Spring2014

SPRING/SUMMER

2014

the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains

BLUE RIDGE & GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

D-DAY MEMORIAL - 70TH ANNIVERSARY

See page

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SPRING/SUMMER 2014

If these mountains could speak, they’d be speechless, too.

It’s easy to find peaceful moments in Virginia’s Blue Ridge even though it’s the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia. Here you can enjoy great dining, shopping and culture and discover our railroad heritage. Then slip away on a scenic, quiet byway including the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s the magic of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

visitvablueridge.com 800.635.5535

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

The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center 877-200-3360 | www.innatvirginiatech.com

The Wine Trail of Botetourt County 540-473-1167 | www.botetourtwinetrail.com

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

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

Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center 540-563-9300 | www.sheraton.com/roanoke

Jefferson Center 540-345-2550 | www.jeffcenter.org

Center in the Square 540-342-5700 | www.centerinthesquare.org

RegisteR online to win a Blue Ridge Mountains getaway – visitvaBlueRidge.coM

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SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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 (coolsparta.com/ pickers) and at the big Fiddlers Convention (alleghanyfiddlersconvention.com).

Events like the Blue Ridge Mountain Fair (coolsparta.com/brmfair) and Mountain

Sparta, NC / Alleghany County

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Heritage Festival (coolsparta.com/ heritage) highlight the area’s craft heritage.

Enjoy down-home fun at distinctively local pastimes, such as lawn mower racing, the demolition derby, and mud slings .

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

Beautiful scenic views

Mountain Inspired Creations!

Oil •Watercolor • Photography Wire Wrapped Jewelry • Candle Holders • Stained Glass • Pottery

800-538-3508

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

Of Fine Art 103 Gallery Lane • Sparta, NC Rustic cabin also available

at Mile marker 234 at Mahogany Rock Road

336-372-1711 | 336-372-4321 | blueridgefineart.com

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Blue Ridge Digest

P.O. Box 1758 Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: (828) 667-1607 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 Design: Imagewerks Productions Need good design? Call (828) 681-8029

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the Mountains!

Thank you for making your vacation an All-American experience in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain area. Your vacation dollars go further on U.S. soil and by spending time in the mountains, you not only benefit communities and businesses in your own back yard, but avoid flight delays and exchange rates. Now more than ever, Americans are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, spend time with family and friends, reconnect to the wonders of the natural world, and, if only for a moment, take a breath of fresh air.

The time you spend in the Blue Ridge Mountain area will provide all of this and more: go whitewater rafting, experience historic and cultural sites, find unique shopping areas, take a hike, taste delicious local foods, and just breathe the clean mountain air. Hopefully this issue of the Blue Ridge Digest will be an aid in planning your trip and a keepsake to remember your vacation in the mountains.

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks for picking up this issue of THE DIGEST!

2014:

A Great time to bike, walk and explore Boone, NC The Boone Area is now home to some of the East’s best mountain biking. Rocky Knob Park is open and getting rave reviews.

VELO magazine named Boone one of the nation’s “Ultimate Ride Hotspots” in 2012. With Rocky Knob fully operational in 2013—the sky’s the limit in 2014 for great trail riding in the High Country.

The park—designed and built by the nation’s top professional mountain bike trail builders— features miles of exciting single track for upper level beginners to experts. Sophisticated and fun skills development parks are scattered throughout the trail layout. A “modern-rustic” playground is already popular with parents, and nearby, youngsters have their own easy and inviting skills-learning site to challenge and entertain them.

Consider These Other Hot Topics— Great Anniversaries: A Tale of Two Bridges On One Great Mountain In Fall 2012, Grandfather Mountain’s famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge was 60 years old. And the Blue Ridge Parkway’s iconic Linn Cove Viaduct, also on

Grandfather Mountain, and the most spectacular spot on the Parkway, was 26 years old this past September 11th! 2014 is the perfect time to cross both landmark spans again—or for the first memorable time.

Get carried aloft by culture: Art and entertainment events are a staple of the High Country calendar. An Appalachian Summer Festival featured world-class events into August, and now Appalachian State’s Performing Arts Series carries culture into winter. And don’t forget Boone’s fabulous First Friday Art Crawl, each first Friday, spring through late fall.

Spectacular Spas: Visit our spas and wellness page to see why Travel & Leisure singled out the Boone Area for international spa significance.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

The High Country Wine Trail.

The High Country and surrounding areas are fast becoming one of the nation’s most popular places for sophisticated sipping on a viticultural vacation. Tour our wineries on the new Boone Area Wine Trail and watch the video.

The Blue Ridge Parkway: wouldn’t be the most popular unit of the National Park system if this High Country landmark weren’t internationally significant.

There is no bad time to cover the Parkway. Autumn is perfect, but spring, summer and even winter have their delights and devotees.

The high road got its start, and was completed, in the Boone Area.

Uncovering the hidden highlights of the high road is easy with local help!

Outdoor Adventure: The most current outdoor pursuits have found a home in the High Country, from the refined casting of fly fishing, to the down-home fun of tubing on a lazy pristine stream (river levels are ample for autumn). Try rock climbing, bouldering, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and more. Your entry to world-class stories on the hottest adventure sports is as close as the Boone Area.

800-852-9506 or www.ExploreBooneArea.com

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Civil War Tour of Tennessee

Tennessee’s Civil War tale is one of divided loyalties, crucial battles, and the wide-reaching devastation of “total war.”

Throughout the state, citizens were completely immersed in the economic, social, and physical effects of the conflict, subject to violence and terror, disease and malnutrition, heartbreak and loss, and military rule by both sides.

In these years of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, Tennessee’s landscape still contains many powerful reminders of conflict, from battlefields and monuments in places such as Shiloh and Chattanooga, to the stories of staggering devastation in Franklin and Stones River, to the sites along the Civil War Trails stretching from Memphis to the Tri-Cities.

Tennessee is the only national heritage area to encompass an entire state. The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area (TCWNHA) tells the whole story of America’s Greatest Challenge, 1860-1875, through Civil War and Reconstruction-era sites and resources across the state. The trail stops throughout the state tell the story from many viewpoints.

For more information on Civil War Trails in Tennessee, please visit: www.civilwartraveler.com/ WEST/TN/

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Take a Break!

Pigeon Forge is famous for short breaks -weekend getaways or short mid-week visits -- that brighten up any season. Visitors frequently get the best of both worlds by combining some in-town entertainment with escapes into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here’s a collection of new and almost-new activities and attractions.

The Titanic Museum Attraction

makes history come alive with a new gallery devoted to the legacy of Margaret Brown – the woman you know as “the Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Visitors who were introduced to the flamboyant Ms. Brown in the movies may be surprised to learn the full story of a colorful woman who truly was a legend in her own lifetime.

The Dollywood theme park

opened March 22, and its big new attraction is the FireChaser Express, a family-friendly rollercoaster that launches both forwards and backwards. FireChaser Express sends riders zooming on a 2,427-foot-long track through the park’s Wilderness Pass area.

The Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

is a control-your-own-speed thrill ride that follows a looping one-mile route down a forested Great Smoky Mountain ridge. This attraction opened last year and was an instant hit. Patrons have enjoyed gliding down the track ever since – even during winter snowfalls.

