Appalachian Backroads - Ride the Wild Side! 14 vetted motorcycle routes. Visit www.appalachianbackroads.com.

Art of Living Retreat Center - Relax & Recharge. 3 mi from MP 285.5 in Boone. Stunning views & deep relaxation with workshops, yoga, delicious food, pottery classes & more at NC's hidden gem. www.artoflivingretreatcenter.org (800) 392-6870.

Ashe County, NC www.thecoolestcorner.com. Enjoy scenic views, hiking, biking, canoeing, golf, 3 historic towns, arts district, crafts, festivals. Ashe Chamber, PO Box 31, West Jefferson, NC 28694. www.ashechamber.com (888) 343-2743.

Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association - Stay at the best inns of Asheville! Exits MP 377.4 to 393.6. Rates and availability at www.ashevillebba.com.

Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds - 25 Luxury cabins, 38 acres adjacent to B.R. Parkway & Mountain to Sea Trail. www.ashevillecabins.com  (800) 235-2474.

Asheville East KOA Campground - 6 1/2 miles from Parkway. Go east on Hwy 70. Kamping Kabins, lodges, RV & tent sites. 2 fishing lakes, pool, trout stream on 55 acres. Open all year round. www.ashevilleeastkoa.com (828) 686-3121 or (800) 562-5907.

Asheville West KOA - I-40 Exit 37, minutes to Biltmore House, gem mining, river rafting, music, arts & crafts - full hookups, tents & kabins. Reserve now; (800) 562-9015. www.koa.com/campgrounds/Asheville-west

This mountain resort city at Milepost 382.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway beckons lovers of festivals, the outdoors, fine restaurants, distinctive shopping, and Biltmore Estate, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau. The Visitors Center at Exit 4C off I-240 is open every day, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M-F and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends.  www.exploreasheville.com (828) 258-6101.

Home of the Woolly Worm Festival. Christmas trees, top resorts & attractions, skiing hub. Located in the "High Country" in the western mountains of North Carolina. Avery County Chamber of Commerce, 4501 Tynecastle Hwy Unit 2, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Open Monday-Friday from 10-4. Website: www.averycounty.com (800) 972-2183.

Banner Elk is a resort town not far from the Parkway. Basecamp for Grandfather Mtn. with dining & lodging plus 2 ski resorts in winter! www.bannerelk.com (828) 898-5398.

Baymont Inn Biltmore - I-40 Exit 50 or 50B. Near Biltmore Estate & Biltmore Village. 2 miles north from Blue Ridge Parkway on US 25. Indoor pool & spa. Free Cont. Breakfast.  AAA, AARP. www.baymontinns.com/hotel/17936 (828) 274-2022, (800) 337-0550.

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm - South of Wytheville. Lavender, butterflies, wildlife, views and hiking. www.beagleridge.org (276) 621-4511.

Bear Creek RV Park - From Blue Ridge Parkway, exit Hwy 191 North. Open all year. Full hookups, paved sites, laundry, heated pool May 15-Sept. 15. www.ashevillebearcreek.com (800) 833-0798.

Bear Den Mountain Resort - Blue Ridge Pkwy @ MP 324. 144 sites. Deluxe cabins, tents to RV's, Campin' cabins. Mar 15-Nov 30. Spruce Pine, NC. www.bear-den.com (828) 765-2888.

Exit via VA 43 at the Peaks of Otter and take a peek at Bedford's orchards, potteries, country inns, arts, & shops. The Welcome Center is located at 816 Burks Hill Rd. (Hwy 460 & 122 - near the D-Day Memorial), Bedford, VA 24523. www.visitbedford.com (877) 447-3257 or (540) 587-5681.

Bedford VA Lodging Group - MP 86. Several B&B’s, cabins,
cottages and vacation rentals. www.bedfordvalodging.com

Bedford Welcome Center - 816 Burks Hill Road (Hwy 460 & 122 - near the D-Day Memorial), Bedford, VA 24523. Toll free (877) 447-3257, (540) 587-5681.

Cresting at 5,506’, Beech Mtn. is the highest town in Eastern America. Summer temps rarely exceed 75 degrees F, creating an ideal climate for hiking, mtn. biking, golf, and tennis. Winters are rich in snowfall, creating ideal ski conditions. Lodging options range from hotels to cabins. www.beechmtn.com

Bent Creek Lodge - 10 Parkway Crs. MP 394, Exit for NC Arboretum then 1/2 mile south on 191. Elegantly rustic lodge, mt. views, comfy beds, hiking trails, fireplace & great breakfast. 10 mi. to Asheville. www.bentcreeknc.com (877) 231-6574.