Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (17 Things We Love About It!)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 9, 2024.

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In Cherokee, Chetola means “haven of rest.” Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock is exactly that, living up to its name in every possible way.

At this amazing High Country resort, natural beauty and world-class accommodations come together to form one of our absolute favorite places to stay.

The exterior of Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock in North Carolina

We’re not alone in our thoughts, as people have long been coming to Chetola Resort to create memories. At Chetola, you can keep to your cozy room and indulge in exquisite service and amenities or explore the spacious outdoor grounds.

It’s all possible at Chetola Resort; you just have to go and see it for yourself! If you still don’t believe us, then we think you should keep reading to understand all that awaits at this fabulous getaway.

We’ve organized this article to include all the necessary information you’ll need to book a stay at one of the best resorts in Blowing Rock. These are the topics we will discuss in this article:

Where is Chetola Resort
Chetola Resort Quick Facts
Things We Love About Chetola Resort
Kid-Friendly Activities We Love at Chetola Resort
More Things We Love About Chetola Resort

Where is Chetola Resort?

Address: 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
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Chetola Resort is located in the mountain town of Blowing Rock, about two minutes from downtown. The resort and lake of the same name sit off Highway 321 and Blowing Rock Hwy.

It’s one of the best stays in the High Country and Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. It makes for a great weekend getaway in NC. The resort consists of a picturesque building overlooking a beautiful lake and framed by towering trees.

Chetola Resort Quick Facts

Silverlake was the original name and you'll see why when staring out at the waters of Chetola Resort.

The land that the resort sits on was purchased in 1846 by Lot Estes. The 100-acre land was turned into a summer resort known as Silverlake.
In the off-season, Silverlake was repurposed to store and sell ice.
In 1892, William Stringfellow bought the country property in the hopes of overcoming his tuberculosis. The Stringfellows named it Chetola, and they lived here through the beginning of the twentieth century.
In 1926, the property changed hands again to J Luther Snyder, also known as the “Coca-Cola King of the Carolinas.”
Snyder brought new life to Chetola with frequent parties and gala celebrations.
That spirit of the Snyder era is kept alive today by the Tarbutton family, which has focused on maintaining the resort’s history while expanding it into the beautiful property we see today.

Things We Love About Chetola Resort

This Blowing Rock resort has something for all age ranges. From a variety of rooms to choose from, quality dining, and outdoor activities, the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy a stay here. Here are our favorite things about Chetola Resort!

Booking a Stay at Chetola Resort

Guests have three options when booking a stay at Chetola Resort:

The Chetola Lodge
The Bob Timberlake Inn
Chetola Premier Condominiums

Here’s a breakdown of each accommodation option, starting with the Chetola Lodge.

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The Lodge at Chetola Resort

The most recently updated bedroom at Chetola Resort Lodge. — Accessible rooms are also available at Chetola Lodge.

The Chetola Resort Lodge had 42 spacious rooms overlooking the clear, pristine lake. This is where you should stay if you want to be in the center of all the action. Recently updated in 2020, the Lodge features rooms with walk-out balconies, soaking tubs, and suites with luxury showers.

the double queen room at Chetola Resort Lodge

Rooms feature beautiful mountain-themed décor with large framed pictures taken by a local photographer over each of the beds. If you are traveling with your four-legged friend, the Lodge’s first and second floors are pet-friendly!

The luxury rustic room at Chetola Resort Lodge

Your pup will even be greeted with amenities to make their stay more memorable.

The Bob Timberlake Inn

If you are looking for a top-notch luxury experience minus kids, then one of the eight rooms at the adult-only Bob Timberlake Inn is for you. Built back in 2004 as a collaboration with one of North Carolina’s most distinguished artists, each room contains unique, original furniture and artwork from Bob Timberlake’s collection.

In addition to the well-appointed room, the Inn also has a stocked 24-hour pantry of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to go with coffee and tea. Inn guests have a private innkeeper, and there’s even a social hour with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

The sitting area at the Bob Timberlake Inn

Save room before bed for house-made chocolate chip cookies!

Each room at the Inn has been named for past and present owners of Chetola, as well as notable historic North Carolinians. Another bonus for guests staying at the Bob Timberlake Inn is breakfast included with a stay package.

Chetola Premier Condominiums

Chetola also has 75 condominiums for rent, which is a nice accompaniment to the Lodge and Inn. Their one- to four-bedroom luxury condos are spread out on the 78 acres of the property and are excellent options for families or groups who are traveling together.

the living space inside the Chetola premier condominiums

All condominiums have fireplaces, spacious living rooms, and an equal ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms. While these condos are sprinkled around Chetola and tucked away to ensure privacy, they’re all within a five to 10-minute walk from the main lodge.

