Asheville - Blue Ridge Parkway 
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 750 km / 459 mi and connects the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. The section near Asheville is particularly scenic with plenty of overlooks as the road tops 1666 m / 5000 ft. A great spot to stop and soak up the scenery is at the Pisgah Inn where you can enjoy lunch and gaze out through the massive windows. Another great stop is at the Folk Art Center where a wide variety of local arts and crafts are on display.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
Blue Ridge Parkway
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Blue Ridge Parkway
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803
United States
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803
United States
Phone 1 (828) 298-0398
Fax 1 (828) 271-4313
Related Attractions
Blowing Rock - Parkway Craft Center (Southern Highland Handicraft Guild)
The Parkway Craft Center is operated by the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild and located in the Flat Top Manor at Moses H Cone Memorial Park. Visitors will find a variety of mountain crafts and given an opportunity to see artisans at work.
Blue Ridge Mountain Frescoes
Two small churches, one in Glendale Springs and one just south of West Jefferson, are home to the Frescoes by artist Ben Long. Ben Long used local parishioners as models for the apostles when he painted "The Lord's Supper" on the wall behind the altar at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs. The other works include Frescoes of the Mystery of Faith, Mary Great With Child, and John the Baptist.
Craggy Gardens
A wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life is Craggy Gardens, located 38km /24 mi from Asheville. Here visitors will find wonderful views out over the green mountainside. Several hiking trails leave from here and if you time it right you may see the rhododendrons in bloom in the springs.
Folk Art Center
If, during your time in North Carolina you have come to love the artwork of the Appalachians, you should make a stop by the Folk Art Center near Asheville. The Folk Art Center has three galleries, a library, and an auditorium, not to mention items for sale. The Folk Art Center is reputed to be the #1 attraction along the Blue Ridge Parkway as it attracts over 250,000 people a year.
Hours
January 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
April 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Facilities
Gift shop
