Then just drive around and camp in the mountains for a couple of days. See some beautiful terrain, take it easy, NOT be in Dallas for a few days. Just be tourists and all that stuff.
Now, I know there are some of my FReeps that will steer me on the proper path, feel free to chime in about what you know of the Parkway and anything fun you know about around that route.
After that the itinerary gets cloudy. I want to continue NE into the Shenandoah and see that. The Boss has her eyes set on some stupid beach in the panhandle of Forida. Me, meh, I've been to Florida a bunch of times and the only thing still on my bucket-list is Pad 39 over on the Cape. That happens next January thanx to a gig my company is setting up in Orlando (blech).
As always - advice, commentary and insults are welcomed :)
It’s been quite a few years but my recollection is that it is one of the most outstanding drives - especially in the fall.
Don’t miss Linville falls........ http://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/linville-falls/
Don’t forget you copy of the book “Missing 411” by David Paulides, the one that covers the Eastern US.
Lots of people go missing on that trail
2. Lexington, VA
Don’t miss the Biltmore Estate. It’s the largest private residence ever built in the U.S. It’s like a bit of Renaissance France in NC. They also make some pretty good wines.
Mount Mitchell is pretty cool, pun intended. It’s about 6600 feet above sea level and it has a climate similar to southern Canada.
My wife’s family lives about 15 miles from the BRP in North Carolina, near Linville Falls which has been mentioned. I go there often. The tree’s should be beautiful then and it will be a great trip. However I recommend ,if you have not already done so,making reservations NOW. There will most likely be many tourists that time of year.
One place I enjoy is the Pisgah Inn near Brevard, N.C.. It is right on the parkway and has a great restaurant as well as nice accommodations. Enjoy yourself in those beautiful Southern Appalachians!!
Definitely do Waffle House for breakfast. Get eggs over hard with bacon and hash browns scattered, smothered and covered.
The Blue Ridge mountains and Shenandoah valley are fantastic. Take Skyline Drive and back roads when you can and explore. Luray Caverns, Natural Bridge and Mt. Vernon (if you are in DC area) are all worth looks.
If you make it up to southwest Virginia; Grayson Highlands park is a MUST! One of the nicest state parks anywhere...
Make sure the brakes on your car are in good condition, seriously. The long downhill stretches on the Parkway really put a strain on your brakes.
Feel free to skip Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg which are nearby, both tourist traps.
As far as Fla panhandle beaches, Mexico Beach is relatively undeveloped and the beaches are beautiful. Panama City and Destin have great beaches but the hundreds of high rise condos are just depressing.
Two places I love one is on the BRP http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/skinny_dip1.htm
the other is Cataloochee (not the ski resort) you have to get off the BRp at (Soco Gap) http://maggievalley.org/explore/blue-ridge-parkway/ 19/23 Maggie Valley NC http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cataloochee.htm
BRP Map http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/plan-your-visit.htm
Some nice waterfalls.
NC
http://pisgahnationalforest.info/pisgah-forest-waterfalls.html
FL
gulf beach
http://www.visitgulf.com/cape-san-blas
Ditto what everyone else says about Pisgah Inn. Arrange a night’s stay there if you can manage. Otherwise, plan on being there for a meal. The views from the picture windows in the restaurant are world class.
Linville falls are a must see. Bit of a hike to the best views, but worth it.
If you have time, you might stop by Laurel Falls in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Very picturesque.
We enjoyed the Moses Cone Memorial Park and mansion near Blowing Rock. Grandfather Mountain is kind of a tourist trap thing, but the bridge and museum are worth it.
You are in for a treat. By all means, include Skyline Drive. The historic value is priceless. The views are breathtaking! A couple of days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be great! Since the end-point of the Skyline Drive is near DC, some time there is worthwhile (Iwo Jima Memorial, Viet Nam Memorial, WWII Memorial, Holocaust Museum, Arlington National Cemetery [especially changing the Guard], Smithsonian Museums). Get a room in Manassas, VA, (nice Battlefield tour nearby) and get transport into DC. Enjoy!
Graveyard fields and shining rock wilderness hiking. Have camped at Pisgah campground outside of the Pisgah Inn several times. Good microbrews in Brevard and Asheville area.
Breakfast at Mabry Mill right on the Parkway just above the NC state line in VA, spend a little time there, wander the site. Authentic old grist mill, one of the most photographed sites of the BRP.
Grandfather Mtn may be on the touristy side but it’s worth the trip at least once, for the view if nothing else, it’s on up there compared to surrounding terrain, very rocky.
The Linn Cove Viaduct is nearby and is something of an engineering marvel in a very scenic spot.
Take your time, pull off for whatever strikes your fancy.
Stop at the Peaks of Otter. If you time your visit to occur on Sunday, they have a great buffet. Also, there are trails aplenty to walk off all the food. There’s a campground there, plus a lodge (motel) with beautiful views of the lake.
Also, check out Mabry Mill. You can get some freshly ground cornmeal and other goodies. It’s a lovely site for photographs, too.
Peaks of Otter:
http://www.smith-mountain-lake-visitor-center.com/peaks_of_otter.htm
Mabry Mill:
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=578
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zenbikergirl/4044352450/
From the west hit 321 to foothills pky in Blount County, TN.
From there take 129 into NC. That is “The Dragon”.
You can branch out and go southeast around Gorges St Pk and up through Brevard. Spend a few days on this trip. US441 over the park from Gatlinburg to Cherokee is also a beautiful trip.
WT Chuck, I grew up in and around the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. It is the most beautiful place in the Fall and always calls my heart back to visit. All the places different people have mentioned are wonderful places to visit. There are camp grounds marked along your journey and normally can be plugged in to any GPS to find. Cracker Barrel is not as bad as someone suggested so if you have never been... go and enjoy! Fresh apple jelly or apple butter can be found all along the way once you hit Virginia Apple Country. Take some home with you and enjoy during the winter here in Texas. My caution to you in the mountains on Skyline Drive be cautious. I was there this time a few years ago and ran in to three black bears. Just know where you are and leave no food out or available and you should not have much to worry about. There is a restaurant at the top of Skyline Drive that is pretty good as well as a gift shop that sells hand made pottery and other items to enjoy. I pray you have a safe and enjoyable journey. Soak in as much Fall coolness and colors you can absorb and make thousands of memories which will remain in your head and heart and will call you back the rest of your life! Safe Journey, Good Luck, and God Bless.