If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, I highly recommend visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to visit Western North Carolina at least two to three times each year. Every season is unique, and my personal favorite is the fall, but specifically the Blue Ridge Parkway is best enjoyed spring through fall.
2010 marks the 75th anniversary of “the Scenic,” as it is known by locals. Although I have not driven the Parkway in its entirety, I have eaten breakfast at the Pisgah Inn on several occasions, where the food is very good and the view spectacular. And I have hiked up Devil’s Courthouse located at milepost 422.4.
Hiking the half mile up to the summit of Devil’s Courthouse is one heck of an accomplishment if you don’t do this sort of thing on a regular basis, the elevation is listed at 5,720 feet. On clear days, you have a panoramic view of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
For more information regarding activities and other points of interest, check out: http://blueridgeparkway75.org/