If you want a room or a meal with a view, the Pisgah Inn at Milepost 408.6 along the Blue Ridge Highway is a must stop. The inn is approaching its centennial year; it opened in 1919. One of the things that makes the Pisgah Inn memorable is the deck at the back of the restaurant where you can gaze...

If you are in the Western North Carolina foothills vicinity, take the drive to Whitewater Falls on the Whitewater River. At 411 feet, this is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and merits a trip. Whitewater Falls is right off Scenic 64. If coming from Brevard, head west. At Sapphire, take a left on NC 281 and go south...

The Cherohala Skyway is tucked in the corner of Western North Carolina near the Tennessee border (and it actually does cross into Tennessee. It is a newbie here, given that the road was only opened in 1996. But already it has been designated a National Scenic Byway, and with good reason. It takes its name from the two national forests...

The Blowing Rock, 4,000 feet above sea level, overhangs John Rivers Gorge. It’s called Blowing Rock because currents from the gorge blow vertically sending light objects to float upwards. Legend has it that Indian lovers from two different tribes met on the cliff. The man was distraught about having to leave his lover and jumped into the gorge. The woman...

Forget roller coasters. If you are looking for a thrill on wheels, this is the place for you. Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch of road along US 129 in Western North Carolina. What’s so special about it, besides the scenery, is that within that 11-mile stretch are 318 curves. Hence the name! It’s a dream road for...

Lake Lure is aptly named,because it does entice you. The highway runs right alongside the lake so you can’t miss it, and it is worth a stop.  If you have time stop for fishing and boating.If you are pressed for time, at least stop for a walk along the shoreline with its landscaped paths and gardens. Locals like it as...

Transylvania County stands out for many things, but it gets its name from one of its most stellar attractions,the numerous waterfalls that dot its pristine landscape. Transylvania County is known as the Land of Waterfalls. Both in terms of quantity and quality of waterfalls, Transylvania County can’t be beat. There are 250 waterfalls here — many easily accessible as a...

The area around Brevard is known as the Land of the Waterfalls and with good reason —  more than 250 waterfalls in the vicinity. But if you only have time to see one, this is the one to see. First, because it is spectacular, any time of year. But perhaps equally importantly because it is so easily accessible. It’s right alongside...