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel,

a 20-story-tall Ferris wheel visible from throughout Pigeon Forge, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding territory, especially towering Mt. LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The attraction is at

roll and tumble of being in space is the focus of a new four-person gyroscope attraction at WonderWorks. It is Go-cart the Astronaut Training excitement Challenge, which joins jumped to a new level a collection of more than with the opening of Xtreme 100 hands-on exhibits Racing. Daring drivers and attractions that can reach 40 miles per bring science alive at hour in the GT-5 and RT-8 WonderWorks. Others model go-carts powered by include a hurricane room 270-cc engines. There are with wind that blows single and dual-passenger 65 miles an hour, an carts. earthquake room, a space shuttle landing simulator, wonderworks a ropes course and a Experiencing the 360-degree bicycle. weightlessness and the the Island in Pigeon Forge, an 18-acre complex of retail, attraction, lodging and dining businesses.

Information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge is available online at MyPigeonForge.com or with a toll-free call to 800-251-9100.

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2014

Garden Jubilee

May 24 & 25

9am-5pm

Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC

G

arden Jubilee is Historic Hendersonville’s premier lawn & garden show, and one of the largest gardening shows in the Western North Carolina. The Garden Jubilee is a spectacular two day festival, held on Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 of Memorial

Day weekend. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants. Bring wagon or cart to make transporting your plants easier.

The Garden Jubilee Festival showcases more than 200 vendors lining

An invigorating hike to the top

Main Street and the centerpiece of the Festival is the Lowe’s Expo, located at the Visitors Information Center, 201 South Main Street.

Local and regional nurseries will be selling 1000’s of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard to find plants on every block of the festival. A great way to enhance the beauty of a garden is to add ornamentation.

There will be handmade lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, yard art, planters, wind chimes, birdhouses, as well as soaps, and pottery. Garden related vendors will be located on Main

Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville from Sixth Avenue to Caswell Street and Main Street will be closed to traffic, with vendors lining both sides of the street. A variety of food vendors will be located in the food court, between Barnwell & Caswell Streets.

Please leave your pets comfortably at home, Hendersonville City ordinance prohibits animals in the event area.

Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off to the summer season; spend it in Historic Hendersonville, for lodging or area information visit www.historichendersonville.org.

This event will be conducted between Main Street from Sixth Avenue to Caswell Street.

For info: Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at (828) 693-9708 / 800-828-4244

or a ride that’s completely unexpected.

See Chimney Rock Differently. Tickets, Events and More Views: ChimneyRockPark.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK As one of the most visited state parks in Virginia, the New River Trail State Park is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia. Throughout the year, this facility holds a variety of programs and special events.

WEST WIND FARM VINEYARD/WINERY

Authentic Events Offer Authentic Experiences Wytheville has a variety of attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy. But, a great way to truly see the flavor and authenticity of the area is through the many festivals and special events that are held throughout the year.

BIG

CHAUTAUQUA

BEAGLE RIDGE

FESTIVAL

HERB FARM/FLYING

This eight-day (June 2128, 2014) event has an over 25-year history of providing entertainment. All events are free and held in the center of Wytheville throughout the day and into the evening. There are crafts and classes, art displays and food, and every evening ends with multiple bands in the open air atmosphere of a beautiful public park.

LOOKOUT/BW

FLOWERS

COUNTRY STORE

This attraction includes a twoacre herb display garden, a walkthrough butterfly house, four and a half miles of nature trails, and acres and acres of beautiful. From spring to fall, Beagle Ridge holds a variety of public special events including Lavender Thyme in June, Monarch Tagging in September, and Garlic Thyme in October.

WALKER

Located on a beautiful family farm, West Wind has many events throughout the year including “Café Saturdays” with musical entertainment during lunchtime as well as their popular summer concert series that runs from June to October.

WOHLFAHRT HAUS DINNER THEATRE Every eight weeks, a new Broadway-caliber production graces the stage. Following a four-course meal, Wohlfahrt Haus presents musicals that showcase many different types of music from classic to contemporary as well as feature huge production numbers with unforgettable dancing.

For more information, contact the Wytheville Big Walker Lookout/BW Convention & Visitors Country Store is a natural and man-made attraction located on a Bureau, toll-free at National Forest Scenic Byway just 1-877-347-8307, or visit a few minutes from Wytheville. www.VisitWytheville.com Big Walker embracing authentic artisans and musicians throughout on your computer or mobile device. the year by holding special events each weekend from May through October.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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SUMMER QUILT TRAIL IN

FULL BLOOM! W

ith over 200 quilt blocks, North Carolina has the highest concentration anywhere in the USA! Visit Yancey County to get started on your great quilt adventure! Yancey County is just 45 minutes North of Asheville - exit 9 off I-26, or exit onto Hwy 80 off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Six contiguous counties host quilt blocks, with the highest concentration in Yancey and Mitchell Counties. While in Yancey County, visit Mt. Mitchell, highest peak East of the Mississippi. Mitchell County is home to Roan Mountain (the rhododendrons are in full bloom in June - gateway through Bakersville) and Avery County offers Grandfather Mountain with its mile-high swinging bridge.

Of course we have waterfalls, supreme

hiking, great trout fishing, canoeing, golf, horseback riding, and great shopping.

The Quilt Trails project got its start in Ohio when Donna Sue Groves put a block on her barn to honor her mother. From that simple act, the project has spread to 30 states and Canada.

Seven different driving trails take you to view vividly painted quilt squares installed on barns and buildings of participating communities. Even if it is raining you can still enjoy a day of adventure finding the quilt blocks. Stop by the Quilt Trails Gift Shop in the OOAK Gallery on the Loop in Micaville to purchase a driving map and one or more of the nine tour guides that tell the stories behind the blocks.www.quilttrailswnc.org

This custom-designed quilt block adorns a barn on Arbuckle Road in Western North Carolina. The block is named for the Arbuckle brand of coffee

McIntosh Star quilt block attached to the McIntosh family barn on Highway 119 coming into Burnsville, N.C. All the colors are taken from the McIntosh family tartan.

2 0 TA S T I N G R O O M S W I T H I N 2 0 M I N U T E S

WWW. W HAT S UP INE L K I NNC. COM • W W W.VERYSURRY.CO M /ELKIN

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SPRING/SUMMER 2014

National D-Day

Memorial 70th Anniversary

For information visit www.dday.org

T

he 70th Anniversary of D-Day will be observed in a special ceremony on June 6 starting at 11am at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.

Program highlights include an honor guard, recognition of D-Day veterans, guest speakers, dignitaries, music, and more.

The commemoration begins with a morning ceremony featuring the laying of wreaths by D-Day units. The community of Bedford will host a 1940s parade on the morning of June 7th. Antique cars, bands, veterans, living historians, and more will parade through town. At 11am, a bell will toll marking the 19 from Bedford killed on June 6, 1944. Walking tours will be available for those interested in visiting some of the more famous Bedford Boys sites as mentioned in Alex Kershaw’s award winning book “The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate Sacrifice.”

you will...

one thing for sure

Step Onboard for

Discover Bedford’s extraordinary National D-Day Memorial, which overlooks the American community that lost the most citizens at D-Day. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s architectural gem, Poplar Forest, built while he was President as his private retreat. The legendary “Peaks of Otter” along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake and five wineries all call Bedford home.

www.VisitBedford.com or call 1-877-447-3257

RV SERVICES

• Premium open air cars • First Class dining cars • Special Event trains

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The Carolina Shine! Sample mountain moonshine on this all adult First Class car

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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

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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The Floyd Artisan Trail Tour

the county. Demonstrations and talks include paper-making, furniture-making, pottery, patchwork quilting, wax batik, woodworking, blacksmithing, painting, Chinese medicinal herbs, alpaca ownership & products, honeybees, and more.

