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NC to Virginia on the Blue Ridge

22 years ago

I'm planning to drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Great Smokey Mountain National Park to the Virginia border next month, taking about a week. Any things I shouldn't miss? Or really great restuarants? I like outdoors and history, traditional crafts. Not into shopping except bookstores.

Thanks

Nedra

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Comments (4)

mariend
21 years ago
Hope you had a good trip. For future reference, check the RV magazines.
rosieo
21 years ago
We made that trip last summer. It was probably our best vacation. Stop at the tourist info places and pick up the brochures for stopping points. The pace is slow enough that you can just pull over if something looks interesting or you just want to stretch your legs.

We bought a cheapy cooler and stocked up on good bread, cheeses, olives, etc and picnicked whenever we found a beautiful overlook. It was a lot nicer than looking for restaurants.
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nedraw
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks Marie and Rosieo. I had a wonderful trip. I camped several nights, so I had both a large and small cooler. Did some hiking and some horseback riding. I went through just after Hurricane Francis, so several sections were closed. I ended up exploring several small NC towns on the detours, which was fun in itself.

Nedra
spewey
21 years ago
As you get prepare to go, call the Blue Ridge traveler information line (828 298-0398) and check for road closures. Quite a few segments get closed due to winter weather conditions. Some sections run over 6,000' and the Parkway closes these and other difficult sections when there is ice and snow present. Because of the narrow parkway corridor, adjacent cliffs, tunnels, and nearby trees, it takes quite a while for ice to melt off, and they don't always plow.

Two short sections are presently closed due to flood damage sustained in the fall.

Here is a link that might be useful: NPS Blue Ridge Parkway website

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