After finally getting a good night’s rest, we ventured into Asheville for brunch at Limones. Asheville was our jumping point for our drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since we had already gone a little bit north on it, we decided to take it south to Brevard this time. The road climbed higher and higher the further south we got, and the views got prettier and prettier.
Even the parts of the drive without fantastic mountain and valley views were pretty since we were surrounded by the most colorful trees or passing through scenic tunnels.
But the scenic overlooks, oh goodness. We had to share them with dozens of other people, but they were worth it.
Eventually, we turned onto US-64 to head into Brevard. This road is also scenic with several picnic areas, creeks, waterfalls, and nature paths.
After about half an hour driving down this road, we decided we wanted to go for a hike instead, so we drove back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to go just a bit further and hike Sam’s Knob.
We were in very high elevations, so the leaves were past peak color, but it was a pleasant hike nonetheless.
We started downhill toward the base of Sam’s Knob itself.
And then we climbed, and climbed. I was afraid it was going to rain on us at any second, so we climbed quickly. There were some interesting views where one side of a hill would be pretty well barren and then the other half was covered in evergreen trees.
We finally arrived at the top, where we stopped for a bit to catch our breath and appreciate the results of our hike.
And then back down we went. On our way back to the house, we only made one stop, and that was to stuff our faces at a Mexican restaurant called Papas y Beer in Hendersonville. We now have a full evening to spend enjoying our fantastic house we are renting.
I would absolutely recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are so many incredible sites along the way, as well as countless stops to stretch your legs or have a little picnic with a gorgeous backdrop. Do it.