Archive for the outdoor activities category
April 29th, 2008 by susan j
Biltmore in the spring photo uploaded by
Although Biltmore is open 365 days a year, spring is one of the best times to visit the estate. Encompassing 8,000 acres of lush landscaping and lavish architecture, Biltmore both impress and inspires visitors from all over the world.
From now until May 18, visitors can enjoy the Festival of Flowers, an annual event showcasing hundreds of azaleas in a dazzling array of colors and hues. Plus, enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 am-3:30 pm in the garden. You can also take a self-guided tours of the gardens, which is included with estate admission.
In addition, the Biltmore is offering free admission to Moms on Sunday, May 11 with the purchase of a youth or adult ticket. Starting May 30, the Biltmore will host a new interactive exhibit entitled If These Walls Could Talk. More information is available on the .
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
April 7th, 2008 by jamie a
Flower at the Biltmore Estate Photo uploaded by
It’s time to celebrate the beginning of Spring in North Carolina! I’m sure you’d love to take some pictures of your trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, complete with flowering blossoms.
Thanks to the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, this will let you know what’s flowering and where it’s located along the road. You’ll see everything from Mayapples and Dogwood to Flame Azaleas and White Rhododendrons.
Be sure to keep your eye out for beautiful flora at your favorite attractions as well, like the flower pictured in this post, found at the Biltmore Estate. We’d love to hear which flower you’d like to see during your travels, so let us know in a comment!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
March 6th, 2008 by susan j
Sunset at Shenandoah National Park Photo uploaded by
Visitors to state parks and recreation areas, including those in the Blue Ridge area, will have extra time to enjoy the scenic views thanks to daylight savings time. . That means more time for hiking, picnicking, or just admiring the sunset.
In past years, most state parks closed at 7 pm during those months. The closing time at most state parks in June through September is 9 pm, although some areas and facilities, such as swimming areas and visitor centers, close earlier. State parks open at 8 am. View a .
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
December 17th, 2007 by susan j
Photo by Hugh Morton
Extending across parts of Virginia and North Carolina, the is the most visited place in all of the United States’s National Park System. And it’s no wonder with the area’s scenic vistas and rich heritage. The unspoiled beauty and natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains enchant visitors from all over the world.
To ensure the continued vitality of the local landscape, several organizations are worked tirelessly to preserve Blue Ridge’s rich history and natural beauty. The (BRNHA) was established by Congress in November, 2003 to “protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina.” BRNHA awards matching grants to support projects in the areas of , , , , and/or . It is also developing that will help raise awareness about the region’s culture and encourage more visitors to drive through the Parkway. (more…)
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 23rd, 2007 by judy c
The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall
Photo uploaded by
It’s not too late to see the foliage change and the seasonal flowers bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway this season! According to VirtualBlueRidge.com, “wildflowers still dominate many areas, as Sunflower, Ironweed, Goldenrod, Beebalm, and Joe-Pye Weed light up the roadside especially in the agricultural lands adjacent to the Parkway.”
But catch the color while you can because the strong rain and wind expected later this week will force the leaves to decorate more of the ground than the trees themselves.
For weekly recorded updates about the foliage, dial the Blue Ridge Parkway Information Line at 828-298-0398 ext. 7. Click here for a listing of tree species’ along the Parkway, as well as details about they colors they burst into during fall.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 17th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
On Saturday, October 27, the town of Franklin, North Carolina celebrates Halloween with their 11th annual pumpkin festival featuring pumpkin decorating, hayrides, costume contests, a parade, and a nationally-recognized “pumpkin roll.” While in the area, also check out Rose Creek Mine and the Great Smoky Mountain Fish Camp.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
