BLUE RIDGE DIGEST FALL 2016 by IMAGEWERKS PRODUCTIONS

the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains

FALL

2016

Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains

Hendersonville’s Home for the

Hop off the Parkway for These 5 Things to See in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Holidays

Pumpkins,

Zombies, and

Leaves…Oh My!

MUSIC | FUN | FOOD | FESTIVALS

The first one to close the generation gap wins.

There are many ways for kids and parents to enjoy every day in the Roanoke Valley. Climb on antique trains at the Virginia Museum of Transportation or cheer for the home team at a Salem Red Sox ball game. Don’t be surprised if the world-class mountain bike trails bring out dad’s competitive side. The young and the young at heart will love Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

visitvablueridge.com | 800.635.5535 #BlueRidgeDay

How will you enjoy your Blue Ridge Day? Virginia’s Blue Ridge region is filled with beautiful scenery, outdoor fun, inspiring arts & culture and, of course, great hospitality and delicious food.

The National D-Day Memorial 800-351-DDAY | www.dday.org

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 540-985-5900 | www.HotelRoanoke.com

Smith Mountain Lake 540-721-1203 | www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

Virginia Transportation Museum 540-342-5670 | www.vmt.org

Look closely into the mountains of North Carolina and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover a place unlike any other. Hendersonville calls out to all to seek out and explore new experiences year-round.

Take a Bite out of Henderson County! Pick up your garden fresh apples at the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located throughout Henderson County or visit an orchard for tours and personal apple picking experiences! North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producin g state in the nati on and Henderson County is the largest apple-prod ucing county in North Carolina. The apple harv est season runs from late August through Octob er. Fresh apples, cider and many other items may be purchased at the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located through out Henderson County. Some orchards offer tours and allow you to pick you r own apples.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to Pick up your copy of the Orchard Trail

Crest

of the Blue Rid

Orchard Trail

A Guide to Locally Grow

Fruits & Vegetables 1.800.828

visi the nde

.4244

rso nvi llen

c.o rg

as your guide to the ultimate orchard experience!

1.800.828.4244

visithenderson v illenc. org

www.blueridgedigest.com

P.O. Box 1758 Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: (828) 667-1607

FALL 2016

Downtown Burnsville Welcomes Blind Squirrel Brewery

www.blueridgedigest.com All articles and information supplied are printed accurately to the best knowledge of the management. The Blue Ridge Digest is not responsible for errors beyond its control. THANKS TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION FOR THE USE OF THEIR CENTER-SPREAD MAP

Publisher: Thomas Hardy

tomhardy@blueridgedigest.com Design: Imagewerks Productions Need good design? Call (828) 681-8029

FROM THE PUBLISHER

lind Squirrel Brewery has a fun motto: “We’re nuts about beer.” In addition to its passion for beer, Blind Squirrel Thank you for making your vacation an All-American experience in the beautiful feels strongly about small towns in Blue Ridge Mountain area. Your vacation Western North Carolina. Its effort dollars go further on U.S. soil and by to support those communities led spending time in the mountains, you the brewery, based in Plumtree, not only benefit communities and to open a second location, the businesses in your own back yard, but avoid flight delays and exchange rates. Burnsville Outpost, on June 22. Now more than ever, Americans are The 40-seat restaurant and looking for ways to stretch their dollars, taproom, located on Main Street spend time with family and friends, across from the Yancey County reconnect to the wonders of the natural world, and, if only for a moment, take a Visitor Center, offers 10 beers on draft. In honor of the new breath of fresh air. The time you spend in the Blue Ridge location, Blind Squirrel introduced Mountain area will provide all of this and the Otway IPA, which pays tribute more: go whitewater rafting, experience to Burnsville’s namesake, Capt. historic and cultural sites, find unique Otway Burns. shopping areas, take a hike, taste In addition to beer, Blind delicious local foods, and just breathe the clean mountain air. Hopefully this Squirrel pours two of its own hard issue of the Blue Ridge Digest will be an ciders, one sweet and one dry. aid in planning your trip and a keepsake The brewery produces a small run to remember your vacation in the of cider each fall using apples mountains. from The Orchard at Altapass in nearby Spruce Pine. Wine Cover image courtesy of is available by the glass and visitvablueridge.com bottle; local wineries represented

Welcome to the Mountains!

Enjoy your stay!

include Linville Falls Winery and Grandfather Vineyard and Winery. The restaurant serves creative bar food made with fresh ingredients. The menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas with house-made crust, chicken wings with an assortment of homemade sauces and tater tots with a variety of toppings. The dishes not only pair well with beer, they often use beer as an ingredient. The Belgian Quad goes into pizza dough, and Backwoods Blonde is essential to the beer cheese

served with nachos and soft pretzels. The brewery sources locally when possible and plans to expand its lineup of farm-to-table specials as it settles into the new location. Some of the seasonal produce comes from Blind Squirrel’s own garden in Plumtree. “Burnsville is a forwardthinking, growing town, and it’s a great spot for us,” says Zack Shytle, sales and marketing director for Blind Squirrel. “We want to turn people on to fresh, local foods and great craft beer, and encourage them to enjoy where we are in Western North Carolina.” Blind Squirrel Brewery, a family business, has been operating for four years. To maximize space at the Burnsville location, brewing operations will remain in Plumtree. The Burnsville Outpost is open Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.BlindSquirrelBrewery.com or call (828) 536-9491. To learn more about downtown Burnsville, visit www.ExploreBurnsville.com.

Best Pick in Virginia for…

tre ex Thea at the R ers Market d a o R Farm oked pping, f the Cro ate Park • Galax s • Unique Sho including the o ic s u M t m ts Time Ja ial Even er Trail S New Riv egrass and Old s • Annual Spec lu n B tio Weekly mmoda Convention! nd Acco r’s Dining a ous Old Fiddle am F d rl o W

888-217-8823 or 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com

Forget your cares...

… and return to a place and time you thought had passed. Alleghany County and Sparta NC are home to the Blue Ridge Mountain community where Parkway construction began. And it is still home to a relaxed, rural pace of life that retains much of the unspoiled beauty that it shares with the famous scenic byway. With two state parks, New River and Stone Mountain, plus Doughton Park, the Parkway’s largest developed recreation area, camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and bicycling opportunities abound. The New River offers canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing and is a welcome respite from summer heat. Get schooled in mountain music at the Alleghany Jubilee’s weekly barn dance (alleghanyjubilee.com), the Monday jam at Crouse Park and at the big Fiddlers Convention (alleghanyfiddlersconvention.com). Events like the Blue Ridge Mountain Fair and Mountain Heritage Festival (Sparta-NC.com/heritage) highlight the area’s craft heritage. Enjoy down-home fun at distinctively local pastimes, such as the demolition derby, and mud slings. Look for other upcoming events at CoolSparta.com.

Sparta, NC / Alleghany County

The community offers motels, bed and breakfast inns and vacation cabins to make your stay special. And there’s no better sleeping than snuggled under covers during cool mountain nights. When you visit, stop by the Visitors Center, 58 S. Main St., just 7 miles south of the US 21/ Parkway intersection at Mile Post 229.6. Our welcome mat is always out and we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing.

MP 229.6 - 58 S. Main St. • Sparta, NC • 800-372-5473 • Cool Sparta.com

Enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast

Our guests are number one - from check-in to check-out. Our staff is always ready to be at your service in friendly mountain style. You’ll really enjoy the spacious rooms.

Conference Room Guest Laundry Restaurant on Site Free Wireless Internet 24-Hour Staff Open all year long

Beautiful scenic views

800-538-3508

Toll Free Reservations: 1-888-372-2501

contact@gladevalley.com Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, mp 229 330 Shaw Lane Glade Valley, NC 28627

Rustic cabin also available

341 N. Main St. Sparta, NC

www.AlleghanyInn.com

www.blueridgedigest.com

FALL 2016

Pumpkins, Zombies, and Leaves…Oh My!

orange of pumpkins ready for harvest. Festivals and events are frequent this time of year and focus on music, crafts, and even spooky activities. There’s fourteen nights of scary at the Haunted Graham Mansion. This wildly popular attraction is all is an excellent time to visit located within a real historic Wytheville, Virginia. Easily accessible via Interstates 77 mansion and surrounding grounds and runs from late or 81, this small town makes a September to early November. In great detour on your Blue Ridge mid-October, the spooky moves Parkway experience. to Downtown Wytheville as the Many local farms offer a annual Zombie Run is held on cornucopia of experiences as Saturday, October 22. Trick fields are blanketed with the

or treating, pet and children’s costume contests, and a zombie parade precede the actual Zombie Run which begins at 4:00 p.m. An adult Halloween costume party closes out the event that evening. Music can be found at many locations throughout the Wytheville area, but one of the most beautiful in the autumn is the stage at Big Walker Lookout. Every weekend is a musical one at this mountain top location

Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail

t has been said by many that the Shenandoah Valley is one of the country’s most exciting wine producing regions today, with positive critical reviews being found in major food and wine publications nationwide. As the praise and awards continue to accumulate, Shenandoah Valley wines have become sought-after products in fine restaurants and wine shops from coast to coast and internationally. The Shenandoah Valley has clearly emerged as a regional wine leader in the eastern United States. A tour of the Valley’s wineries offers a special experience, with rural scenery, entertainment, quality restaurants and award winning wines.

with a variety of local musicians, artisans and authors each Saturday and Sunday. For more information about everything the area has to offer, contact the Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, toll-free at 1-877-347-8307, or visit www. VisitWytheville.com

More information or wine trail map, visit:

shenandoahvalleywinetrail.com

Wineries - North to South

Veramar Vineyard........................... Berryville, Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery....Stephens City Wicked Oak Farms & Vineyard....Star Tannery, Cedar Creek Winery...................Star Tannery, North Mountain Vineyard & Winery................ .................................................Maurertown Muse Vineyards........................... Woodstock, Shenandoah Vineyards..................... Edinburg Wolf Gap Vineyard.......................... Edinburg Cave Ridge Vineyard...................Mt. Jackson, The Winery at Kindred Pointe.........Mt. Jackson DeMello Vineyards........................Quicksburg

Old Hill Cidery.............................. Timberville Wisteria Farm & Vineyard....................Stanley CrossKeys Vineyards................. Mt. CrawfordBluestone Vineyard.......................Bridgewater Barren Ridge Vineyards.................. Fishersville Ox-Eye Vineyards.............................Staunton Hunt’s Vineyard..........................Stuarts Draft, Rockbridge Vineyard..........................Raphine Jump Mountain Vineyard.......Rockbridge Baths Lexington Valley Vineyard......Rockbridge Baths Blue Ridge Vineyard...................... Eagle Rock

FALL 2016

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Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

ituated along Virginia’s western border and including West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, the Shenandoah Valley is one of the country’s most scenic areas, and known for its vistas and rural charm. The Valley is defined by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west; the Shenandoah River winds through the Valley and between these two mountain ranges. The Museum of

the Shenandoah Valley tells the stories of the ten counties—two in West Virginia and eight in Virginia—that stretch from the Potomac River in the north to the Roanoke Valley in the south. The MSV is a great place to begin your Shenandoah Valley visit and Winchester is an ideal home base as you explore the region. If you are able to stay a while, below are a few suggestions to consider as you plan your trip.

