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Blue Ridge Parkway Turns 75
Fox News ^ | 06/03/2010 | Unknown

Posted on 06/05/2010 7:07:23 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan

FLOYD, Va. - The construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began as a project to put people back to work during the Depression.

But 75 years later, the winding roadway has evolved into one of the United States' most-visited national park sites, drawing about 17 million people annually and bringing about $2 billion to surrounding areas.

This year the National Park Service is celebrating the parkway's 75th anniversary with a variety of events, including a weekend festival in September. That makes this summer and fall a good time to enjoy hiking and camping, local arts, and small-town life along "America's Favorite Drive."

(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...


TOPICS: Outdoors; Travel
KEYWORDS: blueridge; nationalparks; virginia
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I drove on it many times, one of my favorite roads.
1 posted on 06/05/2010 7:07:24 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: Frenchtown Dan

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY 75TH CELEBRATION: http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org . Events include anniversary festival Sept. 10-12.

Sounds like fun.


2 posted on 06/05/2010 7:17:33 AM PDT by mac_truck ( Aide toi et dieu t aidera)
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To: mac_truck

I have a date with the Blue Ridge Parkway with the new motorcycle.


3 posted on 06/05/2010 7:19:18 AM PDT by Riley (The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column.)
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To: mac_truck

Sure does.

And a great time of year for it too. I’m seriously thinking of going for a couple of days. Not an expensive trip for me, and it’s been a long time since the family has been there. Plus I love Bluegrass, and some of the best in the country is there.


4 posted on 06/05/2010 7:25:57 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: Frenchtown Dan

Me too.

When I was a kid, Dad would pull over next to a natural spring that came out of a rock wall, and we’d fill up a couple of jugs to take back home. Well, some made it all the way back home.

Man, was that good tasting water.

Later, part of the Virginia BRP was my favorite drive to take girlfriends on.

OK, I only did that a couple of times.

Well, I can remember one time I did that.

Man, you don’t give up till you drag the truth out of a guy. How annoying.

;-)


5 posted on 06/05/2010 7:30:55 AM PDT by savedbygrace (Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord)
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To: Riley

In 1974, my wife and I drove from Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennesee on the Skyline Drive with our 1970 olds 442 convertible. After that I always wanted to drive a motor cycle on it. It’s as if it was made for convertibles and bikes.


6 posted on 06/05/2010 7:30:57 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: Frenchtown Dan

I had a brief experience with that part of the country on my drive to South Carolina, and two weeks later, Eagle Rock, VA. Some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen, and would love to go back for some hiking/sight seeing.


7 posted on 06/05/2010 7:33:24 AM PDT by rintense (God bless Israel!)
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To: Frenchtown Dan

Fall colors are supposed to be fantastic along the Blue Ridge parkway. Any guesses as to when it’s peak time there?


8 posted on 06/05/2010 7:34:37 AM PDT by mac_truck ( Aide toi et dieu t aidera)
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To: Frenchtown Dan

Sounds like a good ride. I’m not too far away- in Woodbridge. I was hoping to find a decent helmet-cam before going, but I can’t find a place that handles things like that around here. Guess I’ll have to order something on line.


9 posted on 06/05/2010 7:37:58 AM PDT by Riley (The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column.)
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To: Frenchtown Dan

One of my favorite roads!

I only live about 10 minutes from it, and never get tired of seeing it, especially during certain times of the year.


10 posted on 06/05/2010 7:39:51 AM PDT by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist" - I Hate Mexico)
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To: Riley

We must have been unlucky,the last time we had the Gold Wing on the Parkway there were herds of deer running out in front of us.The wife was more scared than when we rode across the Macinaw Bridge

It is one of the great rides tho


11 posted on 06/05/2010 7:42:22 AM PDT by Harold Shea (RVN `70 - `71)
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To: mac_truck
"Any guesses as to when it’s peak time there?"

It seems to vary a little. Usually around the 2nd week of October, driving from Southern VA - Northward. Can't speak for other areas.

12 posted on 06/05/2010 7:43:14 AM PDT by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist" - I Hate Mexico)
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To: Frenchtown Dan

One of my favorite spots in the country.


13 posted on 06/05/2010 7:44:31 AM PDT by mainepatsfan
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To: mac_truck

Probably mid to late October.


14 posted on 06/05/2010 7:45:46 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: Frenchtown Dan
start at the Shenandoah Valley, down the Blue Ridge, then across the Great Smokey Mountains is one of the best rides in America...
15 posted on 06/05/2010 7:46:24 AM PDT by Chode (American Hedonist *DTOM* -ww- NO Pity for the LAZY)
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To: Riley

Woodbridge N.J.?

I’m originally from Edison.


16 posted on 06/05/2010 7:47:49 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: KoRn

Man, do I envy you!


17 posted on 06/05/2010 7:49:11 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: Harold Shea

In the Smokies you need to watch out for Black Bear. Some of the largest in the country. Hitting one of those would probably be like hitting a brick wall, and piss it off pretty good too.


18 posted on 06/05/2010 7:53:03 AM PDT by Frenchtown Dan
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To: Frenchtown Dan; All

I may post some pics later.... If I can find the things.

They are ‘buried’ on an old machine with nondescript file names. lol


19 posted on 06/05/2010 8:03:18 AM PDT by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist" - I Hate Mexico)
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To: Frenchtown Dan

Nope- Woodbridge, VA. At the southern edge of the DC Metro area.


20 posted on 06/05/2010 8:26:41 AM PDT by Riley (The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column.)
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