Tag: blowing rock

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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.

While you can’t go wrong with any trail you choose to wander down in the summer season, a few of our all time favorites are: 

Price Lake

This 2.3 mile loop around Price Lake is the perfect trail for any level of adventurer. Between the breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain reflecting on Price Lake, the beautiful blooms, rhododendron tunnels, and various terrain types, this trail will delight those who want a relaxing lake experience, as well as those who want epic mountain views (without the climb). And, if you’re still looking for some additional adventure after you trek around the lake, visit Price Lake Boat Rentals where you can enjoy Price Lake from a canoe, kayak, or paddle board!

Important Note: This trail can get extremely muddy after rains. Please proceed with caution after inclement weather.

Linville Falls

Linville Falls is considered one of the area's most beautiful waterfalls. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and marking the beginning of the Linville Gorge, Linville Falls is an iconic waterfall and a must-see for all hiking enthusiasts. With 4 different trails and viewpoints of Linville Falls, there is a trail (and a view) for everyone’s tastes. 3 of the trails are considered easy treks, while the 4th is considered as strenuous and only recommended for experienced hikers. 

Important Note: This hike can get extremely busy during the warmer months especially on weekends. Please plan to hike early in the morning or during the weekdays. And remember to leave this area better than you found it.

Black Rock Trail

The Black Rock Trail is a 1.8 mile moderate hike on Grandfather Mountain where hikers can enjoy a forested trail, giant boulders, short ladder/cable climbs, and panoramic views of Beacon Heights, Grandmother Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the peaks of Macrae and Attic Window. 

Important Note: Black Rock Trail is located on the private portion of Grandfather Mountain and requires park admission ($$) to access. Park admission includes access to multiple trails, animal habitats, Mile-High Swinging Bridge, and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. This trail also includes ladders and cables at the end to access some of the view points.

Crab Orchard Falls

The 1.4 mile trek to Crab Orchard Falls is a moderate, uphill trek that leads to small water pools and beautiful cascading waterfalls. Winding up through forested areas, with tall trees, and wonderful nature sounds, this hike is worth the uphill climb to enjoy the views beyond. And since what goes up, must come down, enjoy a gradual downhill all the way back to your vehicle as you enjoy the hike back.

Important Note: The wooden bridge to Crab Orchard Falls can be slick. Use caution when walking this part of the trail.

 

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re hoping to embark on during your next visit to Chetola, any or all of these hikes are the perfect escape into the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us soon at Chetola for beautiful sunny days and epic trails!

 

*Always hike at your own risk.

**Leave what you find. Do not pick, rip, or trample flowers or other flora. Take only photos.

***Please remember when exploring these beautiful trails to leave the area better than you found it so that others can enjoy its natural beauty.

For more information on how to responsibly recreate on the trails and across North Carolina visit https://www.visitnc.com/outdoornc

 

 

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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! 

If you’re ready for an adventure through the trees, here’s where to plan your zip trip:

Photo Courtesy of Hawksnest Zipline & Snow Tubing

Hawksnest Zipline

Located in beautiful Seven Devils, NC and with 3 different zip tours to choose from, Hawksnest Zipline is a great option for first time zipliners or for those looking to experience a new course. Their Zipline Hawk Tour is an 11 cable tour, 1.5 miles of cable riding, with heights over 150 ft. The Eagle Tour is great for those who want to enjoy almost 3 miles of cable riding, with cables flying over 1200 feet. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, try the Do It All Zip Tour that includes all 20 cables, 4 mega zips, and 3 swinging bridges.

No matter what level of adventure through the trees you’re hoping to enjoy, Hawknest has an option for every explorer!

Photo Courtesy of High Gravity Adventures

High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park

High Gravity Adventures isn’t just zip line tours: it’s zip tours, adventure parks, giant swings, or an option to do all the activities they offer! On their zip line tours, zip through the tree tops, venture over the sky bridge, and take the plunge on their freefall experience. If adventure parks are more your thing, High Gravity’s Blue Ridge Course or Foothills Adventure offers experiences with aerial obstacle courses and zip lines. Or if you really want to ride a giant swing, High Gravity offers giant swing rides which swings you to a 45 ft plunge. But if ultimate adventure is on your bucket list you can zip, climb, and swing all in one day.