Site activities include the Tour Hours are June 13 & 14 sales and exhibit of local fine art, 10am – 5pm and Sunday, June hand-craft and farm products; 15, 12-5pm and classes, demonstrations, and talks at sites throughout

June 13-15, 2014 Floyd County, VA

T

he Floyd Artisan Trail – June Tour is a free, 3-day event with more than 50 sites with activities at artisan home-studios; galleries and shops; farms and farm markets; and restaurants and lodging sites that promote local foods and art. While many town-based trail sites will be participating, the event will also

highlight home-studios and farm throughout rural Floyd County.

Returning and new artisans and businesses include: 19 artist studios, 13 Galleries and Shops, 8 Farms and farm stores, and 11 restaurants and lodging businesses. A new evening event is Celebration of the Arts” on Saturday night June 14.

Artisan studios feature fabric art and clothing (batik, quilted, tie-dye), pottery, fine art, furniture, woodworking, sculpture, outdoor garden art, jewelry, traditional handmade hats and papermaking . Galleries and shops include art association cooperatives, the community art center, historic Old Church Gallery, country store, yarn shop, tattoo artist gallery, and numerous private galleries where 100’s of artists are represented.

Visitors can check out the Farmers Market and local food store where many local farm products are available. Farms participating include Chinese medicinal herb garden, alpaca farm, produce and animal farm, honeybee sanctuary, garden design nursery and a daylily farm with a general store where there are garden and home decor crafts and weekly live music. Diverse food options include: local BBQ, traditional Blue Ridge cuisine, farm-to-table restaurants, pizza, bakery and more!

For more information or, a tour brochure & Map, contact info@floydartisantrail.org or 540-745-7333/540-230-7955.

Best Pick in Virginia for…

tre ex Thea at the R ers Market d a o R d ping, Farm oke g the • Galax ue Shop f the Cro Music o Trail State Park ime Jams • Uniq l Events includin r T ia e New Riv egrass and Old s • Annual Spec Blu tion a ! d n o io m t Weekly m en nd Acco r’s Conv Dining a ous Old Fiddle m a F World

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

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Some pictures are worth more than 1,000 words.

This is a vocabulary test.

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.

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VOCAB Grandfather Mountain Blue Ridge Digest

GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN WONDERS NEVER CEASE

www.grandfather.com 4/8/14 10:40 AM

1/4 pg ad 4.47x4.57” Art: Katie Casella (828) 733-2013 Contact: Katie Casella (828) 733-2013

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The 67th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

MABRY MILL Parkway Icon

M

Southern Crescent Bluegrass

US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville, NC July 17 – 20 and October 16 – 19, 2014 10am-6pm Thursday – Saturday, and 10am-5pm Sunday

N

early 200 juried artists of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be selling works of clay, metal, wood, jewelry, fiber, paper, natural materials, leather and mixed media. With styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, the Fairs showcase the rich talent, diversity and craft mastery of Guild members.

The Fairs began in 1948 as a way to provide a regional market for the mountain craftspeople. Since that time, the Craft Fairs have set the standard for fine craft shows across the country.

In addition to providing a retail market for juried members, the Guild also hosts craft demonstrations during the Fairs. A strong part of the Guild’s mission is to educate the public about the history of crafts in this region, various craft techniques, and an appreciation for fine crafts. Beginning on Friday during each Craft Fair, mountain musicians perform live on the arena stage. Since the first fair in Gatlinburg in 1948, 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.

Admission: Adults $8, children under 12 free.

Group discounts available.

Additional info: www.craftguild.org or 828-298-7928

abry Mill is seen uniquely ‘Blue Ridge Parkway’ to many visitors. The early designers came across this structure in place and knew it had to be part of the Parkway experience. Travelers today see the daily patterns of life and the settled landscape here on the high plateau at places like Mabry Mill.

Ed and Lizzy Mabry’s nearly century old gristmill is arguably the Parkway’s most picturesque spot. Ed built this mill and the Mabry’s ground corn for their neighbors for three decades, creating a community gathering place for the folks who called Meadows of Dan home.

Although the mill itself is the focal point of the area, visitors are reminded that Ed Mabry was talented in many other areas as well, adding a

wheelwright shop, sawmill and blacksmith shop to his enterprise.

Cultural history demonstrations are offered in summer and early fall at the nearby blacksmith shop and Matthews Cabin. The sights and sounds of rural life in Appalachia, community, mountain industry, and the change from an agricultural to an industrial society resonate from this place on a regular basis during the summer season.

540-267-3153

For more info on the Mill Restaurant & Gift shop, open May-October, visit www.mabrymillrestaurant.com or (276) 952-2947.

Radford’s Visitors Center

(located inside Glencoe Musuem)

600 Unruh Drive Radford, VA 24141

www.VisitRadford.com

July 4th Spirit of America Celebration with Jimmy Fortune

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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Love quiet little towns?

Page 9

Take a must-see trip to Historic Downtown Hillsville, VA

F

irst stop: try a wonderful early morning breakfast at the Hillsville Diner. Watch Mack prepare everyone’s breakfast while managing to carry on a conversation with just about everyone who comes in.

Venture next door afterwards for a history lesson at the Carroll County Historical Museum inside the Historic Carroll County Courthouse, the home of the tragic but famous courthouse shooting in 1912.

Next, hop on the Beaver Dam Creek Trail and make your way down to the brand new labyrinth at the picnic shelter. Head back up to downtown Hillsville to enjoy window shopping at local mercantile stores and grab a quick but delicious lunch. On special nights in the summer, you can catch the CruiseIn and Beach Festival. They are always a blast.

Need a romantic getaway?

Stay with Don and Sherri at the Inn and Cottages at Orchard Gap, a lovely B & B off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Take in a scenic drive, visit Mabry Mill and a winery or two up the road. Don’t miss a concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center.

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Reasons to visit Roanok Virginia’s Blue Ridge M

The Virginia Love the outdoors? Check Department of out Lake Ridge RV Resort. Plan 1.

Trains, trains, trains!

1 Motor VehiclesHeritage to spend a couple nights tent Railroad has designated camping and playing around 2.

Historic Farmers’ Market this 10.6 the pool and waterslide. Don’t 2 District - Buy local – produce, mile loop trail forget the paddleboats, fishing plants and specialty items campfires, roasting hotdogs and that surrounds 3 Crooked the Creek Wildlife making s’mores.

3.

Multi-cultural Cuisine Management Area as a multi use Like critters? Farm tours are 4.

Over 45 lodging recreation trail using existing state for you! Farm Tours offer some 4 establishments to choose maintained dirt surfaced of the most unique from including the Holiday roads. experiences for travelers. Visit the local Inn Tanglewood fruit stands Looking for a You can get a taste of 5.