Within 5 Minutes of the MSV:

Historic Old Town Winchester Patsy Cline Historic House Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society Museums Shenandoah Arts Council

Within One Hour of the MSV: Family Drive-In Theatre Belle Grove Plantation Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park Dinosaur Land Veramar Vineyard North Mountain Vineyard Shenandoah National Park/ Skyline Drive Skyline Caverns

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Luray Caverns Virginia Museum of the Civil War/New Market Battlefield State Historical Park Shenandoah Caverns Route 11 Potato Chip Factory Long Branch Plantation Clark County Historical Association

For more info: www.themsv.org/ or 888-556-5799

FALL 2016

Hop off the Parkway for These 5 Things to See in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

his fall, find the perfect combination of entertainment, history, outdoor adventure and southern hospitality right off the Parkway in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Take milepost 120 towards Roanoke to stretch your legs, refuel and enjoy the fall season outdoors. With unlimited things to do, be sure not to miss out on these five favorites while visiting Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge: Mountain bike along the crisp trails of Mill Mountain Park to Roanoke’s highest point (1703

ft.) then stand beneath the Roanoke Star, the world’s largest man-made illuminated star, for a breathtaking view as the leaves change into their fall wardrobes. Quench your thirst with a seasonal craft beer at Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers while enjoying live music and a game of corn hole in the pet-friendly open air brewery. Refuel with fluffy homemade buttermilk biscuits, country ham, and traditional southern cuisine at The Roanoker Restaurant. The

These two festivals are coming soon! October 8

December 3

Mountain Glory Festival

Appalachian Potters’ Market

Details on these and other seasonal events are online. Call for a FREE visitor guide. 8 8 8 - 2 3 3 - 6 111 | w w w . b l u e r i d g e t r a v e l e r s . c o m

local icon opened in 1941 and Visit the Virginia Museum serves breakfast, lunch and of Transportation known dinner Tues – Sun. for their 50 pieces of Get active at the Go rolling stock and largest Outside Festival on Oct. collection of diesel locomotives in 14 – 16 at River’s Edge the south. Sports Complex in Roanoke. Plan a complete mountain Celebrate everything outdoors getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge with nearly 125 outdoor activities this fall. Find more information including camping, music, races, on these attractions and others at demos and the Ultimate Air Dog www.visitvablueridge.com under competition. ‘Things to Do.”

FALL 2016

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Home for the

Holidays Nov 1 - Dec 31, 2016

Come “Home for the Holidays” and experience an old-fashioned holiday with small town charm, sprinkled with excitement and nostalgic atmosphere. Let Hendersonville become your Hometown during the Holiday season.

he quaint stores along Main Street are decked out with Christmas decorations for the season. Large wreaths with big red bows hang from streetlights, along with twinkling lights and decorations in the planters that line the serpentine street. The area abounds with holiday activities such as the Flat Rock Playhouse productions, an Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas, holiday concerts, hometown Christmas parade, and many other events for the whole family. Catch the Christmas spirit in Hendersonville and pass it along. Make a family Christmas tradition by exploring the Western

North Carolina choose and cut Christmas tree farms to select the perfect Christmas tree. Visit a North Carolina tree farm for a variety of fresh decorations: wreaths, garland and table arrangements. The farms grow mainly Fraser Firs and allow visitors choose and cut the tree, select a pre-cut tree or a living Christmas tree sold with roots intact for replanting. The holidays are a time for celebration and dining with friends and family. Many restaurants in the greater Hendersonville area offer festive seasonal menus during the holidays. The Holiday Dining Guide list restaurants open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Be sure to make reservations! Check the calendar of events on the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority web site for dates, times and locations of each event.

BOOKS YOU GOTTA READ

North Carolina’s Roadside Eateries

A Traveler’s Guide to Local Restaurants, Diners, and Barbecue Joints

by D. G. Martin

For events in Western North Carolina, choose and cut Christmas tree farms, holiday dining guide, or to receive a Hendersonville Vacation Planner, visit the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority web site at www. visithendersonvillenc.org. Vacation planning at your fingertips. Choose from a variety of vacation packages including long weekend retreats, romantic getaways, or family holiday outings. Enjoy deals when you book a special value added package in Hendersonville. Make “Hometown Holiday” memories in this charming mountain town. For additional information call the Henderson County Visitors Center at (828) 693-9708 / 800-828-4244 or go online to visithendersonvillenc.org.

Want to eat like the locals? D. G. Martin has spent years traveling the major roadways of North Carolina, on the lookout for community, local history, and, of course, a good homecooked meal. Here, D. G. is your personal tour guide to more than 100 notable local roadway haunts that serve not only as places to eat but also as fixtures of their communities. Features locally owned and time-tested community favorites Covers a range of food tastes from BBQ joints and country kitchens to Mexican restaurants and Greek diners Introduces diners to the restaurant owners and locals who make these places unique!

To order this or other fabulous books, log on to:

www.uncpress.unc.edu

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Conquer Gravity at Asheville’s Fun Depot

he skyline in Asheville has changed over the past several months. If you find yourself on I-40 through Asheville, you are going to pass a business that has become somewhat iconic. Asheville’s Fun Depot— the yellow, red and blue building on the hill at Exit 51, is a family owned and operated small business that has been helping Asheville families build

memories for the past 13 years. David and Marybeth have a large family, and created the business to provide clean family fun for locals and tourists. David had always heard that to run a good business you have to enjoy it, and so he put all of the things he loves under one roof. Go-carts, lazertag, mini-golf, mini-bowling, an arcade, and so much more fill 65,000 square feet of indoor

FALL 2016

family fun. They also have outdoor go-carts on a multilevel ¼ mile track. Recently, they added a new outdoor attraction that’s bigger and more challenging than any they’ve constructed so far. In 2016, David and Marybeth built a 60-foot high challenge course named Anti-gravity. If you ask them why they did it, they will say, “We want people to have fun, but also be challenged to accomplish something great. It’s a challenge course, which means that you don’t have to get to the top. We simply want people to try it, and find that they can do more than they thought was possible.” The course has 15 dynamic elements, and a decent station that forces you to step off a three-story-high platform. As they say, “Come

conquer gravity and feel the thrill of balancing high in the sky above I-40.” You will balance high, and have a lot of fun in the process. 828-277-2FUN and ashevillesfundepot.com

Chimney Rock ROCKS C

himney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park offers its guests the best of the NC mountains in one place – 75-mile panoramic views, 404ft Hickory Nut Falls, vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, unique hiking trails, and beginner rock climbing. The Park boasts spectacular fall colors, the perfect backdrop for photographs to submit in the Fall Photo Contest or simply view while attending the 8th Annual Flock to the Rock or a Naturalist Niche hike. Even Santa enjoys the Chimney and will be climbing the world’s largest Saturdays, December 3 and 10. NC State Parks First Day Hikes kick off the New Year on January 1, and Grady the Groundhog will (hopefully) predict an early spring in February. AAA members receive $2 off adult admission and $1 off youth admission for up to six people in your party. Pet-friendly. Visit chimneyrockpark.com to learn more.

FALL 2016

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First Trail Bridge at Catawba Falls Complete

he first of two trail bridges on the Catawba Falls Trail on the Grandfather Ranger District is complete! In partnership with McDowell County, North Carolina State Parks, and a federal Recreational Trails Program grant, the Pisgah National Forest has rerouted the Catawba Falls trail and installed a trail bridge crossing the Catawba River. The Forest Service will be rerouting the trail and installing a similar bridge across Chestnut Branch as well as surveying and designing a safer route to the upper falls. “I am so excited to make progress on improving access to these amazing waterfalls. We’re at a point now where soon we will be able to get people safely to the upper falls,” according to District Ranger Nick Larson. “Catawba Falls is our single most popular waterfall. Take the trail to the lower falls and find out why. It’s a beautiful hike that takes you through the historical structures of the old hydroelectric dam and

lands you right at the base of a stunning 100 foot waterfall.” The Forest Service and its partners are continuing to make progress to make this area more accessible and safe for forest visitors though the route to the upper falls remains dangerous and the public is warned against attempting it. Every month, McDowell County Emergency Management responds to at least one critical rescue at the site from the public seeking access to the upper falls. Catawba Falls has a long history of tourism, and has become an iconic National Forest destination. From the days when the railroad and dirt paths were the only way up to the mountains, the public has sought out Catawba Falls for its breathtaking beauty. The relatively easy 1.5 mile hike to the lower falls is a little easier now. Less than 5 minutes from Interstate 40, and less than 30 minutes from Asheville and the northern end of the Pisgah Ranger District, Catawba Falls is one of the easiest areas to access and provides a unique opportunity to connect a diverse public to their National Forests.

For more information contact the Grandfather Ranger District at 828-652-2144.

See Inside A MOUNTAIN!

Don’t Miss!

North Carolina's Only Caverns!

LINVILLE CAVERNS 19929 US 221 North Marion, NC 800-419-0540 828-756-4171

Located on U.S. 221 between Linville & Marion, NC. - Just 3 1/2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Exit Milepost 317.4, turn left on U.S. 221 toward Linville Falls Village & Marion, NC

linvillecaverns.com

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FALL 2016

39th Annual

Woolly

Worm ITS BETTER IN THE BURG

short drive from Washington, DC or Richmond; you can indulge your inner need to wander in Harrisonburg. It’s easy to reach, making it a perfect choice for a quick trip or weeklong vacation. You should make Harrisonburg your next stop for fall fun. Hailed by National Geographic Society as one of America’s Top Mountain Bike

Towns, Harrisonburg is the perfect getaway for heart pumping adventure. With a diverse mix of peaceful county trails, bike-friendly city streets, winding single tracks, and mountain bike courses. Be a part of the Shenandoah Mountain Bike Festival or Rocktown Cyclocross Festival during October. Don’t forget the family; this destination boasts an extensive selection of museums, parks, and playgrounds. Harrisonburg makes

a convenient stop-through for road-tripping families. Celebrate Halloween downtown with your little creatures at Halloween on the Square. If ghosts are your thing, take the one-hour walking tour of downtown’s haunts with Haunted Harrisonburg Ghost Tours. Celebrate the release of Brothers Craft Brewing resolute beer at Resolute Release Weekend. Stay with us and enjoy this event full of beer, food trucks, music and more! Round out the season with The Rocktown Turkey Trot. This run is a perfect mix of fun and fitness on Thanksgiving morning. For more information: VisitHarrisonburgVA.com phone (540) 432-8935 or come to their visitor center at 212 South Main Street.

HIDDEN

GEMS

FRONT ROYAL, VA

Located at Milepost 0, Front Royal is a stepping on and off point for a wonderful and spectacular Skyline Drive tour through the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. www.discoverfrontroyal.com (800) 338-2576.

Festival Banner Elk, NC

The Annual Woolly Worm Festival is back in business this fall October 15-16 in downtown Banner Elk. Annually attended by an estimated 23,000 guests, the Woolly Worm festival is perhaps one of the High Country’s largest and most unique festival events. Up to 1,000 worm racers vie for the top position and the honor of having their worm predict the upcoming winter weather at the festival’s famous woolly worm races. The Festival is sponsored by the Banner Elk Kiwanis and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and portions of the proceeds go back into the community. Please check www.woollyworm.com or call for more information, 828-898-5605.

FALL 2016

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Get Ready to Take an

Unforgettable Adventure! You have never seen, heard, or done anything like this before…

our Lost Sea adventure begins with a guided tour of the caverns. This involves a ¾ mile roundtrip walk on wide sloping pathways, with no steps. While touring the caverns and underground lake their knowledgeable guides will tell of the cavern’s exciting and colorful

history. They will also explain the fascinating geological development of the immense cavern rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave you will board a glass-bottom boat for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea, America’s largest underground lake.

