Blue Ridge Parkway

“Drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway (from Asheville) until the mountains disappear into the mist. My family always picks up a pizza to-go, finds a scenic pull-off, eats dinner overlooking the ridges, then wanders one of the nearby trails around sunset or twilight. It’s one of my favorite memories. Keep an eye out for bears—they’re usually far more scared of you than you are of them.”

“Go for a drive for as long or short as you like. Lots of pull-offs to stop and look around. It's free! and beautiful! If you're around in late November, leaves may be mostly gone but you'll still get great, long-distance views.”

“The parkway is a choose-your-own-adventure natural treasure. Access to incredible hiking, camping, nice slow driving. Engage in the decades-old practice of picnicking at an overlook. Free, gorgeous, incredible. Runs from southwestern NC all the way to Virginia.”