View longer from the Roanoke Star equestrian a region that is steeped and markets 5 - Checkout the Star Cam – in agricultural history, and samplewww.roanokeva.gov/starcam a adventure? Head ‘em pass by working farms, taste of why out to Kanawha Valley Arena in Dugspur observe wine in the 6.6 Visit Mill Mountain Zoo for a we love our and ride the ZooChoo week-long wagon train. making some of the most farms.

Kanawha Valley Arena unique ones as well, 7.

Virginia Museum is host to many Hard Cider and Mead 7 of Transportation – seasonal ranging from horse shows, just to name a few. Get up close events steam engines bull rides, and truck pulls. They and personal with Alpacas and 8.

Recently opened - Taubman have. a little something for then take a part 8 Museum of Art everyone. It is a “must see” place of them home. with a guaranteed good time.

Visit the local 9.

– antiques, 9 Shopping boutiques more Before you and leave the area, fruit stands be sure you visit “pick your and markets 10 10.

Salem Sox baseball game own” orchards Levering and and sample a History Museum of Western Berrier for some seasonal apples taste of why we 11.

11 Virginia exhibits and peaches.

After visiting the love our farms. orchards and getting your fruit If you are 12.

12 Go down under at fresh Dixie from Caverns the tree, your next stop equestrian is to collect some locally grown enthusiasts, saddle 13. Hands-on activities at produce at the Southwest Virginia up! Take a half day 13 the Science Museum Farmers Market off I-77 Exit 14. ride at the newly of Western Virginia established Crooked 14 Anytime 14.

O. Winston Link Museum of the year is a good Creek Equine/ time Southern to visit Carroll County.

Recreation Trail. This 15. style breakfast – trail is the first of its 15 The Roanoker Restaurant Call the tourism office today kind in the state. for help inwestern planning trip!

16. andyour a bowl 16 Cheesy with276-730-3100 at the Texas Tavern

17. Chocolate treat at 17 Chocolatepaper

23

18.

18 Nature Center at the Discovery Center – Milepost 120 19. Their natural water park 19 at Smith Mountain Lake

Salem f Salem F

Visitor C 24 open da 5pm (1 Ave, NE

25 Get you Entertai

20. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor 20 Center – Milepost 115 21. A hot dog all the way at the 21 Roanoke Wiener Stand 22. Take in a movie at their locally 22 owned and operated Grandin Theatre in Grandin Village

Sequoyah (1776-1843)

Father, Soldier, Silversmith, Statesman and Creator of the Cherokee writing system

Handmade Cherokee Baskets • CDs • Jewelry Handmade Native American Pottery Prints by Cherokee Artist Donald Vann ...and more unique gifts from which to choose!

OPEN YEAR ROUNd

Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm • Sun Noon - 5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Nominal Admission Fee • Group discounts Operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - Tennessee’s ONLY Tribally-Operated Historical Attraction.

SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM Hwy 360 - P.O. Box 69 Vonore, Tennessee 37885 423-884-6246

www.sequoyahmuseum.org

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee on the shores of beautiful Tellico Lake, 37 miles south of downtown Knoxville.

www.visitwyth

WCVB-BRDigest 6-4-10.indd

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.

Blue Ridge Parkway Facilities

01 Designates Milepost

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 Parkway’s 24-hour information line at 828 298-0398 for the latest road conditions.

New River Gorge National River WV VA

N Bluefield Pennington Gap

Morristown Morristow

40 75

e Sevierville Seviervill

Maryville 411 Maryvill To Chattanooga Townsend

165 Fontana Village

Cherohala Skyway

143

Robbinsville

68

Murphy 129 Blue Ridge

19 76

129

Blairsville

Bryson City

74

19

Andrews

Hayesville

Chatugee Chatu Lake k ke

Cherokee

28

Franklin 64

Hiwassee 76

NC GA

Mile 469

Valley

Balsam

Sylva

Topton

NC

107

63

e Asheville Ashevill

410

Cashiers

C aggy Crrraggy aggy Ga Garrdens rdens dens Marion

26

Mount Pisg Pisgah

Morganton Morganto

Valdese

40 221

Saluda 9

321

To Greenville

18

16

90

Columbus

Shelby Shelb

NC SC

a Gastonia Gastoni 85

150

8

311

Winstonm Salem Sale Clemmons Clemmon 421

Statesville Statesvill 70

e Mooresville Mooresvill 77

85

Lexington

311

Kannapoliss Kannapoli

52

Concord

Pointt High Poin

52

y Salisbury Salisbur

22

Kerner

8

40

16

58

52

601

Union Grove

To Charlotte

Pilot Mountain

74

Elkin

y Hickory Hickor

321

VA Mount Airy N C

77

Doughton P Park ark E.B. Jeffr E.B Jeffress ress P Park ark

150

108

11

Cumberland Knob

21

Newton Newton

74

Tryon

e Blu

64 18

221

Hillsville Mabry Mill Sma Laurel Fancy 58 Fork Rock Roc kyy Knob k Gap Meadows Galax 180 of Dan Sparta 220 Stuart y

270

Lenoirr Lenoi

Chimney Lake Lure Rock 74A

Clayton

To Atlanta

320

Park Park P arkw way way ay Park P ark way ay Visitor Center

440

8

Floyd

Moses H. H. Cone Mem. P Park ark North Julian Price Mem. Mem P Park ark Wilkesboro Lin Li nville FFalls alls 18

C rrabt abtrree ee FFalls alls Crabtr

Christiansburg Christiansbur

Mouth of Wilson Independence

Blowing Rock 421

Spruce Pine

Black Mtn.

Waynesville Waynesvill

e Hendersonville Hendersonvill Brevard Highlands Sapphire Lake Toxaway

441

Burnsville

Little Switzerland Weaverville Weavervill

Marshall

Boone

Pulaski

Wytheville

Laurel Springs 221 West Parkwa Jefferson Ridge

Sugar Mountain

Mars Hill

Hartford

441

19E

Erwin

TN

Hot Springs

Great Smoky Mountains 40 National Park Maggie

Tapoco

70

Newport

Cosby Gatlinburg

Pigeon Forge

129

411

26

e Greeneville Greenevill

Farragutt Farragu

Elizabethton

S Blacksbur

Radford Radfor

21

58

City

City Johnson City Jonesborough

92

81

Damascus

421 Mountain

81

e Knoxville Knoxvill

To Nashville

Bristol

Dublin

77

Marion

Abingdon

11E

75

16

20 km

Kingsportt Kingspor

33

Norris

19

20 mi

0

VA TN

To Lexington

0

460

100

19

85

109

64 49

220

To Gettysburg, PA

Martinsburg Charles Town Tow Harpers Ferry 340

Winchester Wincheste

Leesburg

g Harrisonburg Harrisonbur

250

220

42 11

340

n Staunton Staunto

39

Elkton

66

340

Luray

D Na rive tio na l P a

New Market

33

Monterey

81

VA

W

V

Front Royal

l in e a h Sk y do an n e Sh

211

rk 522

64 220

29

29

Humpback Rocks

Lexington

30

Natural Bridge Buchanan 311

60

Glasgow

Otter C reek reek Creek

70

90

m Salem Sale rg Roanok e Roanoke

Vinton

460

Roanok Roano ke Mountain Roanoke

Rocky Mount

Altavista

40

Gretna

220

b 57

501

Burnt Chimney 43

ar t Vi Vie ew

40

Chatham

Martinsville Martinsvill 29 58

Danville Danvill 360

Eden

20

Reidsville Reidsvill

158

rsville rsvill

29

t

40 85 421

0

Asheboro Ashebor

Snow Camp

Roxboro 49

Burlington

To Durham

58

501

158

87

Greensboro Greensbor

20

Amherst

g Lynchburg Lynchbur

Bedford

15

64

29

Peaks of Otter

460

120

0

Lovingston

Buena Vista

24

Appomattox

Farmville

Warrenton

Culpeper

e Charlottesville Charlottesvill

Mile 0 64

To Washington, DC

229

231

33

Waynesboro Waynesbor

50

To Richmond

522

ROAD CLOSURES ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY A real-time road closure map for the entire Parkway is available at: www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ roadclosures.htm

www.blueridgedigest.com

16

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Roanoke Food Tours– E

xit at Milepost 120 for Mill Mountain, to see a spectacular view from Roanoke’s best-known landmark, The Roanoke Star with breathtaking scenery of the entire Valley. Be sure to wave to friends and family on the Star Cam

