Tour the High Country

blue ridge parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is “America’s Favorite Drive.” Running for 469 miles that link Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the magnificent mountain vistas seem endless. The speed limit on the Parkway averages 45 mph (a little less in some places). Of particular interest is the Linn Cove Viaduct, which was completed in 1987 after being under construction for 52 years. Built at an elevation of 4,100 feet, the viaduct considered an engineering marvel and was often referred to as the Parkway’s “missing link.” The Parkway closes during adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice and fog.

grandfather mountain

Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge, is the only private park in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. The price of an admission ticket entitles visitors to experience all attractions within the park, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge (5,305 feet elevation); environmental habitats for black bears, river otters, cougars, eagles and bear cubs; the nature museum; more than 12 miles of maintained hiking trails; and an indoor theater featuring nature movies filmed within the environs of Grandfather Mountain. The highest peak at Grandfather Mountain is 5,964 feet. Several events take place at Grandfather. including the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in July. Open daily, weather permitting, except major holidays.

moses cone manor

Located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock is Moses Cone Manor, the former country home of the prosperous textile magnate, conservationist and philanthropist of the Gilded Age, Moses Cone. The estate home, also known as Flat Top Manor, is a 13,000-square-foot mansion with 20 rooms built in 1901. The Manor is now the home of the Parkway Craft Center, one of five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild that feature handmade crafts by regional artists. The 3,500-acre estate features 25 miles of carriage trails for walking, hiking, and horseback riding. Admission is Free. 

tanger shoppes

Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway is an upscale outlet center with more than 30 brand name stores, including Banana Republic Factory Store, J.Crew, Anne Taylor Loft, Chico's, Polo Ralph Lauren, OshKosh, Gap and the Coach Factory Store. PJ's Almost World Famous Cheeseburgers is open daily, and Kilwins serves up its famous homemade fudge, ice cream and confections. 

Tweetie Railroad

Get ready for a Wild West Theme Park Adventure at Tweetsie Railroad. Visit an authentic western town where you'll meet cowboys, cowgirls, and even some outlaws. Enjoy mountain dancing with the famous Tweetsie Cloggers, take in a rowdy 1800's Saloon Show or take a whirl on the country fair rides. Take your turn in the Shooter's Arcade or ride the chairlift to Miner's Mountain. And don't forget the main attraction.... taking a ride on historic steam locomotive No. 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seasonal events include A Day out with Thomas, Bob the Builder, Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show, Riders in the Sky, Ghost Train, and Tweetsie Christmas. Open April through October, plus Thanksgiving-Christmas.

Website. 800.526.5740

Mast General Store

Located in Valle Crucis and Boone. Established in 1883, the Mast General Store is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places. For over 125 years, Mast has been outfitting Appalachians with mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear, and quality outdoor gear. The original store, which still operates a local post office, features such staples as stoneground cornmeal, strapping workboots and real maple syrup. Both locations also feature casual clothing and outdoor wear by Woolrich, Royal Robbins, Columbia, North Face and a variety of other excellent brands. The Candy Barrel, which features a huge variety of “retro” candies, has locations in the Boone and Valle Crucis stores. Open year round.

Website. 828-963-6511