THE BLUE RIDGE DIGEST = SPRING 2016

the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains

SPRING / SUMMER

2016

Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains

Secret Places of the Blue Ridge Hendersonville, NC

en rd G Ga ar de n ee ub J Ju biille e It’s Spring Thyme in

Wytheville

Baseballs, a new roller coaster and a violin...

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

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

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

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Adventure awaits just a short drive off the HIDDEN parkway in scenic Shenandoah County.

GEMS Thrill seekers can head to

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ith over 178 miles of trails throughout the George Washington National Forest, the majestically winding Shenandoah River running the length of the county and , Shenandoah County offers , Shenandoah in the “Valley within the Valley” Fort Valley Ranch offers horseback

riding throughout the George Washington National Forest and only minutes from Luray. Hourly, half and full-day guided rides are available as well as multiday ranch packages with on site bunk houses and camp sites for guests looking for a true ranch experience.

Bryce Resort for an afternoon on their custom designed bike park which features a variety of liftaccessed trails leaving guests to coast down the mountain and take in the views. Visitors can also soar down their zipline at over 40 miles per hour as you criss-cross the mountainside over 80 feet off the ground.

For a more leisurely adventure visit Route 11 Outfitters who specializes in guided and self-guided river trips on the Shenandoah.

Whether you’re looking to spend a couple hours tubing on the beautiful North Fork or two whole days kayaking, they have a trip for you.

VisitShenandoahCounty.com 888-367-3965

Todd Mercantile

Todd Mercantile Friendliest little store in the mountains located at 3899 Todd Railroad Grade Rd. in Todd, NC strives to carry merchandise handmade in the Appalachian mountains. Many of items are hand crafted in Todd by local artists. Stop by and check out their fresh baked goodies!

Fresh homemade cinnamon rolls are the most popular bakery item.

People come from miles around to sample their goodness! People drive for 4 hours just to get one – but please if you ARE going to drive that far give them a call so they can be sure to have some when you arrive! The cinnamon rolls come with or without their own delicious maple cream frosting and they have customers who love them both ways! Phone (336) 877-5401.

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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.

Time for Free Music in the High Country!

Beneath the billboards, down the road, down the driveway, behind the trees, there¹s a gathering of local folks playing music, telling stories, and dancing. This gathering place may be just about anywhere in the High Country, for there are many local gathering places. But how does a visitor find these places?

Who do you ask? Would a visitor be welcome?

Finding these places may not be easy. Down the road, behind the trees, it may be a country store, a gas station, an old home place, a barn, or a cabin. And the place may change from time to time, from season to season.

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

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!

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Blowing Rock, Boone Area Appalachian State Hayes School of Music 813 Rivers St, Boone, 828-262-3020 An array of faculty, student & guest performances. Grand opera to jazz to bluegrass showcased. Concerts generally last an hour and take place weeknights and Sunday afternoons. music.appstate.edu Concerts in the Park Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4636 Sunday afternoon concerts begin in May through October.

Feature a wide array of music.

Bring a chair and enjoy! blowingrock.com

Jones House Community Center 604 W King St, Boone 828-264-1789 Free concerts every Friday, 5pm, June through Sept.

Old-time jam sessions every Thursday at 7:30pm. Bring a chair or blanket. joneshousecommunitycenter.org Mast General Store Valle Crucis, 828-963-6511 The Original Mast Store has music most every Sat & Sun. It begins around noon, sometimes earlier, and lasts until around 2pm. Musical genres featured include traditional, old-time, bluegrass, Celtic and Appalachian. mastgeneralstore.com

1150 Motel Drive Woodstock, VA 22664 540-459-7111

www.hamptoninnwoodstock.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Woodstock, VA      

The Best Place to Stay & Play in the Shenandoah Valley!

Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Complimentary Wi-Fi State of the Art Fitness Center Business Center

West Jefferson, Sparta Area Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series Backstreet, West Jefferson, 336-846-9550 Held the 3rd Friday of every month from May- August.

Features local and regional artists playing a mix of traditional bluegrass, country and gospel music. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening. visitwestjefferson.org Crouse House Pickers 60 Cherry St, Sparta 800-372-5473 Jam session held every Monday at 6pm in the Crouse House, porch and stage. Bring an instrument if you would like to join in! sparta-nc.com Music in the Park 60 Cherry St, Sparta 800-372-5473 Held most Saturdays, JuneAug from 7-10pm. Bring a chair or blanket. sparta-nc.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

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SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Experience Craft Brews and Mountain Views in Hendersonville, NC

operations like Basic Brewery (the newest addition to the Hendersonville craft brew scene), Blue Ghost Brewing (named From the cutting-edge, can’t-miss throughout Henderson County for the one-of-afare of dozens of independent is sure to offer something for kind Blue Ghost restaurants to the agricultural every palate. The Cheers!

Fireflies that call sensibility of the largest apple Trail guide includes a map of the area home), producer in NC, and with world area breweries, wineries, and and long-time local premiere Broadway-quality cideries as well as descriptions favorite Southern performances at the Flat Rock of products and tour information. Appalachian Brewery each Playhouse and the oldest traditional Guides are available in the put their own special twist on Appalachian Street Dances in Visitor Center at 201 S. Main their unique brews. Sanctuary America, Hendersonville brings that Street in Hendersonville, or online Brewing Company, it the heart same careful balance of innovation at www.visithendersonvillenc. of downtown, partners with local and tradition to the org/cheers-trail.pdf. animal rescue organizations for local craft beer, wine, Just 22 miles south of adopt-a-pet nights, a “pup” crawl, and cider scene.

Asheville, Hendersonville and even yoga with cats. is becoming a craft beer CHEERS! Henderson County produces Trail o celebrate the destination in its own more apples than anywhere else A Guide To booming industry, right. It’s no wonder that in North Carolina. After centuries Beer Henderson County Sierra Nevada—one of of apple growing, it only makes Wine & Tourism Development ided Tour! the top craft breweries Take a Gu sense that cideries would start Cider Authority (HCTDA) in the nation—chose the using the perfected produce in 4 24 8.4 .82 1.800 created a handy guide county for their new state exciting new hard-cider creations. to the Cheers! Trail. of the art brewery that’s A stop at Bold Rock Cidery or Flat The self-guided tour of a mecca for any craft Rock Cider Works is a must-do to fermentation destinations beer aficionado. Smaller complete the apple experience.

