Blue Ridge Parkway/Biltmore/Shelby, NC

[Mrs. Bradbury]

To make this a budget board topic: my husband and I are staying 2 nights free using Hhonors points next week. I had ~15,000 points left and they were about to expire, wanted to go somewhere at least 2 nights, and the only place that seemed remotely interesting for 7500 points/night was Shelby, about 1 1/2 hrs away from Asheville. My husband loves gardening and has never been to Biltmore, so I thought it would be fun and hopefully a beautiful time to go. I have been a few times and love Biltmore.

So, our plan for the first day is to catch the Blue Ridge parkway just above Cherokee, NC and ride it over to near Asheville. My husband thinks this is a great idea, but he has never been on the BRP and to be honest hasn't had much experience traveling, period. I, however, have questions - just how long should that take at 45 miles per hour top speed? And I've had enough experience in the mountains to know that you can't always just go from point A to point B directly - I don't want what we think will be a nice day's ride to turn into the daytrip from heck.

Second question - will driving from Biltmore to Shelby be more than 1 1/2 hours?

We plan on leaving by daylight and it will take us around 2 hours to get from where we live to Cherokee. From there, going on the BRP, we hoped to get to Biltmore by 3pm because you can get in for free after 3 pm with a next-day ticket. Then we would drive to Shelby, spend the night, and go back to Biltmore the next day, back to Shelby to spend the night, and ramble back home the next day. I just hope it's not too much of a pain to go back & forth between Biltmore & Shelby.

Is that pretty doable? Anything I should know?

We are SO EXCITED. We haven't been away without the kids in years.

 

[cvjw]

I have never been on the roads you are talking about, but I personally wouldn't want to drive 1.5 hours each way to and from the Biltmore House. That just seems like a lot of time out of your day that is wasted. I have been to the Biltmore multiple times - staying in a varying range of places - from the Grove Park Inn to a Holiday Inn by the mall. Some are expensive, some very reasonable. If I could, I would try and find an inexpensive place that is in Ashville and relax on your vacation. One of our favorite places to stay was in downtown Ashville. It was so nice to walk from the hotel into downtown to eat, shop and explore, and I think it was about $100 a night.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Thanks for your reply. We're staying in Shelby because it's free. If we had to pay for lodging we couldn't go. Biltmore tickets are ridiculous! I have a very fuel efficient car so gas really isn't a problem. I'm hoping that with the scenery and the fact that we're alone, travel time won't matter. My husband is definitely a getting-there-is-half-the-fun type person.

Alternatively, we could just go straight to Shelby and just have one trip to Biltmore and back, but then we would miss out on the Blue Ridge Parkway and we really want to experience that.

It's really a two part question - does 80 miles on the BRP sound like fun and doable in ~6 hours, and will the drive from/to Shelby & Biltmore take very long and if so, is it at least a pretty drive? Looks like we'll go near Lake Lure.

 

[MomofSixinSC]

I wouldn't drive back and forth from Shelby to Biltmore that many times. Biltmore just isn't worth it in my opinion. It is nice, but not that nice, kwim?

Why not plan to spend saome time in Cherokee? http://www.cherokee-nc.com/ We found that very interesting. Also, I would be very happy just driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopping at the many scenic overlooks. Here is a schedule to help you figure out what will be blooming then: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=77

There are also some wineries near Shelby that you could enjoy.

Hope you have fun!

 

[MomofSixinSC]

I just looked at a map. Shelby is nowhere near the Blue ridge parkway. It is lcoser to Charlotte than much else. It will take you as long to get to the blue Ridge Parkway as to get to Asheville area. Just to get to Cherokee will take you over 2 hours. Be sure not to take I-40 - it is closed in many sections.

From Shelby, I would go to Charlotte or King's Mountain. If you want country type places, head for Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. They are both lovely and right next to each other. You can bring water shoes and walk in the river. just be on the look out for snakes. If you want, in Lake Lure, you can take the boat tour and see where Dirty Dancing was filmed, among other things.

HTH!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Here's the thing: I already have Biltmore tickets that are nonrefundable. I have 2 nights free lodging in Shelby, which I guess I could change but there are very, very few cities where I can get an overnight stay for 7500 points/night - nowhere in SC or FL, for example. I don't have any more points to spend so that is where we will spend the night.

We've been to Cherokee before - I want to stay in the Pink Motel before I die! It's just not in the plans this time.

I guess we'll just wing it and I'll quietly hope for the best. I have a gut feeling that we're going to have a blast.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I just looked at a map. Shelby is nowhere near the Blue ridge parkway. It is lcoser to Charlotte than much else. It will take you as long to get to the blue Ridge Parkway as to get to Asheville area. Just to get to Cherokee will take you over 2 hours. Be sure not to take I-40 - it is closed in many sections.

