Once you decide to take a 3-day escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western NC, the planning becomes increasingly difficult because there are so many choices. We will give you several options, depending on your favorite activities! Let us take the worry and the work out of your planning with our handy itinerary for your Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.
So, the first step is to take out your calendar and pick a date. Then, make your reservation, pack your bags, and prepare for as much rest, relaxation, and fun as possible!
Day 1 | Arrival
What you can do today largely depends on your arrival time. You can check into your room or suite anytime between 4 pm and 9 pm. If you come earlier, visit the nearby Biltmore Estate, where you can spend several hours exploring the grounds or taking a tour. No matter the season of your visit, there are always fascinating exhibits, perfect for a history buff, gardening whiz, or fan of all things of the rich and famous.
Once you check into your spacious, comfortable room and get settled, wander around the property for a few minutes. Introduce yourself to our menagerie of goats and Highland cattle, or stroll along our on-site hiking trails. Finally, if you want to wind down and relax, visit our sunken 7-person jacuzzi spa or relax by the fire pit.
There are plenty of choices for dining; if you want to ask us about specific restaurants, please don’t hesitate! After dinner, settle in your room with a cozy fire and talk about activities for tomorrow.
Day 2 | Activity Options
We serve breakfast between 8 am and 9:30 am. Our from-scratch breakfast often includes local and organically grown produce. Fueled and ready to go?
You may feel full now; take the guesswork out of lunch by ordering one of our cheese and charcuterie baskets or having a picnic lunch packed up for you by our friends at Grateful Roots Market and Deli. Ask me for a menu, and we can have it ready for you to pick up. Now for your suggested adventures for the day:
Option 1
Tour a Local Goat Dairy and Farmstead Creamery
Get an inside look at the workings of a local farm with about 75 goats and sheep, cows, and chickens. At the Mount Gilead Farm you can take a tour inside the barns, the milking parlor, and the cheese house. Depending on the season, you can bottle-feed some baby goats. If you want to visit the herd, there is a short hike to the paper pastures. Don’t worry; these goats love company! Visit the farm store before you leave, and taste the final products — fresh or aged goat cheese, jams, honey, and soaps.
Option 2
Take Some Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains
If you are looking for more vigorous activity, we have easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, with dozens of trails for all levels of hiking. We have picked five of our favorite challenging hikes for the real enthusiast.
A site known for its panoramic views is Craggy Gardens. There is a large picnic area and several hiking trails. It is one of the higher elevations along the parkway, so bring your camera because the views are definitely Instagram-worthy. It is incredibly gorgeous in June, with large banks of blooming rhododendrons.
If you want some stunning views, try the Fryingpan Lookout Tower. This 1.5-mile hike follows a gravel road to the summit, with fabulous views of the Pisgah National Forest as your reward.
Option 3
Drive the Quilt Block Trail
You may be interested in seeing the area’s beauty from the comfort of your vehicle. Spend the day in a private scavenger hunt, finding all the quilt blocks on one of the nine trails.
What are the quilt blocks? They are large, colorful wooden boards painted with a quilt block pattern and installed on historic buildings, farms, and other sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Each quilt block represents a traditional quilt pattern with a special meaning to its peculiar community. The patterns range from simple geometric shapes to more intricate designs, often reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The Trail was started in 2015 by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in partnership with local quilt guilds and artists. More than 200 quilt blocks are spread across the region, accessible by either a map or a smartphone app.
Day 3 | Departure and Activities
Day 3 brings another fabulous breakfast and, sadly, checkout at 11 am. However, if you have time, you can choose one of the options from yesterday or one of these:
Option 1
Visit Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is a 45-minute drive from us; you can either take the steps to the top or an elevator for some more amazing views. There is a small fee for this site.
Option 2
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take whatever time you have left, and drive for 10 or 50 miles. It’s easy to find specific sights through this interactive map!
Your Getaway Isn’t REALLY Over
Even though it may seem that your 3-day escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains has come to an end, it has just begun! Not only do you have all of the spectacular pictures you took during your getaway, but now you also have an idea of all the adventures you didn’t have time to experience — but you can explore them on your next visit! We look forward to it and will have your room ready. Each season has its own special beauty and you’ll want to experience them all. See you soon!