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its orchards, the Long known for ng locallyarea is now turni hard Hendersonville es into delicious grap grown apples and five craft that to s. Add ciders and wine r creations, up their local bee ing serv eries brew y palate on something for ever and you’ll find trail. this new tasting

1343 rience: 828.216. n The Brewery Expe explore Henderso erience.com – thebreweryexp with a Certified brewery scene idual tours County’s craft – group and indiv guide your as Cicerone 8606 pany: 828.606.

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In Hendersonville, you can be sure that the beverage your sipping was made with fresh ingredients that may have been harvested within a stone’s throw of where it was carefully crafted.

This is especially important to Hendersonville’s two world-class wineries, Burntshirt Vineyards and St. Paul’s Mountain Vineyard. The area’s warm, sunny days and cool nights make for some of the best winemaking grapes in the region.

Each winery takes full advantage of the local produce to create memorable vintages that embody the flavor of Hendersonville. Why not visit both?

Celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th Birthday

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hether the birds are chirping or the leaves are turning, Shenandoah National Park is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

The picturesque sunset overlooking

200,000 acres of mountainous terrain is the perfect backdrop for an outdoor picnic, an invigorating hike to a cascading waterfall or an evening walk that can be lined with ferns, mosses or wild grasses.

Can’t wait for summer to get some rest and relaxation? Cruise down Skyline Drive this spring and catch the wildflowers in full bloom, and take in the beauty of Shenandoah National Park’s rolling hills and vast lands.

Celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th Birthday in 2016 by attending a ranger-led program.

Discover the many stories about Shenandoah’s past, take a walk through the splendor of a unique mountain meadow, or learn about the many plans and animals that thrive in the park.

In-park lodging can turn a day of fun into a trip filled with memories, so extend your stay at Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge.

A farm-to-table local meal paired with the perfect Virginia wine, a twilight hike under the starlit sky, or a horseback ride through the great outdoors – whatever your idea of a relaxing escape happens to be, you can have it here in Shenandoah National Park.Visit www.goshenandoah.com for more information about lodging, activities and events or call 877-274-9261.

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ROOSTER WALK MORE THAN A FESTIVAL

martinsville VA

45+ GREAT BANDS 4 DAYS OF ART AND MUSIC The eighth annual festival, to be held May 26-29 at Pop’s Farm in Axton, will feature 45 bands performing on five stages and 35 arts and crafts vendors.

It also will include children’s educational activities as well as the Tuff Strutter 5K, a trail race being held as part of a partnership with the MartinsvilleHenry County Family YMCA. More than 4,000 people attended Rooster Walk last year, said co-founder and Executive Director Johnny Buck.

Attendance has increased by 15 percent to 20 percent each of the past five years, he said.

Among this year’s headlining acts will be Lettuce, a funk band, and the Sam Bush Band. Bush is a bluegrass mandolin player who is considered one of the originators of the Newgrass style, according to information online.

“Rooster Walk has grown to become one of the premiere

cultural events in our community,” attracting visitors from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, said EDC Tourism Director Jennifer Doss.

• LETTUCE • SAM BUSH • PERPETUAL GROOVE • REVIVALISTS • TAB BENOIT • JEFF AUSTIN BAND • THE MOTET • RAYLAND BAXTER • TAUK • many more!

roosterwalk.com

N RV SERVICES

HIDDE

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ASHEVILLE, NC Located just off I-40 exit #44 at 120 Highland Center Blvd.

30+ years RV repair experience.

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69th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands July 21 – 24, 2016 October 20 – 23, 2016

U.S. Cellular Center downtown Asheville, NC

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who appreciate the quality and oin us for the 69th Annual history of the show, knowing it is Craft Fairs of the Southern Highlands at the U.S. Cellular an ideal destination for shopping and inspiration. Nearly 20,000 Center in downtown Asheville, NC, July 21-24 and October 20- visitors to the Fairs each year invest in the regional 23, 2016. Nearly and local economies 200 while supporting jurried artists working in artists the Appalachian of the mountains, and by Southern spending a summer Highland or fall weekend in Craft beautiful Asheville, Guild will NC. be selling In addition to works of providing a retail clay, metal, Judy Brater market for juried wood, members, the Guild also hosts jewelry, fiber, paper, natural craft demonstrations during materials, leather and mixed the Fairs. A strong part of the media. With styles ranging from Guild’s mission is to educate traditional to contemporary, the the public about the history of Fairs showcase the rich talent, crafts in this region, various craft diversity and craft mastery of techniques, and an appreciation Guild members. for fine crafts. Visitors have the The Craft Fairs have a proud tradition and history of excellence opportunity to see artists using traditional methods of handmade by representing the Southern Highland Craft Guild, a non-profit craft.

Beginning on Friday during organization formed in 1930. The each Craft Fair, mountain Fairs began in 1948 as a way musicians perform live on the to provide a regional market for arena stage. Since the first fair the mountain craftspeople. Since in Gatlinburg in 1948, the music that time, the Craft Fairs have set of the area has been woven the standard for fine craft shows into the fabric of the Craft Fair across the country. Each year in experience. From old time to July and October craft collectors bluegrass, this tradition is kept and gallery owners from across alive today. Visit www.craftguild. the country come to Asheville to see the show. They are joined by org for a complete list of western North Carolina residents performances.

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So, Where Was the Blue Ridge Parkway a Hundred Years Ago? 1916 is the date you will hear talked about in every National Park this year… this centennial year. But the Blue Ridge Parkway was not authorized by Congress until 1933, construction did not begin until 1935, and the road was not completed until 1987. So, where was the Parkway concept a century ago? Perhaps more developed than you may realize.

As early as 1909, the vision of a recreational road – a pleasure road and a scenic route – along the summit of the southern Appalachian Mountains had been planned and actually surveyed.

As the national park movement was growing and the creation of a National Park Service just a few years away in 1916, America’s attention seemed to be focused here in these mountains on the relatively new ideas of scenic areas, tourism, and travel.

Although construction of such a roadway began in 1912 with a crew of 100 men, World War I diverted resources and funds in other directions. Decades before the authorization of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1935, a pre-

Parkway idea was taking route, fitting in with the park movement growing throughout the nation.