From Shelby, I would go to Charlotte or King's Mountain. If you want country type places, head for Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. They are both lovely and right next to each other. You can bring water shoes and walk in the river. just be on the look out for snakes. If you want, in Lake Lure, you can take the boat tour and see where Dirty Dancing was filmed, among other things.

HTH!

We'll be coming from north Georgia and going straight up to Cherokee, then east over to near Asheville, then a little further east and down to Shelby.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[jandel]

The BRP is gorgeous at any time of year but it can be a slow drive (curves, lower speed limit and lots of "cruisers") If you are going to be in Cherokee and feel lucky there is a huge Harrah's casino there. And as for pretty drives...the section of I-40 you will be getting on has been shut down for a major rockslide for months...BUT I think I just saw on the news it was either open or going to be open in a day or so A much prettier drive goes from Cherokee through the national forest into Gatlinburg - breathtaking!

Also if you have time to kill there is an AMAZING little hole-in-the-wall barbecue place on the left side just as you enter Maggie Valley (look for a decrepit little white building.) You will be going that way anyway. I can never remember the name but it is to die for!

Biltmore house is lovely and the gardens are amazing - have fun!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

The BRP is gorgeous at any time of year but it can be a slow drive (curves, lower speed limit and lots of "cruisers") If you are going to be in Cherokee and feel lucky there is a huge Harrah's casino there. And as for pretty drives...the section of I-40 you will be getting on has been shut down for a major rockslide for months...BUT I think I just saw on the news it was either open or going to be open in a day or so A much prettier drive goes from Cherokee through the national forest into Gatlinburg - breathtaking!

Also if you have time to kill there is an AMAZING little hole-in-the-wall barbecue place on the left side just as you enter Maggie Valley (look for a decrepit little white building.) You will be going that way anyway. I can never remember the name but it is to die for!

Biltmore house is lovely and the gardens are amazing - have fun!

Hi Jandel!

I see you're from East TN - my ex-husband is from Johnson City. We used to visit there quite often; his mother has a 2nd home there. His granny lived in a log house in Boone's Creek. That is a beautiful area!

Unless I'm completely insane, by taking the BRP we won't be getting on I-40 at all, but thanks for the heads up.

And thanks for the suggestions!

 

[MSSANDRA]

We love the BRP. I am horrible at times, but it will take a while to make the drive but it is so nice and relaxing and you have all day so you should be fine.

Stop at some of the overlooks and take a few breaks. Bathrooms can be few and far between so plan accordingly and throw in a cooler and a few snacks.

I enjoy the Biltmore house very much and while it has gotten very expensive lately, everyone should see it one time..

Have a fun week-end.

 

[sharlon]

I'm going to jump in here since I live 10 minutes from the Biltmore and DH has several offices in WNC, including one in Shelby and another over near Cherokee. He said because the BRP is SO winding and meanders, you could look at close to 3 hours for the Cherokee to A'ville drive. It's really not close to that far as the crow flies, but because of the way the road is, it takes a lot longer. Also, VERY IMPORTANT, there are LARGE portions of the Parkway along that route that are closed right now for maintenance and cleanup due to our winter storms, so it's not even really possible. You will be detoured off, but you would need to have a good roadmap with you. Also, remember that there are no gas stations or places to eat on the parkway, so you would have to get off at exit points for those things. Go to blueridgeparkway.org for closing info.
As for Shelby, DH said it is almost exactly 1 1/2 hours drive. Straight down I-26 east, then 74A East. It's really an easy drive.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me.
Oh, and when are you going. The homeschool festival is happening at Biltmore on the 29th and 30th. It won't really affect the crowds at Biltmore much, but DD and I might be there. We'll wave.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

We love the BRP. I am horrible at times, but it will take a while to make the drive but it is so nice and relaxing and you have all day so you should be fine.

Stop at some of the overlooks and take a few breaks. Bathrooms can be few and far between so plan accordingly and throw in a cooler and a few snacks.

I enjoy the Biltmore house very much and while it has gotten very expensive lately, everyone should see it one time..

Have a fun week-end.

I'm going to jump in here since I live 10 minutes from the Biltmore and DH has several offices in WNC, including one in Shelby and another over near Cherokee. He said because the BRP is SO winding and meanders, you could look at close to 3 hours for the Cherokee to A'ville drive. It's really not close to that far as the crow flies, but because of the way the road is, it takes a lot longer. Also, VERY IMPORTANT, there are LARGE portions of the Parkway along that route that are closed right now for maintenance and cleanup due to our winter storms, so it's not even really possible. You will be detoured off, but you would need to have a good roadmap with you. Also, remember that there are no gas stations or places to eat on the parkway, so you would have to get off at exit points for those things. Go to blueridgeparkway.org for closing info.
As for Shelby, DH said it is almost exactly 1 1/2 hours drive. Straight down I-26 east, then 74A East. It's really an easy drive.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me.
Oh, and when are you going. The homeschool festival is happening at Biltmore on the 29th and 30th. It won't really affect the crowds at Biltmore much, but DD and I might be there. We'll wave.

