a long and winding road

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest, narrowest National Park in the world and is the most visited unit in the United States National Park System.

I love this road! If you have never spent any time on the Blue Ridge Parkway you have definitely missed a great experience. 469 miles on the crest of the Appalachian mountains through North Carolina and Virginia - calling it a scenic drive is an understatement.

It is very peaceful, with mile after mile of natural beauty, rolling along through the high mountain peaks to the valley meadows, the only sign being an occasional National Park Service brown informational sign. It is easy to forget the usual giant billboard signs and fast pace of the interstate traffic while you ride along... that is until you exit the parkway and are suddenly barraged by the outside world once again.

Construction on the parkway began in 1935, the craftsmanship of the CCC is evident in the many stone bridges along the way.

The iconic split rail fences line the roadway, a symbol of an earlier simpler time.

Take a ride back in time, follow the 'Crest of the Blue Ridge' - guaranteed to lower your blood pressure, ease your worries, and generally slow you down. Take time to see the wildflowers or an old home place or even hear some local bluegrass.

Blue Ridge Parkway