BLUE RIDGE DIGEST - SPRING / SUMMER 2020

the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains

Blue Ridge & gReat Smoky mountainS

Easy Walks, Fresh Air And Beautiful Waterfalls

Say Cheese

The Blue Ridge Parkway Top Five Wildflowers

MUSIC | FUN | FOOD | FESTIVALS

The Grand EXPANSE

Stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains up into the Shenandoah Valley National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers grand vistas. Spilling over onto Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley the views continue as the Appalachian Mural Trail adds to its expanding exhibit of cultural public art: a new Shenandoah Valley showcase of outstanding mural art.

The newest member to the Appalachian Mural Trail is Page County, Virginia, featuring many murals in the Town of Luray. The

town established their own amazing walking art trails of over 30 magnificent murals and other public art located along the Hawksbill Greenway. Each mural tells a story about the community’s history and beauty.

These small mountain towns have stories to tell and many of them are captured in huge art murals. Visitors to the Appalachian Mountains can go to muraltrail.com and plan their itinerary based on viewing grand

historical mural art and receive directions on how to find the art.

The mural trail is an exciting, rewarding platform that we have created and are promoting to a world market,” says Doreyl Ammons Cain, Director, Appalachian Mural Trail. “Go to muraltrail.com and see

this immense creativity for yourself! Then take a trip to view the art first hand. Enjoy a “Transformational Moment” in front of a mural and snap a ‘selfie’ then upload it to the mural trail ‘Selfie’ page for a free Tee; it will expand your horizons!”

The grown-up sense of discovery at every turn around the mountain will only be surpassed by the childlike wonder our natural playground evokes.

www.grandfather.com

WONDERS NEVER

Even the smallest of us can be part of something very big.

Elkin Hosts NC Trail Days Festival June 4-7

After a successful debut in 2019, the North Carolina Trail Days Festival in Elkin expands to four days and adds additional events this spring. Dates for the festival are Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7. The festival celebrates Elkin’s stature as a trails town. Elkin carries the distinction of being at the confluence of three trails: NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Overmoun-

tain Victory Trail and the Yadkin River Paddle Trail. Meanwhile, the all-volunteer Elkin Valley Trails Association has created an extensive trail network connecting to those three main trails. More than 70 events and activities are on tap, and festival organizers stress that there are options for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Attendees can choose from short guided hikes rated easy to

10-mile guided hikes rated difficult, with many options in between. There are also opportunities for paddling on the Yadkin River and mountain biking on seven miles of single-track trail in Elkin. Other activities include a 5K trail run at nearby Stone Mountain State Park, a more moderate 5K on the greenway in neighboring Jonesville and a 40-mile road cycling ride from Elkin up to Stone Mountain.

Trail cleanups and work sessions are part of the festival, as are social events such as a downtown street festival, Low Country boil, live music, speakers, short films and hikes to local wineries. Elkin is located in the rolling Blue Ridge foothills of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine region.

For more info and a complete schedule of events, go to www.NCTrailDays.com.

Blue Ridge Parkway TOP 5 WILDFLOWERS

The NC Blue Ridge Parkway is home to many unique species of flowers and shrubs that cannot be found in many other locations around the world! Here are some of the most popular spring blooms that you may see in the higher elevations. For the full list of BRP wildflowers, visit MountainsofNC.com

Catawba Rhododendron

Bloom June-Early July

These shrubs are native to the Appalachian Mountains with pink to purple flowers growing above 3000 feet on exposed ridges. The rhododendron gardens atop Roan Mountain in NC/ TN are the largest natural rhododendron gardens in North America.

Flame Azalea Bloom June-July

The flame azalea are also a member of the rhododendron family. The flower color can range from pale yellow to scarlet red depending on how acidic the soil is. They can be found on grassy balds in the southern Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to Georgia.

Mountain Laurel Bloom June-July

Mountain Laurel flowers are round, ranging from light pink to white, and occur in clusters. The color can range from white to dark pink depending on the acid in the soil. The plant is naturally found on rocky slopes and mountainous forest areas. The plant often grows in large thickets covering great areas of forest floor.

Bee Balm

Bloom July-August

Bee Balm grows 2-5 feet tall and has bright red 2-inch flowers. Wild Bergamot is similar but pink. The leaves of bee balm are used for tea. The Native Americans call it oswego tea. Rub the leaves between your fingers and take in the peppery scent!

Trillium Bloom April-May

The largest of several trilliums found along the parkway, grows to about 15 inches. Trilliums have 3 leaves and a single 3-petal flower. While they are beautiful to look at they are also extremely fragile.

Bluegrass Festival in Bedford, VA

Returning to the Sedalia Center stage in Bedford, VA after a brief hiatus, the Doc McCabe Bluegrass Festival (June 25-27) will feature beloved regional acts, family reunions, vendors, camping (RV and tent) under the stars, and those beautiful Blue Ridge mountains we all love.

Bluegrass enthusiasts come from all over to hear three days of exceptional music at Sedalia, including an old-time acoustic competition on Thursday, bands from 3pm-9pm on Friday, and a full Saturday of popular regional acts like Goff Mountain and New Standard Bluegrass from 12noon to 9pm. Parking and camping lot jam sessions encouraged.

Tickets are on sale now online at lynchburgtickets.com. For more information, contact Bluegrass Event Chairman Beck Stanley at (540) 871-9001 or visit www.sedaliacenter.org.

While in Bedford, be sure to stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center at 816 Burks Hill Road, adjacent to the entrance of the National D-Day Memorial. The Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. offering free Wi-Fi, a firefighter exhibit, gift shop, RV hook-ups, electric car charging station, and more.

Contact the Welcome Center at (540) 587-5681 or visit DestinationBedfordVA.com.

Say, Cheese Say, Cheese

has expanded to over 40 members representing farms, restaurants, and retail locations stretching from the foothills to the high country of North Carolina’s mountain region.

of regional cheese and other local food products; scheduled activities include demos, tastings, a chef’s competition, children’s area, and more.

The WNC Cheese Trail was founded in 2012 by a group of 8 regional cheesemakers, including Jennifer Perkins, co-owner of Looking Glass Creamery. The group’s focus, according to Perkins, was “building community and relationships” as well as “letting visitors know about the talented cheesemakers clustered in the region... and encouraging people to seek out and support small scale producers.”

Since then the Trail’s membership

“Spring ushers in the start of a busy time for cheesemakers” explains Katie Moore, who serves as the nonprofit’s Executive Director, “it’s a great time for visitors to learn more about the cheesemaking process at Trail member farms and creameries. It’s also the beginning of many seasonal tailgate markets which offer great locally grown produce, cheese, and other products.”

Additionally, the Trail’s largest annual event, The Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest (mountaincheesefest. com), is held each year in April. The festival is a day-long celebration

From farm to table, the WNC Cheese Trail encourages visitors to learn and shop local.

“We really want to showcase the collaborative nature of local food,” says Moore,”and give everyone a chance to be part of the process.”

Visitors can access resources on the Trail’s website to arrange tours, find events, and locate markets that carry members’ artisan cheeses. In addition to the online Trail map, a printed version is updated annually and distributed by Trail members

and can be found at welcome centers on interstate highways and visitor centers in cities around the region.

The WNC Cheese Trail also hosts special events with regional partners throughout the year. Check out their website www.wnccheesetrail.org where you can learn more and sign up for notifications.

Photo by Sam English

Photo by Sam English

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Music…Festivals…Theatre!

Wytheville is in full bloom with a variety of interesting festivals, theatre, music and special events throughout the Spring and Summer of 2020.

brings eight days of music, arts, and food to the beautiful Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park. Children’s activities and arts programming are held during the day with free concerts in the park each evening.

and music, the relaxing afternoon event is a new regional favorite.

Attractions where you can pick up an issue of The Blue Ridge Digest on your next trip in the mountains in addition to most all visitor centers

Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, VA

Grandfather Mountain Linville, NC

Linville Caverns Linville Falls, NC

Mast General Store Waynesville, NC

Mystery Hill Blowing Rock, NC

North Carolina Arboretum Asheville, NC

Northwest Trading Post

Glendale Springs, NC

Peaks of Otter Lodge Blue

Ridge Parkway Bedford, VA

Pisgah Inn Blue Ridge

Parkway Waynesville, NC

VA Transportation

Museum Roanoke, VA

With over 20 years of success in being a favorite for visitors, the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre has a great lineup for 2020: Down Memory Lane (March 5-April 26), The Motown Sound (April 30-June 28), How Sweet the Sound (July 2-August 30), Big River (September 3-October 25), and Country Christmas (October 29-December 31). Remember this theatre offers “ALL Musicals, ALL the time” paired with a four-course meal.