The Lost Sea is open every day of the year for tours (except Christmas Day). The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. After the tour relax in Old Sweetwater Village or take a walk on their self guided nature trail! Be sure to bring your camera and be prepared for an unforgettable experience! They also host a Wild Cave Tour for

organizations such as Schools, Camps, Churches, and Scouts. The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater on Hwy. 68, just seven miles off I-75, exit #60, about halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga. For more information call 423-337-6616 or visit them on the web at www.thelostsea.com

PEACE AND QUIET ISN’T ALWAYS QUIET. In Shenandoah National Park, it’s easy to find solace in the secrecy of a mountain forest. Where the leafy rustle of heavy breezes and the bright cascade of tucked-away waterfalls orchestrate the perfect soundtrack of nature’s silence. Hear it, and see it all, with a stay at Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge. Book your room today at goshenandoah.com or call 877-313-2586. Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge are managed by Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park. ©2016 DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc.

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FALL 2016

Winchester-Frederick MABRY MILL County, VA Parkway Icon

xperience the best of both worlds in WinchesterFrederick County, only 30 minutes from the northern entrance to Skyline Drive. A thriving city center bursting with eclectic shops, hip locally-owned restaurants, breweries, museums, and centuries-old architecture is surrounded by a countryside dotted with family-owned farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets, vineyards, and preserved Civil War battlefields. In the fall, visitors enjoy leaf peeping, apple-picking, wagon rides, and harvest festivals. www.visitwinchesterva.com. 540-542-1326

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming up! Sept 17-18: Oct 15-16: Nov-Jan: Dec 31:

Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival Battle of Cedar Creek Reenactment Walking in a Winter Wonderland Light Show First Night Winchester

ravelers today see the daily patterns of life and the settled landscape here on the high plateau at places like Mabry Mill. Cultural history demonstrations are offered in summer and early fall at the nearby blacksmith shop and Matthews cabin. www.mabrymillrestaurant.com or (276) 952-2947.

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FALL 2016

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Visit two of the Scariest (Sounding) Points on the Blue Ridge Parkway They may sound scary, but don’t let the names fool you. Located within just a few miles of each other on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County, Devil’s Courthouse and Graveyard Fields are anything but a spooky experience.

ocated at milepost 422, Devil’s Courthouse is believed to take its name from both its sinister rock formations and the legend that the devil held court in the cave that lies beneath the rock. Local Cherokee lore believes the cave is the private chamber of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla. A short, 20-minute uphill hike will take you to the overlook summit at 5,720 feet, where you will find some of the most long-range scenic views on the parkway, including views of South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Located just north at milepost 418 is Graveyard Fields, which is

CHEERS! Trail

A Guide To Beer Wine & Cider 4244 1.800.828.illenc .org

visith ende rsonv

surrounded by much speculation on how its name came to be. One belief is it developed from a tremendous windstorm that uprooted the spruce forest that left behind stumps that gave the area the appearance of a graveyard. Another theory believes that logging in the early 20th century left tree stumps resembling gravestones. However, due to massive forest fires in the last century, the stumps were destroyed and the soil scorched enough to render it sterile. Despite this, it remains one of the most popular hiking areas on the parkway due to easily accessible

waterfall features and incredible flora and fauna, including abundant blackberry, gooseberry and blueberry bushes throughout. For more information on visiting the adjacent communities of

Maggie Valley and Waynesville, visit www.visitncsmokies.com or for help planning a Blue Ridge Parkway experience visit www.blueridgeparkway.org.

Want to Sample Henderson County’s Great Wine and Beer? Pick up your copy of the CHEERS! Trail Brochure at the Visitor Center to start your adventure! Easy to follow map and information about the breweries, wineries and cideries in the region! Henderson County TDA 201 South Main St. | Hendersonville, NC visithendersonvillenc.org

1.800.828.4244

STEP AWAY FROM THE TELEVISION AND STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF Start your adventure today. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com

www.blueridgedigest.com

Lynchburg is Trending

Beautiful! I

n just a short meandering drive on route 501 off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 63.7, Lynchburg, Virginia sits amid the Blue Ridge Mountains and alongside the James River. It has always been a cosmopolitan oasis for Central Virginia and at times throughout its history, Lynchburg ranked as one of the wealthiest communities per capita in the nation. This affluence fueled construction of extraordinary buildings in a diverse array of architectural styles. Today, these structures

of iconic 19th and 20th century design are now renewed into trendy restaurants, eclectic shops, and insightful attractions giving way to a vibrant city scene. Warm hospitality and engaging sites await such as the Lynchburg Museum in the iconic Old Courthouse, the National Medal winning Amazement Square Children’s Museum, the prominent Point of Honor historic residence, the eclectic Old City Cemetery & Arboretum and the Anne Spencer House & Garden, home to the famed African

American poet. Scenic hiking/ biking trails throughout the city and along James River tributaries, make Lynchburg the perfect place to take in a little adventure. Visitors also enjoy exploring nearby regional treasures like Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the National D-Day Memorial, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. And Lynchburg is home to many festivals! This fall, it’s Chic to Reek at Rebec Vineyard’s Wine & Garlic Festival on October 8th and 9th or visit the homes of two

FALL 2016

of our nation’s founding fathers during the Bluegrass, Barbecue & Brew Festival on November 5th at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill and the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival on November 19th at his retreat home, Poplar Forest. So, take a journey off the Parkway to visit Lynchburg and soon you’ll be Trending Memories!

The 27th Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree The 27th Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree is held each year at the peak of the leaf season in the foothills of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Dealers from all over the Southeast bring their best to sell. The show is held October 14–16 at the Robert C Carpenter Community Building (1288 Georgia

Road, Franklin, NC 28734). You will find everything from beautiful, custom, fine jewelry to trendy, costume jewelry, beads and minerals. Come join us in Franklin during this year’s beautiful leaf season. Contact: Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 800-336-7529, www.VisitFranklinNC.com

Blowing Rock, NC Fall & winter in the Crown of the Blue Ridge offer experiences that shouldn’t be missed! Catch the Blowing Rock Music Festival at the Blowing Rock attraction September 17 – outdoor entertainment from regional bluegrass, Americana, folk and rock performers. As the season progresses through autumn’s colors, the Blowing Rock Fall Classic and Art in the Park fill the calendar. Holidays sparkle in Blowing Rock and you’ll want to grab a fresh Fraser fir from a local Christmas tree

farm for your own celebrations. January 26-29 is WinterFest – experience the Polar Plunge, WinterFeast, and Ice Carving demos. www.blowingrock.com

Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries December 2 & 3, 9 & 10

he Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries illuminates this mountain village the first two weekends in December. In an era of electronic gadgetry and LED lights, Dillsboro’s celebration is a throwback. Adapted from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child, more than 2,500 candles in white bags line the streets with more than a dozen shops to explore. Weather permitting, Jacobsen will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets where children of all ages can

Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Horse and buggy rides available each night. Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and children visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Live Nativity at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. Free shuttle service from Monteith Park. make snowmen and play in the snow. In addition to the luminaries and snow, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings – many of which date to the late 1800s – in traditional white lights. Shopkeepers also stay open late and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and homemade goodies to visitors. There will be sing-alongs throughout town, horse-and-carriage rides, WCU students strolling the streets in renaissance costumes, children’s art in the courtyard, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus setting up shop in Town Hall. The Festival of Lights & Luminaries begins each evening at dusk and runs until 9 p.m. There is no admission charge. Dillsboro is located on the Tuckasegee River near Sylva at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 23/74 and U.S. Hwy 441 in Jackson County. The town is less than an hour west of Asheville. More info: www.mountainlovers.com 800-962-1911

LEGEND

The wondrous profusion of mountain flowers in spring and early summer, the high altitude coolness of the forest-clad mountains in summer, and the glorious coloring of these mountains in autumn provide an everchanging appeal. The Blue Ridge Parkway is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Sometimes road repair is undertaken in the winter months and detours are posted. The Parkway is not plowed or salted in the winter, so after snow or ice events, portions may be closed until the weather warms and makes the roadway safe for travel again. So as not to be disappointed when planning a winter drive, call the Blue Ridge Parkwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24-hour information line at 828 298-0398 for the latest road conditions.

Blue Ridge Parkway Facilities 01 Designates Milepost

New River G National Rive

N Bluefield Pennington Gap

Norris

To Chattanooga

Townsend

Tapoco

143

Robbinsville

Murphy 129 Blue Ridge

19 76

129

Cosby Gatlinburg

441

Cherokee

Andrews

Bryson City

Franklin

440 Graveyard Fields

107

Mount Pisgah

Saluda 9

Lenoir

Valdese

40 221

To Greenville

Elkin

Shelby

NC SC

To Charlotte Gastonia

Statesville 70

150

Columbus

WinstonSalem Clemmons 421

Hickory

321

601

Union Grove

Newton

108

Tryon

Flo Hillsville Laurel 58 Fork Fancy Gap

Galax 180 Laurel Springs 221 Sparta 220 Stua y West a Cumberland Knob Parkw V e g d i Jefferson R Mount Airy N C lu e 21 Boone B 77 18 Doughton Park Pilot 270 E.B. Jeffress Park 74 Mount

Morganton 321

Chimney Lake Lure Rock 74A

Clayton

To Atlanta

Crabtree Falls

Black Mtn.

Moses H. Cone Mem. Park North Julian Price Mem. Park Wilkesboro Linville Falls 18

320

Chr

Wytheville

Blowing Rock 421

Spruce Pine

Craggy Gardens Marion

Parkway Visitor Visitor Center Center

Hendersonville 64 Cashiers 441 Brevard N Hiwassee C Highlands Sapphire Lake Toxaway GA 76

Hayesville

Chatuge Lake Blairsville

Asheville

Waynesville

410

Burnsville

Little Switzerland Weaverville

Valley

Balsam

Sugar Mountain

Mars Hill

Marshall

Knob Maggie

Sylva

Topton

Hot Springs

19E

Erwin

Hartford

469

Newport

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkMile Waterrock

165 Fontana Village

Cherohala Skyway

Sevierville

Pigeon Forge

129

411

Greeneville

Maryville 411

Elizabethton

Radfor

Pulaski

Mouth of Wilson Independence

City

Johnson City Jonesborough

Knoxville

Damascus

421 Mountain

Farragut

Bristol

Dublin

Marion

Abingdon

11E

Morristown

20 km

Kingsport

To Nashville

20 mi

VA TN

To Lexington

100

Mooresville 77

Lexington

Salisbury

Kannapolis

Concord

To Gettysburg, PA

Martinsburg Charles Town Harpers Ferry 340

Winchester

Leesburg

Harrisonburg

250

220

42 11

340

Staunton

Elkton

340

Luray

D Na rive tio na l P a

New Market

Monterey

Front Royal

line ah Sky do an n e Sh

211

rk 522

229 29

231

Culpeper

Waynesboro

Gorge er

220

Buchanan

311

Salem Blacksburg Roanoke

221

oyd

150

Meadows of Dan art

Rocky Mount

Vinton

501

Gretna

Danville

360

Eden Reidsville

High Point 85

40 85 421

220

Asheboro

Snow Camp

Roxboro 49

Burlington

To Durham

501

158

Greensboro

311

This is a very comprehensive app with lots of information, and best downloaded on a wireless connection.

Appomattox

Farmville

DOWNLOAD HERE!

Kernersville

To Richmond

Cell service/internet conductivity is not 100% in or even near the mountains in many places.

158

522

Chatham

Martinsville

220

Find attractions, history, nearby communities, lodging, hiking trails and more with or without connectivity.