Sky Valley Zip Tours

Sky Valley Zip Tours stands out from the crowd with its canopy tours, night flight zip, and kid zip. And with 10 different zip lines, cliff jumping, and a swinging bridge Sky Valley Zip Tours will bring out the adventurer in everyone. Their canopy tours fly 300 ft above the valley and include a 1600 foot cable, Big Mama. On a night flight zip tour (the only night zip in the High Country), night owls can enjoy the thrill of zip lining in the dark. And on their kid zip, kiddos can enjoy 7 fun ziplines and an epic 20 ft slide through the forest. Whether you want to day zip, night zip, or introduce your kiddos to some tree flying fun, Sky Valley Zip Tours is the perfect choice for your family vacation to Chetola Resort.

 

There's nothing quite like feeling the mountain wind on your face as you fly through the trees on a zipline. No matter what type of tree flying adventure you and your family are looking to enjoy, these 3 awesome spots near Chetola are sure to fill your day with flying fun! We can’t wait to see you on your next adventure to Blowing Rock!

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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!

Stack Rock Overlook (Milepost 304.8)

From the Stack Rock parking area along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hop on the Tanawha Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail heading North to reach Stack Rock. Upon reaching Stack Rock you will come upon a natural rock formation of a rock pillar and enjoy views of the mountains beyond. From this point you can continue along the MST/Tanawha Trail for as long as you’d like, or you can turn around and head back to the Overlook.

The trail to Stack Rock is not long, but it can be somewhat strenuous with big rocks and steep climbs to get to the rock formation. Please use caution and come prepared with the correct footwear and gear.

   

Rich Mountain (Start at Trout Lake or Shulls Mill Road)

To find this section of the MST, follow Shull’s Mill Road from Blowing Rock, just past Trout Lake until you see a gate and a small parking area. Follow the gravel carriage trail up and then signs for Rich Mountain.

Attached to the Moses Cone Memorial Park Trail System, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail follows the MST for about 1 mile before you  can choose to continue following the Mountains to Sea Trail as far as you want to go or continue up the trail to the peak of Rich Mountain (about another 1.5 miles).

The path up to Rich Mountain is a very gentle climb along a gravel carriage trail with multiple views along the way in mountain side meadows. At the summit, savor views of the surrounding mountains like Grandfather Mountain and Flat Top Mountain along with the historic stonework from when the Cones enjoyed the property.

If you want more time on this section of the MST, extend your hike by starting at Trout Lake and then hiking up to the peak of Rich Mountain.

**If parking area is full, please park at Trout Lake or find another spot to hike for the day. Do not park on the road or block road from Trout Lake.

Raven’s Rock Overlook (Milepost 289.5)

After enjoying the view from Raven’s Rock, you can follow the  MST from this overlook by finding the trail to the left or right side of the parking lot. The right-side section of the trail is along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the left side is through the trees from the parking lot.

If you take the MST to the right, enjoy traversing through cow fields and forests with views of mountain ranges in the distance. If you take the trail to the left, you’ll enjoy a forested hike and eventually come out to views of panoramic mountain ranges.

*Park at the Raven Rock Overlook area to enjoy this section of the MST.

 

Some of the best adventures are the ones that are off the beaten trail. We hope that you’ll be able to discover some new adventures and make wonderful memories  down the Mountains to Sea Trail on your next visit to Chetola Resort.

Reminders for hiking:

*Follow Outdoor NC’s and Leave No Trace’s 7 principles for recreating in the outdoors https://www.visitnc.com/outdoornc

**Leave what you find. Do not pick, rip, or trample flowers or plants. Take only photos.

***Please remember when exploring these beautiful trails to leave the area better than you found it so that others can enjoy its natural beauty.

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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:

Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort

We’re a little biased… but the most delicious spot to enjoy live music in Blowing Rock is Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort. With live music throughout the entire year and the only spot to enjoy music on a Wednesday night in the High Country, you don’t want to miss the fun at Timberlake’s.

In the summer, you can enjoy live music at Timberlake’s Wednesday – Saturday nights from 6 – 9pm. In the winter, join us Thursday – Saturday for live music 6 – 9pm.

Visit https://chetola.com/dining-2/ to view our full live music lineup.

Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer or on the weekends, we always recommend making a reservation to ensure you can enjoy the music.

