Weekly Village Update 11.15.2018

Commerce Communications Thanksgiving Edition

The Chamber office and Visitor Center will be closed Thursday, November 22nd for the Thanksgiving holiday. Look for our next newsletter edition on Thursday, November 29th.

Chamber Events & News

Blowing Rock Named One of the Most Charming Southern Small Towns Trips to Discover recently published an article on the 11 Most Charming Southern Small Towns in the U.S. The author notes: "An area full of history and charm, the South is dotted with beautiful towns worthy of exploration." Read the article to find out why Trips to Discover chose Blowing Rock as one of the top eleven. Read Article

We Need Your Lodging Package Information!

Are you offering a special WinterFest lodging package? Email Sarah with the details by November 16th to be listed on the website. Visit the Page

Are you offering a Holiday lodging package? Email Amanda with the details to be included on the blowingrock.com vacation packages page! Visit the Page

Chamber Holiday Party Tickets The Annual Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party is just around the corner. Join us December 11th at 6 pm at the Inn at Crestwood. Tickets are $25 per person. See the email invitation for more details. Call Harrison at 828.295.7851 to secure your reservation.

2018 Local Holiday Shopping Guide Give back locally while giving to others this holiday season! Here is your guide to supporting local non-profit and retail Chamber member businesses this shopping season! View Shopping Guide

Community Calendars The 2019 Blowing Rock Community Calendars are now available! Stop by the Chamber office or Town Hall to pick up your copy!

Business After Hours November 20th, 5:30 - 7 pm The November Business After Hours is co-hosted by Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC and Blowing Rock Ale House. Join us at the Ale House for a fun evening of networking, light appetizers and door prizes. Please RSVP for Business After Hours via the link included in the event email. Facebook Event

Small Business Saturday November 24th We’re all for small businesses because when they thrive, we all do! Show your LOVE for Blowing Rock Saturday November 24th (and every day!) - shop small, shop local! While out enjoying the Christmas parade, be sure to stop and shop at our local retailers, and grab a meal or snack and refreshments at local eateries. Make a day of it!

Ribbon Cutting November 29th at 9 am Please join us for a ribbon cutting celebration at Famous Toastery on Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock. Help us welcome them to the community and enjoy samples of a variety of their most popular quiches and scones! Stay or return for a meal... Chamber members receive a 10% discount! Facebook Event

High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast January 24th at 7:30 am The 3rd Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast will be held on January 24th in the Snow Cloud Room at Appalachian Ski Mountain. The event is co-hosted by the Blowing Rock and Boone Area Chambers of Commerce. Information & Registration Facebook Event

WELCOME NEW MEMBER InFocus Photo Booth InFocus Photo Booth is not your typical photo booth! They create the "FUN" for any event and memories to last a lifetime. They cater to proms, weddings, corporate events, sponsored parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, birthdays, holiday parties, graduations, social gatherings or any event! Visit their website or call owner Chad Jones at 704.524.9379.

Member Events & News

Chetola Resort Adds 9-Hole Disc Golf Course Chetola Resort is excited to announce the addition of another outdoor activity to their recreational experience for guests: the installation of a disc golf course. The professionally designed 9-hole course (and a separate 3-hole course) is free for resort guests and open to the public for a nominal fee. Read More

6 Tips for a Successful Small Business Saturday At Beyond, we’re proud to work with so many local businesses that bring communities together. Saturday, November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a day for consumers across the country to return to America’s main streets and show support for local, independently-owned businesses. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday might favor the big retailers, Small Business Saturday gives local businesses a time to shine. Read our blog to learn how you can have your most successful Small Business Saturday yet.

Christmas Concerts Tickets Available TODAY, November 15th Join Samaritan's Purse for two special Christmas concerts featuring Travis Cottrell on December 10th and Michael W. Smith on December 20th. Concerts will be held at the Training and Conference Center in Blowing Rock. Tickets go on sale November 15th at 10 am. Information & Tickets

Spirit Night Fundraiser November 15th, 5 - 9 pm Grab some food and beverages at Town Tavern and let your server know you're there to support Blowing Rock School. This night is to raise funds for teacher and staff requests. Be sure to thank the staff and Justin Davis for their generosity!

8th Annual Turkey Trot 5K November 22nd at 9 am This fun 5K will take place Thanksgiving morning on the Boone Greenway Trail at Clawson-Burnley Park. Everyone is welcome to participate, including families with children, strollers and pets on a leash. All participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Hospitality House Bread of Life Hunger Relief program. Register Online (price goes up November 17th!) Facebook Event

Food Drive Now Through November 24th In the spirit of giving during the Holiday Season, J.McLaughlin will have a food drive for Blowing Rock Cares. This will culminate with a Sip and Shop on November 24th with 15% of the proceeds going to Blowing Rock Cares. The following items tend to dispense most rapidly: canned soups, canned fruit in light syrup and canned beans. Also needed are hygiene products such as travel size toothpaste, wrapped bars of soap, bathroom tissue and small bottles of hand lotion. Please bring your donations by J. McLaughlin.

Annual Christmas Open House November 24th, 11 am - 5 pm The public is invited to Alta Vista Gallery for this free event. Enjoy the gallery’s Christmas décor, hot cider or wine and a variety of goodies such as homemade sausage balls and Christmas cookies. Some of the gallery’s artists will be on hand and there will be a showing of paintings, including those small enough to give as gifts. Read More. Learn More or visit the gallery's Facebook.

Holiday Open House November 24th, 3 - 4 pm Join BRAHM for their Holiday Open House! Explore Winter Exhibits, and stop by after the town Christmas Parade for a free snowflake ornament craft and hot cider and cookies! Learn More

Open House December 1st, 10 am - 6 pm Due to an illness in the family, Bolick & Traditions Pottery has canceled the Annual Thanksgiving Wood Kiln Opening this year. However, you are invited to join them for their first ever Open House at their Blowing Rock store. Shop for special pieces such as Santa Face Jugs, Swirl Vases, Teapots, Owl Mugs and more. Be present at 10 am for the best selection. Facebook Event

Community Events & News

Christmas in the Park, November 23rd Christmas Parade, November 24th Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday event that you are sure to love. Enjoy free hot chocolate, hayrides, live music, visits with Santa, lighting of the town and more! Don't miss the Christmas parade on Saturday at 2 pm! Questions? Call 828.295.5222

Chamber Information and Meetings

Business After Hours: Thursday, November 20th at 5:30 pm, co-hosted by Blue Ridge Realty & Investments and Blowing Rock Ale House Christmas Parade: Saturday, November 24th at 2 pm, Downtown Blowing Rock Executive Board Meeting: Tuesday, November 27th at 8 am Ribbon Cutting: Thursday, November 29th at 9 am, Famous Toastery Board of Directors Retreat: Thursday, December 6th at 9 am, Blue Ridge Mountain Club Holiday Stroll: Friday, December 7th, 5 - 8 pm, Downtown Blowing Rock Chamber Holiday Party: Tuesday, December 11th at 6 pm, Inn at Crestwood Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, January 9th at 8 am High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast: Thursday, January 24th at 7:30 am, Appalachian Ski Mtn All meetings are held in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.