Episode Details

Join us on Travel Is Back episode 209 as we cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, a legendary scenic drive where mists cradle the mountains and winding roads reveal waterfalls, overlooks and small-town charm. We highlight must-see stops including Mabry Mill’s postcard-perfect waterwheel, the rhododendron blooms at Craggy Gardens, the plunging cascades of Linville Falls, and the high-point views from Mount Mitchell. Along the way we share travel tips for timing your visit—prime fall foliage and spring blooms—how to plan for limited cell service, best overlooks for sunrise, and safe slow driving on narrow stretches. Food lovers will enjoy Appalachian biscuits, farm-to-table meals and Asheville’s craft beer scene as perfect fuel for the road. We map nearby hiking trailheads, parking and family-friendly stops, plus landmark history at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations. Tune in for cozy stories, practical advice and inspiration for your next scenic escape. Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.