Thank you both! This is exactly what I was looking for.

We are going next Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday to Biltmore. I think we'll miss you by a day, Sharlon.

In looking at the BRP website (which I found a little confusing BTW) last week I did not see anything about road closings along it, so thank you for the heads up! I'll go dig around the site in earnest.

Thanks so much!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I am horrible at times,

When I read this the first time I thought, "Well, aren't we all?" and "Why is she being so hard on herself?" as well as "Why choose right here for this self disclosure?" and the second time I realized you were talking about TIMES as in minutes and hours.

I can be such a doofus.

 

[jandel]

Hi Mrs B! We live about 8 minutes from Johnson City and do most of our shopping and eating out there. It is pretty country!

I mis-read your post concerning directions you were driving - sorry.

I think you will have a marvelous time just taking in the scenery....the weather is just warm enough and everything is blooming. On second thought - pack your benadryl along with your camera

 

[rkmalloy]

You'll enjoy the drive that you are hoping for. We lived outside Shelby for awhile. The ride between Shelby and Biltmore is amazing - have fun! My favorite part is driving through there right before and during daybreak!

 

[dis-happy]

Have fun...your plan sounds do-able to me.

Another POI is the Pottery Barn Outlet Store in Gaffney. I always try to stop by when I'm in the area. You won't be too far away.

 

[reesecup]

Hi! I think you guys will have a great time.The Biltmore should be gorgeous this time of year; the flowers on the grounds should be in full bloom. Just remember that once you get on the Parkway that it is a good ride before you can get off. I would pack a picnic .There are many gorgeous stops along the way to stop at that have picnic tables. There are a few places where you can walk down and see the waterfalls . I believe the one I am thinking of though, in particular, is more in the Boone area. If you've never been on the Parkway, it's a must. Take your time, relax, and just enjoy your time together! We are in North Carolina but are closer to the Boone area. One thing we love about our state is we are only 1.5 hours to the mountains and 3.5 to 4 hours to the coast! Have fun!!!

 

[sharlon]

Thank you both! This is exactly what I was looking for.

We are going next Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday to Biltmore. I think we'll miss you by a day, Sharlon.

In looking at the BRP website (which I found a little confusing BTW) last week I did not see anything about road closings along it, so thank you for the heads up! I'll go dig around the site in earnest.

Thanks so much!

No problem. DH said the same thing about the website, and he uses it a fair amount. There was a story on our news last night that indicated over 35 miles of the parkway are closed, primarily between Cherokee and Asheville, due to the storm damage. They showed pictures and discussed the cost of cleanup, which was pretty substantial.

 

[maleficentmom]

Hi Jandel!

I see you're from East TN - my ex-husband is from Johnson City. We used to visit there quite often; his mother has a 2nd home there. His granny lived in a log house in Boone's Creek. That is a beautiful area!

Unless I'm completely insane, by taking the BRP we won't be getting on I-40 at all, but thanks for the heads up.

And thanks for the suggestions!

I live in Johnson City, specifically Boones Creek, small world!The Johnson City Press headlines today were "Stretch of I-40 to reopen Tuesday"...but goes on to say some of it won't reopen until October. If you go to Charlotte,Carowinds is nearby,and is pretty good for a non-Disney place.We ate at a Joe's Crab Shack in Charlotte that was yummy. If you're going to be in that area,you could go see the Blowing Rock,Grandfather Mtn., Tanger Outlet/Shops on the Parkway....our favorite is Valle Crucis...Mast General Store(there is a good Mast in Asheville and Boone, but we love the original in Valle Crucis)sit on the back porch with a cold bottle of Dr.Enuf or Cheerwine,eat a moonpie...and eat at a place called Family Billiards in Foscoe,down the road.just went a week ago,love it. Have fun and safe travels.

 

[reesecup]

No problem. DH said the same thing about the website, and he uses it a fair amount. There was a story on our news last night that indicated over 35 miles of the parkway are closed, primarily between Cherokee and Asheville, due to the storm damage. They showed pictures and discussed the cost of cleanup, which was pretty substantial.

That doesn't surprise me about the damage. My father in-law lives in West Jefferson and the damage was mind boggling when we rode up there. And that's just what we saw....he has told us stories of much worse. So, you really may want to double check about what part(s) of the Parkway are closed.

Gaffney really isn't that far so if you like Outlet shops. That's something else you could do . Boone is quite a bit farther between where you are and where you will be (Asheville). The outlet there is smaller also, but I still love it. Lake Lure , like someone else mentioned, is not that far from you either. It is a gorgeous place. Sounds like you will spend most of your time in Asheville though and at the Biltmore. There are some neat places to eat and shops in downtown Asheville. If you ever get a chance to go to Grove Park Inn, GO! It is such an amazing place and so relaxing. I think you can still go and get a spa experience without staying there but I'm not sure.

Again, have fun!