Nature, culture, history, eating and shopping
by Faiza-Ifrah
I will definitely recommend Grandfather Mountain. No words can capture the beauty and splendour of this UN's listed Biosphere Reserve. We spent 1 full day here - from 9 am to 8 pm. I have built many off the path tips on this destination and the reason is that I would like to encourage more VTers and their friends to plan a visit here. My fondest memory has to be a day devoted to shopping in Boone and its many unique picturesque communities - Blowing Rock, Linville, Valle Crucis, etc.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Bluffs View Overlook
by Faiza-Ifrah
Mile Post 243.4
We stopped here to look at the clouds over mountains and valleys and to hike on Bluff Mountain Trail. However, the trail was running precariously over deep ravines and my husband called it off due to "too risky" he said.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Linn Cove Viaduct
by Faiza-Ifrah
Mile Post 304
We stopped here for a short hike. The 1,243 foot-long Linn Cove Viaduct, along with 12 other bridges, ended the winding, 14-mile detour around Grandfather Mountain and marked the official completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
There were beautiful views from over the bridge. Many cyclists were enjoying their rides on the strenuous Parkway.
Best Pizza in Town
by Donna_in_India about Mellow Mushroom
You gotta love their motto: "We're weird and proud of it, slavishly devoted to great food and cold beer, and nothing makes us happier than seeing people look around our restaurants and say 'dang'."
Mellow Mushroom has indoor and outdoor seating and is very popular. It is always crowded but definitely worth a visit!
The menu consists of munchies (appetizers), salads, calzones, hoagies, pizzas, and local brews. They offer a selection of good pizzas including Hawaiian, Mighty Meaty, Mega Veggie, Kosmic Karma, and Build Your Own. My favorites are the Hawaiian and Cheese.
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Pizzas served in 3 sizes. Large pies run about $14.
Skiing, Snowboarding, & Tubing at Hawknest
by Donna_in_India
When winter arrives, this area gets crowded with skiiers. Hawknest is considered the locals' favorite ski place because of its short lift lines and diverse terrain. There are 3 beginner's slopes, 6 intermediate slopes, 2 advanced slopes, and 1 expert slope.
Along with a Terrain Park for Snowboarding, Hawknest has the biggest snow tubing operation in the eastern U.S. The tubing resort has 4 different areas to snow tube with 20 lanes. Lanes range from 400 to 1000 feet long. There are 2 moving carpet lifts to take you back to the top.
NEW!! The new Zipline course has over 2 miles of riding. There are 13 different cables including the SuperZip that is over 2500 feet in length and over 200 feet high. Operates all year round.
Skis, Snowboards, & Clothing for rent.
Group and private ski lessons available.
Check the website for hours, pricing, and specials.
Book accomodations in advance. Many villas, condos, etc. available in addition to hotels.
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The cute brids at entrance of Nature Museum
At 140 millio old rock
Mushrooms that we then saw outside
Canoes headed for New River
