Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

Day 1: Exploring Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Start your day with a delicious southern breakfast at Biscuit Head in Asheville, known for its huge biscuits and tasty gravies.
Biscuit Head is located in downtown Asheville, a short drive from most accommodations.
$10, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Biltmore Estate

Visit the iconic Biltmore Estate, America's largest home, with its stunning architecture, gardens, and winery.
Biltmore Estate is a 15-minute drive from downtown Asheville.
$65, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Tupelo Honey

Enjoy a farm-to-table Southern meal at Tupelo Honey, known for its creative dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
Tupelo Honey is located in downtown Asheville, a short drive from Biltmore Estate.
$20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Drive to Blue Ridge Parkway

Hit the road and drive towards Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic route that winds through the Appalachian Mountains.
Take I-240 E from Asheville to reach Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes.
Gas cost, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Check-in at Lodge

Arrive at a cozy lodge along Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain views.
Various lodges and cabins are available for accommodation along Blue Ridge Parkway.
$150, N/A

8:00 PM

Dinner and Stargazing

Have a hearty dinner at the lodge's restaurant and then step outside for some stargazing in the clear mountain skies.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge's restaurant. Stargazing can be done right outside the lodge.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Blue Ridge Parkway Drive

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

9:00 AM

Scenic Drive

Embark on a leisurely drive along Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at various overlooks for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
Continue on Blue Ridge Parkway, taking your time to enjoy the scenic beauty. Drive at your own pace.
Gas cost, Full day

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch

Stop at a picturesque overlook or picnic area to enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature's beauty.
Find a suitable spot along the parkway to stop and have a picnic. Bring your own lunch or purchase supplies beforehand.
$15, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Arrive in Boone, NC

Reach the charming town of Boone, known for its outdoor activities and cozy mountain vibe.
Exit Blue Ridge Parkway and drive towards Boone, approximately a 2-hour drive.
Gas cost, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Proper

Dine at Proper, a local favorite in Boone offering farm-to-table cuisine with a creative twist.
Proper is located in downtown Boone, a short drive from most accommodations.
$25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

9:00 AM

Visit Blowing Rock

Explore the charming town of Blowing Rock, known for its namesake rock formation with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Blowing Rock is a 15-minute drive from Boone.
Entry fee, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Best Cellar

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Best Cellar, a cozy restaurant offering gourmet sandwiches and salads.
The Best Cellar is located in downtown Blowing Rock.
$20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Walk or bike along the picturesque trails of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a short drive from Blowing Rock.
Park fee, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Drive to Linville Falls

Head towards Linville Falls, a stunning waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a nature walk and scenic views.
Linville Falls is approximately a 1-hour drive from Blowing Rock.
Gas cost, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Over Yonder

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at Over Yonder, known for its creative Appalachian cuisine.
Over Yonder is located near Linville Falls, offering a unique dining setting.
$30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature and History

Linville Falls, North Carolina

9:00 AM

Hike at Linville Falls

Embark on a hike at Linville Falls, exploring the various trails and viewpoints of this beautiful waterfall.
Start at the Linville Falls Visitor Center for trail maps and information.
Park fee, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Louise's Rock House

Dine at Louise's Rock House, a local eatery known for its homestyle cooking and friendly atmosphere.
Louise's Rock House is a short drive from Linville Falls.
$15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Linville Caverns

Explore the underground wonders of Linville Caverns, North Carolina's only show caverns open to the public.
Linville Caverns are located near Linville Falls.
$20, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Drive to Grandfather Mountain

Head to Grandfather Mountain for stunning views, a mile-high swinging bridge, and wildlife habitats.
Grandfather Mountain is a short drive from Linville Falls.
Entry fee, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Pedalin' Pig

Enjoy a BBQ feast at The Pedalin' Pig, a popular spot for delicious smoked meats and Southern sides.
The Pedalin' Pig is located near Grandfather Mountain.
$25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

9:00 AM

Drive to Shenandoah National Park

Embark on the final leg of the road trip, driving towards Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for more scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Take I-81 N from Linville Falls to reach Shenandoah National Park, approximately a 3-hour drive.
Gas cost, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Skyland Dining Room

Enjoy a meal with a view at Skyland Dining Room, located within Shenandoah National Park and offering panoramic vistas.
Skyland Dining Room is within the park and easily accessible by car.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Hike Old Rag Mountain

Challenge yourself with a hike up Old Rag Mountain, known for its rocky scramble and rewarding summit views.
Old Rag Mountain trailhead is a short drive from Skyland Dining Room.
Park fee, 4 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Big Meadows Lodge

Dine at Big Meadows Lodge, a rustic restaurant offering hearty mountain fare in a cozy setting.
Big Meadows Lodge is located within Shenandoah National Park, providing a convenient dining option.
$30, 2 hours
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