How to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway

Visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great idea for your next weekend vacation. There is much to do, from visiting Asheville, NC to Boone, Blowing Rock, and more. You can camp, stay in a hotel, or in a bed and breakfast. There is entertainment from enjoying the great outdoors to listening to music or enjoying handicrafts. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States and is perfectly suited for your family or romantic getaway.

Instructions

1. First, decide what time of year you would like to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway is especially gorgeous during the autumn when all of the leaves are changing color. October is a perfect for that. During the spring, dogwood and azalea can be seen in bloom along the parkway. Summer is a great time for a hiking adventure, while winter is perfect for a log cabin getaway.

2. Next, decide which part of the parkway you want to explore. Many people think that the area between Asheville and Boone is the most spectacular.

3. Decide where you are going to stay. If the weather is right, you might be able to camp in a tent, maybe even along a trail somewhere that allows you to do so. If you prefer more lush accommodations, try the Biltmore Estate or Grove Park Inn in Asheville. If you like a college town, try some of the bed and breakfasts around Boone.

4. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch with you on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It might be a while between stops where food is available. Find out if the stores along the parkway are open. Depending on the time of year, they may or may not be. Get yourself a map of the Parkway. You can print one online, get it from your hotel, or from one of the stops on the parkway.

5. Finally, figure out what you would like to see along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The possibilities are endless, from hiking at Grandfather Mountain and enjoying the Mile High Bridge, to enjoying the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, to stopping at Craggy Gardens, Mabry Mill, or Moses Cone. Set out with an attitude of adventure and you are sure to have fun!

Resources

• Blue Ridge Parkway Association