Every weekend, you can take a beautiful drive to the top of Big Walker Mountain for the free musical and artisan demonstrations each Saturday and Sunday (May-October) at Big Walker Lookout. Climb the tower and experience a panoramic view of the scenic mountain ranges that surround this attraction.

Downtown Wytheville is the location of the Chautauqua Festival from the third to fourth Saturdays in June (20-27). This annual event

Wytheville’s newest event garnered rave reviews in its first year. The Wytheville Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Withers Park. Filled with regional wineries, food vendors

For more information about special events and everything that the area has to offer, contact the Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, tollfree at 1-877-347-8307, or visit www.VisitWytheville. com. Click on the “Events” tab to view the calendar of upcoming activities.

Fun Blooms in Pigeon Forge!

As temperatures warm, everyone begins to think about their next vacation and perhaps a little fun in the sun. With new reasons to visit each year, Pigeon Forge is a multi-generational destination with offerings to delight every kind of traveler this year.

Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, is just six miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a perfect place to embrace the spring season with a wildflower hike or a scenic drive on the Foothills Parkway.

New this year, Dollywood theme park unveils the five-week Flower

& Food Festival (May 8-June 14), complete with floral displays, Smoky Mountain cuisine, and larger-thanlife topiaries, including themed tributes to two of Dolly Parton’s songs. In addition to enjoying approximately half a million plants and flowers throughout the park, festival-goers will walk beneath a canopy of hundreds of multi-colored umbrellas in the new Umbrella Sky display. For thrill seekers, there are new ways to get the adrenaline pumping with the Flying Ox, the world’s first cable-to-rail zipline coaster at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park, and

North America’s first Alpine flyer coaster, equipped with laser guns, at Rowdy Bear Ridge Adventure Park.

Pigeon Forge’s menu of dining and retail options has expanded with the addition of Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant Pigeon Forge, Buzzed Bull Creamery, The Sunliner Diner and more delicious offerings. Also new is The Tower Shops at Mountain Mile, Pigeon Forge’s newest entertainment, dining and shopping destination. The complex features a variety of

restaurants and shops including Seattle-based REI Co-op. The new location brings quality outdoor gear, rentals, expertise and experiences to the region via hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, workshops, guided day trips and more.

Visit MyPigeonForge.com today to learn more about Pigeon Forge and begin planning your trip to the Smokies!

Discover the Blue Ridge’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area ties the region together through driving trails created to provide a fresh experience for even the most seasoned Blue Ridge traveler. The non-profit organization serves as a leading

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.

regional steward of living Appalachian traditions in North Carolina.

Choose from the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Blue Ridge Music Trails, and the Blue Ridge Heritage Trails to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the North Carolina mountains and foothills.

Blue Ridge Music Trails Beckon

Strike out on the Blue Ridge Music Trails to discover the authentic sounds of the Western North Carolina mountains and foothills. This music-rich region, with its traditions of old-time string band music, ballad singing, dance and bluegrass, is internationally renowned.

Discover Hidden Gems along the New Blue Ridge Craft Trails

Conference Room Guest Laundry Restaurant on Site Free Wireless Internet 24-Hour Staff

Open all year long

The trails cover 29 counties and are punctuated with festivals, venues, dances, jam sessions and more. Listen to both seasoned musicians and youthful wonders – the musical traditions are often passed down generation to generation—along the trails. Lively tunes accented by fiddle and banjo are bound to get you moving while mountain ballads will leave you mesmerized.

The project is part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area organization in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council.

Visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com to get started or pick up a copy of Down the Road, a guide to bluegrass and traditional music in Western North Carolina, at visitor centers and partnering music venues across the region.

Travel along the new Blue Ridge Craft Trails in Western North Carolina to discover talented artists and the small, vibrant towns where they live and gain inspiration for their handcrafted work. You can craft your adventure by perusing more than 100 artist studios, galleries and hands-on craft experiences on this drivable trail throughout the North Carolina mountains and foothills.

Over the next 18-24 months, this project will evolve to highlight more than 200 craft artisans and cultural sites across the region. Travelers will also get tips on rounding out their experiences with nearby foods, breweries, music, outdoor activities, scenic views and places to stay.

The trails are anchored with renowned sites such as John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown offering hands-on experiences in traditional and present-day arts and crafts. There are boundless opportunities to connect with artisans in their studios and workshops along the trails. Tucked into hamlets and coves are galleries filled with original pieces from blown glass to pottery and handmade quilts.

The Blue Ridge Craft Trails is a new Blue Ridge National Heritage Area initiative created to celebrate Western North Carolina as a vital center for traditional and contemporary handmade crafts. Learn more at BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com

Heritage, History and Culture

Make a weekend of it!

Explore the Blue Ridge Heritage Trail in the North Carolina mountains and foothills to learn the remarkable history and culture of the region. The driving trail is dotted with locations featuring interpretive wayside signs that share the stories of the people and places that have shaped our distinctive heritage. With a focus on historic sites, music and the arts, Cherokee history, agricultural traditions and natural wonders, the trail

provides a rich understanding of what makes this area unique.

There are 70 sites along the driving trail across 26 North Carolina mountain and foothill counties. The trail includes 24 historic sites in Western North Carolina that recall the stories of Native Americans, explorers, mountaineers, revolutionaries, entrepreneurs, and more. It also provides a look at how the people of the Blue Ridge have distinguished themselves in a variety of art forms, such as music, crafts, storytelling, drama and dance. Gain an in-depth appreciation of Cherokee history and culture via the trail with exceptional museums and cultural events, as well as the sites of rediscovered Native American villages and 1,500-year petroglyphs. Enjoy scenic landscapes and locally grown foods, as you experience this region’s close connection with the land. The trail travels by historic farms and old country homes, lively farmers markets, working apple orchards and more. The trail will point you to natural wonders such as waterfalls, hot springs, hiking, white water rafting, mountain lakes, and fishing holes.

To help you on your journey, Blue Ridge Heritage Trail interactive kiosks can be found at five North Carolina Welcome Centers located throughout the region or visit BlueRidgeHeritageTrail.com for more information.

Beech Mountain, with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet, is the highest town in Eastern America. A ski resort sits in the middle of the town and doubles as a downhill mountain bike park in the summer. Beech Mountain is home to the Land of Oz, a beloved theme park that operated from 1970-1980, sits on the highest peak of the mountain. Visitors can tour the Land of Oz on Fridays during the month of June and on the second weekend in September with ticketed admission. The Overlook Barn, winner of the Venue Report’s Best New Venue in 2016 and Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Awards in 2018, sits atop a ridge just outside of town limits. The predominant feature of Beech Mountain is one that everyone can feel; it rarely exceeds 79 degrees in the summer and receives an average of over 80 inches of snow in the winter! Cool and breezy, lacking in humidity and mosquitoes, and completely devoid of riptides and sharks – this is one “Beech” everyone will love! BeechMtn.com.

Planning to hike or bike along the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Adventure Awaits in the NC Smokies

Stop at one of the 13 Blue Ridge Parkway visitor centers on the parkway and ask for the Outdoor Guide.

Ahh, the sunny season: our favorite time of year. These are the months made for spending long, hot afternoons splashing in the water and lazy evenings chasing fireflies, for grilling on the back porch and exploring the outdoors. In Haywood County, the fishing streams are full of trout, the bull elk are busy growing new antlers and the mountains are waiting for you

and your hiking boots to explore it all up close and personal. Load up the car with your kids or your pals and come enjoy. Start with local trails, where there’s truly a little bit of something for everyone. Casual trekkers can try an easy hike to the top of Black Balsam Knob, which leads to beautiful, sweeping mountain views. Seasoned folks can make a full weekend on the Art Loeb Trail, a challenging 30-mile section of the Appalachian Trail perfect for backpackers. To summit up nicely, there are dozens more trails to choose from if you want options.

THE SKINNY ON COOL DIPS

One of the best ways to cool down after a hike is to hit the swimming hole. Head for Skinny Dip Falls—a picturesque spot just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, where

you’ll find cool, shallow wading pools and exciting places to jump in. For an easy-to-get-to spot with minimal walking from parking to the water, opt for Sunburst Swimming Hole on the Pigeon River. There’s a beachy area here that’s perfect for a picnic. Pack some snacks or visit 828 Market on Main in Waynesville for a gourmet basket to fuel your adventure. If you’d rather spend time on the water instead of in it, head to Lake Logan or Lake Junaluska. Both destinations offer paddleboards, canoes and kayaks for renting—all you have to do is grab an oar and cast away.

And don’t forget— Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde and Lake Junaluska — are conveniently located within Western North Carolina and serve as the perfect base camp to launch your adventures from. Make plans to stay the night and enjoy local craft breweries, an eclectic culinary scene, live music venues, fun festivals and much more. To plan your next excursion visit www.visitncsmokies.com.

