Week Itinerary on the Blue Ridge Parkway

·        Roanoke, VAis the largest metropolitan location on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  It is known as the “Capital of the Blue Ridge.” Even though this is not a North Carolina address, this is a good starting point because there is an airport in this city, so you can fly in or drive in. You’ll want to start your fabulous vacation in this historical, cultural and recreational center. It has the largest number of restaurants per capita in Virginia! You must visit the Historic Farmers’ Market district, Center in the Square, the Transportation Museum, the Zoo, Explore Park, and Caverns. Well, this might be a little too much to accomplish in a 36-hour period, so you might have to choose your favorite options!

·        Virginia/North Carolina State Line: You’ll cross into North Carolina after a beautiful drive of about 90 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

·        Sparta, North Carolinawill be thirteen miles past the state line. Stop at the Alleghany county Visitor Center in downtown Sparta.  You can visit Cumberland Knob where the construction of the Parkway first began. It is a favorite recreation area to visitors. You’ll love the lazy feel of this old town—a sure change from the fast pace you usually experience. Meander along the world’s second oldest river, The New River. For a rare experience, stay at a renovated farm house, Bald Knob Farm House in Sparta. Its setting is absolutely breathtaking while the interior is full of antiques and brings you back in time. The reasonable cost, $75.00/night for double occupancy makes it an especially fun experience!

 

·        Hickory, North Carolinawill be your next stop along the magnificent Parkway. After a good home-cooked meal at Bald Knob Farm House, head out on your spectacular path.  Make sure you leisurely drive the Parkway and stop at some of the pull-off spots for the views. You’ll drive around 50 miles and arrive at the foot of the Smokey Mountains. Hickory is known for some of the finest furniture crafting in America, so you’ll want to window shop a little.  If you find something you really like, you can always have it shipped home! Hickory is also surrounded by a 20 mile lake, so there are beautiful views.

·        Boone, North Carolinawill be a short drive away and a great stop for lunch. Boone is one of the highest points on the Appalachian Trail. Have lunch at Pepper’s Restaurant which offers a wide menu of American fare. As you head out, make sure you stop at Blowing Rock, an immense cliff 4,400 feet above sea level overhanging John’s River Gorge, 3,000 feet below. It is one of North Carolina’s oldest travel attractions. Linville Caverns are also in the area if this is of interest to you. The caverns are North Carolina’s only caverns and lie deep within Humpback Mountain. Linville Caverns remain active as mineral deposits and still form stalactites and stalagmites. An amazing site to behold.

·        Chimney Rock, North Carolina will be another 90 or so miles south on Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a must-see site! If you really want to see North Carolina in all her beauty, stop at Chimney Rock for an unbelievable 75 mile view and trails to 404 feet! A waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls, awaits your viewing and you can take a 26-story elevator inside a mountain. Plan to stay at the Chimney Rock Inn. It is definitely an inn with country flair and few amenities, but the large front porch with sunset views makes it worth the stay. There are Jacuzzis too! While in the area, you may want to visit nearby Lake Lure. The National Geographic magazine called Lake Lure “one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world.” Eat dinner in Lake Lure’s Lakeview Restaurant. It offers upscale casual dining in a fine dining atmosphere. While you eat, enjoy the view of Lake Lure and majestic Bald Mountain. Thursday morning before you depart, take a long hike on one of the many trails through the mountains around you.

·        Ashevilleis your final destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  You will spend the rest of your vacation in Asheville. After all that driving you will be happy to stay put for a while! End your vacation a “step up” from the rest by staying in Asheville’s Grove Park Inn and Spa, one of the South’s most famous grand resorts. It was built in 1913 from granite stone mined from Sunset Mountain and it overlooks Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The old world charm and southern hospitality of the Inn will make you feel like nobility, but when you partake of their 40,000 foot spa nestled under the Inn, you won’t know what to do with yourself! You won’t want to leave! But don’t stay indoors the whole time, because you have a lot of activities and sites to do and see.

o       The Biltmore Inn is one of the highlights of Asheville. America’s largest home, the 19^th-century mansion lies on 8,000 acres of beautifully landscaped acreage with a winery. The home boasts 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool and bowling alley! They offer various events like the Festival of Flowers in the spring and Candlelight Christmas Evenings.

o       The North Carolina Arboretum has gardens which reflect the Appalachian culture, trails and bonsai trees.

o       The Folk Art Center will give you a taste of the area as you view the handicrafts of the locals. It is the home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. You may even enjoy some of the daily craft demonstrations!

o       The Great Smokey Mountains Railway will give you scenic train rides over valleys, through tunnels, and across rivers.

o       Asheville’s Urban Trail is a historic walking tour through Asheville that will highlight some of the city’s heritage through story and art.

o       Dining options are vast and varied. Here are just a few of the great choices: 

Westville Pub is a smoke-free pub and restaurant with great beer and wine lists and homemade regional and international fare.

Earth Fare Café is a great all-natural option. Besides salads and sandwiches, it has a great juice bar for freshly made juices.

Boathouse Restaurant is Asheville’s only water-front dining experience. It offers fresh seafood.

Grove Park Inn’s Horizons matches the grandeur and elegance of the Inn itself and offers and incredible view.

Café on the Square is in the heart of historic Asheville. The menu changes seasonally.

Sorrento d’Italia is a charming European style restaurant known for its romantic ambiance.