Photo Courtesy of the Town of Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Concerts in the Park

Sundays after strolling through Art in the Park, throughout June - September join the town of Blowing Rock at 4 pm for live music in Memorial Park! Bring your chair, some delicious snacks from a local restaurant, and enjoy the tunes!

Blowing Rock Town Concert Series at Broyhill Park

Start your week off right with a Monday night concert at Broyhill Park. Monday nights July - August enjoy concerts at the gazebo at 7 pm. Bring a chair or blanket and a to-go meal from Timberlake’s for a guaranteed good time.

Photo Courtesy Green Park Inn

Music on the Veranda at Green Park Inn

End your week with good music and a good time at the Green Park Inn. On Sunday afternoons, mid-June through October enjoy live music from 5 – 8 pm.

Music on the Lawn at Inn at Ragged Gardens

Your Friday night just got better. Join Inn at Ragged Gardens for live music every Friday 5:30  - 8:30, May – October. A cash bar and lawn menu are available during these events. They ask that your furry friends stay home.

Pro-Tip: Arrive early (like really early) and bring your own chair. This live music event tends to be very popular and the lawn fills up quickly.

Photo Courtesy of Town of Boone, Jones House

Jones House Community Center in Boone

Spending the day in Boone? Enjoy live music every Friday July – August from 5 – 7 pm on the front porch of the Jones House in Downtown Boone. Pick up a snack from a local restaurant, bring a chair or blanket, and appreciate some great tunes.

Photo Courtesy of The Speckled Trout

Tunes at the Trout at Speckled Trout

Revel in the sounds of the mountains when you enjoy a delicious meal and boot-stomping tunes on Thursday nights at The Speckled Trout from 6-8 pm. Right on Main Street in Blowing Rock, you will not only enjoy the music but the sights and sounds of the town.

Photo Courtesy of Town of Banner Elk

Banner Elk Music in the Park

Enjoy eclectic music at 6:30, July - September on the outdoor stage at Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk. With food, beer, and wine vendors on-site you can grab a snack and enjoy the live music all night long.

Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Music Trails

Backstreet Park Summer Concerts in West Jefferson

Be entertained with traditional bluegrass, country, and gospel music every 3rd Friday from June – August at the Backstreet of Downtown West Jefferson. Pick up a meal from a local restaurant, grab your favorite chair or picnic blanket, and enjoy great music in the town of West Jefferson.

We hope to see you at Timberlake’s Restaurant or at one of these other amazing outdoor music spaces this season!

For a more extensive list of even more music around the High Country visit, https://highcountryhost.com/NC-High-Country-FREE-Music

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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.

Chetola Resort Bass Lake TRACK Trail

The Chetola Resort Bass Lake TRACK Trail is a 1.8 mile loop that takes hikers down a forested gravel trail and then around Bass Lake. Except for the hill from the parking area to the main trail, this hike is relatively flat and accessible for all abilities of hikers. Along the trail enjoy views of nature critters, high country plants & flowers, horses, Bass Lake, and the Moses Cone Manor up on the hill. The perfect hike for all explorers, the Bass Lake TRACK Trail is a must do on your next visit to Chetola Resort.  And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Moses Cone Trail system has 25+ miles of trails to wander and explore.

Cascades Trail

The Cascades Trail is an easy, 1-mile loop trail located Milepost 271.9 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Deep Gap, NC. This beautiful hike takes adventurers past views, gorgeous High Country plants and spring blooms, before reaching two overlooks that show off the falls. There is an upper and lower view of the falls, and both provide spectacular scenes. If you’re looking for a shorter hike with great views and a waterfall in the middle, then this is the perfect trail to explore.

Important Note: Please do not climb on the falls or atop the stone walls. Both are very slippery and injuries have occurred.

Green Knob Trail

The Green Knob Trail is a moderate, 2.3 mile loop located at Milepost 295.9 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. This adventure takes hikers through a forested area, past mountain streams and Sim’s Pond, under the Parkway, through cow fields filled with flowers (and sometimes butterflies) and then back through the forest to where you began.  Whether you enjoy mountain views, blooms, a beautiful trail, or the potential to see cows, this a great trail to explore on your next visit to Chetola.

Important Note: If you encounter cows, please keep your distance and stay on the trails.

