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Thanks for your interest the Blue Ridge region, including Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are some sample story ideas:

Waterfalls

Visitors love discovering the waterfalls along the Parkway regions. Here’s a list of  Shenandoah, Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains waterfalls and some a little further away in Transylvania County.

Pet-Friendly Places

A pup is part of the family, too! Check out these pet-friendly venues along the Parkway regions.

Hiking & Biking

Outdoor activity attracts lots of visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park regions. Hiking trails along the Parkway and nearby are popular, as are bicycling the Parkway and nearby areas.

Walking & Driving Tours

Music Trails, Artisan Trails, Food & Beverage Trails, Driving Tours, Walking Tours- information to whet your appetite on all these options and more can be found in this Story from the Road about Tours & Trails.

Arts & Crafts 

The Appalachians are filled with artists and artisans creating everything from pottery to paintings to herbal remedies and theatrical productions. Check out these arts & culture venues for inspiration.

Farms & Agritourism

Farming heritage, farm stays, and farmers markets are important to the region and popular with visitors. This Story From the Road on Farms & Orchards offers information about and links to historical farmsteads, overnight lodging and fresh, local food.

Wineries & Breweries

After all that hiking or leaf-peeping, a glass of wine or beer flight might be just the ticket. Check out these sites favored by wine-lovers and craft beer aficionados along the Parkway regions for some scenery and good sips.

History & Heritage

From Monticello to Smithfield to the Johnson Farm and Mabry Mill, these historical and heritage sites and Points of Interest are just waiting to be toured.

Caves & Caverns

Caverns are usually a cool 55-58 degrees year-round, so they are a perfect destination for discovery on a hot summer or brisk winter day.

Sunrises & Sunsets & Stargazing

Stunning sunrises and sunsets are available at many Parkway overlooks and nearby sites, and may offer dark night skies perfect for stargazing.

Wildflowers

Blooms on the Parkway, especially rhododendrons, definitely attract visitors to the region.

Fall color

Mid-October is usually peak “leaf season” along the Parkway but it’s also peak visitation. A visit in early or late October may yield less color and less traffic. Check out these leaf-peeping tips for a spectacular fall visit to the Parkway.

Winter

Portions of the roadway may be closed, but there’s still lots of winter activities available in the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Need more ideas? Check out our Stories from the Road and sample Itineraries.