ASHEVILLE, NC AND AREA
We drove from Florida to Asheville, NC in about 7 hours and ended staying at the Quality Inn and then used that as our base port – going west towards Cherokee and along the southern portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) back towards Asheville, NC.
Along the way we fllled up the hybrid car once and then topped it off in Asheville for our return trip. Gas prices varied with prices in the $2.70 per gallon range in Florida and Georgia, $2.35 per gallon in SC and back up around $2.60 in NC.
We took I-95 north and I-275 around Jacksonville. One word of caution. Right now, there is a lot of construction on I-275 north-bound but not too bad south-bound. I-40 and I-26 through Georgia, SC, and NC was not bad even though they are down to 2 lanes in each direction until you get into the metro areas around Asheville.
QUALITY INN – ACCOMENDATIONS
This was a surprise - the mid-week rates were reasonable for a double queen bed hotel room about $74.00 per night plus taxes in mid-April. Located at 180 Tunnel Rd in downtown Asheville, this was an excellent choice. The room was very clean, and the hotel was quiet and peaceful. While we elected not to have room service, a change of sheets and fresh towels was available upon request. There was also a very nice breakfast available that included scrambled eggs, sausage patties, cook you own waffles, toast, muffins, bagels, cinnamon buns, coffee, apple or orange juice, and fruits and it was ALL INCLUDED!!!
There was ample parking and several restaurants available in the immediate area including a Waffle House across the street, and a Red Lobster, Texas Longhorn, and an Olive Garden (Darden) within two blocks. There was also the Asheville Mall located less than 2 miles down the road and complimentary transportation to downtown Asheville.
We had dinner the first night at Olive Garden and then dinner the second night at Red Lobster. Since they were both Darden Restaurants, the food was like any other Darden Restaurants. Service at Olive Garden was good while the service at Red Lobster was kind of below what we have come to expect.
Overall, a very good choice for a hotel stay.
CHEROKEE
In making our way to the starting point of the BRP just outside of Cherokee, we went I-240 out of Asheville to I-40 west and then on through to US 19 West onto US 74 through Maggie Valley into Cherokee. From Cherokee we made our way north to the start of the BRP via US 441.
On the way into Cherokee on the east side is the Harrah’s Hotel and Casino. While we did not stop in, it was noticed that this casino is huge and getting bigger. As we entered Cherokee proper the strangest thing happened. The radio was turned to 93 FM when we realized that the song Cherokee Nation by Paul Revere and the Raiders was playing. We got a good laugh off if that. This was also about the time that we noticed that around 9:30 or so and it was quiet with very few stores open.
We continued our way towards the west end of the BRP when we stopped at a little store called Cherokee Rose. They had a great assortment of American Indian collectibles and for the most part was reasonably priced. This was our first indication that may be we had scheduled our trip at the wrong time of the year. We contacted Cherokee Rose a couple of weeks later, and they confirmed that some of the trees are starting to turn green and that we were probably about 2-3 weeks too early.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a road that extends 469 miles through some of the oldest and most majestic mountains on the east coast of the United States. From its starting point of US 441 and BRP it extends northward through Raven Fork Outlook and then curves sharply southward. From there it snakes its way over ridges and through tunnels before it starts a northeast turn back towards I-40.
Along the way there are numerous lookouts so that you can stop and take pictures. At one point you reach just over 6,000 feet at Waterrock Knob at mile marker 451. This was one of the most beautiful outlooks and equally important, one of the few with facilities which, after experiencing the twist and turns, your bladder needs a break. From Waterrock Knob you can see all of the major southern mountain ranges: the Great Balsams, Great Smokies, Cowees, Nantahalas, Blue Ridge Mountains, Newfound Mountains, Blacks, and Craggies.
There are only a few places for food or gas on the BRP so it is important to get gas before you get on the Parkway. It also not a bad idea to bring along some snacks and something to drink. A couple of the outlooks have trails that allow you to explore the “wilderness” more up close and personal. It does involve some steep steps, in most cases, so make sure you have good shoes and the physical ability to make the climb. Remember, going down is not hard – coming up it what is the most difficult. Also remember that the higher the altitude, the thinner the air so until you get use to it, you may feel tired after even a very short walk. Pace yourself.
HAPPY HILL RESTAURANT
On our way home we stopped at a small local dinner for breakfast called Happy Hill Restaurant located at 1400 Patton Rd in Asheville, NC. When we walked in we noticed a table with about 6 police officers having breakfast and from my public safety background I concluded that this would have to be great place to eat if law enforcement eat here. In this case, that conclusion was NOT justified. The menu, from a pricing view point looked reasonable but when the food arrived the biscuit was dried out and hard on the outside, the home fried potatoes were burnt, and the portions for small for the price. Overall, ended up to be the worst eating experience we had on the trip.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Unless you want a sure fired way to avoid the crowds, do not go any earlier then May. Otherwise, you will see very little greenery. Also, portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed in April as they doo not salt or plow the snow off the road in most places. Definitely consider Quality Inn as a place to stay...it is affordable, clean and the staff is professional and courteous. Finally, if you find yourself in Cherokee and want to purchase some souvenirs Cherokee Rose is the place to stop for variety and pricing.
Check out our video/slide show of the area.