In my last post on enjoying the summer in the North Carolina Mountains, I told you about my trip to Linville Caverns.  This post picks up where we left off, leaving the caverns and heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I firmly believe that every American who comes within 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway should go there.  If you want to experience nature, and the way it changes with the season, there just is no better place.  We were on the parkway for about an hour, but you could really enjoy it for days.  There are a lot of trails and camping.  I am definitely going to bring a pic nic next time!

We were headed to our next destination and fortunately the Blue Ridge Parkway was the best way to get there.  I explained to my son that there are no commercial vehicles allowed, so the parkway is quieter and more enjoyable, and maybe even safer.  There are also no signs allowed except for the ones that point out scenic overlooks, etc. so you have an unblemished view of the beautiful scenery.

We were driving at about 5 or 6, so the sun was still up but the air was getting cooler.  We got out at several overlooks, and were glad that we had our jackets-even in June! My son marveled at how beautiful the mountains were, and said that he wished we could live in one!  They truly are breath taking.

Along the way we saw two deer eating on the side of the road.  The were not afraid of our car, so they didn’t stop enjoying their dinner.  There wasn’t a car behind me, so I stopped so we could watch the deer for a few minutes.  That was really neat!

I may even venture to the Blue Ridge this fall to see the leaves in their glory.  I have heard it get’s pretty busy on the Parkway, because North Carolina has some beautiful falls, with vibrant colors.  If you have been on the parkway in the fall, let me know what your experience was like.

After we got off the blue ridge we had another fun attraction waiting for us, but you’ll have to wait for the next post about that!