Vacation Tips
GETTING HERE
Airports and highways make arriving in the western region of North Carolina a breeze, but you’ll be travelling the byway roads to enjoy the scenic overlooks and attractions. Plan to double the amount of time that you would normally take to drive a certain distance so that you can adequately account for twisting roadways, lower speed limits (ex. the top speed allowed on the Parkway is 45 mph), and time to stop and enjoy the sights.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels are very competitive right now and with the right amount of advanced research, you can score a great deal. Here’s one place to get started.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY
An attraction pass makes enjoying the great attractions much less of a strain on your wallet. By buying a pass that allows you to see as many attractions as you want for just one set price, you can save as much as 35% or more compared to buying tickets directly at each attraction. Consider the Go Blue Ridge Card which includes admission to top activities in western North Carolina, like Biltmore, whitewater rafting, Chimney Rock Park, Grandfather Mountain, gem mining, Cherokee sites, and more.
Available for sale online at: www.SmartDestinations.com/blueridge or locally at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (Milepost 384).
Full list of attractions available on the Go Blue Ridge Card.
Full list of 75th Anniversary Events. |
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Visitor Centers
Visitor Centers throughout the region offer much more than just clean restrooms. The staff members at these locations are experts at educating visitors on the top sights, events, and restaurants around. Plus, they often have free maps available as well. We recommend the following:
SMOKIES REGION:
Smoky Mountain Host Visitor Center
4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
828-369-9606
Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, after noon on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Directions: Located on Hwy 441 South about six miles south of Franklin NC and about 7 miles north of the Georgia State Line going north on US Hwy 441.
Parking available.
CENTRAL MOUNTAINS / PISGAH / ASHEVILLE REGION:
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
195 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC
828-298-5330
Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day
Directions: Located at Parkway milepost 384, which is about a mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection) and about 8 miles east of downtown Asheville.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
36 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
828-210-2726
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm;
Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: New Years Eve, New Years day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Easter, Thanksgiving
Directions: Located at Exit 4C on I-240 exit in downtown Asheville. Free parking on Visitor Center parking lot.
HIGH COUNTRY / HIGHLANDS REGION
High Country Host Visitor Center
1700 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC 28607
828-264-1299
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Directions: Located on main Highway #321 in Boone – 1 1/2 miles south of city center. Parking available.
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