Work on the National Parkway began in September 1935 near Cumberland Knob, providing public service jobs for the nation’s unemployed following the 1930’s Great Depression, with the vision of linking Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Progress on this road, designed to “lay easy on the land”, continued until the 1940s when work slowed again due to World War II. Through the 1950s and 1960s work resumed until one final piece of the puzzle, an intricate and environmentally sensitive area around the slopes of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina was completed in 1987. What visitors enjoy today is 469 miles of leisurely driving with no traffic lights, no advertisements and uninterrupted scenery – the Blue Ridge Parkway is often called America’s Favorite Journey by the 16 million Parkway users per year.

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Carroll County, VA

For 60+ consecutive years, burly athletes, dainty dancers, lusty bagpipers and thousands of kilted visitors have converged in Linville for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

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n July 7-10, 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.

www.gmhg.org

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Secret Places of the Blue Ridge The Blue Ridge Parkway offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re a cyclist or a hiker, a bird watcher or just a nature lover, the parkway has an adventure for you!

Along the 469 miles of the parkway, you will find a variety of waterfalls, mountain views and hiking trails.

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ome of these attractions are visited often and are popular highlights along the parkway. One popular section, a 60-mile stretch between Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain, offers spectacular opportunities for mountain adventures ranging from the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, to Linville Gorge, often referred to as “the Grand Canyon of the East”. Even two of the

most famous hiking trails, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Appalachian Trail, are close by.

With regulations limiting signage on the parkway, some of these secret places are treasures hidden or often passed by. Two of the often missed trails are the Stanback Trails, one of which is the historic Rose Creek Trail, located across from the Heffner Gap Overlook and part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. When walking it, one cannot help but think that you may be stepping in the very same spots as the brave men whose victory at Kings Mountain turned the tide in the Revolutionary War. It is an easy 2.2 miles doubling back to your starting point with beautiful lush forest views and a historical marker.

The other Stanback Trail is the Little Table Rock Mountain Trail, located approximately ½ mile off of the Parkway. To

SPRING / SUMMER 2016 access the trailhead from the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn west onto S.R. 1126 opposite Bear Den Mountain Road. Next, merge onto S.R.1128, Humpback Mountain Road. Then turn right on White Rock Road, take the first left, and finally take the left fork to the gravel parking area.

This 4.2 mile round-trip trail is moderate in difficulty and leads to Little Table Rock Mountain, which stands on the Eastern Continental Divide and rewards the hiker with an amazing view.

A new trail open to the public this year is Bear Den Family Campground’s Cascade Trail.

The trail is moderate in difficulty and is a 2.9mile loop. This trail has majestic views of the mountains and is peppered with astonishing quartz formations. At the halfway point, you descend below a 50-foot waterfall. Following the mountain stream on the lower half of the trail, you crisscross the creek and have views of some beautiful rock formations. This trail is open to all campers of Bear Den Family Campground and to the general public with a small fee.

With so many little known and secret places in this area, you can customize your mountain adventure into a discovery of your own secret place.

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The Blue Ridge Fresco Trail The Blue Ridge Fresco Trail is located in or near the western North Carolina Mountains and includes nine frescoes by Ben Long, at these six locations:

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See Inside A Mountain!

Mary Great with Child, John the Baptist, and Mystery of Faith at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 400 Beaver Creek School Road • West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-3076 The Last Supper at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 120 Glendale School Road • Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (336) 982-3076 Return of the Prodigal at the Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College Montreat, NC 28757 (near Black Mountain) (828) 669-8012, ext. 3820

Don’t Miss!

Sacred Dance and the Muses at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium 401 S. College Street • Morganton, NC 28655 (828) 438-5294 or 800-939-7469

North Carolina's Only Caverns!

Suffer the Little Children at the Crossnore School E.H. Sloop Chapel 100 DAR Drive • Crossnore, NC 28616 (828) 733-4305 St. Paul’s Conversion and St. Paul Writing His Epistles at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 200 W. Cowles Street • Wilkesboro, NC 28697 (336) 667-4231 Donations are welcome at all sites. Hours of operation and fees are subject to change and different for each site. Contact each directly for their most current information.

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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Step Back in Time...

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ocky Mount Museum and Living History Site sits at the foot of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. A visit to the site will include several components starting with a visit to the Massengill Overmountain Museum. Museum highlights include regional historical artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. After a stroll

servants. They invite visitors to join them as their guest in the Cobb house. In the house visitors will view such treasures as the 1720s Richard Midgley clock and hear stories about through the museum it is time to the Cobb family, Governor view the orientation video.

Blount, life on the frontier, and Now head to the historic the latest gossip of the territory. site and back to the year 1791.

A visit to the historic kitchen Costumed interpreters take is next. Interpreters demonstrate visitors through the log home of eighteenth century cooking Rocky Mount and out-buildings techniques and tools. Leaving and give you a personal look at the kitchen be sure to visit the living in the Southwest Territory. garden. This garden includes These interpreters portray Cobb medicinal, culinary, and dye family members, neighbors, and plants that were often used in 1791.

The last building to visit is the weaving cabin. In this cabin visitors learn about flax and wool processing by watching interpreters demonstrate these techniques Now the visitors are free to roam the historic site. There may be an interpreter at the blacksmith shop or elsewhere, practicing their trade. In the spring and summer guests may take a tour of the heirloom garden and learn about the vegetables of yesteryear.

Anytime of year visitors can go to the barn and see the flock of Cotswold sheep.

This is a great place to see the daily life of a frontier family.

A typical tour of Rocky Mount Museum, including the museum galleries and orientation video

will last between one to two hours.

For more information: www.rockymountmuseum.com or (423) 538-7396.

53rd Annual Coon Dog Day Festival Saturday, July 9, 2016 8 AM - 11 PM Don’t miss Saluda’s 53rd Annual COON DOG DAY—a celebration for dogs and their people! A homecoming and celebration for dogs and their

people! Great food, live music, parade, crafts, street dance, and more.

Come enjoy this homecoming event in downtown Saluda.

What began as a chicken supper fundraiser for the local Coon Club has grown into an event that attracts over 10,000 people each year.

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SO MANY SHOPPORTUNITIES! S

evierville is famous for shopping. Two of the largest outlet malls in the area are located in Sevierville totaling over 120 highend, name

brand outlets. There are also a variety of galleries, antique malls, boutiques, specialty stores, flea markets, outdoor stores and more – which means you can find just about anything your heart desires in Sevierville.

