Archive for the ‘75th anniversary’ Category

Top 10 Stops along the BRP near Asheville

Saturday, May 1st, 2010
For the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary, the RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide has selected the "Top 10 Places to See Along the Parkway" in the Asheville area.

Beginning north and traveling south, here is their list:

1) Grandfather Mountain: Drive to the top and enjoy beautiful vistas from a rocky summit and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, plus see impressive environmental habitats. Milepost 305

2) Linn Cove Viaduct: This 1243-foot concrete segmental bridge snakes around the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. After driving across, stop at the Visitor Center to read about the construction and hike underneath it. Milepost 304

3) Linville Falls: See five viewpoints of the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina via two trails that begin at the Visitors' Center. Milepost 316

4) Mt. Mitchell: Drive to the summit of the highest point east of the Rockies, and take a short paved trail to the observation deck for panoramic mountain views. Milepost 355

5) Craggy Gardens: Park at the visitor center here for great views to the east and to the west. Enjoy the crisp air, summer rhododendron, and easy to moderate hiking trails. Milepost 364

6) Folk Art Center: Discover the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians with a wonderful craft shop and exhibitions in three galleries. Milepost 382

7) Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center: Learn about the entire 469 miles and 75-year history of the Parkway with high-tech interactive exhibits that includes a 22-foot interactive I-Wall map. Milepost 384

8) North Carolina Arboretum: Stroll through a variety of gardens, on peaceful hiking trails, or ride Segways. And don't miss the wonderful bonsai exhibit. Milepost 393

9) Pisgah Inn: Stop for lunch and enjoy the views from 5,000 feet at the only restaurant on this section of the Parkway. Milepost 408

10) Graveyard Fields: This very popular hiking spot features two waterfalls in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. Milepost 419

For more information on many of the hiking opportunities along the Blue Ridge Parkway, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in 75th anniversary, Asheville, Top 10 Stops, blue ridge parkway | Comments Off

Go Green on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
To help celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary, the state of Virginia is launching the "Go Green on the Blue Ridge Parkway" sweepstakes.

People can enter to win a seven-day, six-night vacation for four. Complete with airfare, a hybrid car rental and over night stays at the Wintergreen Resort, the Hotel Roanoke, Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Shadow Mountain Escape. The prize list includes a variety of entertainment options along the way as well.

The “Go Green” Sweepstakes runs through November 1.

Anyone 21 and older can apply. For complete details and contest rules please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Rental Cabins Cabin and chalet listings in the Smokies.

Posted in 75th anniversary, Go Green on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sweepstakes, blue ridge parkway | Comments Off

The Passing of the Torch: Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary

Sunday, November 8th, 2009
Next weekend the Blue Ridge Parkway will kick off its 75th anniversary celebrations with several historical and symbolic events. The official anniversary, however, is actually next year.

The highlight of the weekend will be the Ceremonial Torch Passing on Friday, Nov. 13, on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Cherokee. A torch will be passed from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, to the Parkway. Both park superintendents and Eastern Band of the Cherokees’ tribal leaders will deliver remarks. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m.

Other events this weekend include:

* A program called “Natural Resource Stewardship – An American Indian Legacy and Model for Our Future” will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Cherokee High School. Talks will be given by Gerard Baker, superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial who was featured in Ken Burns recent national parks documentary, along with former and present superintendents of the Parkway, Dan Brown and Phil Francis.

* Guided history tours in partnership with the Museum of the Cherokee Indian will be given by Cherokee storytellers at noon on Friday, Nov. 13, with several stops along the southern portion of the Parkway. Cost is $20 per person and includes a boxed lunch. 828.497.3481.

* Parkway History Day will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Folk Art Center on the Parkway outside Asheville.

* A benefit concert featuring Nanci Griffith will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in Asheville. There will be a performance of the one-time-only collaboration of The Blue Ridge Bluegrass All-Stars showing their support for the Parkway, including renowned musicians: Doyle Lawson, Sammy Shelor, Bryan Sutton, Tim Surrett, and Jim Van Cleve. The Cherokee Warriors of AniKituhwa will also perform, and the entire evening will be hosted by Asheville’s own Grammy award-winning musician David Holt.

You can find more information on each of these event at the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary website.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Posted in 75th anniversary, Asheville, Ceremonial Torch Passing, Cherokee Indians, Gerard Baker, Nanci Griffith, blue ridge parkway, concert | Comments Off