Ridng the Blue Ridge Parkway

There are few places more beautiful and more fun to ride on two wheels than the famed Blue Ridge Parkway.  Stretching 469 miles from near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina to Waynesboro, VA, this iconic highway offers a variety of stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Begun during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the project was originally called the Appalachian Scenic Highway.

Construction of the parkway was complete by the end of 1966 with one notable exception.  The 7.7 miles (12.4 km) stretch including the Linn Cove Viaduct around Grandfather Mountain did not open until 1987.  The project took over 52 years to complete and has been the most visited unit of the National Park System every year since 1946 except two (1949, 2013).

 While there are many fun and interesting places to stop along the route, it is fair to say that most motorcyclists will enjoy spending some time at the Greenhouse Moto Cafe.  Located at 4021 Haywood Road (Highway 191), in Mills River, NC, the Cafe is an eclectic assemblage of classic bikes, craft beers, live music and assorted food trucks that offers a truly unique experience.  Owner Jeff Harold displays a montage of bikes from his personal collection, including some

hanging on the walls and from the ceiling.  Over 100 varieties of beer, including 26 craft beers on tap, and grub from some of the finest food trucks in the Asheville/Hendersonville area could make your stay last a little longer than planned.  Jackets from local thrift stores hang from the ceiling to provide acoustics for the live music that projects from the huge stage inside the abandoned greenhouse (yes, it really is an actual greenhouse!).  You might even find a stray copy or two of Motorcycle Classics laying around.  Check 'em out when you're in the area, you'll be glad you did!