JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

My wife and I Are thinking of leaving Michigan and taking A tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We need to stay in hotels due to a couple of recent surgeries but would love to have camped. I need help from you guys ..... Where would you stay ( towns and hotel) and where would you stop for sights and great pics We are planning on at least a week and ending up in Knoxville to see grandkids
Thanks for all your help. ( hope I don't get deleted )

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Peaks of Otter maybe?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaks_of_Otter

Been a very long time....

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Since you're coming down from Michigan and going to end up in Knoxville, I would highly suggest to you that you make one of your hotel stops in Asheville, NC, mainly because it's right beside Hwy 40 West, the fastest interstate to Knoxville. Besides, all the good best views on the Parkway are on the northern end of the NC portion of the Blue Ridge, but I would recommend you get on the Parkway up in Virginia, then continue on down into NC. Stop at a visitor's center and pick up a guide .... it talks about all the overlooks and the items of interest near the Parkway. Bring your camera for sure.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

If you get to Asheville, and have the pockets for it, the Omni Grove is worth a visit. Also, some time to visit Biltmore is a worthwhile diversion. It's a nice photogenic property on 4 acres. The grounds are a lot more extensive!

StrangerHart Loc: Whitetop, VA

Can't speak to the north end of the trip, but once you get into Carrol County you have lots of options. You've just missed the huge Hillsville flea market that happens over Labor Day, but lodging is available there or Galax via Hwy 58. Also a bit farther on in Sparta, NC or Independence, VA both via Hwy 21. Both small towns. Maybe consider a side trip to Whitetop(2nd highest peak in VA) and accessible by road, and Mt. Rogers(highest peak in VA) that's a 4.5 mile hike in from either Elk Garden on Hwy 600, or the Massie Gap at Grayson Highlands State Park. Their fall festival is coming up right away. If the weather is good, the music(bluegrass) and atomsphere is usually really good. Just bring chairs, jackets, hats and an appetite.
Only a few miles south you can check out West Jefferson, NC via Hwy 88 or Hwy 16, & 163. Geared heavily toward tourist. Can count on really good biscuits and gravy at either Shatley Springs or Hillbilly Grill. From there lots of opportunites in the Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain region. And of course the Biltmore House in Asheville if you appreciate excessive.
Be safe!

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

I do not have recommendations for specific hotels, but I would say to be sure to make your reservations in advance. We learned that the hard way. The local news stations keep running reports that this fall is to be an exceptional color event with all the fall colors.
This link should be able to provide some information for you. Have a great trip!

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/index.php

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

At the very North end we stayed in front royale, it was a nice town, at least it was when we were there and would be a good rest stop before you head down the highway, inside the park the speed limit was 20 mph but with all the deer it probably was a good speed. Have a great trip

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

We are planning on at least a week and ending up in Knoxville to see grandkids
Thanks for all your help. ( hope I don't get deleted )[/quote]

I am fortunate to be close enough to visit whenever I want, which is getting closer. The second week in October is usually the best for foilage. The best information I get comes from Blue Ridge Parkway site from the National Park Service. Try this:

http://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/blue-ridge-parkway?gclid=CjwKEAjwyemvBRDFpN3E5_bs9BQSJAA5n8L2ug0xBmmpfyAMcj-iKFGxP4HeAuXjIdTg5LQa2Ic-pRoCpUrw_wcB

Great place to visit.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

When my wife and I visited the Smokies, we usually stayed in Boone. Whole lot of hotels and eateries. It is a college town but it is convenient to the Blue Ridge Hwy and it is nice to have a mixture of places to stop and eat at. We stayed at the holiday inn.

Just my $.02, Greg

Add Loc: S.W.Florida

On the Parkway,plan to stop and photo Mabry Mill. It is shown on most maps.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

I plan on this trip one day, and found this website which may be useful to you. Good luck, enjoy the trip and post some pictures. Gary http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Blue Ridge Parkway Directory
Attached file:
(Download)

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I can't tell you where it is, but the Park at one time, maybe still do, maintain a motel about one day's drive south of the northern start of the parkway. I just drove up and ask for a room and got one. There was also a restaurant.

The sky was marvelous - spent about an hour taking images.

micyclebicycle

There are three inns spaced about a leisurely day's drive apart, right on the Parkway. They are all in very idyllic (read photogenic) locations. Pisgah Inn, Peaks of Otter, and Daughton Bluffs. The parkway is a real national treasure. have a great trip.

Billbobboy42 Loc: Center of Delmarva

If I remember correctly, the northern end of the parkway begins at Front Royal. Also, I remember starting there and taking most of the day to reach the southern Virginia state line, and no stopping for photos. However, there are several park entrances along the route should you wish to start farther south.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

This site might be helpful...... http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=73