Public Art Program Grows in Radford

Spring days are a bit brighter now that twists of colors are popping up all over the City of Radford. More than 50 pieces of artwork that once graced the Channel Gardens at New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center are being installed throughout the municipality’s residential, business and governmental districts.

The art is by international painter and sculptor Dorothy Gillespie, who grew up in Roanoke and was instrumental in helping Radford University create its permanent art collection and often lectured in her role as Distinguished Professor of Art. Gillespie, who passed away in 2012, also was known for sharing her expertise with art organizations throughout the region.

The exhibit of brightly colored, enamel-painted aluminum sculptures features soaring spirals, starbursts and panels and will be on view through early June 2020.

“We’re so delighted to be part of the Dorothy Gillespie Centennial Exhibition taking place throughout the U.S.,” says Deborah Cooney, City Tourism director. Cooney noted that Radford is indebted to Dorothy’s son, Gary Israel, for loaning the incredible collection.

Cooney noted that the celebra-

tion of Dorothy’s works and life is especially important since it coincides with the 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women’s constitutional right to vote. Gillespie herself was an important player in the women’s art movement both at the Women’s Interart Center and as a lecturer at the New School for Social Research in New York. Throughout her career she championed women artists. Because of the playfulness of

Gillespie’s artwork, Cooney said she will be working with city teachers to involve school children in the celebration. In addition, plans are underway for a special event to recognize Ms. Gillespie’s contributions with a guest presentation by her son, she added.

The Radford installation has been made possible through the efforts of the Dorothy Gillespie Foundation, the City Council

and the Tourism Department with assistance from the Beautification and Municipal Forest Commission and Public Works.

PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Nestled in the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest at a former historic NASA facility, experience how NASA tracks and communicates with satellites; maps and studies

orbital objects; learns about deep space; studies and photographs our universe and beyond

The Learning Center at PARI exhibit gallery showcases a spectacular collection of gems,

minerals, and rare meteorites, including specimens from the Moon and Mars. Exhibits include a Redstone rocket engine, 1/3 scale Apollo 11 Lunar Module model, the ATS-6 satellite and models (on loan from the Smithsonian Institution) and more.

June – August, PARI provides Summer STEM camp. www.pari. edu for more information.

PARI’s 200-acres is surrounded and isolated by the pristine wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest. PARI provides exciting opportunities for outdoor adventure with its many hiking trails, often-seen wildlife, and special flora. PARI’s serene ridge-top views provide the perfect venue

to experience Autumn’s burst of color or a darkest night, filled with far away star and brilliant flashes of meteors. To find PARI you will dance a winding road, minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, hear rushing water and the song of wind-swept trees providing a tone which resonates that PARI is a most special place. PARI schedule is seasonal, so it is best to call to confirm your visit. (828) 862-5554

PARI welcomes all!

PARI reserves group/club/ association visits and offers onsite group-style lodging and a restaurant. They partner with local hotels (Brevard and Lake Toxaway) for the guest who prefers a little more overnight refinement. Conferences, depending on size, are hosted in partnership with Brevard Music Center and Brevard College.

Easy Walks, Fresh Air & Beautiful Waterfalls

Aquiet walk beside any mountain stream in the Smokies will lead you past tumbling cascades as the sparkling waters rush down from the peaks. The sight and sound of falling water is magical. At the next turn in the trail, you might just discover one of the many, beautiful high falls in far western North Carolina. In the Bryson City area, there are seven spectacular falls that are easily reached by short, leisurely walks. If you want

to make a day of “waterfall chasing,” there are eight more falls worth the drive.

Here are some highlights: Bryson City – Minutes away, Deep Creek’s trio of waterfalls, on a wide, easily walkable trail. Cherokee – 120-foottall Mingo Falls, reachable by stairs to a viewing bridge. And Soco Falls, a double waterfall with a viewing platform (photo).

Cashiers – Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies at 411

feet. Highlands – Feel the spray as you walk under Bridal View Falls and Dry Falls. Franklin – Big Laurel Falls, spilling over a rocky outcrop at the headwaters of the Nantahala River. Come to Western North Carolina and explore our beautiful waterfalls. From highest to the smallest, you’re sure to find a favorite!

GreatSmokies. com/waterfalls

The Parkway Explorers Guide to Meadows of Dan

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. To its millions of travelers annually, this mountaintop roadway is known for its scenic beauty, historic attractions and abundant outdoor recreation. Riding on the Parkway can give you that much needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can drive for hours without seeing much civilization. At milepost 177.7 you will see one of the rarest views on your ride: a town. Refuel your car, your stomach and your soul in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.

Rocky Knob Recreation Area

Drive along the parkway North of the Meadows of Dan Village and you will find the Rocky Knob Recreation Area. This expansive section of the Parkway is shared with the neighboring county of Floyd. Stay for a picnic and you may even spot the family of deer that are often seen grazing in the field near the picnic shelter most evenings! Pitch your tent or park your camper at the Rocky Knob Campground. Reservations are not necessary but are always helpful. www.recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777

Historic Grist Mills

The historic Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Parkway. This grist mill is over one hundred years old and is open to the public! Live demonstrations of blacksmiths, basket weavers and more. Listen to live traditional music on Sundays as well. After your tour, grab a seat at the restaurant just next door and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.

Primland Resort

Miles off of route 58 is one of the Parkways greatest hidden treasures, Primland Resort. This five-star luxury mountain resort is best known for it’s award-winning golf course, the Highland Course. Primland offers much to do, many ways to relax, and various accommodation options for travelers.

Lovers Leap Scenic Overlook

Pull off at one of Patrick County’s greatest treasures, Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook, located south of the Village on Route 58. The view from this spot is beautiful in any season, but Autumn is truly breathtaking. Legend has it that two Native Americans from separate tribes fell in love, and after their tribes forbade them from being together they tragically ended their lives, jumping together from the cliffs at this very spot. Enjoy a second overlook at neighboring Fred Clifton Park a well as picnic tables and trails, but remember, don’t feed the bears!

From rugged mountain trails to deliciously sweet fudge to luxurious pampering, Meadows of Dan can provide the perfect pause in your travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go to VisitPatrickCounty.org to learn more about accommodations, other attractions, and events in Patrick County, VA.

Experience Mayberry in Andy Griffith’s Hometown

Think Mayberry only exists in a television show? Think again.

Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, invites folks to visit the real-life place that inspired the fictional Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show.

Visitors to Mount Airy can choose from several Mayberry attractions and activities. The most popular activity is a Mayberry Squad Car Tour. Replica Ford Galaxie squad cars, just like the ones on the show, depart from Wally’s Service Station daily and take customers throughout town, showcasing landmarks like Andy Griffith’s boyhood home, the TV Land statue of Andy & Opie, the Andy Griffith Playhouse and more.

After the tour, stop by the Andy

Griffith Museum. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia, collected over a quarter century by the late Emmett Forrest, Andy’s boyhood schoolmate and long-time friend.

The third Friday of every month, actress Betty Lynn, who played Barney Fife’s sweetheart Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, makes appearances at the museum, health permitting. The 93-yearold Lynn has lived in Mount Airy since 2007 and enjoys meeting fans and talking about the show.

Main Street is definitely Mayberry-esque, with must-see spots like Opie’s Candy Store, Floyd’s City Barbershop and Snappy Lunch. Snappy Lunch opened in the 1920s and was mentioned in the seventh episode of the first season. Snappy Lunch’s other claim to fame is its fried pork

chop sandwich smothered in chili, slaw, mustard, tomatoes and onions. A great place to overnight is Mayberry Motor Inn. This traditional 1950’s motor court is guarded by its own Mayberry patrol car. Be sure to ask for a tour of the Aunt Bee Room containing a trove of items from the estate of Frances Bavier, the actress who played Aunt Bee.

Die-hard fans can stay the night in the Andy Griffith Homeplace. It’s the modest two-room bungalow where Andy lived until going off to college. The local Hampton Inn rents the homeplace, complete with complimentary breakfast at the hotel. For information on all the Mayberry attractions in Mount Airy, go to www.VisitMayberry.com.

Paddling, waterfall hiking, biking & ziplining Find your adventure in Hendersonville, NC

Whatever activity gets you moving, from a casual hike to an adrenaline-pumping zipline, Hendersonville, North Carolina, invites you to experience it in this Blue Ridge Mountain town.