Dining at Chetola Resort at Timberlake’s Restaurant

Timberlake’s Restaurant is a world-class Blowing Rock restaurant that visitors cannot miss out on! As the in-resort restaurant, guests will likely find themselves sitting down for a meal here at some point during their stay.

Timberlake's sits right next to the main lobby at Chetola Resort.

Since its 2012 opening in Chetola’s historic Manor House, Timberlake’s Restaurant has been serving exceptional breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are absolutely worth writing about. The menu is another collaboration with Bob Timberlake and culinary genius and head chef Scott Ottinger.

Diners should expect fresh local produce and expertly executed techniques.

the Timberlake restaurant dining area with a few tables and a patio

The restaurant’s layout is perfectly set up for intimate dining, inside and outside, as it sits just across from the lake. A waterfront patio and private wine room accompany three dining rooms. Dinner here is a romantic and beautiful affair.

Timberlake's homemade Banana Fosters Cream Puffs in Blowing Rock

Another culinary treasure at Timberlake’s is their homemade desserts. The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to add a twist to classic southern desserts.

Honestly, you cannot leave Blowing Rock without having one of their Banana Fosters Cream Puffs!

Breakfast at Chetola Resort at Timberlake’s Restaurant

French toast with jam and coffee for breakfast at Chetola

our daughter eating pancakes, fruit, and orange juice

Start your morning off at Chetola with a delicious made-to-order breakfast. Timberlake’s breakfast menu is equally as highly rated as dinner. With options like stuffed French toast, chicken and biscuits, and shakshouka, foodies will want to dine at Timberlake’s for breakfast.

delicious bowl of fries biscuits for breakfast at Chetola Resort Lodge

The menu changes seasonally, but we’ve heard amazing things about the pan-seared Elk and roasted Carolina quail. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the Timberlake salads are miles above your average bed of lettuce.

While the food is certainly worthy of the “fine dining” classification, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere fitting for all times. Children are also welcome here, and the menu for tiny foodies is equally exciting. Guests staying at one of Chetola’s condos will appreciate Timberlake’s as they offer take-home family meals that you can heat on your own.

And if you are looking for allergen-friendly food in Blowing Rock, Timberlake’s makes most of its sauces gluten-free and is very accommodating! The wait staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding ingredients, too.

Open to All

What we love about Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola is that it’s not just for resort guests! Anyone in the Blowing Rock area can sit down for a meal here, and we guarantee it will easily rank among your favorite restaurants in Blowing Rock.

Note: Please call in advance at 828-295-5505 for reservations.

Kid-Friendly Activities We Love at Chetola Resort

If Chetola Resort hasn’t already won you over with its rooms and dining offerings, you’ll definitely fall in love after seeing all the activities they have to offer for kids! Here are some kid-friendly activities that we love doing at Chetola Resort.

Outdoor Playground

Chetola’s outdoor playground and 800-square-foot indoor playspace are a hit with the kids! Tennis and pickleball courts await, along with 9-hole disc golf (I prefer “frolf”) and a 3-hole practice course. There are also lawn games ready for you to get a match started, including cornhole, volleyball, and even horseshoes.

The resort also hosts the Chetola summer camp for children ages 4 to 12 with fun interactive themes.

Junior Ranger Packet

The Chetola Resort Adventure booklet for kids

Make it an interactive stay at Chetola Resort with their Junior Ranger packet! Available for purchase from the front desk, children go on a scavenger hunt across the resort as well as learn to respect the great outdoors along the way!

Chetola Resort Festival of Lights

Chetola Resort is one of our favorite places to enjoy Christmas lights in North Carolina! The Festival of Lights is an annual tradition at Chetola and is free to the public.

The lake glimmers with more than 30,000 lights, creating a beautiful scene. As you walk around the lake, there are interactive activities for children to enjoy as well.

More Things We Love About Chetola Resort

Try to keep score on all the things to do at Chetola Resort, and you’ll quickly lose count. Here are even more things we love about the resort, and many of the Chetola Resort reviews have similar things to say!

Chetola Resort & Spa

In case you aren’t already relaxed enough, you can also receive world-class pampering at the Chetola Resort and Spa. With five treatment rooms, including one for couples, guests looking to unwind can book a massage, facial, nail treatment, and even hair and makeup appointments.

Pool, Jacuzzi, and Sauna!

We're partial to the Chetola Resort pool but imagine people have other thoughts.