Did you know that the scrapbook store with the largest inventory in the US, Your

Scrapbook Super-Store, is located in Sevierville? Or that the popular Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center is the largest authentic outlet center in Tennessee?

There are even mega-stores for the outdoorsman like Bass Pro Outdoor World and Orvis Company Store.

Pick up a copy of The Sevierville Coupon Book at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Highway 66 on your way in or download the coupons for savings on lodging, dining, attractions and shopping at www.visitsevierville.com

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Visit A Virginia Artisan Trail For more info and to get a county/regional trail map & guide from the below list, visit www.artisantrailnetwork.org or 540-886-1684 Bedford County Artisan Trail HeART and Soil of the Shenandoah Valley Martinsville-Henry Artisan Trail Monticello Artisan Trail O Shenandoah County Artisan Trail Virginia’s Western Highlands Artisan Trail Artisan Trails of Southwest Virginia

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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SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Garden e ilee Ju bil May 28 & 29, 2016

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he Annual Garden Jubilee Festival has been the place for one-stop shopping for garden lovers for over 20 years in Downtown Hendersonville. Garden Jubilee is Hendersonville’s premier lawn & garden show, and one of the largest gardening shows in the Western North Carolina. The Southeast Tourism Society has

named Garden Jubilee one of the STS Top 20 Event in the Southeast for May 2016. The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985.

Garden Jubilee highlights more than 200 vendors lining Main Street. Learn tips and tricks from regional gardening experts

located throughout the festival.

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. Crafters create distinctive garden art to enhance the beauty of your yard.

There will be handmade lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, yard art, planters, wind chimes, birdhouses, as well as soaps and pottery. Shoppers bring wagons to transport their many purchases.

Lowe’s Expo will be located at the Visitors Center, 201 South Main Street, featuring lawn & garden workshops, a variety of plants for sale, beautiful patio displays, a hands-on kids clinic, outdoor furniture and equipment.

The Lowe’s Kids Clinic located at the Visitors Center will offer fun, free hands-on projects for children ages 4-12, from 10am-4pm both days.

Bill Slack, landscape and gardening specialist with Southern Living Magazine, will host gardening workshops at the Lowe’s Expo located at the Visitor Center. Join him for three talks on Saturday, May 28 -11am “Gorgeous Landscape: Maximum Beauty/Minimum Effort”, 1pm “Annuals & Perennials: Colorful Garden Accessories” and 3pm “Help! I don’t have sun in my

yard” and two on Sunday, May 29 - 1:00pm “Gorgeous Landscape: Maximum Beauty/ Minimum Effort” and 3pm “Annuals & Perennials: Colorful Garden Accessories”. Bill is a registered landscape architect, author and lecturer appearing on many national radio & TV programs. The American Society of Landscape Architects named him the Outstanding Extension Landscape Architect in the United States.

A festival map and vendor directory will be available for shoppers searching for a particular vendor, product or general information.

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 Hendersonville, for lodging or area information go online to visithendersonvillenc. org. For information call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at (828) 693-9708 / 800-8284244. Garden Jubilee is an event of the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.

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Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park The best of the mountains in one place K nown for its 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure, Chimney Rock offers a beautiful escape from the stresses of everyday life. Ancient geological features like Devil’s Head and the Opera Box, scenic hiking trails and wildlife programs attract visitors from around the world.

The 535-million-year-old rock monolith is accessed by climbing the 499-step Outcroppings trail known as the “Ultimate Stairmaster.” John Mason, an award-winning hammered dulcimer player of 30+ years can be found most days playing the dulcimer and entertaining guests

with his stories at the base of Chimney Rock.

In addition to enjoying kidfriendly trails and Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, kids of all ages can learn about our ecosystem and what we can do to protect wildlife and the environment during Family Discovery Programs, offered daily June through August.

Chimney Rock will celebrate NC State Parks’ centennial in 2016 with special events and programs throughout the year.

Located 25 miles SE of Asheville, NC. Open 8:30-7pm daily. Leashed dogs are welcome.

For rates and upcoming events, visit chimneyrockpark.com or call (800) 277-9611.

Step Onboard for

Radford’s Visitors Center

540-267-3153

(located inside Glencoe Musuem)

600 Unruh Drive Radford, VA 24141

www.VisitRadford.com

Classic Car Show

May 14

• Premium open air cars • First Class dining cars • Special Event trains Sample mountain moonshine on our new all-adult First Class car.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Celebration of Culture

May 28

July 4 with Jimmy Fortune!!

FOR DETAILS: 800.872.4681 GSMR.com

16

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SPRING / SUMMER 2016

June is

Family Fun Month

in Beech Mountain As the highest incorporated town in eastern America, Beech Mountain is a great place for families to get away from it all.

This is particularly true in June, with 30 consecutive days of organized family activities and lodging specials.

The idea is to help families reconnect by taking the vacation that keeps getting postponed “for another time.” It’s chance to sneak away with the kids from the hectic pace of everyday life, and maybe bring the grandparents, too!

The schedule of events runs the gamut from guided hikes to scenic chairlift rides to mountain bike lessons to relaxing by the pool at the Beech Mountain Club. There are naturalist programs at nearby Grandfather Mountain and you can even learn a new sport – pickleball – or take a Friday tour of the old Land of Oz theme park.

More than 30 miles of hiking trails allow you to escape for the afternoon and be home in time for dinner at one of the many restaurants located right there in the resort town.

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

Three lodging specials make it even more enticing. Receive 10% off a two-night visit, stay three nights for the price of two, or opt for 25% off a stay of five or more nights.

For a complete schedule of Family Fun Month activities, call (800) 468-5506, or visit: www.FamilyFunMonth.com.

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

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17

RoanokeIn the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge

P

lan a day or a weekend getaway in Virginia’s Blue Ridge minutes off the Parkway at Milepost 106, 112, 120 and 121. Uncover the rich rail heritage of Roanoke and taste the local cuisine with a variety of dining options or reserve your spot on the Downtown Food & Culture Tour. Shop the oldest operating farmer’s market, the Historic Roanoke City Market, since 1882, for locally grown vegetables, fruits, plants, homemade baked goods and handcrafted items.