Boone Fork Trail

The Boone Fork Trail is a moderate (but can be strenuous in spots), 5.2 mile loop located at the Price Lake Picnic Area at Milepost 296.4 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. This trail is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It follows Boone Fork Creek for the first few miles through the forest before it leads to Hebron Falls. The trail then continues through the forest over rocks, through fields, showing off views of Grandfather Mountain before it leads you back through the forest to where you started.

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re hoping to embark on during your next visit to Chetola, any or all of these hikes are part of the perfect escape into the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us soon at Chetola for beautiful blooms and epic trails!

 

*Always hike at your own risk.

**Leave what you find. Do not pick, rip, or trample flowers. Take only photos.

***Please remember when exploring these beautiful trails to leave the area better than you found it so that others can enjoy it’s natural beauty.

 

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With selections of everything from fresh produce to original art, apothecary products, and more, our local farmers’ markets are one of the best ways to treat yourself on your next visit to Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, and the High Country.

Whether staying for the week or just a few days, you’ll always find a few goodies from a High Country Farmers’ Market. If you’re looking to stock up on local goods on your visit, here are a few markets close to Chetola (that we love):

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market (Blowing Rock)

The Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to stop for a mid-week selection of local goods and produce from farmers around the High Country. With goods like fresh flowers, goat dairy, baked goods, meat, and more, there’s something that everyone will want to take home at the BR Farmers’ Market! Located right in Downtown Blowing Rock at Blowing Rock Antiques, the Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market is just a 2-minute drive or an 8-minute walk from Chetola Resort so there’s no reason not to check out this market next Thursday when you're in town!

The Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market is May – October, on Thursdays from 2 pm – 6 pm. 

Watauga County Farmers’ Market (Boone)

One of the area's most well-known farmers’ markets, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, provides shoppers with locally made and -produced food, art, music, and crafts in the heart of Boone, NC. Every Saturday of the season, you’ll find fresh produce, locally farmed meats, fresh eggs, artisan chocolate, delicious pastries and breads, fresh-cut flowers, beautiful plants, handcrafted jewelry, original art, herbal tinctures, and more from local vendors. Located at Horn in the West, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market should be your first stop on a Saturday morning in the High Country (they have coffee, too!).

The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is in April – November, on Saturdays from 8 am – 12 pm (9 am start in November).

King Street Farmers’ Market (Boone)

Like the Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, the King Street Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to stop early in the week to stock up on all your favorite locally-made goodies. Powered by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), the King Street Market offers a plethora of local goods like produce, meats, flowers, bread, eggs, crafts, and more! With fun, special event days, a variety of amazing vendors, and a location just off King St. in Boone, you can’t miss this market on your next visit.

The King Street Farmers’ Market is May – October, on Tuesdays from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

And if you’re looking for a Farmers Market during the winter months, BRWIA offers a market on Saturdays from December - March from 10 am-1 pm.

Photo courtesty of Ashe County Farmers Market

 

Ashe County Farmers’ Market (West Jefferson)

Though a little bit more of a drive than some of the other markets, the Ashe County Farmers’ Market is well worth the adventure of experiencing the awesome vendors and the sweet, charming town of West Jefferson.

 With fresh and specialty produce, seasonal fruits, baked goods, homemade breads, fresh cut flowers, local plants, featured artisans, and more, the Ashe County Farmers’ Market is always fresh, always local, and always a good idea to experience during

your trip to the High Country.

The Ashe County Farmers’ Market is April – October, on Saturdays from 8 am – 1 pm with special Holiday Markets in November + December.

Photo courtesy of Avery County Farmers Market

 

Avery County Farmers’ Market (Banner Elk)

Fresh and locally grown food is a staple at the Avery County Farmers’ Market. With fresh fruit and vegetables, local meats, baked goods and breads, flowers and plants, jams, and jellies, and more, the Avery County Farmers’ Market is the perfect spot to grab some fresh goods for your weekend stay in the mountains.

The Avery County Farmers’ Market is May – October, on Thursdays from 4 pm – 6:30 pm.

 

No matter what kind of delicious, local treat you’re hoping to enjoy, the local farmers’ markets have something for everyone. When you shop local and fresh, you know you’re getting the good stuff. We hope you’ll get to explore one of these amazing Farmers’ Markets on your next visit to Chetola Resort! We’ll see you and your local goodies soon!

& if you’re looking for farmers markets in some other areas of the High Country, visit this post by our friends over at High Country Hosts.

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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.