The French Broad River weaves along Hendersonville’s western edge. The ancient river is known for its calm, northward-moving waters. Lazy Otter Outfitters puts people on the water for as long as they like, with options ranging from four miles to 11 miles. Vessel choices include canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and tubes. The Sierra Nevada Express involves seven miles of paddling with an end point next door to the im-

pressive East Coast headquarters of this nationally known craft brewery. DuPont State Recreational Forest encompasses more than 10,000 acres of old-growth forest with more than 90 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The forest is best known for its stunning waterfalls. A single hiking loop leads to Hooker, High and Triple falls. For the truly adventurous, The Gorge Zipline is the steepest and fastest zipline experience in the country. The course descends more than 1,100 feet into Green River Gorge via 11 ziplines, three rappels and a 95-foot sky bridge. The views from The Gorge course overlook 18,000 protected acres of Green River Gamelands.

Hendersonville’s newest attraction, the Riveter gym combines an extensive climbing facility and bike park under one roof. With more than 16,000 square feet of climbing terrain, a multi-feature covered bike track, yoga studio and fitness area, Riveter accommodates

indoor and outdoor activities allowing visitors to have fun no matter the weather. The facility’s “libation station” serves beer, cider, kombucha and other health-focused drinks and snacks to keep everyone fueled and ready for their next adventure.

For a full list of Hendersonville attractions, as well as lodging and dining options, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.

Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail Mountain Region

34 loops through the Blue Ridge, Allegheny, and Cumberland Mountains help you explore the expansive vistas, scenic overlooks, back roads, forests, reservoirs, and rivers of the Appalachians. Look for over 20 species of warblers, migrating hawks, owls, and grouse. Additional wildlife includes black bear and white-tailed deer. During your travels, be sure to enjoy the unique Appalachian food, music and culture.

Outdoor LEGO® Brick Sculpture Exhibit Coming to The North Carolina Arboretum this Summer

Visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum, a 434-acre public garden located just south of Asheville, will enjoy a fun, toy-filled outdoor adventure this summer at the Arboretum’s newest exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks, on display daily throughout the Arboretum’s gardens May 9 –August 2, 2020.

Composed of nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks, Nature Connects includes 14 nature-inspired sculptures constructed on a larger-than-life scale by renowned artist Sean Kenney. Featuring a five-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and massive monarch butterfly composed of nearly 40,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines play with science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment.

“Due to its size, uniqueness and magnitude, Nature Connects is a one-of-a-kind exhibit that truly

appeals to all ages, groups and interests,” said Whitney Smith, marketing and PR manager at The North Carolina Arboretum. “Artist Sean Kenney does a terrific job of bringing together art and nature using an iconic toy, the LEGO brick, to help connect visitors with the natural world. We look forward to hosting this exhibit again at the Arboretum

and are excited about the many new sculptures added to the collection.”

Upon arrival to the Arboretum, guests are invited to pick up a special Nature Connects map, which will help guide them to discover the various sculptures that are placed throughout the Arboretum’s gardens. Exhibit admission to Nature Connects is free; however, a standard $16 parking fee applies to non-Arboretum members. For more information about the Arboretum or Nature Connects, please visit ncarboretum.org or call 828-665-2492.

The North Carolina Arboretum is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393.

Enjoy Mountain Music at the Blue Ridge Music Center

Spring brings the reopening of visitor hubs along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Blue Ridge Music Center at milepost 213 near Galax, Virginia.

On Saturday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Music Center hosts ticketed concerts in the outdoor amphitheater set against the backdrop of Fisher Peak. This year, as the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, the Music Center is highlighting female performers and their stories centered on the theme A Place in the Band: Women in Bluegrass and American Roots Music. The series will feature performances by Abigail Washburn and Wu Fei, Amythyst Kiah, Becky Buller Band, Ley Line, Front Country, and additional female musicians and bands led by women. Favorite returning bands include the

Steep Canyon Rangers, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Kruger Brothers with Kontras Quartet.

With a mission to celebrate the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Visitor Center is home to the Roots of American Music Museum. The exhibits highlight the musical history of the region, the families who passed down traditions, and how these traditions contributed to the evolving American music of today. You’re also invited to enjoy free live music from noon to 4 p.m. each day, when local musicians play and tell stories about the music and culture of the region.

Blue Ridge Music Center Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday-Monday, May 1-18 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily, May 21 - November 1

Milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

“America’s Favorite Drive” at

your

fingertips

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

FREE DOWNLOAD!

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.

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

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

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.

With 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

Thrill seekers can head to Bryce Resort for an afternoon on their custom designed bike park which features a variety of lift-accessed trails leaving guests to coast down the

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

Get Inspired in Blowing Rock

The village of Blowing Rock is located in the highlands region of the Blue Ridge Parkway, tucked in among scenic vistas and sprawling forests, alongside some of the most iconic Parkway attractions. Like many beautiful places, Blowing Rock attracts creative people who draw inspiration from the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge. Check out local galleries & shops like Traditions Pottery, The Mountain Thread Company, Main Street Gallery, Gaines Kiker Silversmith, and High Country Candles, where unique creations are displayed and sold- several with working studio spaces.

Blowing Rock celebrates the arts with events, too!

The long-running Art in the Park series welcomes over 90 artisans at each show, one held each month from May

through October. Artists In Residence hosts a different regional artist each week in a studio setting, all summer long. Heritage Day at Traditions Pottery Studio presents traditional arts, music, and culture of the mountains in late June. And mark your calendar for the Sculpture Walk and Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival in August!

Creativity manifests in many ways, including delicious local cuisine at over two dozen restaurants in town. Enjoy a wide array of live musical performances, presented year round in local venues. Walk back to a cozily decorated inn or hotel, located close to the activity of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Let Blowing Rock’s special charm and beautiful, natural spaces inspire you to explore, relax, and recharge!

Upcoming events include:

Art in the Park

May 23, June 13, July 18, August 15, Sept 12, & Oct 3

Artists in Residence May 23 thru September 13

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, Saddlebred June 4 thru 7

Heritage Day at Traditions Pottery ........................................ June 27

4th of July Festival

July 3 thru 4

More information at BlowingRock.com

Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park to reopen this summer

Afavorite destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway is coming back to life 10 years after it shut its doors. The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park will reopen this summer to once again serve home-style cooking to locals and national park travelers alike. Located at milepost 241 near Sparta, N.C., The Bluffs is one of only four restaurants on the Parkway. The coffee shop shut down in 2010. As the years passed, reestablishing the restaurant became a top request from supporters of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. One of the many people who have been waiting for The Bluffs to reopen is Ellen Woodruff Smith, who worked at the restaurant from the day it opened on May 31, 1949,

to the day it closed on November 1, 2010. For so many people who enjoy fond memories of Bluffs Coffee Shop, the stories go beyond the ham biscuits, pan-fried chicken, and berry cobbler. A big part of the charm was the welcoming staff.

“I never met a stranger,” said Smith. Over the decades she worked at the popular Parkway spot, she saw familiar faces come back time and again and children grow up each season, eventually returning with their own children. “I spoiled every youngin’ I could,” she confessed.

During its 61 years in business, the interior of the facility remained largely unchanged. The building needed extensive repairs. Travelers will still feel the nostalgia, because the new interior fixtures and design

upgrades were selected to replicate the original look and feel of the restaurant.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is leading the project in collaboration with the National Park Service. A combination of donations from individuals and community foundations and support from the N.C. General Assembly and Appalachian Regional Commission are making the project possible.

For more information or to make a donation to support the renovations, visit BRPFoundation.org/bluffs.

Bluffs Dining Room: The Bluffs Coffee Shop shown in 1995. Photo courtesy of Bill Harrison.

Peaks of Otter Lodge is a charming, 63-room hotel that o ers the spring vacation you really need. With sun-filled skies that go for miles, there’s no better time to get away to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Great hiking trails and authentic Southern cooking are waiting for you this spring at Peaks.

