Blue Ridge Park way - Massanutten Resort

Autumn brings a spectacular display of color to the mountains
FINE ARTS & CRAFTS
Bellagio - showcases exquisite collections of distinctive clothing,
jewelry and decorative accessories by acclaimed American artists
in an opulent boutique setting. This gallery is located steps away
from its sister gallery, New Morning Gallery. 5 Biltmore Plaza, Exit
Milepost 388.8. For more info www.bellagioarttowear.com
e-mail: bellagioart2wear@bellsouth.net (800) 933-4438.
Blue Spiral 1 - presents contemporary Southeastern fine art and
crafts through over 25 annual exhibitions in a stunning three-level,
14,00 sq. ft. setting. The gallery features the work of one hundred
regional artists. This spacious gallery is located in downtown
Asheville, one block South of Pack Square. 38 Biltmore Ave; Exit
Milepost 388.8. E-mail: info@bluespiral1.com. For more info
(828) 251-0202. www.bluespiral1.com.
Folk Art Center - Milepost 382. Home facility of the Southern
Highland Craft Guild. Features craft shop of regional crafts, 3 exhibition
galleries, daily craft demonstrations, special events. Parkway
information and bookstore. National Park Service programs during
season. Open daily 9-6 April-Dec; 9-5 Jan-March. Web site:
www.southernhighlandguild.org (828) 298-7928.
Grand Bohemian Art Gallery - This unique gallery showcases over
100 works of art by local, regional & internationally recognized artists
designed to inspire the collector in all of us. Located in Biltmore
Village. (888) 717-8756.
New Morning Gallery - A fine crafts destination for over 30
years, offers a unique selection of hand-crafted furniture, home
accessories, pottery, glass, jewelry, garden sculpture and other
imaginative gifts by American artisans in a 12,500 sq. ft. setting.
The gallery is located in Historic Biltmore Village, two blocks from
Biltmore Estate’s entrance. 7 Boston Way; Exit Milepost 388.8.
e-mail: newmorning@bellsouth.net; For more info:
(800) 933-4438. www.newmorninggallerync.com.
Stuart Nye Hand Wrought Jewelry - World famous handcrafters
of sterling, copper & brass jewelry. Visitors may see craftsmen
at work Monday thru Friday 8:00-11:30 & 12:30-3:30. 1 mile
west of Parkway on US 70 at 940 Tunnel Rd. No charge.
Web: www.stuartnye.com
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area - Protecting, preserving &
celebrating one of the most beautiful regions on earth, and the
cultural heritage of those who shaped its history & traditions.
Located in the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, 195 Hemphill
Knob Rd. www.blueridgeheritage.com (828) 298-5330.
FooD, LoDGING, & CAMPING
1847 Blake House Inn B&B - 150 Royal Pines Drive, S. Asheville -
3.5 mi from MP 388.8 - Pet & child-friendly. www.blakehouse.com
(888) 353-5227.
Asheville Biltmore Fairfield Inn & Suites - Left onto 191, less
than 2 miles on your left. Complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and
indoor pool. www.ashevillebiltmorefairfieldinn.com.
Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds - 25 Luxury cabins, 38
acres adjacent to B.R. Parkway & Mountain to Sea Trail.
www.ashevillecabins.com (800) 235-2474.
Asheville East KOA Campground - 6 1/2 miles from Parkway.
Go east on Hwy 70. Kamping Kabins, lodges, RV & tent sites. 2
fishing lakes, pool, trout stream on 55 acres. Open year-round.
www.ashevilleeastkoa.com (828) 686-3121 or (800) 562-5907.
Asheville West KOA - New Owners, New Attitude, New Fun! I-40
Exit 37, Minutes to Biltmore House, Gem Mining, River Rafting, Music,
Arts & Crafts - Full Hookups, Tents & Kabins. (800) 562-9015.
Baymont Inn Biltmore - I-40 Exit 50 or 50B. Near Biltmore Estate
& Biltmore Village. 2 miles north from Blue Ridge Parkway on US
25. Indoor pool & spa. Free Cont. Breakfast. AAA, AARP.
(828) 274-2022 or toll free (877) 229-6668.
Bear Creek RV Park - Exit Rt. 191 from Parkway; I-40 Exit 47; or
I-26 Exit 2. 3 miles north of Parkway off Rt. 191. 5 mins. Biltmore
House. 90 full hookups, paved sites, pool, laundry. Open year
round. www.ashevillebearcreek.com (800) 833-0798.
Bent Creek Lodge - 10 Parkway Crs. MP 394, Exit for NC Arboretum
then 1/2 mile south on 191. Elegantly rustic lodge, mt. views,
comfy beds, hiking trails, fireplace & great breakfast. 10 mi. to
Asheville. www.bentcreeknc.com (877) 231-6574.
Points to Ponder
WERE SETTLERS ISOLATED?
Many settlers lived in remote hollows with little connection
to urban areas while others developed communities. Places
on the Parkway today that seem remote and contain only one
or two buildings were, in some cases, connected to communities
off of the mountain by well traveled roads. In Virginia,
numerous “turnpikes” or toll roads were built across the
narrow Blue Ridge during the 1840s and 1850s, connecting
the Shenandoah Valley with coastal cities. By the late 1800s,
industrialization brought factories and growth to many towns
at the foot of the mountains, and some residents moved to
these areas for jobs and better living conditions.
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