Although the Parkway has a plethora of visitor information centers, wilderness activities, interpretative programs, wildlife viewing areas, and wonderful scenic views, most Parkway travelers will eventually decide to meander into the local communities surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway. These communities offer additional entertainment, culture, dining, lodging, and other activities that will vastly expand a vacationer’s Southern Appalachian experience.
The resources below will provide additional information on these communities.
Milepost 331
25 Highway 70 West, Old Fort, NC 28762
When it comes to fun and outdoor recreation, there are no boundaries in our spectacular region of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These unforgettable footpaths and roadways meander through a vast countryside. Elevations top 4,000 feet above sea level opening up to views of the green valley floors below.
A great night’s sleep is critical to vacation fun! Choose that special place from a diverse selection of cabins, cottages, lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts or motels. Prefer to sleep outdoors? Campgrounds are tucked in the hillsides from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Lake James.
Milepost 384
PO Box 2136, Asheville, NC 28802
The Blue Ridge Parkway Association, founded more than 60 years ago, is the officially designated marketing partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a nonprofit organization comprised of businesses and organizations that serve visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Those members work together to offer more than 15 million annual visitors to the Parkway a broad range of family entertainment, recreation, shopping, lodging, dining and support services in communities along the scenic corridor’s 469-mile length.
Milepost 384
195 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803
The mission of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership is to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations, and in so doing to sustain our heritage and stimulate improved economic opportunity in our region.
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are among the oldest mountains on Earth. The landscape is full of superlatives: the highest mountain (Mount Mitchell), deepest gorge (Linville Gorge), and highest waterfall (Whitewater Falls) in the eastern United States; the oldest river in North America (the New River); and the two most visited National Park lands in the country (the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). The region is also blessed with a stunning diversity of plant and animal life; more, in fact, than the whole of Europe.
Resources
Asheville, NC Area Chamber of Commerce
(http://www.ashevillechamber.org/)
(828) 258-6114. A not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to protect and improve the business climate and quality of life in Asheville, NC.
Blue Ridge Mountain Host of North Carolina
(http://www.ncblueridge.com/)
(828) 285-9907. Providing information to enhance a visitor's stay in the Blue Ridge Mountain area, as well as relocation resources. Headquartered in Asheville, NC.
Boone, NC Area Chamber of Commerce
(http://boonechamber.com/)
(828) 264-2225. Dedicated to assisting businesses, visitors, residents, and those seeking relocation to the Boone, NC area.
High Country Host of North Carolina
(http://highcountryhost.com/)
(828) 264-1299. Attracting visitors to the High Country through extensive marketing, as well as its annually published Mountain Vacation Planner. Headquartered in downtown Boone, NC.
Roanoke, VA Regional Chamber of Commerce
(http://www.roanokechamber.org/)
(540) 983-0700. Providing leadership, advocacy, and action that will help the Roanoke Region achieve its potential as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Smoky Mountain Host of North Carolina
(http://www.visitsmokies.org/)
(800) 432-4678. The destination marketing organization for the seven far western counties of North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Virginia is for Lovers
(http://www.virginia.org/)
Informational website to promote travel and tourism to Virginia maintained and developed by the Virginia Tourism Authority.
Visit North Carolina
(http://www.visitnc.com/)
Website developed by the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development to promote activities and adventure in the state of North Carolina.