Talk:Blowing Rock, North Carolina
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The following text moved from an article listed on Wikipedia:Cleanup in November 2003, then titled Blowing Rock (which is a now disamb, its content having been divided into Blowing Rock, North Carolina and Blowing_Rock_(land_feature). The italicized passages have been added (generally with rewording) to the articles indicated; those left in normal face may be appropriate in other articles.
The town of Blowing Rock dates from the last years of the nineteenth century and began as a resort destination. The town's elevation of 3500-3600 feet above sea level provides a cool relief to the summer heat compared with temperatures a relatively few miles away "down the mountain." [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.] Population estimates for 2002 are 1550. The town has a vibrant economy based in part on tourism. A small, quaint downtown area is characterized by numerous shops of varying types, a pleasant public park, diverse restaurants, [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Miscellaneous section, which raises possibility of deletions not recorded here.] and two churches of archetectural note, St. Mary's of the Hills Episcopal Church and Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in history section.] The mountainous terrain provides scenic views with long-range vistas from some locations around town. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Miscellaneous section, which raises possibility of deletions that might not get recorded here.]
Two state parks are nearby, Moses Cone State Park and Julian Price State Park. These areas provide camping, canoeing, and hiking opportunities. The Blue Ridge Parkway, famous for its scenic beauty, is located minutes from the town. Shopping ranging from the quirky and unusual to upscale. Outlet-type shopping is also available.
The town's high altitude in the Blue Ridge Mountains results in chilly winters with frequent snowfalls from December through April. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.] Snow skiing is available nearby. Ice storms are possible in the cooler months. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.] The area is famous for the beauty of its autumn leaves. Peak leaf time varies from year to year but generally falls around October 15-22. Springtime in Blowing Rock is cool and generally pleasant. Summer temperatures are typically in the 70's with cool nights. Rainfall is moderate. Thunderstorms are occasional and rarely severe. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.]
Coordinates for Blowing Rock are approximately 36º 08' 06" North latitude by 81º 40' 40" West longitude. [Geographic coordinates differ slightly from the US Census values that are used in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. ] Blowing Rock is located approximately 76 air miles northwest of Charlotte, N.C., 232 air miles northeast of Atlanta, and 530 air miles southwest of New York. Terrain is hilly to mountainous. Several mountain peaks exceeding 4500 feet in height are located in the area, and Grandfather Mountain, with an altitude of nearly 6000 feet, is nearby.
Most essential services are availavble in or near Blowing Rock. The town is located approximately eight miles from Boone, North Carolina, [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.] the county seat of Watauga County and market town for the area. [Foregoing to Boone, North Carolina.] A hospital, retail mall, and Appalachian State University, a branch of the state university system, are located in Boone. [Foregoing to Boone, North Carolina.] Several golf courses operate in the region during the more temperate months. A small general aviation airstrip is located in Boone. [Foregoing to Boone, North Carolina and Watauga County, North Carolina.] Transportation to Blowing Rock is limited to surface travel by automobile. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.] No commerical airports or passenger train depots are nearby. [Foregoing to Watauga County, North Carolina.] The town is served by U.S. Highways 221 and 321. [Foregoing to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.] Commerical airline passengers typically utilize the airports at Charlotte, N.C. or at Greensboro, N.C. Some passengers use the Raleigh/Durham airport, which may have lower airfares on some routes but is a considerable distance away. [Foregoing to Watauga County, North Carolina.]
