Crown Jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway

More photos here

Those that have been to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock and Boone, NC, are nodding, thinking "yup, Crown Jewel - that's about right". Now for those that have not been, SLOWLY put your hands in the air, step away from the computer, throw a couple of things in the suitcase, start the car and double clutch it for the High Country of North Carolina. Not tomorrow - right now. The foliage is at peak and, even as life long New Englanders who have seen a few autumn colors, we can say that it doesn't get any better than what you'll see today on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Blowing Rock and Asheville in the Pisgah National Forest. Oh my, the hikes you can take in that area. Don't forget to bring the kayak as there are plenty of rivers and streams in the area. If you're into climbing, you can check that box also. I don't know how the skiing is in the winter, but there are a couple of areas if so inclined. Boone (as in Daniel) is also home to Appalachian State University which has a very nice hillside campus and a decent football team (sorry to remind you Wolverine fans). The Village of Blowing Rock is a must see if in the area - lots of character and charm. Have a nice trip.