Altavista

220

Amherst

Lynchburg

Bedford

Peaks of Otter

Burnt Chimney 43

tain

109

460

311

Otter Creek

Roanoke Mountain

Rocky Knob

Glasgow

460

Smart View

Lovingston

120

ristiansburg 8

30 Buena Vista

460

Humpback Rocks

Lexington

Natural Bridge

Charlottesville

Mile 0 64

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33 64

FALL 2016

LEGO® Brick Sculpture Exhibit Open at The N.C. Arboretum

isitors to The North Carolina Arboretum, a

434-acre public garden located just south of Asheville, will enjoy a funfilled outdoor adventure this fall at the Arboretum’s newest exhibit, Nature Connects®, Art with LEGO® Bricks, on display throughout the Arboretum’s gardens until October 23, 2016.

Composed of more than 370,000 LEGO bricks, Nature Connects includes 14 natureinspired sculptures constructed on a largerthan-life scale by renowned artist Sean Kenney. From a giant praying mantis, to a perched bald eagle, to a massive monarch butterfly made up of more than 60,000 LEGO

Photos by Camilla Calnan bricks, Nature Connects draws inspiration from the living world and combines play with science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. “Due to its size, uniqueness and magnitude, Nature Connects is a one-of-a-kind exhibit that truly appeals to all ages, groups and interests,” said George Briggs, executive director of The North Carolina Arboretum. “Sean Kenney does a terrific job of bringing together art and nature using an iconic toy, the LEGO brick, to help connect visitors with the natural world. We look are pleased to be hosting this exhibit and are excited about the many new pieces added to the collection.” Based in New York City, Sean Kenney has been building with LEGO bricks since he was 4 years old. Having spent so much of his time playing with LEGO toys, he decided to make a career out of it. A self-described “professional kid,” Sean hopes his sculptures will inspire creativity and

confidence in the children who see them. In conjunction with the Arboretum’s annual Monarch Butterfly Day, September 17, 2016, the Arboretum will host a special Nature Connects Build Day. Participants are invited to create their own LEGO brick sculptures and learn more about the monarch butterfly and ways to contribute to the species’ conservation and preservation. Exhibit admission to Nature Connects and Monarch Butterfly Day is free; standard Arboretum parking fees still apply. For more information, please visit: www.ncarboretum.org

October Ushers in the National Storytelling Festival The three-day celebration in Jonesborough, TN, of oral traditions from around the world—recently named one of the top tourist attractions in the nation by TripAdvisor.com—is the flagship event of its producer, the International Storytelling Center. The Festival runs October 7 – 9, with regular programming scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to make reservations, call ISC at (800) 952-8392, ext. 221.

FALL 2016

www.blueridgedigest.com

33rd Annual Mountain Glory Festival Where Main Street Meets The Mountains

Don't miss the annual Mountain Glory Quilt Show inside the McDowell Arts Council. The quilt show is the gallery's featured, October exhibit. The kids will have fun in the "Children's Arena" with hands-on activities, the Monkey Bridge and a best-dressed pet contest. To find additional area events, attractions and lodging information, visit www.blueridgetravelers.com or call toll free (888233-6111) to receive a free visitor guide and map. The festival is sponsored by the City of Marion. For festival information visit: www.mtngloryfestival.com or call 828-652-2215.

Martinsville Cruise-In

Saturdays: Sept 10, 17 & Oct 15, 2016

arion, North Carolina celebrates the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge during their annual Mountain Glory Festival. For 33 years, beautiful downtown Marion has hosted this popular celebration on the 2nd Saturday in October. This year, make plans to visit on October 8th between 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Celebrate small-town life in the mountains. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices shopping with three jam packed blocks, featuring locally made arts and crafts. Enjoy lots of festival foods and the wide variety of live entertainment, focusing on traditional Bluegrass and old time mountain music.

t’s Cruise-In Time! Come out and join car enthusiasts on East Church Street in Uptown Martinsville to see many makes and models of classical, custom, antique and restored cars and motorcycles. This event is held the third Saturday of each month from 4 to 8 p.m. See cars that have been restored as well as other classy and unique vehicles. Stroll the streets while shopping at various locally owned boutiques and shops. Make sure you visit the restaurants and coffee shops in the UpTown area as well. When you’re done admiring the cars, shopping and eating, make your way to the Historic Rives Theatre for a night of Bluegrass Music, featuring a different bluegrass band each month. Wheel Chair Access. FREE Admission More Info: (276) 632-5688 (276) 340-9144

www.martinsvilleuptown.com

LynchburgVirginia.org

www.blueridgedigest.com

Tuckaleechee Caverns “Greatest Site Under the Smokies”

ll the Cherokees lived in this part of the nation until about 1840 when the United States forced them to move to Oklahoma in a bitter winter trip known as “The Trail of Tears.” Some refused to leave and eventually were granted land in western North Carolina at Cherokee.

The first white men began to settle in this area in the late 1700’s and the early 1800’s. Written reports tell of the discovery of the caverns by white man about the middle of the 19th century when sawmill workers watched water from a heavy rain pour into a sink hole in the area. The hole was filled with debris but one of the men

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FALL 2016

According to legend, the Cherokee Indians knew of the caverns and hid in them before the white man discovered them about 1850.

found an opening in the rock and made his way to what is now the entrance of the caverns. Even before the caverns were discovered, there were reports of a cool spot in the valley near a sink hole. Apparently the year-around 58-degree temperatures of the caverns were cooling those who lingered near the sink hole which later became the entrance. Local women were reported to have taken their sewing and other “chores” which could be moved easily to the opening in the hot summer months to benefit from the cooling breezes. Many children took their summer naps there. These same breezes now are piped into the gift shop and visitor center to help air-condition the buildings. A crystal clear stream flows through the length of the caverns, draining much of the surface water from a small Alpine cove, Dry Valley, located directly above part of the caverns. The valley for its name long before it was known why the water disappeared quickly following heavy rains. Tuckaleechee Caverns opened to the public in 1953, and the Big Room opened in 1955 as part of the mile-long guided tour. The Big Room is more than 400 feet long, 300 feet across, and 150 feet deep. (Mammoth Cave in Kentucky has maximum ceiling heights of

only about 120 feet), and has stalagmites up to 24 feet high. The newest section opened to the public includes the 200foot high Silver Falls which is a double waterfall. Only the lower section may be fully viewed but visitors can look into a lighted upper room where the upper falls is located. For more information on Tuckaleechee Caverns visit www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com or call (865) 448-2274.

FALL 2016

www.blueridgedigest.com

The Autumn Leaves Festival™ Mount Airy, NC

and new friendships are made. The Autumn Leaves Festival™ is a homecoming The Autumn Leaves Festival™ October 14-16, 2016 where guests become marks the 50th anniversary of one of North Carolina’s neighbors. longest running and most successful events. Mt. Airy radiates with More info: www.autumnleavesfestival.com the spectacular scenery of the entire mountainside he Autumn Leaves Festival™ cornbread, barbecue, ground bathed in autumn reds and has been consistently ranked steak, Amish Doughnuts and luminous gold’s set against as one of the “Top 20 Pretzels and more served with the scenic backdrop of the Events” in the Southeast by the hospitality by our local civic Blue Ridge Mountains. The Southeast Tourism Society. and service organizations. It’s area is particularly beautiful The roster of artisans and a walker’s paradise with visual craftspeople covers such media delights and mouthwatering treats at this time of year when there’s still a chance to catch as pottery, paintings, textiles at every stop. some warm sunshine and the by Sid andphoto jewelry. The Vedula. unique arts The festival showcases their leaves start taking on their and crafts of more than 200 rich musical heritage, such as brilliant colors. Where shadows craftsmen line the streets, with Old-time, Bluegrass and Gospel many demonstrating their talents performed by local musicians on last a little longer, doors open a little wider, conversation lasts and skills passed down through the downtown stage. It’s a toe a little longer and the spirit of the generations. tapping, foot stomping, handThen, there is “Food for the clapping kind of weekend where our community has a captivating quality on everyone who visits. Soul”, ham biscuits, collards and old friendships are renewed This great community once again

puts out the “WELCOME” mat and invites one and all to come and experience the true spirit of America’s Hometown. ALL PETS are strictly prohibited inside of the festival boundaries. (Admission is FREE). Hours: 9-9 Friday and Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday.

RADFORD HIGHLANDERS FESTIVAL

all travelers making their way through Virginia’s scenic roads will want to make a stop in Radford. Follow the skirl of bagpipes to Bisset Park, on Oct 8, 2016 for the 19th annual Radford Highlanders Festival. Join more than 9,000

people to experience the excitement and fun: live Celtic and Appalachian music, dancers, heavyweight games, Scottish clans, entertainers, children’s games, mist-covered mountains and massed bands. Just 10 minutes from Exit 109 off I-81, the Radford Highlanders Festival has something for everyone, while celebrating Virginia’s ScotsIrish Ancestry. Bisset Park is transformed by artist, craftspeople and community organizations into an open air shopping mall. Start your Christmas shopping early, while snagging something nice

for yourself by shopping the over 40 vendors, which offer a diverse and interesting selection of clothing, accessories, jewelry, and crafts. The Radford Highlanders Festival is a daylong feast, with an assortment of foods provided by vendors. Savor classic festival food, authentic Scottish fare, or just plain good eats from pizza to burgers. Marvel at the power of

the Scottish athletes will watching the “heavyweight” games, featuring the infamous caber toss. Make a stop in Radford’s Bisset Park on September 26 to enjoy the diversity of vendors and events and take in the views of one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To learn more go to www.radford.edu/festival or find “Radford Highlanders” Festival on Facebook.

The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers! GEORGIA Blairsville/Union County Chamber 129 Union County Rec Rd. • Blairsville, GA 30512; (706) 745-5789 www.blairsvillechamber.com Ellijay Visitor Center 205 Craig St.; PO Box 505 Ellijay, GA 30540; (706) 635-7400 www.gilmerchamber.com  Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 152 Orvin Lance Drive • Blue Ridge, GA 30513 • (706) 632-5680 www.blueridgemountains.com Rabun County Welcome Center 232 Hwy 441 North, POB 750 Clayton, Georgia 30525; (706) 782-4812 www.gamountains.com/rabun Towns County Visitor Center 1411 Jack Dayton Circle Young Harris, GA 30582 (706) 896-4966 • www.mountaintopga.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Blue Ridge Mtn Stop Visitor Center 4220 Blowing Rock Blvd • Lenoir, NC 28645 • (828) 754-5400

Gaston County Visitor Center 620 Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center 195 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 • 828-298-5330

Greensboro Visitor Center 2411 West Gate City Blvd Greensboro, NC 27403; (800) 344-2282 www.VisitGreensboroNC.com

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 870 W King St. Suite A, Boone, NC 28607; (828) 264-2225 • www.VisitBooneNC.com

Haywood Chamber of Commerce 28 Walnut St. • Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3021

Bryson City Chamber of Commerce 210 Main Street • Bryson City, NC 28713; (800) 867-9246 • www.greatsmokies.com

Hendersonville Visitor Center 201 S. Main St • Hendersonville, NC 28792 (800) 828-4244 www.historichendersonville.org

Burke County Travel & Tourism 110 E. Meeting Street Morganton, NC 28655; (828) 433-6793 Caldwell County Visitor Center 1909 Hickory Blvd. SE Lenoir, NC 28645; (828) 726-0616 Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce 202 U.S. 64, POB 238 BRD Cashiers, NC 28717; (828) 743-5191 www.cashiers-nc.com

