Posted on 09/06/2015 12:57:38 PM PDT by West Texas Chuck
She Who Must Be Obeyed and I are putting together a road trip for about a month from now. I'm looking for info from anyone who has been around up there some and knows what is cool and what is worth staying away from.
Then just drive around and camp in the mountains for a couple of days. See some beautiful terrain, take it easy, NOT be in Dallas for a few days. Just be tourists and all that stuff.
Now, I know there are some of my FReeps that will steer me on the proper path, feel free to chime in about what you know of the Parkway and anything fun you know about around that route.
After that the itinerary gets cloudy. I want to continue NE into the Shenandoah and see that. The Boss has her eyes set on some stupid beach in the panhandle of Forida. Me, meh, I've been to Florida a bunch of times and the only thing still on my bucket-list is Pad 39 over on the Cape. That happens next January thanx to a gig my company is setting up in Orlando (blech).
As always - advice, commentary and insults are welcomed :)
It’s been quite a few years but my recollection is that it is one of the most outstanding drives - especially in the fall.
Don’t miss Linville falls........ http://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/linville-falls/
Don’t forget you copy of the book “Missing 411” by David Paulides, the one that covers the Eastern US.
Lots of people go missing on that trail
2. Lexington, VA
Another vote for Mt Pisgah Inn!
Love that place. Depending on how much time you have, find a clear day and go out on the Devils Courthouse. Then, drive down to Brevard on 278, stopping at the Cradle of Forestry, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock (if you are brave and it is warm), the Fish Hatchery (great place for a picnic), and then Brevard. Beautiful town.
You’ll also want to stop at Mt Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, enjoy the drive over the Linville Viaduct, the Peaks of Otter, and a BUNCH of overpasses..
Don’t miss the Biltmore Estate. It’s the largest private residence ever built in the U.S. It’s like a bit of Renaissance France in NC. They also make some pretty good wines.
Mount Mitchell is pretty cool, pun intended. It’s about 6600 feet above sea level and it has a climate similar to southern Canada.
Make that Overlooks.
My wife’s family lives about 15 miles from the BRP in North Carolina, near Linville Falls which has been mentioned. I go there often. The tree’s should be beautiful then and it will be a great trip. However I recommend ,if you have not already done so,making reservations NOW. There will most likely be many tourists that time of year.
One place I enjoy is the Pisgah Inn near Brevard, N.C.. It is right on the parkway and has a great restaurant as well as nice accommodations. Enjoy yourself in those beautiful Southern Appalachians!!
Definitely do Waffle House for breakfast. Get eggs over hard with bacon and hash browns scattered, smothered and covered.
The Blue Ridge mountains and Shenandoah valley are fantastic. Take Skyline Drive and back roads when you can and explore. Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge and Mt. Vernon (if you are in DC area) are all worth looks.
Natural Bridge most definitely...pretty hidden, but well worth the find, what with George Washington’s graffiti and all.
I’ll second Sliding Rock...it’s a blast!
“Stay away from Cracker Barrels. Bland, soulless food with a tacky tourist trap on your way out.”
You have gone too far this time. Leave Cracker Barrel alone. This is the kind of talk that will get you an Alabama azz kickin boy. Cracker Barrel is off limits. I am petitioning the moderator to have your seditious comment removed forthwith. You can just take your Yankee azz back up to Boston and eat some beans.
Now I’m sitting back down to finish my deelishus Cracker Barrel fried Catfish dinner with a side of fried Okra and green beans with bisquit and sweet tea. Then I’m going out and browse the gift shop full of interesting down home items on my way out. :-)
If you make it up to southwest Virginia; Grayson Highlands park is a MUST! One of the nicest state parks anywhere...
Make sure the brakes on your car are in good condition, seriously. The long downhill stretches on the Parkway really put a strain on your brakes.
Feel free to skip Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg which are nearby, both tourist traps.
As far as Fla panhandle beaches, Mexico Beach is relatively undeveloped and the beaches are beautiful. Panama City and Destin have great beaches but the hundreds of high rise condos are just depressing.
Two places I love one is on the BRP http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/skinny_dip1.htm
the other is Cataloochee (not the ski resort) you have to get off the BRp at (Soco Gap) http://maggievalley.org/explore/blue-ridge-parkway/ 19/23 Maggie Valley NC http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cataloochee.htm
BRP Map http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/plan-your-visit.htm
Now you mention Alabama and fried catfish in the same reply.
If you are familiar with the Guntersville area of Alabama, check out the Catfish Cabin on Route 431. I try to stop there every time I'm down that way. All you can eat catfish for very reasonable price, along with hush puppies and real Southern sweet tea.
Some nice waterfalls.
NC
http://pisgahnationalforest.info/pisgah-forest-waterfalls.html
FL
gulf beach
http://www.visitgulf.com/cape-san-blas
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