B is for Blowing Rock

We just returned from a four-day trip to one of my favorite places on the planet, Blowing Rock.  I've blogged about this idyllic spot before but even in winter, it holds a place near and dear to my heart and it always will.

We splurged and spent one night at Westglow, recently named the 7th best destination spa in the world. The house was built by the painter Elliott Daingerfield and it will not disappoint.  It is worth a trip, and the restaurant is fabulous. See my earlier post on Westglow here.

 Most people travel to Blowing Rock in summer where it rarely gets above 80 degrees and I believe the record temperature of all time is either 88 or 90 degrees (can you believe it) but I hate crowds so I prefer the off-season. The town was decorated, it was lively, the restaurants full but you could still get in and the stores were full of goodies (we did a lot of shopping). Blowing Rock is surrounded by parks, hiking trails and ski resorts but alas no skiing this year (the arm saga) so we walked.

We spent two nights at Gideon Ridge and I must say it's my favorite place to stay, so much charm and rustic atmosphere.  The owners could not have been nicer and I know we'll be back here.  The restaurant there is very good too.

We had drinks at Chetola on Saturday.  I just love Blowing Rock.  Sometimes the best places in life are in your own backyard.  Enjoy these last few days before Christmas.