Tucked into the walkway between our lodge rooms and the main lobby, the entrance is surrounded by a hardscape of tall trees. Bark branches gracefully bend overhead, beckoning the ultimate outdoor experiences. This isn’t your typical fly-fishing shop, but we aren’t your typical resort getaway.

As the first Orvis®-endorsed fly-fishing lodge in North Carolina, we are also the home of Orvis®-certified fishing guide, Dustin Coffey. Known for his ability to help guests of all ages and skill levels catch a big one, Coffey and Fly-Fishing Manager, Morgan Tarbutton are known across the Southeast for exceptional fly fishing. Trips with our fly fishing team range from a variety of float trips and wade trips taking place in both public and private waters in the High Country area.

Since the grand opening, groups have used this new space as a place to gather before taking guided fishing trips as well as a space to enjoy and relax. As an Orvis® Platinum Dealer, our new shop is stocked with gear and clothing for adventurers of all kinds. While our primary focus is fishing and outdoor adventure, we offer lattes, macchiatos, espresso shots, and coffee to fuel up. To make the space even more enticing, guests can order food from the pub menu and enjoy it on leather sofas that cozy up to our cozy vapor fireplace. With a pull-down projection screen and video monitors, The Wading Room is also available for private meetings and events.

Co-owner Greg Tarbutton says the new retail area evolved as a natural expansion of the outdoor ethos of the resort. “We’ve built a world-class trout fishing program here at Chetola. What we lacked was a world-class flying fishing shop featuring Orvis® products. Thanks to the hard work of Dustin Coffey, Morgan Tarbutton, and the design skills of Dawn Pearson, we have achieved that vision. The space is comfortable and captures Chetola‘s historic, mountain vibe." Tarbutton says Coffey and Morgan Tarbutton outfitted the fly shop with everything an angler needs for a great day on the water. "Women will be as delighted by our offerings as the gents,” Tarbutton adds.

Ask anyone who stops by, it’s an angler’s happy place, and so much more. We hope to catch you in The Wading Room soon!

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With over 78 acres of sprawling property, Chetola Resort is the perfect place to enjoy our 20+ onsite amenities or to create an adventure of your own! 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. These activities can range from groups of 10 to 100 depending on what you are looking to do. The important part is that you remember to plan ahead!

Did you know that when you stay as a guest at the resort, the resort fee covers amenities like a heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, hiking trails, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, fully stocked ponds, disc golf, paddle boards, kayaks, and more! But if you and your group are looking for something more, at Chetola Resort we offer a variety of activities just for groups!

IMG 1700 scaled

One of the most popular group activities are our nearby hikes. Chetola offers on-site hikes to Moses Cone Memorial Park, Bass Lake, and if you want to go offsite for spectacular views, we can accommodate transportation to the beautiful Rough Ridge hiking area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Our fitness classes are available for our guests but if you are looking to book something unique we offer sunrise yoga, sunset yoga, or group meditation classes. We would love to help you book a private class either on our sprawling lawn, or in one of our cozy meeting spaces. 

The same can be said for another popular onsite activity held inside our heated pool that includes building your own boat from the materials we provide and racing across the pool against your coworkers, friends, or family.  This activity can be booked for teambuilding or just for good laughs and fun.  And don’t forget all of the fun tournaments we can help you coordinate including pickleball tournaments, disc golf tournaments, and fishing tournaments. 

CSR Special

If you wish to take a trip offsite and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, our Chetola Sporting Reserve is only a 25 minute drive from the property. The Sporting Reserve features a beautiful clubhouse, clay shooting, archery, and a pistol range. Play a round on the 5 stand, or participate in our 13 station clay course, which is like golf but better. Reservations are always highly recommended in advance, especially if you are coming with a larger group for this popular activity.  

Another fun offsite activity is our fly fishing trips. Chetola offers half day or full day wade or float trips with our Orvis endorsed guides. If you have never been fly fishing before, do not worry, Chetola offers onsite casting clinics right on our lake and our trips are great for beginner or experienced anglers. Fly fishing trips and casting clinics are always encouraged to be booked in advance for smaller more intimate groups under 20. 