Follow the vibrant sidewalks and weave through over 50 locally owned shops and boutiques. Sightsee at Center in the Square or The Taubman Museum of Art, an architectural sensation exquisitely designed to portray important elements of Roanoke from the inside out.

See the Taubman Museum’s first

banner exhibition American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell on view March 20 – June 12. Organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., the Taubman’s presentation of this national traveling exhibition is the final time that American Chronicles will be on display before returning to the Rockwell Museum. The exhibition includes original paintings, illustrations, and preliminary sketches, 323 covers from The Saturday Evening Post, color studies, detailed drawings, and images of Rockwell at work. Notable works on display include No Swimming (1921), Going and Coming (1947), Art Critic (1955) and Triple Self-Portrait (1960).

Plan a trip today to Virginia’s Blue Ridge for memories that last a life-time. For more information visit www.visitvablueridge.com.

hickory ridge

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

Blue Ridge Parkway Facilities 01 Designates Milepost

New River Gorg National River

N Bluefield Pennington Gap

Morristown

40

92

Sevierville

Maryville 411 To Chattanooga 129

Townsend

Tapoco

Cherohala Skyway

143

Robbinsville

8

Murphy 129

e dge

19 76

129

Blairsville

Andrews

Hayesville

Sylva

Topton Franklin 64

Hiwassee 76

Balsam

GA

Waynesville

440 Graveyard 410

26

Mount Pisgah

Cashiers

Saluda 9

Lenoir

Valdese

40 221

To Greenville

Hillsville Laurel 58 Fork Fancy Gap

Elkin

16

90

18

Shelby

NC SC

To Charlotte Gastonia

85

8

Statesville 70

16

150

Columbus

WinstonSalem Clemmons 421

40

Hickory

321

52

601

Union Grove

Newton

108

11

Mouth of Wilson Independence

64

74

Tryon

8

M Galax 180 of Laurel Springs 221 Sparta 220 Stuart West Cumberland Knob rkway a P VA e g d Jefferson Ri Mount e N C u Airy l 21 Boone B 77 18 Doughton Park Pilot 270 E.B. Jeffress Park 74 Mountain

Morganton 321

Chimney Lake Lure Rock 74A

Clayton

To Atlanta

Crabtree Falls

Christi

Floyd

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

320

Black Mtn.

Pulaski

Wytheville

Blowing Rock 421

Spruce Pine

Craggy Gardens Marion

Parkway Visitor Visitor Center Center

Hendersonville Brevard Highlands Sapphire Lake Toxaway

441

NC

Asheville

Fields

107

Burnsville

Little Switzerland Weaverville

63

Valley

Bryson City

Sugar Mountain

Mars Hill

Marshall

40

Knob Maggie

Cherokee

74

19

Chatuge Lake

441

469

28

NC

Hartford

19E

Erwin

TN

Hot Springs

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkMile Waterrock

165 Fontana Village

70

Newport

Cosby Gatlinburg

Pigeon Forge

411

26

Greeneville

Farragut

75

Elizabethton

Radford

21

58

City

Johnson City Jonesborough

81

Damascus

421 Mountain

81

Knoxville

To Nashville

Bristol

Dublin

77

Marion

Abingdon

11E

75

16

20 km

Kingsport

33

Norris

19

20 mi

0

VA TN

To Lexington

0

460

100

19

Mooresville 77

85

Lexington

52

Salisbury

Kannapolis

52

Concord

109

To Gettysburg, PA

Winchester

Leesburg

Harrisonburg

250

220

Sk

11

340

Staunton

39

e ylin

na She

50

To Washington, DC

Luray

Elkton

42

66

340

D Na rive tio na l P a

Monterey

81

VA

W

V

Front Royal

New Market

33

211

rk 522

229 29

231

h oa nd

Warrenton

“America’s Favorite Drive” at your fingertips

Culpeper

29

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

33

Waynesboro

64

ge

220

Buchanan 311

Salem Blacksburg Roanoke

221

d

30

70

150

Vinton

Lynchburg

Bedford

501

Burnt Chimney 43 40

Gretna

360

Eden Reidsville 29

High Point 85

40 85 421

220

Asheboro

Snow Camp

Roxboro 49

Burlington

To Durham

58

501

158

87

Greensboro

311

24

Appomattox

Farmville

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY INFO:

Danville

8

158

To Richmond

DOWNLOAD HERE!

29

Kernersville

20

40

58

220

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

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

Chatham

Martinsville

58

FREE DOWNLOAD!

64

Altavista

220

57

15

29

Amherst

460

Rocky Mount

522

Peaks of Otter

Roanoke Mountain

Meadows f Dan

49

Otter Creek

120

Rocky Knob

64

60

Glasgow

460

Smart View

311

Lovingston

Buena Vista

90

Charlottesville

Mile 0 64

Humpback Rocks

Lexington

Natural Bridge

WV VA

iansburg

9

Martinsburg Charles Town Harpers Ferry 340

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

POSSIBLE 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

Need Travel Help?

Visit www.blueridgeparkway.org and start planning your Parkway journey today! Discover activities and points of interest for the entire Blue Ridge Parkway region - including lodging and camping, toprated attractions, arts, history and more.

20

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

As winter loosens its grip on Western North Carolina, Yancey County is the place to welcome the spring season. area is also known for its wildflowers.

Guests return to Clear Creek Dude Ranch this month. The allinclusive resort specializes in family getaways.

Accommodations include three meals a day, horseback riding and other activities such ount Mitchell State Park, as swimming and live music. home to the highest peak At 3,200 feet in elevation, the east of the Mississippi ranch has panoramic views River at 6,684 feet above sea of the surrounding Blue Ridge level, is popular among hikers.

Mountains.

Winter lasts much longer up here, Golfers welcome the warmer though, so visitors should be weather at Mount Mitchell Golf prepared for colder temperatures. Club in April. The public course Several trails, ranging in length is a favorite because of its flat from a quarter-mile to six miles terrain, bent grass greens and and varying in difficulty from easy mountain views. The South Toe to strenuous, suit hikers of various River flows through the course skill levels. and teems with native brown Crabtree Falls, a 70-foot and rainbow trout. Fishing waterfall, is another favorite guide service and permits are hiking destination. The trailhead available. The golf course also for the 2.5-mile Crabtree Falls has houses, town homes and Loop is located at Milepost 339.5 condos for rent. on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Next door to the golf course is Solstice Cycles. The shop sells

M

bikes and accessories, services and repairs bikes, and provides information about area routes and trails.

