Balsam Mountain Campground…

Posted by admin in Accommodations on June 29, 2011

The ride to Balsam Mountain Campground is the best part about camping there. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice family camp site. And the majority of reviews on TripAdvisor.com are good. But it is a family campground… and this fact becomes very obvious at night, when babies are crying and RV generators are running, because the campsites are so close together. Here’s a picture of my humble abode…

The Balsam Mountain Campground is at 5400-ft elevation, but you’d never know it because there are no views from any of the campsites.

However, there’s plenty of wildlife. A wild boar showed up and gave some campers a scare. (He wanted something to eat and he didn’t want to leave.) Plus, they have wild turkeys and elk nearby.

If you’d like more space between campsites, with nice views, I’ve heard Milehigh Campground has both. Take a look at this photo album on their web site. Here’s an example of the view from the Milehigh Campground Web site home page…

Almost 700 Miles to Front Royal, Virginia

Posted by admin in Accommodations, Dining on June 11, 2011

I traveled about 590 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive at 35 to 45 mph. Plus, I rode down to Cherokee on Monday morning, which was another 80+ miles. As a result, it took three days to reach Front Royal. But what a great ride. If you have time, see as much of the BRP and Skyline Drive as possible. But remember… it’s not a road to get somewhere… make the road itself your destination. Otherwise you’ll just learn a hard lesson in patience.

While I was in Front Royal, I stayed at the Skyline Drive Quality Inn. Can’t say much about it. Very basic. Not a great value. I ate at the Main Street Tavern in Front Royal…

Their credit card processing was not functioning, so I ordered a barbecue sandwich. It was okay, but nothing to call home about. Here’s the upstairs dining room…

On Thursday morning I decided to take the shortest route home, and hopped on I-81 south to I-26 east. I left at 7:00 a.m., and got home around 4:00 p.m. Not at all a bad trip home. And yes, I’d definitely recommend the trip all the way up the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive… and I’d defintely do it all over again… But not until after I ride out to Yellowstone.

Peaks of Otter Lodge and Sharp Top Mountain

Posted by admin in Accommodations, Attractions, Dining on June 11, 2011

The mountains at Peaks of Otter Lodge are another “must-see” on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have some history there, too, with more fond memories. I hiked up Sharp Top Mountain with my youngest son when he was about six years old. He toughed it out for the long climb…

My family and I also enjoyed Sunday brunch at the Lake View Restaurant at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. I wish you could see the view from the main dining room…

There’s also a nice cocktail lounge in the main building at the Lodge…

On this trip I enjoyed a cup of coffee — and the view — from the lounge. Not bad…

My sweetheart and I walked around the lake once or twice many years ago. I’d like to go back to the Lodge someday, read a book, and spend a restful weekend.

Colony House Motor Lodge in Roanoke, Va.

Posted by admin in Accommodations on June 11, 2011

It was after five o’clock when I got to Roanoke so I checked into the Colony House Motor Lodge on Franklin Road. I must have driven by this lodge a hundred times during the 16 years I lived in this town, but this was the first time I’d ever stayed there. I beat the crowd, but it was obviously popular with riders…

I like to stay in well-kept, older hotels and motels. And this one did not disappoint. My room was very clean, there was plenty of water pressure and the tub drained well. And they served complimentary breakfast and coffee in a very tidy lounge. The word must have gotten out about the value of staying at Colony House. It almost created a traffic jam…

 

Stayed at Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, NC

Posted by admin in Accommodations on June 10, 2011

I spent my first night at the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, North Carolina. The views from the Inn are very nice…

It looked quaint when I pulled up. But these shops were closed by the time I arrived…

The restaurant was pretty good, with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. I reserved a room at the Diamondback Lodge because they have covered parking for motorcycles…

I’m sure they have nicer rooms, but mine was pretty sparce…

It fit the bill just fine for this trip. But if I were looking for something more romantic, I’d definitely stay in the main lodge or one of the cottages. Take a look at their options here.

Tour Inside The Biltmore House, Asheville, NC

Posted by admin in Accommodations, Attractions on June 2, 2011

There are more than 200 rooms in the Biltmore House, each with its own history. To get the most enjoyment out of your visit, I strongly suggest renting headsets during your tour. The Biltmore House also offers guided tours.  Details are available here.

George and Edith Vanderbilt entertained as many as 40 guests at a time in their home, including some very important and influential people.  Here’s a picture of the banquet hall at the Biltmore House…

George Vanderbilt’s bedroom has nice views of the estate, and 22k gold leaf on the walls…

Edith Vanderbilt’s bedroom is decorated with bright colors of cut velvet and silk fabrics…

And for even more history, great food, gifts, wine-tastings, and outdoor adventures, be sure to stroll through Antler Hill Village & Winery on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate…

Asheville has lots of bed & breakfast inns and hotels for your visit. But if your budget allows, the Inn on Biltmore Estate has terrific views and is very convenient. There is also a cottage available on the Biltmore Estate.

There are many things to do at the Biltmore. Take a look at the list of outdoor adventures, family activities, spa packages, dining opportunities, and more online here.

Photo Credit: Taking pictures inside the Biltmore House is not permitted. The photos above were provided by and used with permission from the Biltmore House.

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