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

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

alleghany Co. ChamBer oF CommerCe 58 S. Main, POB 1237 BRD Sparta, NC 28675; (800) 372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com

andreWs rest stop 50 Cover St / US 19 Andrews, NC 28902 www.visitcherokeecounty.com

ashe CoUnty ChamBer & visitor Center 1 N. Jefferson Ave, P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, NC 28694

(336) 846-9550 • www.ashechamber.com

avery CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe 4501 Tynecastle Hwy • Unit 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604; (800) 972-2183 www.averycounty.com

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

BeeCh moUntain ChamBer oF CommerCe 403A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mtn, NC 28604; (800) 468-5506 www.beechmtn.com

BlaCk moUntain ChamBer oF CommerCe 201 E. State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711; (828) 669-2300

BloWing roCk ChamBer oF CommerCe 132 Park Ave • Blowing Rock NC 28605 (800) 295-7851 www.blowingrockncchamber.com

BlUe ridge parkWay visitor Center 195 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 828-298-5330

Boone area ChamBer oF CommerCe 870 W King St. Suite A, Boone, NC 28607; (828) 264-2225 • www.VisitBooneNC.com

Bryson City ChamBer oF CommerCe

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

BUrke CoUnty travel & toUrism

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

CataWBa CoUnty visitor Center 1055 Southgate Parkway SW Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 328-6111

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

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

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

Clay CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe 388 Business Hwy 64 Hayesville, NC 28904; (828) 389-3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com

davie CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe 135 S. Salisbury St., Mocksville, NC 27028-2337; (336) 751-3304 - www.mocksville.org

Franklin area ChamBer oF CommerCe 98 Hyatt Rd. Franklin, NC 28734; (888) 439-park • www.franklin-chamber.com

gaston CoUnty visitor Center 620 Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4044. www.visitgaston.org

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

hayWood ChamBer oF CommerCe 28 Walnut St. • Waynesville, NC 28786

(828) 456-3021

hendersonville visitor Center

201 S. Main St • Hendersonville, NC 28792

(800) 828-4244

www.historichendersonville.org

hiCkory metro CvB

1680 13th Ave Dr. SE Hickory, NC 28602

www.hickorymetro.com

highlands ChamBer oF CommerCe

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

JaCkson CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe

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

Jonesville WelCome Center

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

lake lUre WelCome Center

2926 Memorial Hwy. Lake Lure, NC 28746 828-287-6113 townoflakelure.com

madison CoUnty visitor Center

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

maggie valley ChamBer oF CommerCe 2791 Soco Road, POB 279 Maggie Valley, NC 28751 (800) MAGGIE-1 • www.maggievalley.org

mCdoWell CoUnty visitor Center

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

mitChell Co. ChamBer oF CommerCe

79 Parkway Rd • Spruce Pine, NC 28777; (800) 227-3912 www.mitchell-county.com

moUnt airy visitor Center

200 N. Main St. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030; (800) 948-0949 • www.visitmayberry.com

moUnt mitChell state park 2388 State Hwy. 128 • Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 675-4611

nW nC visitor Center

2121 East US Hwy 421 • North WIlkesboro, NC 28659 • (336) 667-1259

nC high CoUntry host visitor Center

6370 US HWY 321 South, Blowing Rock, NC 28605; (800) 438-7500 www.mountainsofnc.com

old Fort visitor Center 91 S. Catawba Ave • Old Fort, NC 28762 (888) 233-6111 • www.visitmcdowell.com

piedmont triad visitor Center 700 NC Hwy 700 Pelham, NC 27311; (800) 388-9830

polk CoUnty visitor Center 20 E. Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 440-7848

smoky moUntain host oF nC, inC 4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (800) 432-4678 • www.visitsmokies.org

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

statesville Convention & visitors BUreaU 118 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28687; (704) 878-3480 or (877) 531-1819

www.visitstatesville.org

Waynesville/hayWood

CoUnty visitor Center

1110 Soco Rd Maggie Valley, NC 28751 (800) 334-9036 www.visitncsmokies.com

Wilkes CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe 717 Main St., PO Box 727 BRD N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659; (336) 838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org

Winston-salem visitor Center 200 Brookstown Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-728-4205 • VisitWinstonSalem.com

yadkin valley visitor Center 116 East Market St. • Elkin, NC 28621; (336) 526-1111 • www.yadkinvalley.org

yanCey CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe 106 W. Main St. • Burnsville, NC 28714; (800) 948-1632 • www.yanceychamber.com

TENNESSEE

ClairBorne Co. ChamBer oF CommerCe 1732 Main St., Suite 1 Tazewell, TN 37879; (423) 626-4149 www.clairbornecounty.com

elizaBethton visitor Center 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway Elizabethton, TN 37644; (423) 547-3850 www.tourelizabethton.com

greene Co partnership/CoB 115 Academy St. Greeneville, TN 37743; (423) 638-4111 www.GreeneCountyPartnership.com

historiC JonesBoroUgh

117 Boone St. Jonesborough, TN 37659; (423) 423-753-1010 • Toll Free: 866-401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com

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

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

loUdon CoUnty visitor BUreaU 1075 US Hwy 321 • Lenoir City, TN 37771 (865) 568-3662 • www.visitloudoncounty.com

pigeon Forge visitor Center 1950 N. Parkway, POB 1390 BRD Pigeon Forge, TN 37868; (800) 251-9100 mypigeonforge.com

smoky mtn visitor Center 3540 Line Drive • Kodak, TN 37764 (865) 932-3696

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

toWnsend visitor Center

7609 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882. 800-525-6834. www.smokymountains.org

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

alBemarle toUrism & adventUre Center

5791 Three Notched Rd • Crozet, VA 22932 (434) 906-2713

appomattox visitor Center

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

aBingdon visitor Center

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

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

BUena vista visitor Center

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

Carroll CoUnty visitor Center

231 Farmers Market Rd, Hillsville, VA 24343 (888) 785-2782 • (276) 730-3100

www.visittheBlueRidge.com

Charlottesville visitor Center

610 East Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902

(434) 293-6789 • (434) 970-3641

www.visitcharlottesville.org

CUlpeper visitor Center

111 S. Commerce St. • Culpeper, VA 22701

Phone: (540) 727-0611 Toll Free: 844-490-2577. www.visitculpeperva.com

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

disCovery Center at mill moUntain roanoke’s mill moUntain

215 Church Ave., Room 303 Roanoke, VA 24016 • (540) 853-1236

explore park visitor Center

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

Floyd visitors Center

109 E. Main St. Floyd, VA 24091

www.VisitFloydVA.com 540-745-4407

Front royal visitor Center

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

City oF galax toUrism department

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

greene CoUnty eConomiC development & toUrism

8315 Seminole Trail, Suite 2 Ruckersville, VA 22968

hardesty-higgins hoUse visitor Center

212 S. Main St Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801 VisitHarrisonburgVA.com.

(540) 432-8935

lexington visitor Center

106 E. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450; (540) 463-3777

www.lexingtonvirginia.com

loUdoUn CoUnty toUrism

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

lUray/page CoUnty ChamBer

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

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

madison CoUnty visitor Center

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

martinsville-henry CoUnty visitor Center

191 Fayette St., Martinsville, VA 24112 (888) 722-3498 www.visitmartinsville.com

nelson CoUnty visitor Center 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Lovingston, VA 22949; (800) 282-8223 www.Nelsoncounty.com

orange Co visitor’s Center

122 East Main St. • Orange, VA 22960 (877) 222-8072 • www.visitorangevirginia.com

patriCk CoUnty ChamBer oF CommerCe

20475 JEB Stuart Hwy • PO Box 577 Stuart, VA 24171; (276) 694-6012

www.patrickchamber.com

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

pUlaski CoUnty visitor Center 4440 Cleburne Blvd • Dublin, VA 24084 540-674-4161. www.pulaskicounty.org

radFord visitor Center

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

roanoke visitor inFormation Center

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

roCkFish gap visitor Center

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

salem visitor Center

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

shenandoah CoUnty toUrism

600 N. Main St, Ste 101 Woodstock, VA 22664 888-367-3965 visitshenandoahcounty.com

gateWay to shenandoah visitor Center at hUpp’s hill Civil War park and mUseUm 33229 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg, VA 22657 540-465-9197 strasburgva.com

smith moUntain lake visitor Center

16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy. #2 Moneta. VA 24121 • 540-721-1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

smyth CoUnty visitor Center 408 Whitetop Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319 (276) 646-3306 VisitVirginiaMountains.com

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

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

virginia teCh visitor Center 925 Prices Fork Rd. • Blacksburg, VA 24061;(540) 231-3548 welcome@vt.edu

Western highlands visitor Center 241 W. Main St. • Covington, VA 24426; (540) 962-2178 • www.alleghanyhighlands.com

WinChester-FrederiCk CoUnty CvB 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. Winchester, VA 22601 • (877) 871-1326 www.visitwinchesterva.com

Wytheville CvB 975 Tazewell Street Wytheville, VA 24382; (276) 223-3355 Toll free (877) 347-8307 www.visitWytheville.com

WEST VIRGINIA

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

KENTUCKY

CUmBerland gap nhp visitor Center US 25E South • Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817

WINE & TRAILS

June 4-7 - NC TrailDays .COM

Mountain Lodging Food Fun

NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE, NC

Asheville East KOA-Exit 59 off I-40 big rigs & tenters welcome. Wooded sites, with pool, lake & river fishing. 800-562-5907 or (828) 6863121. 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.

Grovewood Village

Adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn is one of Asheville’s hidden gems. Known today as Grovewood Village, this historic site is home to Grovewood Gallery, working artist studios, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, an antique car museum, and Golden Fleece restaurant. Free parking on-site. www.grovewood.com. (828) 253-7651.