The center of Yancey County commerce is Burnsville, the county seat. Independently owned shops, galleries and restaurants make up the walkable downtown district.

The historic Town Square, established in 1834, remains a gathering place for locals and visitors.

On nice days, people relax in the rocking chairs along the front porch of the Nu Wray Inn. The oldest operating inn in Western North Carolina has 13 guest rooms and prepares family-style meals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Across the square, the Garden Deli serves fresh salads and sandwiches on its spacious deck. Its neighbor, Snap Dragon, rolls up its garage-door front during warmer weather.

The gastropub offers craft beer and upscale bar food.

For more info:

Yancey County Chamber at (828) 682-7413 or visit www.ExploreBurnsville.com.

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove From Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield -and Beyond

The Shenandoah Valley invites you to learn about its rich heritage, from Native Americans who first shaped the land, to pioneers of this frontier; this fertile area became one of the most important wheat producing regions of the entire South. The Valley also witnessed some of the most dramatic events of the Civil War, including the Battle of Cedar Creek, a decisive October 19, 1864 Union victory.

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove NHP 7712 Main Street • Middletown, VA 22645 (540) 869-3051 www.nps.gov/cebe

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

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21

Hikes and Waterfalls in the Greater Asheville area

W Smith River Fest

August 13, 2016

Run, paddle, cast and bike your way to fun at Smith River Fest!

Held annually at the Smith River Sports Complex in Henry County, Virginia, this event is truly a celebration of all things associated with the Smith River and our great outdoors. Ride the river, learn to fly-fish, enter the Blue Ridge Duck Race, browse vendors and challenge yourself in the Helgramite Hustle 5K Mud Run. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy from free kids activities and informative demos to live music and on-site bike rentals. Parking and admission are free. Visit www.SmithRiverFest. com for full event details and race registrations.

#LynchburgVA

aterfalls? If you love to find waterfalls in western North Carolina, the greater Asheville area is the place for you! There are hundreds of cascades in the “Land of the Waterfalls”. www.RomanticAsheville.com/ waterfalls has one of the best lists, that includes their 60+ favorite waterfalls (each with full page guides, photos and videos) in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are both beautiful and easy to find. Most of the waterfalls in the national forests are not signed, so print down and take their directions with you! Be careful and stay on the trails.

Hiking Trails? There are 3,000+ miles of free, public hiking trails near Asheville, including 1,600 miles in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, 850 miles in Great Smoky

Mountains National Park and many more along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in state parks and forests. When selecting trails, they use the following criteria: • The hike trailhead is easy to find and within 90 miles of Asheville.

• The trail is safe, marked, and maintained.

• Does not require any special equipment, technical skills or shoes.

To see them all with photos and great descriptive information, visit: www.romanticasheville. com/hiking

Hip & Historic!

22

www.blueridgedigest.com

NOT just a trail...

T

he historic town of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters. Many hikers stop at the visitors’ center to pose for a picture on the porch, making it one of the top three photographed places on the trail.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy The 2,190mile path is easily accessible and beautiful in autumn colors, says Laurie Potteiger of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

“There are places of beauty, history and inspiration. And you know if you step out in one direction, those blazes will lead you to Maine, and the other way to Georgia.” While the trail has made news recently due to rowdy celebrations by through-hikers who complete the entire length, the path has long been revered for beauty and solitude.

You don’t have to be a gung-ho hiker to see the Appalachian Trail, which is attracting new interest thanks to the film A Walk in the Woods, starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.

Hot Springs, N.C.

outcropping called Lover’s Leap. hotspringsnc.org The trail passes down the An observation deck tops the main street of this tiny town – look highest point on the Appalachian for the “AT” diamond symbols Trail, offering a 360-degree in the sidewalk. “You really get view of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “It’s a big long spiral ramp that brings you above the treetops. You’re surrounded by mountains as far as the eye can see,” Potteiger says.

Although in an otherwise remote part of the park, the spot on the Tennessee-North Carolina line is easily accessible from a seasonal road and paved walkway.

the sense of being in a charming Appalachian Trail town. It’s surrounded by mountains,” Potteiger says. Hikers can follow the French Broad River for a short distance, and then climb to a rocky

SPRING / SUMMER 2016

Shenandoah National Park, Va.

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park’s famed scenic highway, crosses the multi-state route more than 30 times,

making it easy to see hikers at overlooks or a trail exhibit at the visitors’ center. “There are many ways to connect with the trail here,” Potteiger says. The park, which is the place through-hikers are most likely to see wildlife, offers short nature paths, along with lodge-to-lodge hikes. nps. gov/shen

Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

Not only was this historic town the scene of John Brown’s Raid and failed slave revolt, but it’s also home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters.

Most through-hikers stop at the visitors’ center to pose for a picture on the porch. “The front of our stone-and-stucco building is one of the top three places on the Appalachian Trail that’s photographed,” Potteiger says.

For more information: appalachiantrail.org

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23

Baseballs, a new roller coaster and a violin...

The joy of Pigeon Forge is its constant change. This year has some especially notable additions.

S

tart atop a ridge overlooking the city where six new baseball fields are filled with young players. It’s the Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge with fields that mirror six professional stadiums, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

Spectators are welcome.

There’s an even higher perspective aboard Lightning

We Invite You T O L E A V E

T

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...

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

Rod, the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster and the world’s first launching wooden roller coaster.

The 73-mph Lightning Rod is Dollywood’s $22 million addition for the year. At the adjacent Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, RiverRush stands as Tennessee’s first and only water coaster.

Speaking of water, a really special exhibit opens June 5 at the Titanic Museum Attraction.

When the Titanic sank into the frigid North Atlantic, a legend was born about the ship’s bandleader, Wallace Hartley.

His cherished violin was found strapped to his body after the sinking and was returned to his fiancée, only to be lost for almost a century. It sold in 2013 for $1.7 million and is on display through August 14.

Among new aspects of Pigeon Forge’s theaters is a multimillion dollar swimming pool on stage at the “Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show.” Inspiration came from Cirque du Soleil’s “O” in Las Vegas, but producers promise a Smoky Mountains twist.

Meanwhile, popular entertainer Charlie Bob Smith headlines a new morning show at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater.

