USA TODAY: Ready for a road trip? The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, through North Carolina, to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, makes for a beautiful drive no matter the season. From scenic overlooks to historic mansions, here are 10 great spots, from north to south, along the Parkway that are worth the drive.
The Natural Bridge: Milepost 61.6
Natural Bridge is a twenty-story, naturally-occurring, solid-rock bridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Descend 137 steps to the Cedar Creek Nature Trail that leads to the bridge. Don’t worry about climbing back up; a shuttle bus runs continuously. General admission costs $20.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 5-12 and includes the bridge and trail, butterfly exhibit, Monacan Village, wax museum, Drama of Creation and the Jefferson Playground. The cavern tour costs extra.
Mabry Mill: Milepost 176.1
Bring your appetite with you to Mabry Mill and enjoy their famous buckwheat pancakes for less than $8. Breakfast is served all day in season — Mabry Mill is open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. May-October. Stop in the gift shop to purchase some buckwheat flour to take home. Then, take a self-guided tour of the mill and blacksmith shop… (more)
SUBJECT: As we recall from younger days, one can take a great hike from four star hotel to four star hotel. That’s our way of ruffing things!
