Blowing Rock NC

Frozen Art

| Flower Roberts

I have spent the evening under an electric blanket, because I spent the afternoon on ice.

I have always thought ice was beautiful. Ice sculptures are especially fascinating to me.

I briefly watched an artist carving a giant block of ice to demonstrate this skill.

Many of this year’s Blowing Rock Winter Fest displays were molded ice shapes with business logos embedded. This is a new type of ice art.

There were also true pieces of sculptured ice which had 3-D shapes and varied textures.

It was a wonderful way to get out of the winter funk.

Flow in Snow

The Second Story

| Flower Roberts

I have been going to the Cone Estate outside Blowing Rock, NC for decades.

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This was my second trip upstairs.

My first was years ago. My camera battery died at the top of the steps. Hi, Ho!

My sister and friend, CP, lucked up on it being open while we were there.

It was like winning the lottery.  My camera had a full battery, too.

There is a book about this estate, A Mansion in the Mountains, by Philip T. Noblitt.

This book started as his graduate thesis. If you love the place, you will love the book.

The second floor has lovely details.

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Photos of Moses and Bertha Cone and other family portraits are scattered around in the rooms.

The sisters have a famous art collection on display in Baltimore.IMG_5353

There were several tour guides sharing fascinating details.

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I was happy to see some renovations in progress.

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The bottom floor has local art and a book store.

A featured artist sets up in the covered porch on weekends to demonstrate crafts.

That will be my next post. The art was magical.

I will end with a view from the second story window.

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Below is Bass lake and the newly renovated “Heart Pond.”

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I have walked here many times.

This place is a dream.

FLOWER