A Culinary Delight!

www.roanokeva.gov/starcam.

Make a stop at The Discovery Center, which also serves as a regional information center, to learn more about the area and Mill Mountain’s natural resources including hiking trails.

The proximity to downtown Roanoke is just 10 minutes from the Mill Mountain overlook.

Discover unexpected history, unique architecture and one-ofa-kind culinary treats when you experience the Roanoke Food Tour. Learn about Roanoke’s colorful history and culture, while walking and eating your way through downtown, stopping at iconic eateries, including The Hotel Roanoke and Texas Tavern.

All food and drink tastings, enough for an ample lunch, are included in the ticket price. Rated #1 “Roanoke Activity” on tripadvisor.com. Tours available Thursday-Saturday 11am2pm.

The food tour concludes on the Rooftop Pavilion of Center in the Square, offering the best downtown views of the surrounding mountains.

Recently renovated, Center in the Square is also home to Butterfly Garden, located in the Science Museum of Western Virginia, as well as the History Museum of Western Virginia, Harrison Museum of African American Culture and Mill Mountain Theatre. You’ll never view or taste Roanoke the same again!

July 17-20 Over 200 Juried Artists Craft Demonstrations Live Regional Music U.S. CellUlar Center Downtown aSheville, nC

thU.-Sat.: 10am-6pm SUn.: 10am-5pm

www.CraftgUilD.org BeCky & Steve lloyD

828-298-7928

For more information on Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge go to www.visitvablueridge.com

www.blueridgedigest.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

North Carolina’s Mountain Playground Drop the technology and grab the kids, bring the friends and head to the majestic mountains of Avery County!

E

Drive the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway and exit at mile marker 305 to visit world-famous Grandfather Mountain, one of the few privately owned biospheres in the world. Drive to the top of Grandfather and experience the Mile High Swinging Bridge where, on a clear day, one can see all the way to Charlotte.

Swim or fish at Wildcat Lake near Banner Elk or spend the day shopping in our many exclusive shops. Go antiquing from Elk Park to Foscoe Whether one lives in Avery County year round, owns a seasonal home, or vacations here, the wide variety of activities is appreciated. From hiking and

HIDDEN

biking with friends and family, fishing for trout and bass in the crisp mountain streams, snow tubing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, belaying and climbing the magnificent rock faces, zip lining above the mountain vistas, golfing on the many championship golf courses, enjoying the wineries and breweries, or relaxing and taking in the majestic mountain vistas, Avery County offers something for everyone!

Love music and festivals?

How about touring the county on the Trolley Wine Tour or sampling local favorite foods at the Taste of Avery? Ninety percent of the restaurants and eateries are privately owned, creating a culinary experience

Zaloo's GEMS Canoes

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

for your night out or the perfect venue for that special family celebration or perfect wedding.

Visit Civil War markers and museums to learn about their rich heritage. Walk Crossnore’s historical district and shop the Crossnore School Weavers’ Gallery, which has work displayed in the White House.

The Avery County Chamber Chamber at 800-972-2183 or visit: www.averycounty.com.

17

PLAN YOUR

VISIT!

Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

June 1-16. Staff naturalists offer programs at 1 p.m. daily to help visitors get the most out of the memorable sight of the Catawba rhododendron

Taste of Avery

experience our food and wine event June 5th

High Countr y Trolley Wine Tour 4th Thursday from June – October

2nd Annual High Countr y Beer & Wine Festival June 14th

Jackson County Visitors Center Music(800) begins962-1911 in mountains www.MountainLovers.com.

BOONE, NC It’s Cooler Up Here

From family attractions including Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad to thrilling white water rafting, ziplining, or hiking and biking the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Boone area has “cool” covered. And when the temperatures where you are hit 90o, chances are we’re chillin’ at 75o. It’s just cooler here.

800-852-9506

www.blueridgedigest.com

18

S

SPRiNG AND EARlY SUMMER iN NORTH CAROliNA’S HiGH COUNTRY

pring is ever the time for revival and renewal, but in North Carolina’s High Country it is welcomed even more since it marks the end of what is usually a long, cold winter. Nature responds to the mild weather and frequent showers with a plethora of growth and bloom in the plant kingdom and a symphony of birdsong from the animal realm.

As you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in springtime, you are struck by the colors

of the road shoulder flowers, such as dandelions, dwarf iris, mayapples, and birdfoot violet, and if you make the trip before the trees fully leaf, you can see through the woods and make out the flowers of the dogwoods, serviceberry, and silverbells at great distances.

Of course, a bit later, the native rhododendrons steal the show, with spectacular colors in beds that bloom beginning in the lower elevations and

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Grandfather Mountain, Photo by Hugh Morton

progressing to the high mountains and balds, a sort of autumn leaf change in reverse. Don’t miss the other vegetation, though. The rhododendron’s smaller relative, the mountain laurel, also puts on a show in massed beds as well as individuals scattered within the forest.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited unit of the National Park Service, but lesser known public lands in the High Country with outstanding floral displays

include Grandfather Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, New River State Park, and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.

A large portion of the Pisgah National Forest also lies within the High Country, and includes the Roan High Bluff, with its famous rhododendron beds.

For more information on parks and overlooks and current blooms in the High Country, visit HighCountryParkway.com or call 800-438-7500.

NATURE’S CALLING.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK IS THE ANSWER. Enjoy 105 miles of scenery atop Skyline Drive, 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness and endless amounts of inspired recreation – all within a few hours of DC. At the end of your day, stay overnight at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge. Ready to heed the call?

Book now at GoShenandoah.com/brpa or call 877-313-2586.

Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge are managed by DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc. ©2014 DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc.

www.blueridgedigest.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

MAY 16 AND 17, 2014

2014 BLOOMIN’ BBQ

& BLUEGRASS Many local residents as well as tourists rush to Sevierville, Tennessee for BBQ-related fun and frolicking. This is the largest event in Sevierville! Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass includes: The Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, FREE bluegrass concerts, kids games,

great food and authentic mountain crafts. Mark your calendar for 2014, Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass occurs May 16 and 17, 2014.

