Blue Ridge Country Magazine readers voted Blowing Rock as a winner in several categories. Their levels of excellence are Silver, Gold and Platinum. More than 37,000 votes were cast and Blowing Rock ended up here: 

The Town was also featured in a glowing article in Travel + Leisure Magazine which is a worldwide publication. You can check it out here! This is a testament to everyone who lives in, works for and supports Blowing Rock.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and participated in Coffee with a Cop this week. We had another great turnout, with several members of the community including our school resource officer who was present. We had a productive conversation about our school zone and safety with Officer Ingram. Later that day we deployed a removable/temporary speed bump that was installed to help slow down traffic. Thank you to our Police Department for all that you do to be proactive and keep us safe! The next Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for September 1st at Bald Guy Brewing.

Department Highlight: Landscaping

Each month, I plan to highlight a Town department to share more about their work and the great things our staff accomplish. As summer comes to a close, it feels fitting to begin with our Landscaping Department. Blowing Rock is known for many things, but our beautiful flowers are certainly part of the Town’s brand, charm, and identity.

The Town of Blowing Rock Landscaping Department maintains, improves, and enhances the Town’s public landscapes and outdoor spaces. Their work helps preserve the attractive, well-kept appearance that is central to Blowing Rock’s character and appeal for residents and visitors.

The Landscaping Department cares for Town-owned properties, including parks, public grounds, landscaped areas, highway medians, and municipal facilities. Their responsibilities include mowing and turf management; designing, planting, and maintaining seasonal flower displays and hanging baskets; caring for trees and shrubs; mulching; horticultural and tree maintenance; hardscape upkeep; and landscape design and installation. Staff also complete special beautification projects and work year-round to keep public spaces safe, functional, attractive, and welcoming.

In addition to routine maintenance, the department supports community events and civic activities, including holiday celebrations, parades, and the Town’s annual Arbor Day Celebration. The Landscaping Department continues to expand seasonal displays, enhance existing landscapes, and identify new ways to create public spaces that reflect Blowing Rock’s charm and beauty. Through ongoing beautification efforts and special projects, the department

remains committed to strengthening the Town’s scenic character and welcoming atmosphere.

This work is especially important in Blowing Rock, where public spaces play a major role in the Town’s mountain community identity. Well-maintained flower beds, trees, turf areas, parks, streetscapes, medians, and public landscapes help preserve the scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere enjoyed by residents, businesses, and visitors each year.

Thank you to our department leadership and staff:

Cory Cathcart, Landscaping Director

Justin Dishman, Assistant

Roarke Underwood, Landscaping Technician

Johnathan Parker, Landscaping Technician

Thank you to everyone in our community who also contributes to our beautiful unmatched landscaping to include, Evenlight Eagles with the Master Gardners, and to the Mayview Homeowners Association who everyone may not realize completed enhancements to Laurel Lane and maintains this area.

If you have not seen this, check out the video posted by our Tourism Development Authority: Who keeps Blowing Rock Blooming?

New Landscaping Initiative for September

At the beginning of September, we will transition our hanging baskets to a fall seasonal display! This is the first time they have undertaken this initiative, but feel it is necessary this year.

Cory Cathcart, Landscaping Director reported that the hanging baskets have faced several challenges throughout the season, including drought

conditions, strong winds, and periods of excessive rainfall. These weather extremes have made it difficult for many of the baskets to maintain their appearance and vigor through the entire growing season.

“Adding a fall planting element will provide a fresh, seasonal look and help revitalize these displays as we move into the final stretch of the growing season. We believe this transition will bring a welcoming touch of autumn color and enhance the overall appearance of the landscape for residents and visitors alike.”

Congratulations, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian

Congratulations, to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church on the groundbreaking of their new multi-purpose building which was held on Tuesday. Thank you for the invitation and it was a pleasure being there to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Thank you to the Blowing Rock Women’s Club for hosting their annual town appreciation lunch at the American Legion on Wednesday. This long-standing tradition dates back to the 1970’s! Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

The solid waste/recycling containers should be placed within ten (10) feet of the paved portion of the street or road:

• 5:00 p.m. the night before recycling collection day
• no later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day

The solid waste/recycling container must be removed from the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the day after collection.

Recycling is collected every other Thursday: the recycling schedule can be found here.

Solid waste collection is based on your address: your collection date can be found here.

If your recycling or solid waste pickup is ever missed or you have any questions, give us a call in Town Hall at (828) 295-5200.

Community Meeting:

Deer Ticks, Information Recap