TRAVEL FEATURE - USA
PARIS WOLFE
ONE OF THE BEST VENUES FOR ...
Sometimes vacation is about the destination . Sometimes it ’ s about the journey . On the Blue Ridge Parkway , it ’ s both .
The 755-kilometre ribbon of asphalt that connects Afton , Virginia to Cherokee , North Carolina is more than a place to ride your motorcycle . It could be a metaphor for life … a journey full of places to pause along the way and no reason to rush the finish line . As a reminder to take it easy , speed on this twisting-turning roadway is limited 35 to 45 MPH .
Ideally suited to a motorcycle the two best times to visit are spring when the wild rhododendrons bloom and fall when changing leaves light up the landscape . Gary and I chose August , though , for the heat of summer . At least that ’ s what we thought but not what we got . Life happens , right ?
For those unfamiliar with the parkway , it ’ s the United States ’ longest linear park , running along the spine of Appalachia ’ s Blue Ridge mountains . Begun in 1935 , the stretch of pavement was a public works project during the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt . As it evolved it included restrictions about what can be built along the road – mostly scenic , agricultural properties . Rules prohibit commercial traffic . Drivers encounter no stop lights or stop signs until they leave the Parkway .
Home to some of the region ’ s most interesting views , the Parkway is meant to be enjoyed , not conquered . We gave ourselves a week to appreciate various overlooks , hikes , attractions , and photo opportunities . Certainly , the two-lane parkway could be driven in two days or less . But why ? Another checkmark on the to-do list ? Again , life is about the journey !
Our trip linked the north entrance in the Shenandoah National Park
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