Destinations and Details to Consider Before Applying
The Taste of the Blue Ridge, perhaps more than any other caravan, is about the journey even more than the destinations. The destinations will be gorgeous and interesting, but the Blue Ridge Parkway is the main star. This is a beautiful drive with loads of places to pull over, enjoy the view and take a hike. You are strongly encouraged to go at your own pace and stop a lot. The rhododendron and mountain laurel will be in full bloom – the sights and aromas will be awesome.
The entire caravan will be on two lane mountain roads, so be certain your trailer, your tow vehicle and your driver are in peak condition. The stops will be super, but in little mountain towns. The campgrounds along the parkway are beautiful, but small. Several campgrounds are back in only and most sites will not be level. For these reasons, this caravan is not suggested for trailers longer than 30 feet, unless you are very adept at backing your trailer into tight, challenging spots.
This caravan offers loads of opportunity to hike, fish, bike, golf and enjoy the clean air and stunning mountains. If you love being in the outdoors, this one is for you.
The stops:
- Bryson City is listed in Travelocity as one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the country. We would have to agree and hope you will also. There are two main streets loaded with flowers, shops and small restaurants.
- Asheville is our highest stop with loads of farm-to-table restaurants and a beer lovers delight. There are more small breweries per capita here than anywhere else in the country. Asheville is a terrible town to eat in your trailer, there are way too many wonderful places to eat and drink. While much larger than Bryson City, the streets are narrow and all up hill – trust us, we’ve walked them all.
- Linville Falls is not a town at all. It is a tranquil stop to take a breath and enjoy the quiet. Here we will hike, listen to the birds, explore a cavern and just be. There are no noises or lights (no electricity or hookups of any type) to destroy your experience.
- Boone is a quirky college town with more interesting places to eat, drink and shop. Next door is Blowing Rock with its upscale shops, restaurants and spa and beautiful places to hike and ride horses.
- Galax is our first stop in Virginia. Here we listen to some bluegrass music and maybe even dance a bit. There are great places to hike, bike and fish in and around Galax.
- Peaks of Otter is another quiet (no electricity, plumbing or level sites) stop. There are wonderful hikes and fishing spots here. Nearby are interesting places to see – Poplar Forest, Natural Bridge, Lexington, DD Memorial, Appomatomax to name a few.
- Greenwood, nestled between the historic towns on Staunton and Charlottesville is our last stop. Right here is the Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah Valley. They will be calling you.