Hickory Visitor Center 1055 Southgate Parkway SW Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 328-6111 www.hickorymetro.com Lake Lure Welcome Center 2926 Memorial Hwy. Lake Lure, NC 28746

NW NC Visitor Center 2121 East US Hwy 421 • North WIlkesboro, NC 28659 • (336) 667-1259 NC High Country Host Visitor Center 6370 US HWY 321 South, Blowing Rock, NC 28605; (800) 438-7500 www.mountainsofnc.com Old Fort Visitor Center 91 S. Catawba Ave • Old Fort, NC 28762 (888) 233-6111 • www.visitmcdowell.com Piedmont Triad Visitor Center 700 NC Hwy 700 Pelham, NC 27311; (800) 388-9830 Polk County Visitor Center 20 E. Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 440-7848 Shenandoah County Tourism 600 N. Main St, Ste 101 Woodstock, VA 22664 Smoky Mountain Host of NC, Inc 4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (800) 432-4678 • www.visitsmokies.org

Highlands Chamber of Commerce 108 Main St., P. O. Box 404 Highlands, NC 28741 (828) 526-2112 www.highlandschamber.org

Spruce Pine Visitor Center 165 Locust St. Spruce Pine, NC 28777 (828) 765-7008

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 773 W. Main Street • Sylva, NC 28779; (800) 962-1911 • www.mountainlovers.com

Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau 118 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28687; (704) 878-3480 or (877) 531-1819 www.visitstatesville.org

Alleghany Co. Chamber of Commerce 58 S. Main, POB 1237 BRD Sparta, NC 28675; (800) 372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com

Cherokee County Visitor Center 20 Tennessee Street Murphy, NC 28906 828-557-2583 www.visitcherokeecountync.com

Andrews Chamber of Commerce 345 Locust St. • P.O. Box 800 Andrews, NC 28902 • (877) 558-0005 www.andrewschambercommerce.com

Cherokee County Welcome Center 805 W. US 64 Murphy, NC 28906; (828) 837-2242 www.cherokeecountychamber.com

Jonesville Welcome Center 1503 NC Hwy 67W Jonesville, NC 28642 • (336) 526-1111

Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center 1 N. Jefferson Ave, P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-9550 • www.ashechamber.com

Cherokee Smokies Chamber of Commerce 516 Tsali Blvd Cherokee, NC 28719 www.cherokeesmokies.com or 828-788-0034

Madison County Visitor Center 56 S. Main Street • Mars Hill, NC 28754; (828) 680-9031 www.visitmadisoncounty.com

Avery County Chamber of Commerce 4501 Tynecastle Hwy • Unit 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604; (800) 972-2183 www.averycounty.com

Cherokee Welcome Center P.O. Box 460 • 498 Tsalis Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719; (800) 438-1601 www.cherokee-nc.com

Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce 2791 Soco Road, POB 279 Maggie Valley, NC 28751 (800) MAGGIE-1 • www.maggievalley.org

Banner Elk Visitor Center 100 Main Street West, Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-8395 www.bannerelk.org

Clay County Chamber of Commerce 388 Business Hwy 64 Hayesville, NC 28904; (828) 389-3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com

McDowell County Visitor Center 1170 W. Tate St. • Marion, NC 28752; (828) 652-4240 • www.McDowellNC.org

Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce 403A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mtn, NC 28604; (800) 468-5506 www.beechmtn.com

Davie County Chamber of Commerce 135  S. Salisbury St., Mocksville, NC 27028-2337; (336) 751-3304 - www.mocksville.org

Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce 201 E. State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711; (828) 669-2300

Floyd Visitors Center & Chamber of Commerce 209 East Main Street Floyd, VA 4091 540-745-4407

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce 132 Park Ave • Blowing Rock NC 28605 (800) 295-7851 www.blowingrockncchamber.com

Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St. Franklin, NC 28734; (888) 439-park • www.franklin-chamber.com

Mitchell Co. Chamber of Commerce 79 Parkway Rd • Spruce Pine, NC 28777; (800) 227-3912 www.mitchell-county.com Mount Airy Visitor Center 200 N. Main St. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030; (800) 948-0949 • www.visitmayberry.com Mount Mitchell State Park 2388 State Hwy. 128 Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 675-4611

Waynesville/Haywood County Visitor Center 1110 Soco Rd Maggie Valley, NC 28751 (800) 334-9036 www.visitncsmokies.com Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St., PO Box 727 BRD N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659; (336) 838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org Winston-Salem Visitor Center 200 Brookstown Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-728-4205 • VisitWinstonSalem.com Yadkin Valley Visitor Center 116 East Market St. • Elkin, NC 28621; (336) 526-1111 • www.yadkinvalley.org Yancey County Chamber of Commerce 106 W. Main St. • Burnsville, NC 28714; (800) 948-1632 • www.yanceychamber.com

TENNESSEE Anderson County Visitor Center 115 Welcome Lane • Clinton, TN 37716; (800) 524-3602 • www.yallcome.com  Clairborne Co. Chamber of Commerce 1732 Main St., Suite 1 Tazewell, TN 37879; (423) 626-4149 www.clairbornecounty.com

The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers! Coker Creek Visitor Center 12197 Hwy. 68 • Tellico Plains, TN 37385 (423) 261-2286

Albemarle Tourism & Adventure Center 5791 Three Notched Rd • Crozet, VA 22932 (434) 906-2713

Greene County Economic Development & Tourism 8315 Seminole Trail, Suite 2 Ruckersville, VA 22968

Rockfish Gap Visitor Center 130 Afton Circle Afton, VA 22920; (540) 943-5187 www.augustabusiness.org

Elizabethton Visitor Center 500 19E Bypass; POB 190 Elizabethton, TN 37644; (423) 547-3850 www.tourelizabethton.com

Appomattox Visitor Center 214 Main Street. PO Box 246 Appomattox, VA 24522; (434) 352-8999 historicappomattox.com

Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center 212 S. Main St Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801 VisitHarrisonburgVA.com. (540) 432-8935

Salem Visitor Center 1001 Boulevard @ Civic Center Salem, VA 24153; (888) 827-2536 www.visitsalem.com

Greene Co. Partnership/COB 115 Academy St. Greeneville, TN 37743; (423) 638-4111 www.GreeneCountyPartnership.com

Abingdon Visitor Center 335 Cummings St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (800) 435-3440 • www.abingdon.com

Lexington Visitor Center 106 E. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450; (540) 463-3777 www.lexingtonvirginia.com

Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy. #2 Moneta. VA 24121 • 540-721-1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

Loudoun County Tourism 112 South Street • Leesburg, VA 20175 (800) 752-6118 • www.visitloudon.org

Smyth County Visitor Center 408 Whitetop Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319 (276) 646-3306 • VisitVirginiaMountains.com

Luray/Page County Chamber 18 Campbell Street. Luray, VA 22835; (540) 743-3915 - www.luraypage.com

Staunton Travel Information Center 1290 Richmond Rd. (I-81 Exit 222) Staunton, VA 24401 • (540) 332-3972 www.VisitStaunton.com

Buena Vista Visitor Center 595 E. 19th St. • Buena Vista, VA 24417 (540) 261-2880 • buena-vista.va.us.com

Lynchburg Regional Information Center 216 12th St. at Church St. Lynchburg, VA 24505; (800) 732-5821 www.discoverlynchburg.org

Staunton Visitor’s Center 35 South New Street, Staunton,VA 24401 540-332-3971 • www.VisitStaunton.com

Kingsport Visitor Center 151 E. Main St., POB 1403 BRD Kingsport, TN 37662; (423) 392-8820 www.kingsportchamber.org

Carroll County Visitor Center 231 Farmers Market Rd, Hillsville, VA 24343 (888) 785-2782 • (276) 730-3100 www.visittheBlueRidge.com

Madison County Visitor Center 110A N. Main St., Madison, VA 22727 (540) 948-4455 • www.madison-va.com

Loudon County Visitor Bureau 1075 US Hwy 321 • Lenoir City, TN 37771 (865) 568-3662 • www.visitloudoncounty.com

Charlottesville Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 293-6789 • (434) 970-3641 www.visitcharlottesville.org

Gateway to Shenandoah Visitor Center at Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park and Museum 33229 Old Valley Pike Strasburg, Virginia 22657 540-465-5884

Historic Jonesborough 117 Boone St. Jonesborough, TN 37659; (423) 423-753-1010 • Toll Free: 866-401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com Johnson City Visitor Center 603 E. Main St. Johnson City, TN 37605; (423) 926-2141, www.johnsoncitytn.com Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S. Shady St. (Hwy. 421S) Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 727-5800 jcwc@preferred.com

Oak Ridge Visitor Center 102 Robertsville Rd • Suite C Oak Ridge, TN 37830; (800) 482-7821, www.visit-or.org  Pigeon Forge Visitor Center 1950 N. Parkway, POB 1390 BRD Pigeon Forge, TN 37868; (800) 251-9100 mypigeonforge.com Rogersville/Hawkins County C of C 107 E. Main St., Ste.100 Rogersville, TN 37857; (423) 272-2186 Scott County Visitor Center 12025 Scott Highway Helenwood, TN 37755 • (800) 645-6905 Smoky Mtn Visitor Center 3540 Line Drive • Kodak, TN 37764 (865) 932-3696 Unicoi Visitor Center - 106 Unicoi Village Place PO Box 39 • Erwin, TN 37692 www.unicoitn.net 423-735-0426

VIRGINIA 1908 Courthouse Visitor Center 107 E Main Street Independence VA 24348 (276) 773-2471

Afton Visitor Center 130 Afton Circle • Afton, VA 22920 (540) 943-5187 • www.visitwaynesboro.net Bedford Visitor Center 816 Burks Hill Rd • Bedford, VA 24523; (877)-HiPeaks • VisitBedford.com Blue Ridge Visitor Center 2577 JEB Stuart Highway Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 • 276-694-6012

Culpeper Visitor Center 111 S. Commerce St. • Culpeper, VA 22701 Phone: (540) 727-0611 Toll Free: 844-490-2577. www.visitculpeperva.com

Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center 191 Fayette Street Virginia Tech Visitor Info Ctr. Martinsville, VA 24112 965 Prices Fork Rd. • Blacksburg, VA (888) 722-3498 www.visitmartinsville.com 24061;(540) 231-3548 welcome@vt.edu Nelson County Visitor Center 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Western Highlands Visitor Center Lovingston, VA 22949; (800) 282-8223 241 W. Main St. • Covington, VA 24426; www.Nelsoncounty.com (540) 962-2178 • www.alleghanyhighlands.com

Danville Visitor Center 645 River Park Dr • Danville, VA 24540; (434) 793-4636 • www.visitdanville.com

Orange Co. Visitor’s Center 122 East Main St. • Orange, VA 22960 (877) 222-8072 • www.visitorangevirginia.com

Discovery Center at Mill Mountain Roanoke’s Mill Mountain 215 Church Ave., Room 303 Roanoke, VA 24016 • (540) 853-1236

Patrick County Chamber of Commerce 20475 JEB Stuart Hwy • PO Box 577 Stuart, VA 24171; (276) 694-6012 www.patrickchamber.com

Explore Park Visitor Center Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 115 Roanoke, VA 24014 • (540) 427-1800

Prince William Visitor Center 200 Mill St. • Occoquan, VA 22125 703-491-4045 • ticctr@aol.com

Floyd Visitors Center 109 E. Main St. Floyd, VA 24091 www.VisitFloydVA.com 540-745-4407

