premier Condominium
• New Winter Menu at Timberlake’s Restaurant
• Ask about our onsite activities at check-in!

Use code MEMO when booking with one of our guest service team members.

Call now to book your private escape!
800-243-8652

*Condos only. Must stay 3 nights or more to receive a credit of $50/ night; can be used for current or future stays; new reservations only; based on availability; cannot be combined with other offers; Must book by May 18 for stays May 22, 2022-May 31, 2022; 

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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. Here are a few of our High Country favorites just a short drive from Chetola Resort:

Photo by: Blowing Rock Brewing Company

Blowing Rock Brewing Company (2 min drive)

It is Blowing Rock Brewing Company’s mission to “not just craft the highest quality mountain artisan beer, but to create a high-quality experience for enjoying our beer as well.” These delicious Blowing Rock Drafts are just a short walk (or drive) from Chetola Resort. Enjoy a cold one while exploring Downtown Blowing Rock!

Photo by: Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boone (13 min drive)

Located in the heart of Boone, Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB), has something for everyone. With delightful beers and unique ciders, you will not be leaving without a 6-pack in hand to enjoy later on.

Photo by: Booneshine Brewing Company

Booneshine Brewing Company, Boone (17 min drive)

With the option to drink and dine in their tasting room or outside in their beer garden, you will not be disappointed with a trip to Booneshine. With weekly trivia, running clubs, and a guaranteed good time, make sure you add Booneshine to your trip itinerary.

Photo by: Lost Province Brewing Company

Lost Province Brewing Company, Boone (17 min drive)

Lost Province, located in Downtown Boone, is a microbrewery that serves up tasty pints and delicious meals in a fun atmosphere. With live music, trivia, and other fun events, there is always a good reason to stop by Lost Province.

If you are up for a little more of an adventure, check out these spots a little further down the road:

Kettell Beerworks, Banner Elk (36 min drive)

Boondocks Brewing, West Jefferson (40 min drive)

New River Brewing, West Jefferson (40 min drive)

Beech Mountain Brewing Company, Beech Mountain (49 min drive)

Molley Chomper Hard Cider, Lansing (56 min drive)

If you don’t want to leave the resort, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort offers local North Carolina beers on tap. We’ll save you a seat at the pub!

Enjoy your brewery tour of the High Country!

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Saturday, April 3

Easter Egg Dyeing from 11 am to 1 pm

This event will be held outside the porch near the pool if it’s nice outside, or in the upstairs gym (rain location).

To-Go Easter Craft Bag from 11 am to 1 pm

Easter Egg Hunt 2 pm

This event will be held on the front lawn. If it is raining, the hunt will be held in the lodge. If held outside, please meet by the arbor. If inside, please meet in the Highlands
Recreation Center. Some bunny will see you there!

Helicopter Egg Drop at Alpha and Omega Maze

April 2-3, 9 am - 4 pm, Alpha and Omega Maze (Hamptonville, NC)

Tweetsie Railroad Reopens April 2

The Easter Bunny is coming to Tweetsie Railroad Easter weekend. He will be here to meet and take photos with your family during your visit.

High Gravity Adventures Aerial Adventure Park opens for spring 11 am - 6 pm

Sky Valley Zip Tours opens for spring tours 

Sunday, April 4

Easter Dine-In Brunch will be offered from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Reservations are required. Please call 828-295-5505 to make a reservation.

Easter Curbside To-Go Meal Reservations

Curbside pick-up slots are available from 12 pm - 3 pm on April 4, 2021 Please call 828-295-5505 to make a reservation.

Timberlake's Restaurant will be open for regular dinner service from 4 pm-9 pm.

Tweetsie Railroad Reopens April 2

The Easter Bunny is coming to Tweetsie Railroad Easter weekend. He will be here to meet and take photos with your family during your visit.

High Gravity Adventures Aerial Adventure Park opens for spring 11 am - 6 pm

Sky Valley Zip Tours opens for spring tours 

Accessibility Statement

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Chetola Resort is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and applying the relevant accessibility standards. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. We do our best to follow these guidelines to ensure continual compliance.

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Chetola Resort. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility issues on the Chetola Resort website.
Please call 828-295-5500
Email: guestservices@chetola.com
Mailing address: PO Box 17, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

If you have any trouble with accessibility issues, our guest services team is happy to help you reserve a room directly by calling 828-295-5500.

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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.

To enhance your drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (during your stay), we’ve put together a list of of our favorite spots, all just a few miles from the resort:

Raven Rocks Overlook (Milepost 289.5)

Raven Rocks Overlook provides a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains. It is a favorite for picnics and sunset views. Our favorite type of picnic is enjoying a meal from Timberlake’s while enjoying the sunset. Also, if you’re up for a hike, you can hop on the Mountains to Sea Trail (Segment 5) for a few miles- located directly adjacent to the parking area.

Thunder Hill Overlook (Milepost 290.4)

Thunder Hill Overlook is one of the most popular overlooks in the area because it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. For a little bit of adventure, there is a small trail across the roadway that takes you on a short hike in a pasture with several apple trees. And, if you are interested in an after-dark adventure, Thunder Hill Overlook provides an astounding view of stars!

