Pisgah Visitor Center - 1001 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC. Information on hiking, biking, camping and more, interactive exhibits, gift shop. (828) 877-3265.

Pixie Motor Inn - Intersection of NC 105 and US 221. WiFi and cable TV, air conditioned. Seasonal April-October. (828) 733-2597.

Planet Chopper - Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycle tours. Ride custom motorcycles! Gas, food and beer included. Don't ride? We sleep 15+, pool table + lounge areas. Visit www.planetchopper.world or call (276) 266-5684.

First Peak of the Blue Ridge. I-26E, Exits 59 & 67. Explore gorges, hiking, birding, waterfalls, kayaking, scenic drives & historic small towns - Saluda, Tryon & Columbus. Enjoy horse shows, wineries, inspired shops/galleries, local restaurants & year-round events. Rejuvenate at historic inns, cozy cabins & hotels. www.firstpeakblueridge.org. (800) 440-7848.

Primland Resort - Meadows of Dan, VA. 4 miles from Parkway MP 177. Luxury lodge, cottages, spa, golf, wing shooting, fly fishing, sporting clays, horseback riding. Casual and fine dining. One of a kind observatory. www.primland.com (866) 960-7746.

The Princess Anne Hotel - 1 mile to downtown Asheville. Charming historic hotel in a quaint neighborhood. www.princessannehotel.com (828) 258-0986.

Pulaski County Visitor & Tourism Center - Information on Pulaski County and New River Valley. www.visitpulaskiva.org (540) 674-4161.

Quality Inn & Suites University - 840 E King St Boone. Close to all local attractions. Free hot breakfast, WiFi and pool. Refurbished rooms, suites and Jacuzzi rooms available. (828) 266-1100.

Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual Inc. - Largest selection of authentic Cherokee weaponry, basketry, beadwork, finger weaving, wood & stone carving. www.quallaartsandcrafts.org (828) 497-3103.

Radford Visitor's Center - Rt. 8 to I-81 Exit 109. "Find it in Radford" - Mary Draper Ingles statue, outdoor play and other sites. Easy access to the New River for tubing, fishing & kayaking. Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery. Radford University planetarium, College of Visual & Performing Arts series and Highlander athletics. Crooked Road Affiliated Venue, Monday evening Fiddle & Banjo Jam. www.visitradford.com (540) 267-3153.

Rafting in the Smokies - 813 E Parkway. www.raftinginthesmokies.com 800-PRO-RAFT.

Red Rooster Coffee & Cafe - 823 E. Main St. Floyd VA. Award-winning coffee roasted daily. 6 miles from MP 165. www.redroostercoffee.com (540) 745-5638.

Rhode's Motor Lodge - 1377 Blowing Rock Rd Boone, NC
Modern lodge experience with on-site restaurant
www.rhodesmotorlodge.com (828) 865-1110.

Ridge Rider Cabins - 1/2 mi. from Pkwy MP 184. Concrete
pads for motorcyclists, A/C, priv. bath, fridge, fire pit, gas
grill. Open year round. www.ridgeridercabins.com (276) 415-6343.

Roanoke Boutique Hotel - Greater Downtown Roanoke. Walk downtown, bike to our Star. We love outside! Book at www.roanokeboutiquehotel.com (540) 420-4455.

Roanoke Co+op - Virginia's largest food co-op, 2 locations, deli & groceries, 1319 Grandin Road SW, downtown & convenient, 1 Market Sq SE. www.roanoke.coop

Explore Park - Adventure begins at the Explore Park Visitor Center at Milepost 115. Check out the museum and artisan gift shop before exploring recreation options including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddle sports, disc golf and special events. www.ExplorePark.org (540) 427-1800.

The Roanoke Valley and the neighboring scenic towns and counties - together known as Virginia’s Blue Ridge - is the quintessential mountain destination. As the largest metropolitan region along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia’s Blue Ridge has so much to offer visitors. Endless choices for creative cuisine and more shopping than you can squeeze into a weekend are just the beginning. The vibrant arts and culture scene includes one-of-a-kind opportunities like the Taubman Museum of Art, the renovated Center in the Square, the Virginia Museum of Transportation and more. It’s all surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, which means outdoor fun on the rivers, streams, lakes, trails and back roads. Get a bird’s eye view of Virginia’s Blue Ridge from the Roanoke Star and Overlook, featured on the cover, just off of Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 120. Then head to the Visitor Information Center, open daily 9am to 5pm, to plan a perfect Blue Ridge Day. Contact: Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, 101 Shenandoah Ave, Roanoke, VA 24016. www.visitvablueridge.com or 800-635-5532 or 540-342-6025.