| people associate scenic mountain drives with the | | | | River in the area. This road winds alongside one of |
| fall, however, spring activities abound in Asheville, | | | | the world’s oldest rivers in the U.S. -- the |
| NC and getting to and from them can be half the | | | | French Broad. As you travel north from Asheville, |
| fun! Just like the autumn, springtime delivers a | | | | so does the river. There are many areas to pull |
| plethora of beauty. | | | | off and to enjoy the cliffs that surround this |
| The Blue Ridge Mountains are world renowned for | | | | ancient river. The trip will take you into the quaint |
| their various types of plant life and many areas | | | | town of Marshall. Marshall is steeped in history and |
| are easily accessible by car. So, whether you live | | | | dates back to the Civil War. It is currently |
| here or are visiting and staying in one of the | | | | experiencing a rebirth and has a few new |
| many Asheville, North Carolina’s hotels or | | | | businesses for visitors and locals to enjoy. They |
| luxurious mountain getaways, one of these drives | | | | include Zuma Coffee and The French Broad |
| is a must. | | | | Taqueria. The town is also home to a Bluegrass |
| The Blue Ridge Parkway gets most of the | | | | music hall. |
| attention when people think of beautiful drives in | | | | Take US 19/23 north from Asheville to |
| the Western North Carolina area. It’s true | | | | Weaverville. Then, take US 25/70 to Monticello |
| that this famous parkway has tons of spectacular | | | | Road. Take Monticello road three miles and it will |
| sites along its miles of winding highway, so | | | | end at 251. Turn right and follow 251 North to |
| that’s why several spots are listed below: | | | | Marshall. Drive carefully -- it’s a windy |
| Linville Gorge: The Blue Ridge Parkway offers | | | | river road. |
| many breathtaking views, but few are as | | | | Hickory Nut Gap (Dover Road scenic Byway): |
| spectacular in their design as the Linville Viaduct. | | | | This area is full of facts and myths. It was |
| Perhaps one of the most photographed sections | | | | considered sacred ground to the Cherokee and |
| of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it was completed in | | | | the Catawba Indian tribes. The settlers used this |
| 1987. Its design was born out of the need to | | | | route to deliver livestock over the Hickory Nut |
| protect the environment that surrounds this area | | | | gap. This is one of only two gaps in the Blue |
| of the Blue Ridge Mountains. | | | | Ridge Mountains and visitors will enjoy glimpses of |
| To get there, drive north from Asheville on the | | | | trillium and mountain laurel (regional flowers). |
| Parkway to mile marker 304; it takes | | | | It is also said that sirens (mythological women) |
| approximately three hours. Or take I-40 east to | | | | tempted travelers to venture off the beaten path |
| Marion, then US 221 to Linville Falls. This way is | | | | -- many were never seen again. |
| not as scenic, but it is faster. Due to closures on | | | | So, if you choose to venture, start on US 74A in |
| the Parkway during the 2008 season, the second | | | | the town of Fairview, NC. As you travel toward |
| way is suggested. | | | | the town of Bat Cave, you will see many of the |
| Graveyard Fields Overlook: This view is very | | | | larger peaks in western North Carolina. The |
| different than any other you will see on the Blue | | | | byway ends in Bat cave. This route is full of |
| Ridge Parkway. This stop has many unusual vistas | | | | twists and turns, so drive carefully. |
| and also provides easy access to beautiful | | | | Find an Asheville Hotel that Can Help You Plan |
| waterfalls. This area abounds with wildflowers and | | | | If you choose to visit the area and to take one |
| is surrounded by 6,000 foot peaks. The area got | | | | of these scenic adventures, make sure that you |
| its name from tree stumps that resemble | | | | choose an Asheville hotel that can help you to |
| tombstones. | | | | plan, provide directions and helpful maps. |
| From Asheville, drive south on the Parkway to | | | | One such hotel, the Residences at Biltmore, |
| mile marker 418.8; it’s approximately 36 | | | | provides a personalized concierge service. If |
| miles from downtown Asheville. This area is so | | | | visitors choose to stay there, they are provided |
| beautiful that it can be crowded at times. Arrive | | | | with all the necessary assistance for outdoors |
| early to beat the crowds. Sunrise is also a must | | | | activities. For example, hotel concierges can |
| see. | | | | arrange for picnic lunches; arrange rental bicycles; |
| Highway 251 to Marshall, NC: This scenic highway | | | | can book a massage after a day of driving and |
| easily offers the best view of the French Broad | | | | hiking; and more. |