Mast Store – 15 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville. Dating to the 1940s, find home décor, camping gear, shoes, clothing, and hundreds of favorite candies. www.MastStore.com 828-232-1883

Rug & Home - Over 20,000 oriental rugs & home accessories. Finest rugs from India, China, Pakistan, Persia, Turkey, Egypt, Karastan, Milliken. Tapestries, needlepoints, oil paintings, antique furniture, brass, crystal, & Tiffany lamps, mirrors. Local & national artists. Sculptures and fine porcelain. Located at I-26, exit 33 behind Ethan Allen. Open 7 days. (828) 667-4585.

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

CHIMNEY ROCK, NC

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park - More than a Rock, it’s a Mountain of Possibilities. Six unique hiking trails. 404-foot waterfall. 26-story elevator inside mountain. Woodland animal programs and exhibits. Pet friendly. Old Rock Café overlooking the river. Open all year. 40 min SE of Asheville. 828-625-9611. ChimneyRockPark.com

BLOWING ROCK, NC

Alpine Village Inn - 297 Sunset Dr. Quaint cozy rooms & suites in the heart of town. AC, CCTV, & phones, WiFi complimentary. Some fireplaces & Jacuzzi. Pet friendly rooms. www.alpine-village-inn.com (828) 295-7206.

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum - Free admission, open year round. Must-see destination for visual art & Appalachian heritage. www.BlowingRockMuseum.org. 159 Ginny Stevens Ln (828) 295-9099.

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.

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.

KOA Kampground - From Boone, 194N 3 miles. Left on Ray Brown Rd. 1 mile. Beautiful view. Rec room, mini golf, laundry. 123 Harmony Mtn. Lane, Boone, NC 28607. 828-264-7250.

Mast Store – 630 W King St., Downtown Boone. Built in the 1920s, this charming store is filled with most everything you need for life: clothing, trail & travel gear, old-fashioned candy. www.MastStore.com 828-262-0000

NC High Country Host Visitor Center- 6370 US HWY 321 South Blowing Rock, NC 28605; (800) 4387500 www.mountainsofnc.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.

HENDERSONVILLE, NC

Mast Store – 527 N Main St., Downtown Hendersonville. Built in 1905 and embodying the essence of the era, this store is packed with clothing, gift ideas, country gourmet foods, & more! 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.visithendersonvillenc.org

LINVILLE, NC

Grandfather MountainGrandfather’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 eyeto-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. One mile from Blue Ridge Parkway; take th Linville exit at Milepost 305 to U.S. 221 South. Open daily, weather permitting,

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. $22 adult, $20 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. 800-419-0540. www.linvillecaverns.com.

Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages - BRP Milepost 317.4, US 221S, 1 mile to walk to falls & gorge. www.linvillefallslodge.com (828) 765-2658.

LITTLE SWITZERLAND, NC

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) 6544026. www.switzerlandinn.com

MAGGIE VALLEY, NC

Boyd Mountain Log CabinsSecluded 130 acres near Maggie Valley, 7 Authentic cabins, fireplaces, AC, cable, WIFI. Choose n cut Christmas tree farm, trout fishing, hiking. (828) 926-1575. www.boydmountain.com

Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce - US 19, Eastern entrance to the Great Smokies. Escape. Explore. Exhale. Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 279, Maggie Valley, 28751.

Mountain Lodging Food Fun

Jonathan Creek Inn & Maggie Valley Villas - MP 455.7 AAA 3 Diamond Rated. Creekside and Hot Tub Rooms, Creekside & Mountain View Villas, Indoor Heated Pool, Children’s Play Area. 1-800-577-7812. www.jonathancreekinn.com

McDOWELL CO., 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.

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 p 5

SPRUCE PINE, NC

Gem Mountain - 13780 Hwy 226. 1 mile from Parkway. Gem mine. Rain or shine. Mine trips available. People’s choice for Gem mining. www.gemmountain.com

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. 828-765-9559. www.peakmountaincottages.com

VALLE CRUCIS, NC

Mast General Store & Annex Highway 194. Est. 1883 & listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this authentic general store is filled with the best of yesterday and today including camping gear, shoes & boots, housewares, candies, and an impressive collection of knives. www.MastStore.com 828-963-6511

WAYNESVILLE, NC

Mast Store – 63, N Main St., Downtown Waynesville. Serving the

area since 1935, this store is brimming with clothing, shoes, cast iron cookware, candy, & camping gear. www.MastStore.com 828-452-2101

TENNESSEE

GATLINBURG, TN

Ski Mountain Chalet & Condo Rentals - 1-4 bedrooms , 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. 540-586-3707. www.iwineu. com or www.elmosrest.com

Gross’ Orchard & Apple Valley Homeplace - Vacation Home Rental. Open year round. $75 per couple per night. Mountain grown fruit & produce. Bedford, VA. Rt. 43 in Apple Valley. Open Year round. U-pick or U-select. Apple Festival 3rd Sat. in Oct. (540) 586-2436.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Montfair Resort Farm - Pet friendly cabins by lake. 30 min from Parkway. Wi-fi, linens & cookware provided. Canoe, hike, fish. (434) 8235202. www.montfairresortfarm.com.

FANCY GAP, VA

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

FLOYD, VA

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 Visitors Center

109 E. Main St., Floyd, VA 24091

Mountain town with unique music, arts, outdoor fun! 540-745-4407 www.VisitFloydVA.com

GALAX, VA

Cool Breeze Campground

2330 Edmonds Rd.Galax,VA

MP215 off BRP, Full Hookups

Bathhouse,Laundry,Big Rig Friendly,Free WIFI,Rally Center,276-236-0300 www.coolbreezecampground.com

GROTTOES, VA

Grand Caverns - 5 Grand Caverns Dr, Grottoes, VA, America’s oldest continuously operated show cave. Nature’s handiwork & gifts. 888-430-CAVE. www.grandcaverns.com

HARRISONBURG, VA

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

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 Zoo – 5784 S. Lee Hwy I-81 exit 180A Natural Bridge 24578. 540-291-2420, naturalbridgezoo. com. Largest collection of birds and animals in Virginia. Elephant rides, giraffe, tigers, bears, monkeys, birds and more! Petting zoo, gift shop, picnic area. Open mid March to November.

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.

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

ROANOKE, VA

Mast Store – 401 S. Jefferson St., Downtown Roanoke. A retail destination since 1915, discover everything you’d expect to find in a general store … cookware, stoneground grits, shoes & boots, and more! Open April 2020. www.MastStore.com 540-566-5661

Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shop at the markets and boutiques in Downtown Roanoke and Salem. Hike on a trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover wildlife while kayaking on the Upper James River Water Trail. Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy fresh, amazingly prepared ingredients. Watch the sunset aboard a cruise at Smith Mountain Lake. All these things to do and more can be part of your Blue Ridge Day.No matter what you decide to do, every day in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is filled with friendship and old-fashioned hospitality. Discover what makes visiting Virginia’s Blue Ridge unique! (800) 635-5535.

visitvablueridge.com

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.

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.

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

Get Out in Burnsville, NC, This Spring

As the weather warms, the mountain town of Burnsville, North Carolina, welcomes springtime with signature events and new happenings. Long known for its untouched outdoor paradise and local arts tradition, Burnsville celebrates those attributes with three events this spring.

On April 25, cyclists gather downtown for the 26th annual Burnsville Metric. The 60.7-mile route begins and ends on Town Square. A 43-mile option accommodates less-advanced riders. Along the way, riders experience mountain views, wildflowers, rivers

and streams, and quaint small towns and communities. The ride is not a race. Instead it’s a casual, friendly jaunt to kick off the spring riding season. More info: www.YanceyChamber.com.

May brings the second annual Mountain Acoustics Luthier Invitational. After a successful debut last year, the event returns to Burnsville Town Center May 22-24. The weekend celebrates handbuilt stringed instruments with an emphasis on the artists who craft them and the musicians who play them. Luthiers specializing in crafting guitars, mandolins, ukuleles,

dulcimers, harps, violins, basses and banjos will travel to Burnsville from throughout the Southeast. Festivities kick off Friday night with a luthier jam. Exhibits and workshops take place throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening, Mark and Maggie O’Connor will be in concert. More info: www.MountainAcoustics.com.

A favorite tradition returns June 5-7 when approximately 100 artists open their studios to visitors for the Toe River Arts Studio Tour. The free,

self-guided event is one of the most intimate ways to experience the rich arts tradition throughout Yancey and Mitchell counties. Visitors may pick up a guide at local businesses in Burnsville and Spruce Pine, or download one online, and plot their routes to various potters, glass blowers, painters, textile artists, jewelers, blacksmiths, print makers and more. In addition to talking with artists and seeing where they create, participants often purchase pieces directly from the source.

More info: www.ToeRiverArts.org/Studio-Tour.