MORE iNFO: www.bloominbbq.com

Western North Carolina

Cheese Trail

If you want to spend a few hours or a few days visiting WNC cheesemaking operations, the map will help you plan your trip and highlight the details of member farms, their locations, hours, and things you need to know before you start your journey. Maps are available at all member Cheesemakers, Associate Members, ASAP offices, and the Asheville Convention and visitors Bureau.

Cheesemaking and dairy farming are very time intensive

and all-consuming businesses, especially if you are doing both. Not all farms on the map are open for visitation. Those open for visitation will be clearly marked with acceptable days and hours and any restrictions for that particular farm.

The map will be a great resource for distributors, retailers, and restaurants to find the best of what WNC has to offer in artisan cheese.

wnccheesetrail.org

19

20

www.blueridgedigest.com

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.

Campfire Lodgings - 7 mi. from dwtn Asheville, Mtn. top camping, full service RV sites, yurts & cliff house.

Open year-round. (828) 658-8012. www.campfirelodgings.com.

Carolina Foam, Fabric & Home Decor - Largest selection of dress fabric and upholstery in North Carolina. Exit #64 I-40. 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.

BALSAM, NC 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

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC Condominium And Chalet Rentals - By the day, week or month - kitchens, full linens, fireplaces, whirlpools, country club access (golf, tennis, heat. Pools, family activities) Coolest locations in south. Call 1-800-692-2061 or 828/387-4251. 503 Beech Mtn. Pkwy. (next to Fred’s General Mercantile) Beechwood Realty.

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. www.jenkinsrentals. com. (800) 438-7803.

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 2013. 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.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST! 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- 1700 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC 28607. (800) 438-7500. www.mountainsofnc.com

BREVARD, NC Inn at Brevard - Lodging, dining, cocktails. B and B. European cuisine. 15 antique furnished rooms.

Breakfast. 315 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712. www.theinnatbrevard. com (828) 884-2105. brevard@theinnatbrevard.com.

BRYSON CITY, NC Historic Fryemont Inn Lodging & Dining - From $62.50 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.

Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST!

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

www.blueridgedigest.com

Mountain Lodging Food Fun 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 fall foliage, hiking, rock climbing instruction, special events, workshops and more! 26-story elevator inside mountain. Pet friendly. Open all year. Live it up! 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com

FLETCHER, NC Blue Ridge Cabins - Fletcher MP388.8. South. Rustic cabins with modern amenitites. 9 miles from downtown Asheville. 828-654-0539 or 877-902-2246. www.mybrcabin.com

Make your Lodging, Dining and Theatre RESERVATIONS! www.historichendersonville.org Open 7 days a week, the Visitors Information Center, 1-800-828-4244. 210 S Main Street, Hendersonville, NC.

LaKE TOXAWAY, NC Greystone Inn: Four Diamond Country Inn on shore of NC's largest private lake. Incredible cuisine, golf, spa & more. 800-8245766. www.greystoneinn.com

LAUREL SPRINGS, NC 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

FONTANA DAM, NC

LINVILLE, NC

Fontana Village Resort & Lake Cabins - Lodge, camping, marina, boat rentals & guides. Fishing, dining, lounges, pools, disk golf, hiking & mtn biking. 800-849-2258. www.fontanavillage.com

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. Two miles from Viaduct; one mile from Parkway. Take Linville Exit, MP 305 to US 221. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm (weather permitting in winter). $18/ adult; $15/senior 60+; $8/child 4-12; under 4 free. www.grandfather.com Phone 828-733-4337 or 800-468-7325..

GLENDALE SPRINGS, NC Mountain View Lodge & Cabins- MP 256 - Secluded B&B lodge plus five duplex cabins w/kitchenettes, full bathrooms, linens furnished.

Genuine North Carolina hospitality for a relaxing “get away”. See local wildlife up close! Open all year.

Great for large families & group retreats. Smoking outside only. MC/ VISA. Pet friendly! 336-982-2233 or 800-903-6811. www.mtnviewlodge.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

LINVILLE FALLS, NC Linville Caverns - 19929 US 221 N. Marion. 4 miles South of Parkway, MP 317. NC's ONLY show cavern. 800-419-0540. 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.

21

Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST!

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. Breakfast optional. All rooms with spectacular views and private baths. WiFi. Open April-Nov. Reasonable rates! Exit MP 334, Little Switzerland. Right on 226A, 1 mi. www.alpineinnnc.com (828) 765-5380.

Big Lynn Lodge - AAA Historic Country Inn. Scenic views of mountains, valley & Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the few old fashioned places that gives you lodging & meals (evening & breakfast) for one low package price. 3200 ft elev. 1 1/4 mile E of Parkway. Exit at Spruce Pine, on NC 226A near milepost 331. Open April 15 to Nov. 5. 40 units. PO Box 459.

(828) 765-4257; 1-800-654-5232 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 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.

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 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.

MITCHELL COUNTY, NC Mitchell County, NC - Exit milepost 331. Gem mining, gem & mineral shops, specialty mineral & gem festival, rhododendron festival, indoor ice skating rink, white water rafting, Appalachian Trail. For more information, call 1-800-227-3912 or 828-765-9483.

MOUNT AIRY, NC Pilot Knob Inn -Tobacco barn cabins & honeymoon suites, whirlpools, fireplaces on 100+ acres, lake with boating & fishing, Pilot Mtn 1 mile off Hwy 52. Full breakfast and sauna. (336) 325-2502. www.pilotknobinn.com

www.blueridgedigest.com

22

Mountain Lodging Food Fun NEWLAND, 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.

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 3 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 3.

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

SPRUCE PINE, NC 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.

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.

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

VALLE CRUCIS, NC 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.

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. www.MastStore. com. 828-452-2101 The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa - MP 445. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this resort has been welcoming visitors to a casual and relaxed mountain lifestyle since the 1920s and features stunning views from all of the 115 rooms, 27-holes of Donald Ross golf and two upscale restaurants. 800627-6250. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com

Need help while you are Travelling?

TravelAid.com Find info on over 3,000 places in the SE United States to stay & play on your next vacation.

Includes links to hotels, motels, chambers of commerce, gift shops, restaurants, car rentals, campgrounds & more! Visit www.travelaid.com.

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

VIRGINIA BEDFORD, VA 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

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 Antique Expo - 400 dealers exhibiting in halls, barns, tents & outside twice yearly. May 10-12 and October 11-13, 2013. Augusta Expoland.

I-64, exit 91. (434) 847-8242 . www.heritagepromotions.net.

FLOYD, VA 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.

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 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

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Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST! 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

HARRISONBURG, VA Harrisonburg, VA Visitor Center 212 S. Main St (540) 432-8935 www.VisitHarrisonburgVA.com.

Call for free materials!

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

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 - 100+ unique cabins or B&B’s. Hot tubs, frplc, kitch, riverfront/mountains, hiking, canoeing, fishing, near Luray, VA. 866-780-7827. www.allstarlodging.com.

MEADOWS OF DAN, 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

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Mountain Lodging Food Fun NATURAL BRIDGE, VA

SALEM, VA

Natural Bridge Zoological Park I-81 Exit 180A. Rt 11 North. Largest and most complete collection of birds and animals in Virginia. Elephant rides, white tigers, cougars, giraffes, zebras, bears, baboons, monkeys, Flamingos, pet & feed tame deer, Ilamas, goats and mini donkeys.

Safari gift shop, modern restrooms, free parking, free picnic pavilion.

