BOONE, N.C. — The sounds of a roaring fire, the twinkling lights, the leaves and the pumpkins are what bring people to many businesses in Blowing Rock this time of year.

Ali Borchardt says these are the things that push people to stay. She is one of the people who visited and then stayed. Borchardt grew up in California but years ago started looking for a place to retire.

"It kind of feels like you're stepping back in time and who wouldn't want to live in a Hallmark movie," Borchardt said. 

Borchardt is the general manager for two hotels, including the Mountainaire Inn. The inn has rooms and cabins that are currently  sold out.

"They are really quaint," Borchardt said. 

It's a common theme she says businesses in this area see in October. The phones ring constantly from people trying to get a room to see the leaves. 

"A lot of guests will leave today and before they leave they will book for next year," Borchardt said. 

The colorful leaves line the Blue Ridge Parkway and bring people in from all over the world. Blowing Rock Tourism Executive Director Tracy Brown says people have been discovering Blowing Rock for 150 years. 

"We did not expect the kind of numbers we saw over 2020. It's the best year we had ever had. We were up 50 percent over 2019, it was incredible and we were absolutely thrilled to enjoy that kind of success," Brown said. "They love it, they want to be here and they eventually find their way here."