Blue Ridge Parkway Highlights

Spring and Summer Adventure in Lexington

There’s nothing like fresh air and outdoor adventure to refresh your senses, and Lexington serves as a great base for climbing, hiking, cycling, paddling, and more. Consider these five experiences in Rockbridge County for an adrenaline rush or a slow-paced appreciation of nature.

1. The Chessie Nature Trail is a seven-mile parallel of the Maury River between Lexington and Buena Vista. Walk or bike the flat path to enjoy a vibrant ecosystem of flora and fauna. Wildflowers, birdsong, and river critters are key highlights.

2. Natural Bridge State Park is home to the iconic natural limestone bridge that soars more than 200 feet above Cedar Creek. Join in a Ranger-led program to learn about the history of the bridge and park or explore on your own to discover treasures like the Lost River and Lace Falls.

3. The Upper James River Water Trail includes the Maury River as it flows into the James at Glasgow. Paddle or float the three miles from Locher Landing in Glasgow to Snowden for Class II and III rapids. Be sure to exit the river just past the James River Footbridge along Route 501.

4. Cast your line into the stocked trout waters of the Maury River in Goshen, Irish Creek, and South River. Some of the best fishing with kids happens at Cave Mountain Lake. In fact, June 5-7, 2020 are feefree fishing days in Virginia; be sure to enjoy time with your little anglers.

5. Climbers love a nice challenge and there are several rock walls to conquer in Rockbridge County. Consider the Maury River Wall, Castle Rock, Chamber’s Ridge, or Tunstall’s Tooth. Ranging from

65 to 100 feet, these climbs are tackled trad style or top rope. Conclude your adventures with a meal in historic downtown Lexington or toast your conquest at a nearby craft brewery.

For more great ways to get outside check out RockbridgeOutdoors.com.

Find Your Stream in North Carolina Wine Country

WatersoftheMitchellRivertothewide,slowmeandderingsofthemightyYadkinRiver,wehavesome- Sothingforeveryonefromyoungtoold. putonyourhikingboots,saddleyourhorse,or glideoutonyourcanoe;howeveryouarelookingto relax,SurryCountyhasanexperiencewaitingforyou. ofFromthetopofPilotMountaintothetroutstreams ComewesternSurry,we’llmakeyoufeelrightathome. heaven.loseyourselfinourlittlepatchofoutdoor Weguaranteeyou’llneverforgetit!

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Discover

PEAKS OF OTTER

This gateway to mountain adventures is a hub for lounging and exploring.

57th Annual Coon Dog Day Festival

Sat, July 11, 2020

8 AM - 11 PM

RELAX:

Majestic scenery abounds in Peaks of Otter, a historic landmark and haven of natural beauty. Three towering mountain peaks and the serene Abbott Lake are the cradle of this gorgeous Blue Ridge destination — offering 360 degrees of breathtaking wilderness. And here, sheltered among the ancient peaks and cooled by mountain streams, you’ll discover Peaks of Otter Lodge.

This long-beloved lodge is much more than a simple hotel. It’s a place where adventurers, families, couples and large groups can explore by day, and recharge at night.

STAY:

With more than 60 rooms, meeting facilities, wedding facilities, a full-service restaurant, a lounge, and a gift shop, Peaks of Otter Lodge is a perfect basecamp for exploring the mountains, lake and surrounding forests. No matter the season, guests can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway’s splendor, then enjoy warm hospitality at Peaks of Otter Lodge.

EXPLORE:

From here, you can hike majestic Sharp Top Mountain, “leaf peep” along Blue Ridge Parkway, cruise a shuttle to nearby wineries, and encounter rare wildlife. Enjoy a springtime getaway or a long winter weekend in the perfect setting for year-round adventure and relaxation.

Peaks of Otter Area Visitor Center and Park Store - 5,000 acres. Three Peaks: Sharp Top [El 3,875], Flat Top [El. 4,004], and Harkening Hill [El. 3,364]. Self-guided trail, historic farm interpretive programs. Picnic area, campground, restrooms.

Don’t miss Saluda’s 56th 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 15,000 people each year.

(800) 440-7848

www.saluda.com/ coon-dog-day

To start planning your getaway or for more information on packages and deals, visit PeaksOfOtter.com or call 888.454.7711

Spring into Gardening in

Hendersonville, May 23-24

Local and regional nurseries sell thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, natives and hardto-find plants. Crafters create distinctive garden decor to enhance the beauty of your yard, such as handmade lawn furniture, yard art, planters, wind chimes and bird houses. Garden-themed accessories include jewelry, soaps, pottery and more.

Throughout the day, local gardening experts will share their tips and tricks. Learn more about such topics as conserving water, landscaping for shady areas and creating outdoor living spaces.

Hours for Garden Jubilee are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days.

Once a year, downtown Hendersonville becomes a destination for those with green thumbs to stock up on plants, yard decor and outdoor tools during the Garden Jubilee Festival, May 23-24. Held each year on Memorial

Day weekend, the garden show transforms Main Street as more than 250 vendors present their best for this year’s planting season. The Southeast Tourism Society has named Garden Jubilee a Top 20 Event for May.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring wagons to transport their purchases. Hospitality tents are located on South Main Street in front of the historic courthouse and on North Main Street at the corner of Fifth Avenue. Visitors may leave their purchases with festival volunteers while they continue to shop. Festival maps and vendor directories will be available at each tent.

We’ve Been Outsiders Since 1791

To go along with the garden-themed weekend, The Gallery at Flat Rock presents the fifth annual Art in Bloom exhibition. The gallery pairs professional floral designers with artists. The designers study a work on canvas or a sculpture, and then interpret that piece of art with an accompanying floral display. Nicknamed “art with an expiration date,” Art in Bloom runs May 22-25. It is free and open to the public.

Come explore Patrick County, Virginia. Picnics at a covered bridge or along the Blue Ridge Parkway, canoe rides, traditional mountain music, artisan studios, local wineries, bed and breakfasts, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing are just a few of the attractions awaiting you. From the rugged outdoors to 5-star luxury, there is so much to discover in Patrick County. www.visitpatrickcounty.org

CONCERTS ON THE CREEK

These mountains are known as much for the music that comes out of them as they are for their picturesque vistas, cascading waterfalls and alluring trails.

Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today.

In Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Concerts on the Creek events are free and open to the public with donations encouraged. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the shows. Occasionally, these events will feature food truck vendors as well.

May 22 Eleanor Underhill & Friends

May 29 SKA City (Ska/Two tone/ Trojan rocksteady)

June 5 Stone Crazy Band (Classic Rock Hits)

June 12 Mile High Band

June 19 Shane Meade & The Sound

June 26 Geoff McBride and Scott Baker

July 3 The Rewind House Band

July 4 Fireworks & Festivities

July 10 Keil Nathan Smith Band

July 17 Summer Brooke and Mountain Faith

July 24 Darren & the Buttered Toast

July 31 Tuxedo Junction

Aug 7 Dashboard Blue

Aug 14 Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express

Aug 21 The Get Right Band

Aug 28 Arnold Hill Band

Sept 4 Daddy Rabbit

Sequoyah gave his people an enduring gift: a writing system so the “Cherokee Nation would live forever.” Experience the Cherokee through our brand new exhibits, videos, and gift shop. Hike our Shoreline Trail and visit the Cherokee Memorial mound, Blacksmith shop, and Dog Trot Cabin. We are Tennessee’s only tribally-owned museum.

Statehood Day, May 31, 2020, 12:30-5

Sequoyah Remembrance Day August 2, 2020, 12:30-5

29th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival

Sept. 12 & 13, 2020, 10-5 576 HWY 360 Vonore, TN 37885

Please check the website and Facebook for more events

Open Mon.–Sat. 9am–5pm & Sun. 12-5pm. Adults are $5 12 and under are free. Military, Senior & Group Discounts available

423-884-6246 • www.sequoyahmuseum.org

The Great Race will be making a lunch stop in Galax, VA on Saturday, June 27th 2020. Cars will begin arriving at 11:00 am, and will continue to arrive for the next couple of hours. As the drivers take a much needed break, their vintage vehicles will be on display for visitors to enjoy. There will also be live music, band TBD. More information at www.VisitGalax.com

Following are the scheduled dates for the 11th annual Concerts on the Creek in 2020:

Located atop the magnificent Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern Virginia, Floyd is a haven of natural beauty renowned for our hospitality and for a vibrant culture of music, arts, local foods and spirits, and outdoor recreation. With near 40 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Spring is a wonderful time to visit.

