BEAUTY ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

photos from http://www.highcountryhost.com

“America’s Favorite Drive” is about to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Our community, The Cove at Celo Mountain, is located in the Pisgah National Forest, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and outside of Asheville. We are talking spectacular scenery. Of course, each season has its own beauty. The winter drop of foliage allows for long-range vistas from the overlooks and along the trails; in spring the wild dogwood, rhododendron, and mountain laurel paint the mountains in a vernal palette of color that is simply breathtaking. Summer brings the sports enthusiasts out in force from hikers, bikers, mountain climbers, rafters, kayakers, fly-fishermen, and horseback riders to those who prefer the more sedate “sport” of scenic driving. And, of course, there is our celebrated fall foliage.

The Blue Ridge Parkway takes you through charming mountain towns such as Little Switzerland which has the most marvelous used-book store anywhere and several gem mines that kids of all ages will love, affords the chance to hear bluegrass music jams, to clog (North Carolina dance), and pick fresh apples at The Altapass Orchard, view local arts and crafts and enjoy rich Appalachian culture at The Folk Art Center, and see beauty so incredible that it has become the stuff of legends, books, and movies. Swim in an old-fashioned swimming hole at Graveyard Fields, walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge and view black bear in their natural habitat at Grandfather Mountain, shop for stone-ground grits, kerosene lamps and the latest in practical, outdoor clothing at the historic Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, hike to gorgeous Linville Falls, shop for mountain crafts at the Blue Ridge Arts Center, stroll through the exquisite North Carolina Arboretum, and visit the famed Biltmore estate and house. And all of this is just on our part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mostly, just slow down and enjoy one of America’s greatest natural gifts.

For virtual tours of the BRP: http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway_tour/

For acclaimed photos of the BRP by J. Scott Graham : http://www.jscottgraham.com/prints.htm