|
What is so special about the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Imagine driving 469 miles of Southern Appalachian vistas and never
having to stop. Nearly 500 miles in length with no stops, no signage and
nothing commercial to distract you? It is about time you did!
The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is exactly the half way point on
the BRP in VA. We are only 15 miles to MP 121 entrance/exit to the
Parkway which makes day tripping delightful! As many guests discover,
trying to drive the entire length of this scenic road takes a little
while longer than anticipated. The speed limit on the BRP is maximum 45
mph.
The BRP links two national parks – The S henandoah National Park in
Virginia and The Great Smokey Mountains National Park in North Carolina
and Tennessee.
This amazing road was built during the Great Depression when there was
an overabundance of willing hands, back and biceps to build this road!
It began in Sept 1935 and was built in sections that were later
connected. Like most of the country in that era, the Blue Ridge region
was economically depressed.
Please make sure you do not travel the BRP without this free guidebook
http://www.blueridgeparkwayusa.com/ . We have
complimentary copies for you here at The Claiborne House Bed and
Breakfast. This little book is a gem, chock full of bits of information
to what flora and fauna is found on the BRP in any given season, to what
MP markers to look for historic sites.
One suggested day trip from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast would
be down to Mabry Mill (MP176). This received notoriety as the most
photographed spot on the BRP. You can walk around the mill and feed the
ducks. It is a nice leisurely drive to Mabry Mill from The B&B.
Another day trip would be up the BRP to Peaks of Otter (MP 100). You can
hike the three Peaks of Otter from the Peaks of Otter Lodge – Flat Top
4,001 feet or Harkening Hill 3,375 feet (each 1.5 to 2 mile walk) to the
summit at Sharp Top 3,865 feet for a 360 degree view. Afterwards grab an
ice cold coke or casual dinner at the lodge.
For more info on the
BRP click here
2010 she
celebrates her 75th Birthday! More than a Road - Indeed!
Welcome Home to
Blue Ridge Country VA!
Innkeeper's Map of Covered Bridges of
SW VA |
