New tourism center opens this month Parkway offers postcard views for leaf-peepers
By Karen Olson Housee
N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development
One of the best ways to enjoy October’s fall color is by driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free from billboards and designed to be slow-paced, it’s chock-full of sweeping, memorable views. This fall, volunteers and staff at the new Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center near Asheville can help leaf-watchers with their trips. Scheduled to open early October, the 12,000-square-foot facility located at Milepost 384 features a large interactive map and exhibits on regional recreation, natural and cultural diversity. Ten kiosks sell tickets to regional attractions, outdoor activities and tours. You can also buy the new Go Blue Ridge Card there. The card, also sold online at www.goblueridgecard.com, provides savings on food, lodging and discounted general admission to more than 25 attractions in Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. the Smokies, High Country and Asheville areas. There are many more choices for lodging and food a short A bookstore, auditorium and a 25-minute movie round drive off the Parkway in intriguing communities and towns out the Center’s offerings. The building is environmentally such as Little Switzerland, Black Mountain, Boone and friendly, with native plants growing from a sod roof and Blowing Rock. glass panels to collect heat to warm the building. The soaring Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304), a design The Parkway, which stretches from Shenandoah National and engineering marvel, is one of the most spectacular Park near Waynesboro, Va., (Milepost 0) to Great Smoky stretches. Snaking around Grandfather Mountain with aweMountains National Park near Cherokee, N.C., (Milepost some views, it is said to be the most complicated concrete 469), has numerous overlooks, picnic areas and campbridge ever built. grounds. Two seasonal lodges in North Carolina provide a For hikers, Linville Falls (Milepost 317) has a magnificent place to stay spring through fall. Bluffs Lodge and Coffee three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge. The Shop (Milepost 241) at Doughton Park overlook a tranquil short but steep trail up Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451) is mountain meadow. me There are no in-room phones considered one of the most visually rewarding trails, with or TVs an and its coffee shop has changed little three mountain ranges visible from the 6,400-foot summit. since it i opened more than a half-century In Mount Mitchell State Park (Milepost 355), you can see ago. It Its cuisine includes skillet-fried rolling ridges and fertile valleys from the highest peak (6,685 chicken and sweet potato pancakes. Pisgah feet) east of the Mississippi. Chimney Rock Park (Milepost Inn and Restaurant, Milepost 408 at Mt. 384.7) boasts a 75-mile view and includes the falls used in Pisgah, has h views from the inn and dining the movie “The Last of the Mohicans.” It’s also a good place and room an n serves treats such as smoked trout to view fall hawk and monarch migrations. and homemade hom m meatloaf.
Parkway Contacts
N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development
The Parkway information line at (828) 298-0398 has updated information on facilities, activities and road closures. Its Web site is www.nps.gov/blri
Fall Color Sources These Web sites offer foliage reports and information on scenic drives, leaf facts, and photography tips. Travelers can also call a free, leaf-peeping hotline and ask questions about routes, events, lodging and dining.
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1-866-6LEAVES (866-653-2837) www.visitnc.com/fallcolor www.ncguide.com/leaves.htm
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