Attached to the Chetola Spa is the resort’s heated indoor pool, along with a jacuzzi and sauna. With these three options, Chetola promises a peaceful afternoon just for you.

There are also wellness programs and an impressive fitness room equipped with all you could ask for.

Chetola Lake

You can spend your entire time at Chetola admiring the 8-acre lake that sits in front of Timberlake’s and the Lodge. There are chairs for lounging, and one can really lose themselves looking out into the water, with the trees surrounding it and mountains beyond.

While lake-watching, you’ll see people of all ages casting their rods in the water. It’s wonderful to see so many families together enjoying the outdoors.

the lake outside of Chetola resort with Adirondack chairs near the shore

These people staring at Chetola Lake have the right idea.

Of course, they’re trying to catch one of the many trout that Chetola keeps the lake stocked with. And if you catch a good one (within measurements), Timberlake’s will clean, filet, and cook it for you!

The watery fun doesn’t end there, as you can also float on the lake in a paddleboat, kayak, or canoe.

Chetola Lake casts such a stunning scene that it’s also a popular option for weddings all year round. From intimate winter weddings to summery celebrations, it’s a wonderful spot.

Fly Fishing at Chetola Resort

You can grab a rod and reel and fish on Chetola Lake at any time. Experienced and new fly fishers alike should look into the incredible fly fishing program. Chetola Resort is North Carolina’s first Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge.

Guided Fishing

Embark on a guided fishing trip for some of the best fishing on the East Coast. The streams around Blowing Rock are the highest waters east of the Mississippi River, meaning the water temperature stays consistent year-round and, thus, encourages the fish population to stick around.

You’ll be picked up from Chetola Resort and taken to waters that are perfect for the weather and your experience level. Your guide will lead the way, even tying flies and untangling rods if necessary.

Casting Clinics

a woman demonstrating how to fly fish at Chetola Resort

And if you are new to fly fishing, Chetola Resort hosts casting clinics to help you learn. Equipment can be provided, including up-to-date Orvis rods and waders. Feel free to bring your own equipment and learn new techniques that you can take home.

Kids can even enjoy some fishing at Chetola!

You might think that fly fishing is reserved only for adults, but the Orvis program at Chetola is also accommodating to children! You can start with a demo lesson on the lawn and then build your trip with the guide according to the adventure you and your family are looking for.

Excursions are half-day or full-day, and we strongly recommend booking ahead!

The Chetola Sporting Reserve

Your fly fishing excursion will likely take place on the 67-acre Chetola Sporting Reserve. It’s less than 20 minutes away and hosts bountiful fishing opportunities.

a woman enjoying the shooting range at The Sporting Reserve

The Sporting Reserve also attracts people looking to test their skills on one of the 13 clay shooting courses, rifle, pistol, and archery ranges. Beginners are welcome to the clays, as the machine is adjustable, so the clay comes out slow at first. Of course, they can speed up as your skills progress.

On top of that is 27 miles of hiking and ATV trails. An impressive clubhouse and pub allow for kicking back and relaxing, too.

Hiking near Chetola Resort

fall colors on the trees leading up to Moses Cone Memorial Park

One of my favorite things about Chetola is all the ways one can enjoy the outdoors here, including hiking. A newly constructed 1.8-mile trail connects Chetola to Moses Cone Memorial Park and wraps around Bass Lake and back. There are fun interactive stations along the hike for families as well!

A beautiful hike is within a short walk from Chetola Resort.

a man on top of the Flat Top Tower near Moses Cone Manor

You can walk around Bass Lake or trek 2.7 miles up and back from Moses Cone Manor to Flat Top Tower, one of our favorite hikes in Blowing Rock and throughout North Carolina.

Ready to Stay at Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock?

the lake out front Chetola Resort making it the most relaxing place to stay in High Country

Just about everything at Chetola Resort is perfect for a family-oriented travel experience. The condos are spacious, and we loved having the option to cook our meals. If you’d like to be closer to it all, you can by staying at the Lodge.

And if you’re not visiting with children, the adult-only Bob Timberlake suites are wonderful for solo travelers and couples.

From the food at Timberlake’s to all the relaxation options and fun activities, you can choose your own path at Chetola Resort. With so many possible ways to enjoy Chetola, the only thing left is for you to book.

Do you also have a special place in your heart for Chetola Resort like us? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to comment below or send us an email. Don’t forget to share your Western NC adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

Beyond Chetola Resort NC (High Country Travel Guides)

We’ve included Chetola Resort and those aforementioned nearby places in these High Country Travel Guides.