Moses Cone Memorial Park (Milepost 294)

The Flat Top Manor at Moses Cone Memorial Park is an iconic piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, you can experience views of Bass Lake, explore miles of hiking trails or the historic estate itself, discover the Southern Highlands Craft Guild shop, and further experience the property with ranger-led tours and open houses (check online for their opening schedule).

At Moses Cone, we love to bring a meal and our favorite picnic blanket and find a spot on the grounds to enjoy the estate. Or, if we’re up for an adventure, we love to follow the trail to Flat Top Fire Tower or Rich Mountain.

Price Park Picnic Area (Milepost 297)

Pick-up lunch at Timberlake’s and enjoy a meal by Boone Fork Creek and Sim’s Creek at Price Park’s 100-site picnic area. It is open year-round (comfort stations are closed in winter) and makes a perfect spot to be surrounded by the great outdoors while savoring a delicious meal.

If you’re up for more of an adventure, hop on the Boone Fork Trail (5.4 miles round trip) which will take you past Hebron Falls!

Price Lake (Milepost 297)

The view at Price Lake can’t be beaten. Kayak, canoe, fish, hike around the lake, or drive across the dam and take in the view of Grandfather Mountain. With so many activities, as well as spots around the lake to enjoy a snack or a view, everyone in the family will enjoy a stop at Price Lake.

No matter what season you choose to visit, the Blue Ridge Parkway has something for everyone to enjoy.

Spend your days adventuring and your evenings by the fire on your next stay at Chetola Resort.

**When you go out venturing on the parkway or anywhere in the High Country please be sure to leave the area you visited better than you found it so everyone can enjoy it.

 

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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!

Shepherd’s Pie
(Yields 4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

Mash Potatoes:

3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup of sour cream

1/4 cup of grated parmesan

salt and black pepper

Worcestershire Gravy:

2 qt of reserved stock

1/4 cup Worcestershire

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

3tbsp tomato paste

2tbsp picked fresh thyme

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup flour

salt and black pepper

Braised Lamb Shank:

4 lb lamb foreshanks

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped garlic

1 cup tomato paste

3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 sprig of fresh rosemary

1 gallon of beef stock

2 cups red wine (burgundy, cabernet, etc.)

salt and black pepper

oil for searing

1 lb Frozen Vegetables:

We use a 5 vegetable blend but peas and carrots work fine as well

 

Preparation:

Braised Lamb: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place a large dutch oven over high heat. Season
lamb generously with salt and black pepper then once the pan is very hot, sear lamb on all sides. Set
lamb aside. In the same pan, turn the heat down to medium and add oil and onions, carrots, celery, and
season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes then add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2
minutes then deglaze with wine. Add fresh herbs. Add lamb shanks back to the pan with the
vegetables and add beef stock until the lamb is almost covered. Place lid on pan and place in
preheated oven for 3.5 hours or until meat is tender and falling off the bone. Once cool, pull the lamb
meat from the bones and strain the stock. As stock cools the fat will rise to the top. Skim off as much
fat as possible and save the stock to make the gravy.
Mash Potatoes: Peel and Chop Potatoes. Place butter and cream in a small pot on low heat. Boil
potatoes in water until tender. Drain. Add cream, butter, and sour cream to potatoes, and use a whisk
or hand blender to mash potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Worcestershire Gravy: In a large pot add oil and flour and whisk over medium heat for a few
minutes until the flour smells a little nutty and is a light brown color. Add stock and rest of ingredients
whisking constantly to get rid of any lumps. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low and cook for a
few minutes until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Assembly: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine vegetables and Lamb
together. Add gravy until the mixture is wet and saucy but not soupy. In a 4 Quart casserole dish add
meat mixture leaving a half-inch from the top. Now add mash potatoes and smooth with a spatula. Cover with
plastic wrap then aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and
plastic wrap and bake for additional 10 minutes or until mash potatoes are golden brown. Let rest at
room temperature for 15 minutes. Garnish with scallions or chives

We hope you enjoy experiencing this Timberlake's classic from home! We hope to see you soon for a meal here at the resort!

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March is incredible in the High Country, as one can enjoy the activities of every season all in the same month. There is snow in the higher elevations for winter fun, while the rest of the area begins to enjoy spring-like weather. It is entirely possible to ski in the morning and ride horses or shoot clays in the afternoon. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides endless "winter" views, as the leaves do not come out until late April. Along the way, there are several favorite stops to get outside and enjoy time with family. Longer days mean more time outside to walk, hike, bike, fish, play, or do whatever you like in the great outdoors. Be sure to check out why it is so important to get kids outside regardless of the weather.

And, behind the scenes, we are busy updating Chetola Lodge's 2nd floor and completely renovating the 3rd floor. We are building a new fitness center and working on a new retail shop and coffee bar- stay tuned for more details coming soon! Our culinary team is working on a new menu for the season, and has even allowed us into their recipe vault to be able to share Matt River's Shepherd's Pie. Yum!

If you are looking for a fun, safe, and stunningly beautiful getaway, Blowing Rock is a great choice.