And if you still have energy to burn, check out TopJump, an indoor trampoline park, climbing wall, gladiator pit, dodge ball court and more.

Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is at MyPigeonForge. com or and 800-251-9100

Best Pick in Virginia for…

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

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

24

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 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone, NC 28607; (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 Visitor Center 192 Chestnut St • Blowing Rock Blowing Rock, NC 28605; 877-750-4636 www.visitblowingrock.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 44 N. Main St. • Waynesville NC 28786 (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

25

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

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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

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. (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.

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 $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.

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

27

Mountain Lodging Food Fun CHIMNEY ROCK, NC

LaKE TOXAWAY, NC

LITTLE SWITZERLAND, 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

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

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. www.AlpineInnNC.com 828-765-5380.

FONTANA DAM, 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

GLENDALE SPRINGS, NC Mountain View Lodge - MP 256, Eight new cabins & one beautiful lodge, perfect for both small and large groups. Cabin amenities include kitchens, bedroom with king and queen size bed, large loft, cable TV, VCR/DVD, Jacuzzi tubs, fireplace, and decks with rockers and swings. www.mtnviewlodge.com (336) 207-7677.

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 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.historichendersonville.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.

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

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

Rock- n-Robins - Maggie Valley’s largest ice cream shop. 32 flavors, burgers, dogs, steak subs, nachos. Located in Market Square at 3445 Soco Road in Maggie Valley

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

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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 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

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

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

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

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. wwwmontfairresortfarm.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 20-22, 2016.

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 Chantilly Farm Campground.

2697 Franklin Pike SE. RV sites: electric, water, sewer, tent camping w/amenities. WiFi, ice, ATM. chantillyfarm.com. 540-808 -4984 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 Floyd Country Store: Famous venue for Heritage Appalachian music every weekend. Store and cafe open all week. www.floydcountrystore.com

Floyd Visitors Center 209 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

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

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Mountain Lodging Food Fun 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

NATURAL BRIDGE, 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 Natural Bridge - I - 81 exits 175 and 180 - Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center offers the charm of a bygone era with modern amenities for today’s travelers. 140 tastefully appointed guest rooms features views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on site restaurant and lounge as well as 10,000 square feet of conference/ banquet space. On site the Historic Natural Bridge as well as the Caverns at Natural Bridge, Monacan Indian Village, walking/hiking trails and Virginia’s unspoiled beauty. For reservations and packages call 540 291-2121 or 800 533-1410 or 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.

It’s Spring Thyme in

Wytheville

Spring and summer is a wonderful time to visit Wytheville, Virginia. There are many special events and activities to experience as the wonders of nature wake up from winter.

SALEM, VA 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.

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.

soaps and lotions and a selection One of the most beautiful of dried seasoning blends. The events is the Spring Thyme Open House at Beagle Ridge herbal display gardens showcase herb and perennial collections Herb Farm. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April and butterflies make their home 30, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to at Flying Flowers, the attraction’s 5:00 p.m. Activities will include butterfly house. a wildflower and nature hike as well as sessions on how to For more information about Beagle plant, grow, and use herbs and Ridge Herb Farm and the area’s perennials. There will be herbal many other attractions, contact the goodies to taste and herbal teas Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, toll-free at to sample.

1-877-347-8307, or visit Beagle Ridge will also have www.VisitWytheville.com plants for sale to get a spring on your computer or garden going. Their gift shop mobile device. includes a line of herbal bath

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Explore Park Visitor Center & Gift Shop

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he Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Explore Park, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP115, is open daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM through Sunday, November 5. The facility features a unique gift shop, a museum highlighting frontier culture in Southwest Virginia, an audiovisual presentation about the history of the Parkway as well as knowledgeable Visitor

Center staff to answer all of your questions about the Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke Valley.

Ask for the Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner at the visitor counter, the official travel planner for the Blue Ridge Parkway-it has the nearby Roanoke Star on the cover.

This year the Visitor Center gift shop will carry a wide range of hand-crafted items from local

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and regional artisans including jewelry, pottery, art, carved wooden items, quilted crafts, autographed books from local authors, jams, candies, fun items for children, post cards and more. Also available for purchase will be a variety of snacks, beverages, Blue Ridge Parkway memorabilia and unique items created exclusively for sale at Explore Park.

Explore Park will once again host the 2nd Annual Artisan Saturdays series. Mark your calendars for June 4, August 13 and November 5 and come visit the park for a day full of FREE fun. Artisan demonstrations, live music, clogging, children’s crafts, food, fresh baked goods, and informative presentations will be available for visitors to experience. Artisans from Southwest Virginia whose work

reflects both creativity and quality craftsmanship will be available for questions during the demonstrations. Additionally, their original pieces of work will be for sale. Each Artisan Saturday is unique and will provide tons of memory making family fun. Make a whole day of it and take advantage of Explore Park’s hiking and biking trails and view the historical buildings at the park. Bring the fishing gear and fishing license to spend an hour or two on the Roanoke River or visit the museum located in the Visitor Center.

For more info regarding Explore Park or Artisan Saturdays please call the Visitor Center at www.explorepark.org

Your Base Camp for Mountain Adventures

on the Blue Ridge Parkway Spruce Pine, N.C. Voted "BEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE”

www.bear-den.com • 828-765-2888

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100th anniversary 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and while America has changed dramatically since the 1916 birth of the Park Service, the core mission remains the same to provide exemplary stewardship of and to provide for the public enjoyment of the special places the NPS manages.

The roots of the National Park Service lie in the parks’ majestic, and sometimes isolated natural wonders and in places that reflect our nation’s history and cultural heritage. Today, the reach of the agency extends beyond the traditional parks and into urban centers, across rural landscapes, deep within oceans, and across night skies.

In 2016, the Service will recommit to its core mission and celebrate the expanded contributions that national parks and the agency’s community assistance programs make to create jobs, strengthen local economies, and support ecosystem services and will look to strategically leverage resources to further our contributions to society.

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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

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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.

6/2/15 5:58 PM

1/4 pg ad 4.2” x 4.465” Contact: Kellen Short (828) 733-2013 kellen@grandfather.com

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LAY PLA Let’s et’s P L If you are looking for a little bit of history, a little bit of science, and a whole lot of fun then plan a trip to the new “Toy Time” Folk Toy & Science Museum in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The museum is located in the heart of Meadows of Dan, 1 mile south of Mabry Mill at milepost 178 just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Housed in an old general store, the museum features interactive exhibits that will engage and delight “children” of all ages.

