The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The Parkway's 469 toll-free miles combines natural beauty, mountain forests, wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views. The Parkway was designed especially for leisure travel and enjoyment. There are numerous overlooks and parking areas to view some of America's finest scenic vistas. The Blue Ridge Parkway is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville. For additional information call 1-800-228-7275 or (828) 298-0398. www.nps.gov/blri

The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center features an award-winning film - The Blue Ridge Parkway—America's Favorite Journey, exhibits which highlight nature and the cultural heritage of the area, information services, and a gift shop. The "I-Wall," exhibit is a 22-foot interactive map of the Blue Ridge Parkway which provides multi-media information on places to visit on and near the Parkway. Located at Parkway milepost 384, about a mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection).
195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC (828) 298-5330. www.blueridgeheritage.com

The Folk Art Center is the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Folk Art Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. The Folk Art center is home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing 300 Guild members' crafts from Southern Appalachia, it offers changing exhibits and demonstrations. The Folk Art Center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile - post #382. For additional information call (828) 298-7928. www.southernhighlandguild.org