Boutique hotels
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Primland
- Style
- Action-packed estate
- Setting
- Flora, fauna and fairways
Blue Ridge Mountains Overview
Virginia
- Countryside
- Take me home, country roads
- Country life
- Mileposts, Main Streets and mountain laurel
Whether these cloud-poking Appalachian peaks are blanketed in Technicolor wildflowers in the spring or dusted with powdered-sugar white snow in the winter, the panoramas are equally captivating.
John Denver had it right when he crooned that this haze-covered mountain range was almost heaven. If you’re not listening to his greatest hits, find some bluegrass tunes on the radio to soundtrack the drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 469 miles of curves and corners, that snakes through the mountains, connecting tiny towns – such as Mount Airy, the hometown of actor Andy Griffith and the inspiration for his eponymous sitcom’s town of Mayberry – to national parks and forests from North Carolina to Virginia. Depending on the time of year, a drive along its winding way will take you past wildflowers or amber leaves to prime hunting, biking and picnicking spots. The hidden hiking trails, picture-perfect lookouts and historic farmhouses are worth stopping for. Sample some hearty down-home cooking such as grits, barbecued meat and pork chops. Check out the natives on tree-lined trails: bears, wild turkey and whitetail deer. Active amblers in search of a stroll, snap-happy vista-holics or history buffs will adore this peaceful range.
Beautifully Blue Ridge Mountains
Isoprene-releasing trees are responsible for the Blue Ridge Mountain’s azure haze. Cruise along the parkway for some of the best views of this natural phenomenon (www.blueridgeparkway.org).
Local Knowledge
- Taxis
- This ain’t cab-flagging country; all trips will need to be pre-booked. Try Granite City Cabs in Mount Airy (+1 336 786 8800). They’re happy to drive as far as you need.
- Tipping culture
- Follow typical US tipping rules and shell out 15–20 per cent for good service.
- Siesta and fiesta
- Shops and national parks close early in these sleepy mountain towns – at 5pm in some cases – so get started early.
- Packing tips
- Mesh old- and new-school way finding. Bring a paper map and reliable GPS to venture off the beaten path. Also, stow extra memory cards for your camera: you’re sure to get snap-happy.
- Recommended reads
- Study Stonewall Jackson’s Civil War strategies in Stonewall in the Valley by Robert G Tanner. Waterfalls, wildlife and winding roads are documented in Blue Ridge Parkway, Road to Discovery by J Scott Graham and Elizabeth C Hunter. Elizabeth Wiegand shares her secrets to Appalachian cuisine in The New Blue Ridge Cookbook.
- Cuisine
- Calling all carbs: it’s all about batter-dipped, buttery and crispy-fried goodness in most local diners and restaurants. Buckwheat, cornmeal and sweet potato pancakes are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a taste of all three try the Gristmill Sampler at the Mabry Mill Restaurant (mabrymillrestaurant.com), located at this historic settlement of the same name in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, at milepost 176.
- Regional specialities
- Map out a self-guided tour of regional wine, cider and mead along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit Blacksnake Meadery, Foggy Ridge Cider, Villa Appalaccia Winery, AmRhein Wine Cellars and Château Morrisette Winery (www.mountainroadwineexperience.com). Or try them all in one go at the Tasting Room in Floyd, Virginia (+1 540 745 2220; www.thetastingroomva.com).
- Currency
- US Dollar ($).
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (GMT -5)
- Dialling codes
- USA: +1; Virginia: 276; North Carolina: 336; West Virginia: 304.
- Do go/don't go
- For long days filled with hikes and outdoor adventure, head for the mountains between May and late October. Early October to November is prime time for lovers of fall foliage. Seasonal shops and restaurants close at the end of October. National parks begin opening back up in mid-April.
Don't go home without...
… trying pig candy, thick-cut peppered bacon topped with brown sugar caramelised in maple syrup. Order it at pastoral paradise Primland’s 19th Pub.