SAMPLING OF MAJOR EVENTS:

Saturday & Sunday, May 2 & 3 16Hands Spring Studio Art Tour 16hands.com

Saturday, May 15 & 16 Floyd Quilt Show floydquiltguild.com/quilt-show

Saturday, May 16

Tour De Floyd – Cycling Event Tourdefloyd.org

Saturday & Sunday

June 13 & 14

Floyd Artisan Trail Tour floydartisantrail.org

Saturday, June 13

Annual Gospel Jubilee chantillyfarm.com

WEEKLY:

Music is happening in season every Thursday through Sunday

Small Town Summers concerts series – free every other Thursday in downtown Floyd

Floyd Country Store, Friday Night Jamboree, Saturday afternoon American Afternoon music 12-3pm, Sunday afternoon music Jams, Oldtime and Bluegrass. Watch for special Saturday night concerts and dances

Wildwood Farm General Store has free bluegrass music every Saturday night, music Jams every 1st & 3rd Sunday afternoon

Dogtown Roadhouse features music Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings

Buffalo Mountain Brewery –hosts free music most nights Thursday through Saturday.

Spring is a perfect time to check out Floyd’s Floyd County Bike Guide /Map in print and on-line - Available at the Floyd Visitor Center and on VisitFloydVA.com.

For more info, go to VisitFloydVA.com or call Visitor Center at 540-745-4407

Cycle Floyd

MABRY MILL

5 Must See Main Streets in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Travelers today see the daily patterns of life and the settled landscape here on the high plateau at places like Mabry Mill. Cultural history demonstrations are offered in summer and early fall at the nearby blacksmith shop and Matthews cabin. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 176 www.mabrymillrestaurant. com or (276) 952-2947.

Town of Buchanan

Discover a place where Main Street meets the mountains with more than two hundred years of history. Enjoy antiquing, paddling down the scenic James River with Twin River Outfitters or peddle the

The Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has five charming main streets, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the perfect blend of adventure for any type of adventurer! Enjoy these small towns during your metro mountain adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge: 1 2 3

U.S. Bicentennial Bicycle Route all while immersed in natural beauty.

Historic Grandin Village

Catch a movie at The Grandin, an iconic 1930s art deco theatre, then head over to Black Dog Salvage, home of the hit TV show Salvage Dawgs, for a souvenir. Top off the day with a sweet treat at Pop’s Ice Cream & Soda Bar.

Main Street in Salem

REASONS TO PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE

Uncover charm and tradition along a visit to Salem. Begin at the Salem Museum, housed within the historic walls of the 1845 Williams-Brown House, to celebrate the history of Salem. Head to Lake Spring Park to feed the ducks and be sure to stop for fresh, local produce at the Salem Farmers Market along the way.

4 5

Downtown Roanoke

Walk through the bustling center of Roanoke to many popular attractions, museums and restaurants. Find a vibrant variety of historic buildings, art, and architecture on every corner. Don’t miss the historic City Market Square!

Town of Rocky Mount

Soak up the heritage of the “wettest county in the world” in Franklin County. Begin your exploration with a sip of moonshine at Twin Creeks Distillery, sample the Crooked Road with a live show at The Harvester Performance Center and then rest at Early Inn at The Grove.

Plan your metro mountain adventure at VisitVBR.com.

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

On July 9-12, 2020, the nation’s premier Highland Games and gathering of Scottish clans returns to this awe-inspiring site of MacRae Meadows. 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

FALL in love with Alleghany County, NC A

lleghany County is rich in

Allegany County, North Carolina, is in the Heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers something for every age, for every season. If you are looking for mild summer days or if you dream of being surrounded by the endless colors of Autumn, Alleghany is the place to be.

natural beauty with the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking trails, the New River and serene unspoiled landscapes as far as the eye can see. Enjoy peaceful drives freckled with local farms, picket fences, and lush stretches of forests. Take a deep breath and take in the simplicity of rural living.

You can see bits of history and hear its stories as you canoe, tube or fish on the New River, as you walk the counties winding trails or down its town sidewalks. You will be greeted with a smile, a warm hello and maybe even a

tip of a hat. Enjoy everything from nearby state parks, to the local down-home fun of the demolition derby or annual mudsling.

With a profound sense of pride, Alleghany shares its heritage through art, music, festivals and events. Hear the sound of local and regional music as it fills the air, test your endurance and skills with outdoor cycling and relay events, attend festivals that honor their farmers, artists, and crafters, and embrace the opportunity to get wrapped up in storytelling, theater and writing.

Alleghany also has a wide variety of restaurants offering a range of cultures and flavors. From home cooking to upscale cuisine, there is something for every palate. Complementing the culinary selections, is a local winery and brewery.

Stop by the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at 58 South Main Street, Sparta, NC or visit

www.alleghanychamber.

org where you can access the community calendar.

By Randy Johnson

With its prominent profile recognizable for miles around and featuring vistas among the most beloved in the Appalachians, North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain is many things to many people: an easily recognized landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a popular tourist destination, a site of annual Highland Games, and an internationally recognized nature preserve. In this definitive book on Grandfather, Randy Johnson guides readers on a journey through the mountain’s history, from its geological beginnings millennia ago and the early days of exploration to its role in regional development and eventual establishment as a North Carolina state park. Along the way, he shows how Grandfather has changed, and has been changed by, the people of western North Carolina and beyond. www.uncpress.org

There are also less strenuous trails for the uninitiated. And lots of shops and galleries for people who like to walk around indoors. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com

photo credit: Studio Roxie, Sparta, NC.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

Statehood Day CELEBRATION

at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

On June 1, 1796, Congress approved the admission of Tennessee as the sixteenth state of the Union. Join in the Statehood Day celebration activities at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum May 31, 2020 12:30 to 5 pm

The 1809 Blacksmith shop will be open with demonstrations going on throughout the afternoon. Come out and share the afternoon with living history in the 1800’s dog-trot log cabin. Learn about Cherokees in the Civil War, corn husk doll making and other activities.

The Museum will be also be celebrating Sequoyah Remembrance Day, August 2, 2020 between 12:30pm – 4:00pm, Sequoyah’s contribution to the Cherokee people by creating a writing system, the Cherokee Syllabary. The 1809 Cherokee Blacksmith shop will be up and running with demonstrations all through the afternoon. Local

demonstrators will also be set up demonstrating pine needle baskets and Gary Holt will be talking about the Cherokees in the Civil War in the 1800’s dog-trot log cabin.

All Statehood Day and Se quoyah Remembrance Day activities

promote the understanding and appreciation of the history of the Cherokee people. The Museum, located on the shores of beautiful Tellico Lake, was built in 1986. It was recently renovated and a new exhibit installed in 2018.

The museum is located less than an hour south of Knoxville or west of Townsend at 576 Highway 360 in Vonore, TN.

Museum Hours are Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5:00 p.m.

For more information: Call (423) 884-6246 or www.sequoyahmuseum.org

Historic Grovewood Village to Host Open Studio Art Tours

Every Third Saturday During May – October from 11am - 4pm

What’s the 310 District?

The 310 District in Marion, NC continues to grow and is a popular 3/10 mile retail community surrounding the downtown area. The Spillway Bridge & Co. is a music hall hosting weekly jams, and ticketed events. Keeper’s Cut Meadery is one of a handful of North Carolina meaderies. The vintners raise their own bees using this honey to craft unique flavors blending fruits, peppers, and other ingredients to create an exclusive product with universal appeal.

Recently, Marion welcomed the Feisty Goldfish, a retro-arcade bar. This family-friendly environment features the games of the 80s and 90s with pinball, Mario Cart, Pac Man, and others. Remember Foosball? They have it along with Air Hockey, dart boards, Jenga towers, a large, floor sized chessboard and more.

Every third Saturday of the month during May through October, Grovewood Village in Asheville will host their Open Studio Art Tour. During this event, participating artists will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided and will take place from 11am - 4pm on all dates.

Grovewood Village is home to 8 working artist studios, occupied by 11 local makers. These workspaces were originally built to house the

weaving operations of Biltmore Industries, an Arts and Crafts enterprise that played a significant role in the Appalachian Craft Revival during the early 20th century. At the height of its success in the late 1920s, Biltmore Industries had a total of 40 looms in steady operation producing bolts of some of the finest handwoven wool fabric in the country. Orders were shipped as far as China and Uruguay, and customers included the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Helen Keller, and several U.S. presidents and first ladies. Today, the resident artists at

Grovewood Village – inspired by an earlier craft force – create jewelry, pottery, sculpture and more, in the same workshops where the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun was once made.

Grovewood Village is located adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. The 11-acre property - listed on the National Register of Historic Places - is also home to Grovewood Gallery, the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, Golden Fleece restaurant, and Asheville’s only antique car museum. Free parking is available on site.

Marion hosts a large number of special, year-round, downtown events. Visit online, check the event calendar, and include downtown Marion, NC in your Blue Ridge vacation plans. www.blueridgetravelers.com