If the outdoors aren’t really your thing, and you just want to kick back and relax, do not forget our onsite full service spa. Corporate groups love treating their guests, employees, and clients to our relaxing massages, facials, and manicures or pedicures. During the summer and fall months our spa can be booked up to a month in advance, so be sure to plan accordingly! 

linvillefallswinery
Linville Falls Winery

And if your group enjoys specialty drinks, local beer, or good food, don’t forget about all of the local restaurants (including the onsite Timberlake’s Restaurant), breweries, and wineries in the area. Chetola is happy to help coordinate brewery and winery tours.  For smaller groups Chetola is happy to accommodate transportation. Our onsite restaurant, Timberlake’s also features a number of delicious appetizers including a savory charcuterie board that you can take with you on the road when you are exploring nearby wineries or breweries.

No matter what your group is interested in, Chetola Resort has a group activity to enhance your visit to Chetola Resort. We can’t wait to welcome you and your group to Chetola Resort!

To make reservations and schedule group activities for your visit please contact our Group Sales Manager, Frank Byrd by emailing frankb@chetola.com.

 

 

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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.;

Chetola Lake
Though we're a little biased, our favorite spot to enjoy a picnic is right on property at Chetola Lake. With picnic tables placed along the lakeside, no matter where your choose to sit, Chetola Lake is the deal spot for enjoying a picnic-style to-go meal from Timberlake's Restaurant. Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of our swans or ducks (but please don't share your picnic with them). 🙂

Broyhill Park (3 minutes from Chetola Resort)
Broyhill Park is located in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful outdoor picnic while savoring views of Mayview Lake. This picturesque picnic spot features a gazebo, walking trail, and a deck for fishing.

Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks (Distance from Chetola Resort varies)
Although you can’t go wrong with any of the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a few of our favorites for picnics include: Julian Price Memorial Park, Thunder Hill Overlook, Raven Rocks Overlook, Jeffress Park, and Linville River. These spots provide beautiful views of mountains, rivers, and a place to enjoy the moment (and a meal) with your favorite people.

Photo courtesy of Watauga Democrat

 

Strawberry Hill (16 minutes from Chetola Resort)
Located in the heart of Boone, Strawberry Hill provides a large grassy area with great views of the town of Boone. And after enjoying your delicious picnic, enjoy a walk along their gentle trails or through the nearby Daniel Boone Gardens.

Sterling Creek Park along Middle Fork Greenway (7 minutes from Chetola Resort)
A peaceful spot by the Middle Fork of the New River, Sterling Creek Park is perfect spot to bring a picnic, read a book, listen to the birds amongst the towering trees, or fish in the mossy-bouldered (not sure this is a word- maybe use quotations or replace) stream. Located along the Middle Fork Greenway across from Mystery Hill, Sterling Creek Park is a hidden slice of nature that the whole family will cherish.

Julian Price Memorial Park (8 minutes from Chetola Resort)
Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 297, visitors can enjoy this idyllic, as well as the largest picnic area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 100-site picnic area along the parkway offers gorgeous spots by Boone Fork Creek, comfort stations, grills, and is only steps away from the Boone Fork Trail – the perfect spot for an after-picnic walk.

Ready to load up your picnic basket and savor quality time outdoors? Check out our most recent menus to plan your picnic for your next getaway to Chetola Resort.

 

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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!

Atlantic Beach Pie

Ingredients:
Yield: 1 pie.

1½ sleeves of saltines or Ritz crackers (about 2 cups)
⅓ to ½ cup softened unsalted butter (the crackers have enough salt!)
4 tablespoons sugar
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
Zest of 1 lemon or lime
½ cup lemon or lime juice, or a mix of the two
Fresh whipped cream and coarse sea salt for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350˚. Crush the crackers as you would for graham cracker crust - you can use a food processor or crush by hand. Add the sugar, then knead in the butter until crumbs hold together like dough. Press into an 8-inch pie pan. Chill for 10 minutes, then bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is golden. Set aside to cool.

While the crust is cooling, make the filling: beat the egg yolks into the sweetened condensed milk, then mix in the citrus juice thoroughly. Pour into the pie crust - it’s okay if the crust is still slightly warm.  Bake for 16-18 minutes until the filling has set. Cool completely before slicing.

Serve with fresh whipped cream and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Whether you’re a fan of salty, sweet, or a little bit of both, this dessert is the perfect way to complement any spring get-together!

Recipe by Bill Smith from Crook’s Corner with tweaks from Timberlake’s Restaurant Pastry Chef Abby Tetterton