Open daily 9am-7pm. March-November. Group rates. Fun for the whole family! www.naturalbridgezoo.com.

540-291-2420

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.

Natural Bridge - US 11 & 130, MP 45.6 & 61; I-8 Exits 175, 180. See the immense natural wonder. Nature park, Indian village, caverns, wax museum, haunted house, dinosaur kingdom. Hotel, great food. 800-5331410. www.naturalbridgeva.com

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.

Roanoke Valley - Milepost 120.

Experience the largest family destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring outstanding museums and attractions, shopping, restaurants and a wide variety of hotels and B&Bs. Follow signs to Visitor Center with Free Travel Guides.(800) 635-5535.

From Rustic to Refined, Your Next AgriAdventure Awaits in Haywood County, NC. rich farming heritage inspires a variety of memorable year-round experiences that are perfect for the entire family. Find your way through a corn maze, pick a bushel of fresh berries, or choose and cut your own Christmas tree on your next visit to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains.

SHENANDOAH CAVERNS, VA Shenandoah Caverns - 4 great attractions for one price. Only Va. cavern with elevator & closest to I-81 (exit 269). Also see spectacular floats in America’s Parade Float Hall of Fame and experience the new Yellow Barn, a whimsical agricultural experience.

Open all year. 888-4CAVERN www.shenandoahcaverns.com

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

Grandfather Mountain County Store

On the eastern slope of Grandfather Mountain rests a country store that has claimed the site at Blue Moon Gap since the early 1920s. STORE HOURS Sun-Mon, Thurs-Sat 11:30-6 pm CLOSED TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS. 6371 U.S. 221 Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 295-6100 grandfathercountrystore.com

Add a fresh twist to your next vacation thanks to Haywood County’s own agritourism initiative, Buy Haywood. The 2014 “Find your Adventure!

Agritourism Guide” will lead you on an epicurean exploration that is as original as the native water than runs through our mountains.

Take your pick of local working farms, sustainable retail venues, farm-to-table restaurants, heritage festivals, farmers markets and interactive activities in and around the five towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde and Lake Junaluska. Haywood County’s

Some features in the 2014 “Find your Adventure!”

Agritourism Guide are: • Historic Farmer & Tailgate Markets • Award Winning “Farm to Table” Restaurants • Uniquely Local Jams, Jellies, Savory Spreads & Artisan Pickles • Specialty Retail Shops • Rustic Hospitality Venues • Heritage Festivals • U Pick Farms • Historic Preservation Sites and Educational Opportunities for all ages

Pick up a free guide at any of Haywood County’s three visitor centers in Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Canton or download a copy at www.visitncsmokies.com/restaurants.

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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 Toccoa Welcome Center 901 E. Currahee St. P.O. Box 577 Toccoa, GA 30577; (706) 866-2132 Towns County Visitor Center 1411 Jack Dayton Circle Young Harris, GA 30582 (706) 896-4966 • www.mountaintopga.com

NORTH CAROLINA Alleghany Co. Chamber of Commerce 58 S. Main, POB 1237 BRD Sparta, NC 28675; (800) 372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com Andrews Chamber of Commerce 345 Locust St. • P.O. Box 800 Andrews, NC 28902 • (877) 558-0005 www.andrewschambercommerce.com Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center 1 N. Jefferson Ave, P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-9550 • www.ashechamber.com Avery County Chamber of Commerce 4501 Tynecastle Hwy • Unit 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604; (800) 972-2183 www.banner-elk.com/ Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce 403A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mtn, NC 28604; (800) 468-5506 www.beechmtn.com Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce 201 E. State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711; (828) 669-2300 Blowing Rock Visitor Center 192 Chestnut St • Blowing Rock Blowing Rock, NC 28605; 877-750-4636 www.visitblowingrock.com

Blue Ridge Mtn Stop Visitor Center 4220 Blowing Rock Blvd • Lenoir, NC 28645 • (828) 754-5400 Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center 195 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 • 828-298-5330 Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 870 W King St. Suite A, Boone, NC 28607; (800) 852-9506 • www.VisitBooneNC.com Bryson City Chamber of Commerce 210 Main Street • Bryson City, NC 28713; (800) 867-9246 • www.greatsmokies.com Burke County Travel & Tourism 102 E. Union St., Courthouse Square 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 Cherokee County Visitor Center 805 W. US 64 Murphy, NC 28906; (828) 837-2242 www.cherokeecountychamber.com Cherokee Visitor Center P.O. Box 460 • 498 Tsalis Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719; (800) 438-1601 www.cherokee-nc.com Clay County Chamber of Commerce 388 Business Hwy 64 Hayesville, NC 28904; (828) 389-3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com Davie County Chamber of Commerce 135 S. Salisbury St., Mocksville, NC 27028-2337; (336) 751-3304 - www.mocksville.org Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St. Franklin, NC 28734; (888) 439-park • www.franklin-chamber.com Gaston County Visitor Center 620 Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012 Greensboro Area Visitor Center 2200 Pinecroft Rd. • Suite 200 Greensboro, NC 27407; (800) 344-2282 www.VisitGreensboroNC.com Haywood Chamber of Commerce 28 Walnut St. • Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3021

Hendersonville Visitor Center 201 S. Main St • Hendersonville, NC 28792 (800) 828-4244 www.historichendersonville.org 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 Highlands Chamber of Commerce 269 Oak St., POB 404 BRD Highlands, NC 28741; (828) 526-2112 www.highlands-chamber.com

Polk County Visitor Center 20 E. Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 440-7848 Smoky Mountain Host of NC, Inc 4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (800) 432-4678 • www.visitsmokies.org Statesville Tourism Dev. Authority 118 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28687; (704) 878-3480 or (877) 531-1819 www.visitstatesville.org Waynesville/Haywood County Visitor Center 44 N. Main St. • Waynesville NC 28786 (800) 334-9036 www.visitncsmokies.com

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

Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St., PO Box 727 BRD N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659; (336) 838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org

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

Yadkin Valley Visitor Center 116 East Market St. • Elkin, NC 28621; (336) 526-1111 • www.yadkinvalley.org

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

Yancey County Chamber of Commerce 106 W. Main St. • Burnsville, NC 28714; (800) 948-1632 • www.yanceychamber.com

Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce 2511 Soco Road, POB 279 Maggie Valley, NC 28751; (800) MAGGIE-1 • www.maggievalley.org McDowell County Visitor Center 1170 W. Tate St. • Marion, NC 28752; (828) 652-4240 • www.McDowellNC.org 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 NW NC Visitor Center 2121 East US Hwy 421 • North WIlkesboro, NC 28659 • (336) 667-1259 NC High Country Host Visitor Center 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone, NC 28607; (800) 438-7500 www.mountainsofnc.com Old Fort Visitor Center 25 W. Main Street • Old Fort, NC 28762 (888) 233-6111 • www.visitmcdowell.com Piedmont Triad Visitor Center 700 NC Hwy 700 Pelham, NC 27311; (800) 388-9830

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 Coker Creek Visitor Center 12197 Hwy. 68 • Tellico Plains, TN 37385 (423) 261-2286 Elizabethton Visitor Center 500 19E Bypass; POB 190 Elizabethton, TN 37644; (423) 547-3850 www.tourelizabethton.com Erwin/Unicoi Co. Chamber of Commerce 100 S. Main St., POB 713 BRD Erwin, TN 37650; (423) 743-3000 www.valleybeautiful.org Greene Co. Partnership/COB 115 Academy St. Greeneville, TN 37743; (423) 638-4111 www.GreeneCountyPartnership.com Historic Jonesborough 117 Boone St. Jonesborough, TN 37659; (423) 423-753-1010 • Toll Free: 866-401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com

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The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers!