Pulaski County Visitor Center 4440 Cleburne Blvd • Dublin, VA 24084 540-674-4161. www.pulaskicounty.org

Front Royal Visitor Center 414 E. Main St. • Front Royal, VA 22630; (800) 338-3576 • www.discoverfrontroyal.com

Radford Visitor Center 600 Unruh Dr. • Radford, VA 24141 (866) 605-6442 • www.visitradford.com

City of Galax Tourism Department 110 East Grayson St. • Galax, VA 24333 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com

Roanoke Visitor Information Center 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke VA 24016 • (800) 635-5535 www.visitvablueridge.com

Winchester-Frederick County CVB 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. Winchester, VA 22601 • (877) 871-1326 www.visitwinchesterva.com Wytheville CVB 975 Tazewell Street Wytheville, VA 24382; (276) 223-3355 Toll free (877) 347-8307 www.visitWytheville.com

WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Welcome Center 37 Washington Court at US 340 Harpers Ferry, WV 25435; (866) -HELLO-WV • www.hello-wv.com

KENTUCKY Cumberland Gap Nhp Visitor Center US 25E South • Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817

Mountain Lodging Food Fun NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE, NC Asheville East KOA-Exit 59 off I-40 big rigs & tenters welcome. Wooded sites, with pool, lake & river fishing. 800-562-5907 or (828) 686-3121. 2708 Hwy 70E, Swannanoa, NC 28778. www.ashevilleeastkoa.com. Asheville West KOA-Exit 37 off I-40 Something for everyone, RV’s, tenters, cabins. In foothills, wooded sites, hiking trails, pool. (800) 5629015. 309 Wiggins Rd., Candler, NC 28715. www.ashevillekoa.com Bear Creek RV Park - Exit Rt. 191 from Parkway; I-40 Exit 47; or I-26 Exit 2. 3 miles north of Parkway off Rt. 191. 5 mins. Biltmore House. 90 full hookups, paved sites, pool, laundry. Open year round. (800) 833-0798 www.ashevillebearcreek.com. Carolina Foam, Fabric & Home Decor - Dress fabric, upholstery fabric & large selection of quilters fabric. I-40 Exit 64 in Black Mountain. (828) 669-2400. Mast Store – Located at 15 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville. Restored to its 1940s heyday, this store features housewares, jams & jellies, camping gear, shoes & boots, clothing, and over 500 old-fashioned candy favorites. www.MastStore.com. 828-232-1883. Rutledge Lake RV Park. Exit 40 off I-26. 2 mi from Asheville airport. (828) 654-7873. 170 Rutledge Rd.www.rutledgelake.com. Shoji Spa & Lodge - Relax at Asheville’s only outdoor hot tub spa. Reap the benefits of the cold plunge, unwind in our sauna and rest in the Lodge. Specializing in couples massage. 2500 ft. above stress level. www.shojiretreats.com. By appt. only. (828) 299-0999. The Pines Cottages - 346 Weaverville Hwy, Asheville, NC. Cottages & cabins at hotel prices. A unique Asheville experience. 828-645-9661. Free WiFi. www.ashevillepines.com

BALSAM, NC Balsam Mountain Inn .5 mi. from pkwy mp 443 at Balsam Gap. Historic inn, gracious dining, porches, 50 rms. www.balsaminn.net 800-224-9498 Moonshine Creek Campground Cool, Shady Sites on Mountain Stream in the Heart of the Smoky Mountains. RV’s, Tents, Cabins, 5 minutes from the BRP with Fishing, Campfires, Hot Showers, and Campstore. 828-586-6666 moonshinecreekcampground.com

BANNER ELK, NC Smoke Tree Lodge - 12 miles south of Boone on Hwy 105. Nestled at the foot of Grandfather Mtn. Condo-apts, heated indoor pool, ESPN, Jacuzzi, saunas. (800) 422-1880. www.smoketreelodge.com

BLOWING ROCK, NC Alpine Village Inn - 297 Sunset Dr. Quaint cozy rooms & suites in the heart of town. AC, CCTV, & phones, Wi-Fi complimentary. Some fireplaces & Jacuzzi. Pet friendly rooms. www.alpine-village-inn.com (828) 295-7206. Chetola Resort - Magnificent views, 87 acres, Lodge, Condos, Bob Timberlake Inn. Fitness Center, Restaurants, Orvis Endorsed. N. Main St., Blowing Rock, NC 28605. www.chetola.com (828) 295-5500 or (800) 243-8652. Hemlock Inn & Suites - 134 Morris St. Downtown Blowing Rock. 1/2 mile to Parkway. Open year round. Walk to shops and restaurants. (828) 295-7987. www.hemlockinn.net. Homestead Inn - 153 Morris St. Downtown. Open all year. Affordable rates. Immaculate rooms. Fire/jacuzzis/ efficiencies. Wi-Fi. (828) 295-9559. www.homestead-inn.com. Jenkins Rentals - The finest rental homes, cabins and condos in the Blowing Rock area. Hot tubs & Mtn vews available. (800) 438-7803. www.jenkinsrentals.com.

Mystery Hill. - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Family fun center. Feel the strange pull. Hall of Mystery artifacts. Museum open all year. 828-263-0507. info@mysteryhill-NC.com Riverside Log Cabins - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828-263-0507. One and two bedroom units. Riversidelogcabins.com. Open all year. Close to attractions. Village Inns of Blowing RockNo Smoking, Wi-Fi/Breakfast. Suites/Cottages/Rooms. Some Pet Friendly Rooms. (828) 295-3001

BOONE, NC Foscoe Rentals - Cabins, Condos and Vacation homes centrally located to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. (800) 723-7341. www.foscoerentals.com Hidden Valley Motel- Birds, blooms and butterflies in the Foscoe Valley. Hwy 105 south between Boone and Banner Elk. Call 828/963-4372. www.hiddenvalleymotel.com or email: jim@hiddenvalleymotel.com. Horn in the West- Revolutionary War drama & Hickory Ridge - A living history museum. Open mid-June to mid August 2015. www.horninthewest.com KOA Kampground - From Boone, 194N 3 miles. Left on Ray Brown Rd. 1 mile. Beautiful view. Rec room, mini golf, laundry. 123 Harmony Mtn. Lane, Boone, NC 28607. 828-264-7250. Mast Store – Located 630 W King St, Downtown Boone. Built in 1913/1917, you’ll find most everything you need for life: clothing, footwear, trail & travel gear, housewares, gifts, & old-fashioned candy. www.MastStore.com. 828-262-0000 NC High Country Host Visitor Center- 6370 US HWY 321 South Blowing Rock, NC 28605; (800) 438-7500 www.mountainsofnc.com

Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST! BRYSON CITY, NC

Historic Fryemont Inn Lodging & Dining - From $75 PP incl. breakfast & dinner. Great Food, Full Bar, Big Pool! 800-845- 4879. www.fryemontinn.com

BURNSVILLE, NC Alpine Village Resort - 1 & 2 bedroom condos. Great views. Tennis, heated pool/summer, cable TV, special golf fees. 3 miles west of Parkway, exit Buck Creek Gap Hwy. 80. No pets. 828/675-4103.

CHEROKEE, NC Oconaluftee Indian Village - Share the rich history & traditions of the Cherokee at this replica of a Cherokee community of the 1750s. May thru Oct. www.cherokeehistorical.org/village.html

CHIMNEY ROCK, NC Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park – 40 min. SE of Asheville, exit milepost 384.7. Come for the views. Discover infinite possibilities. Spectacular wildflowers, hiking, rock climbing instruction, special events, workshops and more! 26-story elevator inside mountain. Pet friendly. Admission rates: $15 Adults, $7 Youth ages 5-15, 4 and under free. Open all year. Open daily 8:30am 5:30pm. Live it up! 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com

HENDERSONVILLE, NC Mast Store – Located 527 N Main St, Downtown Hendersonville. Built in 1905, this store embodies the essence of the era and is packed with clothing, shoes & boots, camping gear, country gourmet foods, & candy. www.MastStore.com. 828-696-1883

Mountain Lodging Food Fun Discover Hendersonville! Check out our Stay & Play Packages & Room Availability! Hendersonville Visitors Center, 201 S Main Street, Hendersonville, NC. 1-800-828-4244. Open 7 days a week. www.visithendersonvillenc.org

LAUREL SPRINGS, NC Thistle Meadow Winery - Stop for wine tasting - Exit at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248. 3 miles to winery on NC 18. 800-233-1505. Gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

LINVILLE, NC Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather’s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. One mile from Blue Ridge Parkway; take the Linville exit at Milepost 305 to U.S. 221 South. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $20 adult; $18 senior 60+; $9 child 4-12; under 4 free. www.grandfather.com | (828) 733-4337 or (800) 468-7325

LINVILLE FALLS, NC Linville Caverns - 19929 US 221 N. Marion. 4 miles South of Parkway, MP 317. NC’s ONLY show cavern. 800419-0540. www.linvillecaverns.com. Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages BRP Milepost 317.4, US 221S 1 mile to Rt. 183, left. Restaurant (ABC permit), Walk to falls & gorge. www.linvillefallslodge.com (800) 634-4421. Parkview Lodge - Milepost 317.4, 500 ft. south of Parkway on US 221. Private Guest Rooms, one bedroom suite and secluded cabins available. Color TV, Swimming Pool, Crafts, Wine & Beer Shop. Free continental breakfast with guest room.Open All Year. 828-765-4787; 1-800-849-4452.

LITTLE SWITZERLAND, NC Alpine Inn - Authentic mountain inn with unsurpassed views. Optional breakfast. Wi-Fi, Free Sunrises, Open April-November. 1 mile S on Hwy 226A at MP 334. 828-765-5380 www.AlpineInnNC.com

Shadow of the Bear One-of-a-Kind Fall Experience

Emerald Village - Real mines, mine tours, & gem mining. Other free displays: railroad, music museum, wildlife. MP334. 828-765-6463.   www.emeraldvillage.com Switzerland Cafe & General Store MP 334 1/4 mile of the Parkway. Lunch and weekend dinners. Souvenirs and picnic items. Call 828-765-5289. www.switzerlandcafe.com Switzerland Inn And Chalet Restaurant - A little bit of Switzerland in NC. Fantastic mountain views, rooms, suites, cottages, dining, shopping, tennis. Located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Little Switzerland exit near Parkway Milepost 334. Little Switzerland, NC 28749. (828) 765-2153 or (800) 654-4026. www.switzerlandinn.com

MAGGIE VALLEY, NC Boyd Mountain Log Cabins Secluded 130 acres near Maggie Valley, 7 Authentic cabins, fireplaces, AC, cable, WIFI. Choose n cut Christmas tree farm, trout fishing, hiking. (828) 926-1575. www.boydmountain.com Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce - US 19, Eastern entrance to the Great Smokies. Escape. Explore. Exhale. Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 279, Maggie Valley, 28751. Haywood County Hotel & Motel Assoc.-Maggie Valley,Waynesville,Lake Junaluska. Quality lodging & dining within minutes of 4 BRP exits, MP 420-450. All accommodations adhere to Quality Standards. See us @www.maggievalley.travel.

he elusive Shadow of the Bear appears seasonally for just 30 minutes a day Each fall, the side of Highway 64 near Cashiers in southwestern North Carolina becomes a location for one of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the country – the Shadow of the Bear. This naturally occurring phenomenon makes an appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 p.m. midOctober through early November. It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley, and grows until it finally evolves into the bear. Make sure to bring your camera to capture this unique sight and spectacular view as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain. The mountain, with an elevation of 4,930 feet, boasts sheer rock cliffs that are among the highest in the eastern United

States. It provides a splendid setting for viewing leaves throughout autumn, especially during the emergence of the Shadow of the Bear. The best viewing spot for the shadow is right off Highway 64 in a place called Rhodes Big View Overlook, but watch out for busy highway traffic when parking and leaving the site. The Shadow of the Bear also occurs in late winter from mid-February through early March.

