<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0YOr4a_0wI1gTrs00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0YOr4a_0wI1gTrs00" width="980" height="587" ></figure>Blowing Rock businesses are open and eager to serve you! Visitor support is vital to the survival of our local tourism-based economy, so your visit contributes to area recovery. But our broader community is still recovering from Hurricane Helene and the impact to the region is significant. If you are visiting soon, we urge you to visit thoughtfully and keep several things in mind. Here are our tips for enjoying a fun and safe trip to the Blowing Rock area. Plan AheadBe sure to make all your reservations in advance, including activities and lodging. Hotel availability is opening up as some utility and construction personnel move closer to affected areas, but many local properties are still housing displaced residents, aid workers, and repair crews. If your favorite is booked, browse our lodging availability to find a different new hotel or lodge. Check ahead on your favorite activities to be sure they are open and available.Know Routes Before You GoMany secondary roads are still under repair, and full or partial closures are common. We request that you stick to main highway routes and confirm their status before traveling. Stay updated throughout your visit- road conditions are highly subject to change! Check DriveNC.gov for the latest road conditions.Be Patient &amp; Expect DelaysAllow more time for travel and expect heavy traffic in some areas. As area travel is mostly limited to main routes, delays are common. A lot of construction and repair work is still ongoing, too. Please be cautious and patient as you move throughout the area. Bring that same patience to interactions with staff at local businesses. Many are still personally dealing with difficulties from the storm, and potentially working while understaffed as well. Obey Closures and RestrictionsPlease note that a county-wide curfew remains in effect from 11pm to 7am daily. This curfew helps keep work and collection areas safe and it’s important to respect the needs behind the restriction. Obey closure signs on roads and trails. Not only can it be incredibly dangerous to venture past closures, unwelcome exploration can cause delays to much-needed repairs. Get local updates from one or more of the sources listed here&gt;&gt;Travel RespectfullyVisitors are asked to avoid residential/rural spaces outside downtown areas while recovery efforts continue. Please, respect the needs of our neighbors who have asked that visitors continue to stay away while they make important strides toward recovery. The neighboring town of Banner Elk in particular is asking visitors to stay away for now and plan to visit later. The downtown areas of Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson, Sparta, and Wilkesboro are currently welcoming visitors, and the main highway routes between them are safe.If you’re looking for routes to explore, check out this Fall Leaf Lookers Map from High Country Host &gt;&gt;Support Local BusinessesShop and dine locally as much as you can- it makes significant impacts on the families who own our small businesses. Our shops are full of one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and it’s a great time to shop. Enjoy our restaurants and please be generous with your tips for our local workers. Many of our Blowing Rock attractions are family-owned as well, so plan to stop in at attractions like The Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill, and Doc’s Rocks and make a reservation for activities like Sky Valley Zip Tours, High Gravity Adventures, and Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf. Other Ways to SupportIf you are shortening your usual visit or If you are still waiting to visit in person, consider purchasing gift cards or shopping online from our local businesses as a meaningful way to show your support at this time. If you are looking for additional ways to help, we hope you will contribute to one of the many organizations working to help those hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. Our community’s resilience is unmatched. The spirit of the NC High Country is strong, and we stand together in support of those affected by this storm. We are deeply grateful to all those helping western NC- all the work, the contributions, and the kindness. We are so appreciative to everyone who has reached out to support Blowing Rock and the High Country!</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Visit Thoughtfully: Tips for a Post-Helene Trip

Blowing Rock businesses are open and eager to serve you! Visitor support is vital to the survival of our local tourism-based economy, so your visit contributes to area recovery. But our broader community is still recovering from Hurricane Helene and the impact to the region is significant. If you are visiting soon, we urge you to visit thoughtfully and keep several things in mind. Here are our tips for enjoying a fun and safe trip to the Blowing Rock area.