Toy Time features hands-on, giant versions of the most popular action folk toys from around the world with influences from early America and Appalachia folk life. The large scale toys are the brainchild of Tom Wilson, craftsman and former museum exhibits director with over 25 years of experience.

The museum represents Wilson’s nearly 40 year hobby of making toys for his children and friends. Wilson, who has made hundreds of smaller versions of the oldfashioned toys,

has created large scale handcrafted versions for the museum. “While the hand acrobat is typically 3 inches tall, the museum exhibit version is 3 feet tall.”

Visitors to the museum can play with a variety of folk toy reproductions

including the “Lunging Lumberjacks,” “Whimmy Diddle,” “Pecking Chickens” or attempt one of the many large scale wooden brainteaser puzzles.

These large scale versions of toys give visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the past through physical interaction, science and play. “Nowadays it’s hard to find a toy that’s not electric or battery operated. I wanted to create something that didn’t require electricity.”

In addition to toys from the past, the museum also includes many hands-on science exhibits, designed and built by Wilson.

Visitors can make beautiful music on the “Stringless” laser harp, build a paper helicopter and launch it in the “Flight Tube” or take a ride in the “Air Chair” that will let guests “fly” off the ground through the magic of science.

Toy Time is a fascinating focus on craft, culture, history, science and PLAY. “The museum has something for everybody. You can play with simple toys like a 10 foot tall “Jacob’s Ladder” or with something more modern like a “Harmonograph.””All of the exhibits have traveled throughout the country and have found a home in Meadows of Dan, Virginia…“A Simpler Place in Time.”

Regular museum hours are Wednesday – Saturday (10-6), Sunday (12-6) For more information: 276-952-1154 www.toytimemuseum.com

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:

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

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June 10 - 18, 2016

The Crooked Road is a celebrated year-round destination for traditional music lovers. Now we invite you to “come home” for our first-ever regionwide festival.

Concerts celebrating old-time, bluegrass, gospel, traditional singing and dance, and many other styles will be presented in over 30 different communities where this musical heritage lives and breathes.

Come for the evening concerts and stay for a wide

May 21 in Elkin

www.mtnsofmusic.com.

SEQUOYAH BBIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

Live music will be provided by headliner Phatt City, as well as Taylor Vaden’s Tribute to Elvis.

The festival is family friendly, with craft vendors, food and other activities adjacent to the wine tasting area. Children also get to participate in a group grape stomp between musical events.

Hours for the festival are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and shuttles to/from local hotels will run throughout the day. Tickets are $22 in advance and $30 at the gate.

For information, call (336) 526-1111 or go online to: www.yvwf.com.

for more info:

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Sequoyah gave his people an enduring gift: a writing system so the “Cherokee Nation would live forever.” Experience the Cherokee through exhibits, videos and gift shop. sho Hike our Shoreline Trail and visit the Cherokee Memorial Mound. We are Tennessee’s only Native American owned museum.

September 12-13 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

24TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

Join us for the “Great Island Festival.” We will have vendors on hand, Cherokee dancing, music, storytelling, Cherokee artisans, Civil War Battle, food vendors. Admission $5.00 per person, children under 12 are free. Check the website for more info.

Open: Mon - Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 12-5pm 576 Highway 360 | Vonore, Tennessee 37885 SP3023

North Carolina’s thriving wine country takes center stage at the 15th annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, May 21, at Elkin Municipal Park near downtown Elkin.

The festival celebrates the emergence of the Yadkin Valley as a premier East Coast wine region. Visitors can taste from more than two dozen wineries, including Elkin Creek, Shelton Vineyards, Grassy Creek, Jones von Drehle and Sanders Ridge.

variety of cultural experiences, including community meals, gallery exhibits, history walks, artisan demonstrations, outdoor adventures, scenic drives, workshops, educational opportunities and much more.

423.884.6246 www.sequoyahmuseum.org

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Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

THE CROOKED ROAD MOUNTAINS OF MUSIC HOMECOMING

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Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) If you are fascinated with science and the stars, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) makes for a unique visit while you are in the Asheville area. The PARI site was initially developed by NASA in 1962 as the east coast facility to track satellites and monitor manned space flights.

Located in the half-million acre Pisgah National Forest near Brevard and about 30 miles southwest of Asheville, North Carolina, the PARI campus is a well-protected site for astronomy and should remain so for generations to come. The 200-acre campus contains 30 buildings.

Located in the half-million acre Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 423.3 and about 30 miles southwest of Asheville, North Carolina, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is an impressive and unique not-for-profit facility dedicated to providing handson educational and research opportunities for a broad cross-section of users in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. This world-class research center provides educational opportunities for all levels and ages of students. PARI has offered a hands-on working laboratory to young and seniors alike for more than ten years. Each year PARI excites the scientific imaginations of more than 20,000 people. Visitors to PARI have the opportunity to not only observe science, but to participate in scientific exploration.

Visiting PARI

PARI is open to the public every week, 9-4 Monday through Saturday. Visitors are welcome to take selfguided tours, hike three miles of secluded trails, enjoy unsurpassed scenic views from the Parks Observation Deck, picnic in Jo’s Cove and visit the Exhibit Gallery with its historic Space Shuttle artifacts, satellites, meteorites and rare gems and minerals.

Docent-led campus tours are available Wednesday at 2 p.m and Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Reservations requested.

General campus admission is $6 per person, no charge for children 10 and under.

Complete information about PARI programs and events, location, directions and reservations can be found at www.pari.edu, or call 828-864-5554 with specific questions.

Visit

www.pari.edu

Article courtesy of www.RomanticAsheville.com

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Look closely into the mountains of North Carolina and you’ll discover a place unlike any other. Hendersonville calls out to all to seek out and explore new experiences year-round.

or find a trail that will take you to new heights in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Belly up to a cold brew at Sierra Nevada Brewery or indulge in regional wine tastings — it’s all up to you!

Be moved. Because that’s Stroll through our downtown Main Street filled with boutiques and eateries what happens in Hendersonville.

1.800.828.4244

visithendersonvillenc.org

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visitwytheville.com 1-877-347-8307