Johnson City Visitor Center 603 E. Main St. Johnson City, TN 37605; (423) 926-2141, www.johnsoncitytn.com

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

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

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

Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S. Shady St. (Hwy. 421S) Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 727-5800 jcwc@preferred.com

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

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

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

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

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

Martinsville Visitor Center 54 West Church St. • Martinsville, VA 24112 VisitMartinsville.com

Strasburg Chamber of Commerce 157 N. Holiday St. Strasburg, VA 22657; (540) 465-3187 www.strasburgchamber.com

Kingsport Visitor Center 151 E. Main St., POB 1403 BRD Kingsport, TN 37662; (423) 392-8820 www.kingsportchamber.org Loudon County Visitor Bureau 1075 US Hwy 321 • Lenoir City, TN 37771 (865) 568-3662 • www.visitloudoncounty.com Oak Ridge Visitor Center 102 Robertsville Rd • Suite C Oak Ridge, TN 37830; (800) 482-7821, www.visit-or.org Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism 1159 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

VIRGINIA 1908 Courthouse Welcome Center 129 Davis St Suite 204 Independence VA 24348 (276) 773-2471 Appomattox Visitor Center 214 Main Street. PO Box 246 Appomattox, VA 24522; (434) 352-8999 www.TourAppomattox.com Abingdon Visitor Center 335 Cummings St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (800) 435-3440 • www.abingdon.com 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

Charlottesville Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 293-6789 • (434) 970-3641 www.pursueCharlottesville.com Culpeper Visitor Center 109 S. Commerce St. • Culpeper, VA 22701 • (540) 825-8628 www.visitculpeperva.com Danville Visitor Center 645 River Park Dr • Danville, VA 24540; (434) 793-4636 • www.visitdanville.com Discovery Center at Mill Mountain Roanoke's Mill Mountain 215 Church Ave., Room 303 Roanoke, VA 24016 • (540) 853-1236 Explore Park Visitor Center Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 115 Roanoke, VA 24014 • (540) 427-1800

Nelson County Visitor Center 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Lovingston, VA 22949; (800) 282-8223 www.Nelsoncounty.com Orange Co. Visitor's Center 122 East Main St. • Orange, VA 22960 (877) 222-8072 • www.visitorangevirginia.com Patrick County Chamber of Commerce 20475 JEB Stuart Hwy • PO Box 577 Stuart, VA 24171; (276) 694-6012 www.patrickchamber.com Piedmont Crossroads Visitors Ctr 135A Wood Ridge Terrace Gordonsville, VA 22942

Floyd County Chamber of Commerce Village Green Suite 7 201 East Main Street Floyd, VA 24091 540-745-4407

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center 212 S. Main St Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801 VisitHarrisonburgVA.com.

(540) 432-8935

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

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

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

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

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

Virginia Tech Visitor Info Ctr. 965 Prices Fork Rd. • Blacksburg, VA 24061;(540) 231-3548 www.vt.edu/whereweare/visitor-center.com Western Highlands Visitor Center 241 W. Main St. • Covington, VA 24426; (540) 962-2178 • www.alleghanyhighlands.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

BRPweather.com

Your source for Parkway weather. Don’t get caught in the rain, fog, or snow! Know what lies ahead on all 469 miles. Accurate forecasts and local weather stations plus live Parkway weather cameras at www.BRPwebcams.org.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Carroll County, VA

For 58 consecutive years, burly athletes, dainty dancers, lusty bagpipers and thousands of kilted visitors have converged in Linville for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

O

n July 10-13, the nation’s premier Highland Games and gathering of Scottish clans returns to this awe-inspiring site once again.

The Grandfather Games are considered some of America’s best because of the outstanding mountain setting reminiscent of the Scottish moors. The craggy peaks of the 5,946-foot Grandfather Mountain overlook the grassy fields where Scottish traditions are fostered and deepened.

The event lineup includes a stirring opening torchlight ceremony, sheep herding exhibitions, “The Bear”

footrace, tug-of-war battles and highland wrestling — all set to the sounds of pipes, drums, fiddles and rocking Celtic tunes.

Witness the parade of tartans or learn about your own heritage and genealogy at more than 150 clan tents surrounding the grounds.

For more info: Visit gmhg.org or (828) 733-1333

Natural Wonders, Great American North Heroes, and Charming Towns.

Carolina's Lexington, Virginia Only he Rockbridge Historical Society and the Rockbridge chapter of the Caverns!

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts also

T

LINVILLE CAVERNS Located on U.S. 221 between Linville and 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

provide cultural activities. The summer months bring the popular Lime Kiln Theatre productions.

History buffs can enjoy the Stonewall Jackson House, the George C. Marshall Museum at VMI, and Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee. The Virginia Horse Center provides year-around activities, such as major horse sales, competitions, equine events and instruction. Other recreational activities can be enjoyed off the Blue Ridge Parkway and at nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Be sure to check out the geocaching trail on your next trip to Lexington.

Boutique shopping and farm-to-table dining are readily at-hand for those strolling the downtown area. You never know what you might find!

Visit www.lexingtonvirginia.com for more awesome things to do in this beautiful city!

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Come see what the fuss is all about...

Check out

Beer & W ine Tasting

800.828.4244 historichendersonville.org

Carl Sandburg Home

Music On Main Street June thru late-August, every Friday Street Dances July thru mid-August, every Monday DuPont State Art On Main Recreatio nal first Saturday & Forest Sunday in October Farm City Day Order our first Saturday FREE! Travel in October

SHOP • EAT • HIKE • GOLF • EXPLORE • EAT • HIKE • GOLF • EXPLORE • SHOP

SWT-12007 BRPD_ad.indd 1

Garden Jubilee

Memorial Day weekend NC Apple Festival Labor Day weekend Flat Rock Playhouse mid-April thru late-December North Carolina Mountain State Fair early September

Flat Rock Playhouse

So Many Places to Bike!

Annual Events

Planner

3/26/12 1:46 PM

Intersection I-81/I-77 in Southwest Virginia

Go to VisitWytheville.com for the latest Festivals and Events listings!

Like us on Facebook for daily updates!

Wythe History‌ Comes Adventure!

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm - special events & classes Big Walker Lookout - Mountain Top Music & History Comes Alive!

Chautauqua Festival - June 21-28, 2014 July 4th Extravangza - Downtown Wytheville Saturday Concerts at West Wind Winery - first Sat, June-Oct Summer Concert Series in Withers Park - June 13, July 4, Aug 1 Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre - Hairspray in May & June, Then Sings My Soul - July & Aug

. ragon D

of the

The BEST Motorcycle Trails!

Ask for free Brochure.

Just 1/2 Hour from the Parkway!

WythevilleCVB4-7-14.indd 1

Come discover it.

For More Information VisitWytheville.com

e l l i v e h t y W virginia

Visitor Guides 1-877-347-8307 www.VisitWytheville.com

4/8/14 2:41 P