Before rejoining the Blue Ridge Parkway, we toured around Boone and checked out Appalachian State University. Nice campus, lots of new buildings for its 18,000 students. We got "lost" trying to find our way our of town (signage was not good) and ended up in the little town of West Jefferson. Lots of Christmas Tree farms in this area.
First stop was the Northwest Trading Post. We had remembered it as a place to see local crafts. But alas, not anymore. Its a tourist curio shop. Continuing north we stopped at the Brinegar Cabin. Still in its original condition from the 1880s the display explained how hard it was in those days. You had to make everything yourself. We take so much for granted today!
The Blue Ridge Music Center has been built since our last trip, which explained why we didn't remember it. Its a sharp little museum about the history of Appalachian Music. Its also a very large concert venue for summer events.
Last Parkway stop of the day was Mabry Mill. You've seen the picture - its a very common photo op. The mill actually operates, although it was closed for the day by the time we got there. By the way, the rangers there say we're too EARLY for the Rhodies!
We came down off the ridge into Roanoke to end our day at a Sleep Inn. Our first "free" night after accumulating points in the Choice Hotel system. Very good Mexican meal next door at Rancho Viejo. We did about 200 miles today. As much fun as it is to drive, the Parkway can get a bit tedious after awhile!
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| App State |
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| Brinegar Cabin |
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| We met this young fellow. He'd ridden this one cylinder bike from San Diego to Maryland. Now he was heading back! |
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| Day Lillies abound all along the road! |
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| Mabry Mill |
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| Roanoke valley |
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