By the numbers 5:30 p.m.: Time of day the Shadow of the Bear begins to form 30 minutes: Amount of time the shadow is visible each day 6 weeks: Length of time the Shadow of the Bear appears each year 4,930 feet: Height of Whiteside Mountain, where the Shadow of the Bear can be viewed

Mountain Lodging Food Fun Jonathan Creek Inn & Maggie Valley Villas - MP 455.7 AAA 3 Diamond Rated. Creekside and Hot Tub Rooms, Creekside & Mountain View Villas, Indoor Heated Pool, Children’s Play Area. 1-800-577-7812.  www.jonathancreekinn.com Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association - Affordable motel rooms, cabins, cottages or vacation rentals. Visit our website www.visitmaggie. com to find your perfect home away from home in the mountains.

McDOWELL COUNTY, NC

SPRUCE PINE, NC

VIRGINIA

Bear Den Creekside Cabins On the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. All amenities, jacuzzis, decks, fireplaces. For 2 to 10. (828) 765-2888.www.bear-den.com Res. recmd.

BEDFORD, VA

Bear Den Campground - On the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. Complete facilities, serving the south for over 41 years. www.bear-den.com (828) 765-2888. Scenic beauty.

McDowell Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center - Shopping & food near center. Free coffee & area info. Clean restrooms. From Parkway MP 317, 24 mi. S on US 221. From MP331: 15 mi S on NC226. (828) 652-4240.

Peak Mountain Cottages & Retreat Center--On 300 acres, 7 miles N of Pkwy. Room to play or relax. Hiking trails, clear mtn streams. 460 Rabbit Hop Rd near Penland. Individuals, families or groups up to 25. 828-7659559. www.peakmountaincottages.com

NEWLAND, NC

VALLE CRUCIS, NC

Secluded Valley RV Campground - 8 miles North Spruce Pine on 19E. 5 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway. 30 & 50 amp full hookups, children & pets welcome, level & spacious sites. (828) 765-4810. www.secludedvalleyrvcampground.com.

Mast General Store & Annex – Est. 1883 & listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this authentic general store in rural Valle Crucis features clothing, camping gear, shoes & boots, housewares, unique gifts, and over 500 old-fashioned candies. Visit our other historic locations in NC, SC, & TN. www.MastStore.com.

SPARTA & GLADE VALLEY, NC Alleghany Inn - 341 N. Main St., Sparta, NC 28675. 64 Rooms - Free Wireless Internet - Cable TV 60+ Chan, Guest Laundry - Restaurant on site. 888) 372-2501 Reserve online: www.AlleghanyInn.com . see ad page 5 Glade Valley B&B – Near MP 229. Our modern, beautiful log home is surrounded with all the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. All rooms have private baths, some with jacuzzi tubs. Our breakfasts are all homemade and plentiful. 800-538-3508. www.gladevalley.com See our ad on page 5. Thistle Meadow Winery - Stop for wine tasting - exit at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248. 3 miles to winery on NC18.(800) 233-1505. gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

WAYNESVILLE, NC Mast Store – Located 63 N Main St, Downtown Waynesville. Built in 1930s and filled with everything you’d expect in a general store – clothing, shoes, cast iron, candy, and camping gear. 828-452-2101 www.MastStore.com.

Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards - 2122 Sheep Creek Rd, 24523. MP 86. Fruit wine, fruit, jams, jellies, free tastings. Vacation rentl house. 540586-3707. www.iwineu.com or www.elmosrest.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA Montfair Resort Farm - Pet friendly cabins by lake. 30 min from Parkway. Wi-fi, linens & cookware provided. Canoe, hike, fish. (434) 823-5202. www.montfairresortfarm.com.

FANCY GAP, VA

Skyland Lakes Golf Club - Right on Parkway at milepost 202.2. New 18 hole public course. Beautiful scenery. Motel & golf packages available. (276) 728-4923.

FISHERSVILLE, VA

Floyd Country Store: Famous venue for Heritage Appalachian music every weekend. Store and cafe open all week. www.floydcountrystore.com Floyd Visitors Center 109 E. Main St., Floyd, VA 24091 Mountain town with unique music, arts, outdoor fun! 540-745-4407 www.VisitFloydVA.com Hotel Floyd - 120 Wilson St, Floyd, VA. (540) 745-6080. www.hotelFloyd.com. Unique lodging off MP165 with themed rooms and located downtown Floyd. Don’t miss visiting this unique town and hotel!

GROTTOES, VA

Grand Caverns - 5 Grand Caverns Dr, Grottoes, VA, America’s oldest continuously operated show cave. Nature’s handiwork & gifts. 888430-CAVE. www.grandcaverns.com

Antique Expo - 400 dealers exhibiting in halls, barns, tents & outside twice yearly. Oct. 15-16, 2016 & May 19-21, 2017. Augusta Expoland. I-64, exit 91. (434) 847-8242. www.heritagepromotions.net.

HARRISONBURG, VA

FLOYD, VA

The Village Inn - 1 mile south of I-81, Exit 243, on US 11.  American Automobile Association Three Diamond Award. (540) 434-7355, toll free reservations-1-800-736-7355. www.shenandoah.org/villageinn

Blue Ridge Restaurant, Inc. - E. Main St., Floyd, VA (540) 745-2147. For good home-style cooking try our daily specials. We are open early with gravy biscuits, hot cakes, country ham, and eggs every day.

GATLINBURG, TN

Chateau Morrisette. - 287 Winery Rd., SW Floyd, VA 24091. MP 171.5. Breathtaking vistas, award-winning wines and memorable dining. (540) 593-2865. www.thedogs.com

Ski Mountain Chalet & Condo Rentals - 1-6 bedroom units, hot tubs, jacuzzis, pool tables, kitchens, fireplaces, privacy. (800) 824-4077. www.skimtnchalets.com

Chantilly Farm Campground. 2697 Franklin Pike SE. RV sites: electric, water, sewer, tent camping w/amenities. WiFi, ice, ATM. chantillyfarm.com. 540-808 -4984

TENNESSEE

Floyd County Tourism - Village Green Ste.7, 201 E. Main St. Floyd, VA 24091 Mountain town with unique music, arts, outdoor fun! www.VisitFloydVA.com 540-239-8509

Harrisonburg, VA Visitor Center 212 S. Main St (540) 432-8935 www.VisitHarrisonburgVA.com. Call for free materials!

LOVE, VA. Royal Oaks - Cabins, chalets, store, gifts, deli, weddings. Near MP16 on parkway. Upscale lodging, hot tubs, fireplaces, equipped kit, bedding/linens. Beautiful views atop the BR Mtns. www.vacabins.com. 540-943-7625.

LURAY, VA. Allstar Lodging - Unique Cabins and Vacation rentals. Pools, Hot tubs, frplc, kitch, riverfront/mountains, hiking, canoeing, fishing in Shenandoah Valley. 866-780-7827. www.allstarlodging.com.

Mountain Lodging Food Fun MEADOWS OF DAN, VA

SALEM, VA

Primland Resort - 2000 Busted Rock Road. Resort Lodge, Fairway Cottages, Mountain Homes. Spectacular views. Golf. Spa. Dining, Outdoor activities. 276.222.3800 www.primland.com

Come and visit Salem, Virginia that is only twenty minutes from the parkway. Take the walking tour of our historic downtown featuring quaint antique shops and restaurants. Stay for a while in one of our hotels or B&B’s and attend one of our many athletic events including NCAA National Championships in football, basketball and softball. Salem is also the home of the Salem Red Sox, advanced Class “A” affiliate of the Boston Red Sox playing their games in spacious and comfy Lewis Gale Field.

RADFORD, VA Radford Visitor’s Center-Rt 8 to I-81 Exit 109 “Find It in Radford”-surrounded on 3 sides by the New River & overflowing with history 540-267-3153 www.visitradford.com.

ROANOKE, VA Bent Mountain Lodge B & B 9039 Mtn View Dr, Copper Hill, VA 24079. MP 136. 10 sts, pri baths, wedding venue. (540) 651-2500. www.bentmountainlodgeandbreakfast.com Colony House Motor Lodge 3560 Franklin Rd. Roanoke. 2 mi off Parkway on US 220. Suites available. HBO, ESPN, pool, Free Continental breakfast. Meeting Room available. Shopping and good restaurants nearby. (540) 345-0411 or (866) 203-5850. Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shop at the markets and boutiques in Downtown Roanoke and Salem. Hike on a trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover wildlife while kayaking on the Upper James River Water Trail. Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy fresh, amazingly prepared ingredients. Watch the sunset aboard a cruise at Smith Mountain Lake. All these things to do and more can be part of your Blue Ridge Day. No matter what you decide to do, every day in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is filled with friendship and old-fashioned hospitality. Discover what makes visiting Virginia’s Blue Ridge unique! (800) 635-5535. visitvablueridge.com

SHENANDOAH CAVERNS, VA Shenandoah Caverns - Thrilling visitors from around the world for over 90 years. It’s the only Virginia cavern with elevator service, making it one of the easiest caverns to tour. Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions includes American Celebration on Parade (open seasonally), Main Street of Yesteryear and the Yellow Barn. Open all year. www.shenandoahcaverns.com (540) 477-3115.

WAYNESBORO, VA Cabin Creekwood-  2 miles from Parkway MP 13.6. Year-round, quiet, secluded.Fully furnished affordable mtn cabins (888) 942-2246. www.cabincreekwood.com.

HIDDEN

GEMS

Zaloo's Canoes

3874 NC HWY. 16 South, Jefferson, NC (800) 535-4027 www.zalooscanoes.com

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK B

lowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town celebration is an annual holiday event that you are sure to love. Free hot chocolate, caroling, and visits with Santa. The festival is always the Friday after Thanksgiving, and is the perfect time to kick off your holiday and Christmas celebrating! Bring the whole family, or enjoy the romance of the lights and fun, jovial atmosphere with your partner. Here’s the full schedule for Friday, November 25: *Meet Santa in the Rotary Gazebo: 2-4pm *Hayrides: 2-7pm *Bounce Houses in the Park: 2-5:30pm *Live Music- 3-4:30pm *Live Music- 5-7pm *Lighting of the Town Tree and Park: 5:30pm Free hot chocolate and cider is available from 4 to 7pm. All events take place in Memorial Park, right on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock. Free Parking is available on Maple Street and on the parking decks by the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum and the American Legion, both on Wallingford Street. All three public lots are just one block from Main Street. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday, November 26 at 2pm! For more information: 828-295-5222. www.blowingrock.com

www.blueridgedigest.com

t the newly-opened Southern On Main in downtown Elkin, NC meatloaf and braised collards share menu space with steamed mussels and certified angus beef. The restaurant combines down-home classics with premium ingredients and a full bar. “We want a casual elegance, so that it’s not intimidating,” says Marla Stern, chef and owner of Southern On Main. “It’s not white tablecloth, but it’s nicer than a diner. You can

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have a date night or stop by for a glass of wine after work and feel very comfortable.” The lunch menu consists of soups, salads, sandwiches, small plates and down South plates, such as chicken pot pie with a biscuit crust and a chef’s quiche with a house salad. The dinner menu is similar, but also includes steaks and a selection of a la carte sides. Beer, wine and cocktails are available. Stern is still working on the drink menu; plans include local Yadkin Valley wines and specialty martinis.

