Appalachian culture on a drive through North Carolina | Blue Ridge Parkway

I set out from Cherokee, NC on the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway, going north. The Parkway is a winding two-lane road going through the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia. This is Part One of my attempt to drive all of the Parkway's 469 miles. I got a late start on Day 1, hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway after 5 pm and stopping in Asheville for the night. Day 2 was sunny and my goal was Sparta, NC. Those two days are in this video, which shows what it's like to be on the Parkway and pass by its many sweeping mountain vistas.
The BRP's many pullouts for scenic views, and historical signs and the Folk Art Center, make the drive both instructive and relaxing. Plus, there are no advertising signs or buildings or stores along the road - it's just the simple, well-maintained asphalt, your car, and the thrilling natural scenes in 360º at all times.
Not that driving the whole thing is easy or without last-minute problems...
🔔 SUBSCRIBE → kzbin.info?sub_confi...
👉 PATREON → / t1dwanderer
🌍 EMAIL NEWSLETTER → www.t1dwanderer.com/subscribe
Music provided by AzovMusic / Pond5

[@JR-playlists]

In the spring the Rhododendrons, laurels, and Dogwoods are beautiful!

[@marisahokefazi4735]

I did that one springtime. It was magnificant, especially all the stops on the BRP and interactions with people.

[@T1DWanderer]

Great trip

[@CathyS_Bx]

Sigh. My hubs and I took a trip on the Virginia portion back when we were courtin'. Surely a highlight of the eastern U.S. Can't wait to see more!

[@T1DWanderer]

Virginia is coming!

[@Barley150]

This was great, Jeremy, and especially affecting for me because you're on a road of memories for me, and it's the most wondrous road I've ever driven, including Amalfi Drive in Italy. You said there didn't seem to be many people up there on the skyway, but it's deceptive. They get something like 15 million visitors a year, but stretched over 500 miles, no crowds. When I'm up there I get into an exalted, magisterial state -- I'm above and better than the rest. You ever get that feeling? -- charlie, sacramento

[@T1DWanderer]

Yeah, it's supposedly the most-visited NPS site, even more than Great Smoky Mts NP, I think. I know what you mean - it's higher than everywhere else, and somehow feels very distant from the rest of civilization. Thanks for watching, Charlie; hope you catch the next two installments too!

[@jenmorricone4014]

Jeremy, it's so lovely that you can work a few words of Shakespeare into your monologue. That time of year thou may'st in me behold When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold; Bare ruin'd choirs where late the sweet birds sang. The bare and ruined choir quote was much appreciated. More please. :)

[@T1DWanderer]

Thanks! I remember that three-word phrase from high school, but actually didn't remember what it was from. Glad you picked up on it and could help me out!

[@melissacase7554]

Your in my neck of the woods.....enjoy

[@rhyacinthlevrini6577]

Great drive! Though I live in the mountains of northern California, North Carolina is a second home. I have family in Charlotte and back in the 1900s (1991 to be exact) for my Parent´s 50th anniversary we spent a day visiting the Biltmore Estate and driving beautiful stretches of the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Looking forward to your more northern section.

[@T1DWanderer]

Have you seen any of my National Parks Plus road trip videos? We were in northern California, maybe in your part of the state. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXObmYRortB3qpI

[@rhyacinthlevrini6577]

@@T1DWanderer Yes. I noticed it when I first start following your Norway trip.

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

This is one of our bucket list items. Someday we will get here and drive the whole road hopefully. Thanks for letting us come along with you. Cherokee NC is a lot of fun too, good small town to explore.

[@T1DWanderer]

Yeah, Cherokee is pretty interesting. Western NC is great

[@MrDantastic423]

Doing the whole ride next month on the Harley’s with my buddies

[@T1DWanderer]

Great, enjoy it

[@emaglott]

Nice!

[@TRIChuckles]

Thank congressman Doughton.

[@myrealfakename6068]

Timestamp 11:30 🥸🤣🤣😉

[@johnhulsey904]

You skipped Mount Mitchell. A wonderful stop at 6684 feet

[@T1DWanderer]

yeah that was one I was especially sorry to miss. Gotta go back

[@honganhv8808]

We live in Northern VA and work in DC. Do you plan to drive the Skyline Drive also or visit VA, Washington DC area?

[@T1DWanderer]

We did drive the Skyline Drive after this. Planned to see DC but didn't have time

[@honganhv8808]

@@T1DWanderer If you guys are in the area next time let us know. Take care and thanks for making time to take us along. All the best.

[@nesterperiwinkle]

Not completely accurate intro- there are a couple gas stops and a restaurant/inn around Mt. Pisgah.

[@melissacase7554]

How many times did your ears pop?

[@T1DWanderer]

Hm, didn't notice that actually. Maybe something to do with the arriving tropical storm...?