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No matter where you turn on our mountain, your heart will certainly be moved by the joy and wonder of it all. However, your mouth might be at a loss for words.

GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN www.grandfather.com BRDigest_Summer_2015.indd 1

Southern On Main is open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

FALL 2016

To learn more about Southern On Main, visit www.Facebook. com/SouthernOnMain or call (336) 258-2144.

For information about Elkin and the surrounding Yadkin Valley, visit www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

Who is Mary Draper?

1700s Explore the cabin of William and Mary colonial Draper Ingles, learn about current heroine preservation efforts, and trace the history of will soon have a Ingles Ferry and its importance in history. sculpture erected in she is abducted by Shawnee Indians her honor on a point and taken hundreds of miles into just above one of the rivers that the Kentucky and played a major Ohio regions. Her role in her escape has become a grueling journey famous story featured back home to in numerous articles Virginia’s New and books, a longRiver Valley. running outdoor drama, An 8-foot-tall a couple of movies bronze statue and documentaries of Mary Draper and even a song on Ingles, created YouTube. by artist Matt Other weekend Langford, will activities include a be unveiled and discussion with authors dedicated on inspired by Mary’s Friday, Oct. 21 story, exhibits, and at the Glencoe open houses on the two Ingles Museum and Gallery Grounds in ancestral farms. Visitors will see a Radford, Va. Ceremonies begin at 2 replica of Mary’s cabin, a restored p.m. as part of Mary Draper Ingles 1700’s tavern, remnants of a ferry Weekend. site and hear her story from several In 1732 Mary was born to of her direct descendants. Irish parents in Philadelphia, and eventually the family becomes part of the westward migration through the valleys of Virginia where they help establish a settlement. There

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More information is available at VisitRadford.com

You Must Visit Floyd County, VA

xplore the 40 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County – which includes the historic Mabry Mill, Rocky Knob, Smartview, and Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Area. The town of Floyd is easily accessible off Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 165. Just eight miles, Floyd

is a key stop on The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail – with their celebrated Friday Night Jamboree. Check out unique galleries, dining and music – as well as major fall events such as The Floyd Livestock & County Fair, September 17.

www.VisitFloydVA.com or

Floyd Visitor Center, 109 East Main St. 540-745-4407. Open 7 days/week.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Fall Edition — October 20 – 23

Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 to 6:00 pm + Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00pm US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood Street | Downtown Asheville, NC General Admission, $8 Children under 12 free

In its 69th year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown Asheville’s U.S. Cellular Center for a production of innovation and beauty. The variety of craft that will be on display ranges from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media,

and jewelry. In addition to retail, the Craft Fairs hosts demonstrations, supporting the Guild’s mission – to educate the public about the history of crafts in this region, various craft techniques, and an appreciation for fine crafts. Mountain musicians perform live on the arena stage starting Friday. Since the first Fair, the music of the area has been woven into the fabric of the Craft Fair experience. From old time to bluegrass, this tradition is kept alive today. Visit www. craftguild.org/craftfairsh for a complete list of performances. www.southernhighlandguild.org

Visit the Birthplace of the Great Smoky Mountain Elk in Cataloochee Valley

undreds of years ago, the majestic elk population once roamed freely across Southern Appalachia but due to over-hunting and loss of habitat they disappeared entirely. But that is no longer to the case thanks to the reintroduction of the elk in 2001 to Cataloochee Valley. The pristine valley, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has become the home to hundreds of elk that thrive and roam freely in the valley. Here you can witness these marvelous creatures in their natural habitat, which can be seen most prominently at dawn and dusk. But the elk aren’t the

only draw to Cataloochee Valley. Once a pioneer settlement, the valley is dotted with historic sites and preserved buildings to explore, including a pristine creek and multiple hiking trails to enjoy. Want to get the most out of your experience? Take a private eco-tour with Cataloochee Valley Tours –

Bisse t

Park

Radford highlanders Festival Oct. 8, 2016

Celtic Games, Clans and Music Featuring Second Wynde and No Strings Attached

Children’s Activities, Food and Crafts www.radford.edu/festival Questions about the festival may be directed to 540-831-6255. A partnership between

www.cataloocheevalleytours. com. For more information on visiting the adjacent communities of Maggie Valley and Waynesville, visit www.visitncsmokies.com

Historic Barn Tours in Madison County

he goal of the Appalachian Barn Alliance is to capture agricultural history

through photos, oral histories and architectural details of significant barns in Madison County. This goal has two tiers: one is simple self-guided driving tours by geographic region targeted for the local residents and tourists. The other is a very detailed archival version with data

sheets, architectural drawings and scores of photographs. The Appalachian Barn Alliance documents the historically and architecturally significant barns in Madison County, is a project funded in part by a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership.

For more information and driving tour maps, visit: https://appalachianbarns.org/barn-tours/

RV SERVICES ASHEVILLE, NC

Located just off I-40 exit #44 at 120 Highland Center Blvd. 30+ years RV repair experience.

Contact: markcoyne@rocketmail.com or (828) 553-7111

HIDDEN

GEMS

Our historic inn offers gracious dining, rocker-filled porches, fifty cheerful rooms and a warm library. Come read, rest, ramble and romp in our mountains! 1/2 mile from Parkway milepost 443 Balsam Gap exit 828.456.9498 • 800.224.9498 www.balsammountaininn.net

PLACES

You’ve Probably Never Visited In The Smoky Mountains

No matter how many times you’ve been to the Smokies – there’s always more to discover, particularly because of some lesser known attractions that can deliver big on vacation fun. From the Relic Room to a spiral mountain biking trail, here are 7 places you’ve probably never visited in the Smokies and the reasons why you should see them…now!

Historic Downtown Sevierville: A recent

addition to Tennessee’s Main Street program, historic downtown Sevierville was founded in 1795, is graced by an 1896 Beaux Arts style courthouse, and offers up quaint shops and restaurants (including

a design-your-own-donut shop and an award-winning quilt shop). Did we mention the Dolly Parton statue is there?

The Relic Room at Smoky Mountain Knifeworks:

Located in the heart of Sevierville’s popular Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the Relic Room is easy to walk through without taking the time to look. But look you should! From vintage aviator sunglasses to ancient pottery – and even a few silly things thrown in (like casts of Bigfoot foot prints) this is definitely a fun place to shop.

Forbidden Caverns:

Forbidden Cavern’s hour-long guided tour points out natural wonders such as a wall of rare white cave onyx. This spectacular cave once served as a refuge for Eastern Woodland Indians and a hideout for moonshiners.

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival October 1, 2016 in Downtown North Wilkesboro, NC. Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. And best of all, it’s FREE! Visit www.ExploreWilkes.com or www.applefestival.net for details.

Thunder Road Distillery: This hip

distillery revels in rebel spirit and celebrates the legendary Thunder Road – a moonshiners run located not far from Sevierville and immortalized by Robert Mitchum’s movie of the same name.

The Tennessee Museum of Aviation: In the whole

world, there are believed to be 12 airworthy WWII era P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft. Two are located at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Sevierville. This warbird focused museum is also home to the Doolittle Medal of Honor (awarded to James Doolittle for his valor and leadership as commander of the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo during WWII), as well as a host of other 20th century

aircraft – some of which take to the skies in impromptu flights.

Foxfire Mountain Adventures: Fly through

the Smoky Mountain foothills on the longest and highest zip lines east of the Mississippi (The Goliath) or cross America’s longest swinging bridge to Prosperity Mountain before hanging your wishes in a covered bridge to blow in the wind. Or, just hang out with farm puppies on the porch while enjoying homemade ice cream churned up by a Rube Goldberg machine right there in the front yard.

Climbworks Mountain Biking Trail: The two-mile trail can be

as technical or as easy as you’d like depending on your level of mountain biking experience. The stand out feature here is known as “The Curliest” – a wooden corkscrew in the heart of the Smokies, they say it’s pleasing to the eyes as well as the wheels. Not planning to bring a bike? No problem. Bike rentals are available.

For more information visitsevierville.com or call toll free 888-738-4378

Visitortips.com, where F.P.I.S., the east coast’s premier brochure distributor, brings you an online virtual brochure display. This site allows users to access brochures by city or region before leaving home or while traveling. With links to attractions websites & social media platforms we are delivering the power of brochures to the internet.

Scan this QR code to download this app:

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

homas Jefferson called the victory of American patriots over British Major Patrick Ferguson’s army at King’s Mountain in October, 1780, the battle that “turned the tide of success” in the Revolutionary War. Many of the militia men who achieved this stunning victory were known as the “Overmountain Men,” citizen soldiers who came from southwest Virginia, today’s eastern Tennessee, the piedmont of North and South Carolina, and as far

away as Georgia, all joining to form an army that defeated Ferguson and his force at Kings Mountain, South Carolina. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, established by Congress in 1980, commemorates the campaign that led to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Each year in the fall members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association lead a commemorative march with public events to honor the patriot army and their story. Visitors can retrace the route via a partially completed nonmotorized pathway, or a parallel Commemorative Motor Route. Interpretive signs are installed at the sites listed below. A trail map outlining both pedestrian and motor routes can be obtained at most of the sites or at www.nps. gov/ovvi/planyourvisit/maps. htm

The Mountain Heritage Festival - Sparta, NC

Don’t Miss! Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival November 19 10am 5pm

We Invite You T O L E A V E

This festival spreads along Sparta’s Main Street in the old downtown Sparta, NC area the third Saturday in September. 100 food and craft vendors, live musical entertainment and traditional mountain dance are capped off with the annual Possum Queen competition. www. sparta-nc.com

Shenandoah County, VA has everything for

FUN

s the weather turns cooler, things heat up in Shenandoah County with five consecutive weeks of Harness Racing with the Virginia Equine Association along with local wine, beer, food trucks and more at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds throughout September. Savor the fruits from the fall harvest at restaurants serving up locallysourced cuisine and sip wine from eight local vineyards, or taste beer from two local craft breweries. Escape the winter blahs with skiing and snow tubing at Bryce Resort or venture underground for a mild 50 degrees year-round at Shenandoah Caverns. For more information: 540-459-6227 or at shenandoahcountyva.us

WNC (Western North Carolina) Cheese Trail

his is Bedford. Ruggedly beautiful. Teeming with history. From its majestic mountains, wineries, and vast highland lake, to the bluegrass concerts, historic memorials, and walking tours, this is the perfect place to leave everything else behind. Perfect for all ages, Bedford is centrally located right off U.S. 460 with nearby Interstate 81 as a main route. Bedford, a visit to remember...

Explore the and spend an afternoon soaking in the mountain beauty and sampling some of the best handmade cheese being made in the South. Connect directly with cheesemakers, HIDDEN seeing where your favorite cheeses are crafted, and buy straight from the producers.

Bedford Area Welcome Center • 1-877-HiPeaks • www.visitbedford.com

For more information visit: www.romanticasheville.com/cheese_trail.htm

GEMS

STAY AT THE LODGE.

It’s easy to see what matters most from these heights. Ancient peaks. Breathtaking views. And memories to last a lifetime. Peaks of Otter Lodge guests will find it all, from the majestic Sharp Top Mountain, to scenic Abbott Lake and the Blue Ridge Parkway – America’s favorite drive. Book your reservation at PeaksOfOtter.com or call 888-454-7711. Hospitality by Delaware North, Inc. ©2016. DNC Parks & Resorts at Peaks of Otter Lodge.

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