So, my sainted wife and I are preparing for a week long road trip with the top down to the Blue Ridge Parkway in a couple weeks.

The plan is to drive from here in good ol' Charleston, SC to Charlottesville VA....hang out in Charlottesville for the day and tour Monticello and then the next day start a three day trip via the BRP to Asheville then a day or two in Asheville and then back home.

So, looking for any suggestions for the Parkway. Things to do and see (or not)...places to stay (or avoid like the plague). That sort of thing.

Anyone along the route....if we can make it work, I'll buy ya a beer!

Cheers,

Troy

 

Always wanted to check out Mt. Airy NC, not too far off I-81 near the VA/NC line. It is Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, apparently the town is still themed around the show.

 

I've ridden the BRP many times - yearly for the past x10 years, mostly on & off the BRP at many various locations. I generally spend 4-6 days riding my Indian motorcycle each fall with several other folks, but I've spent many occasions riding many of the roads which lead off the BRP, as well. It's a tough call making suggestions. Nearly all the hotels/motels are very friendly, clean & reasonably priced. Linville Falls is a nice diversion, easy on/off and scenic; Little Switzerland is nice, very small town; Boone you'd probably love; Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville in situated right where you'd like to be - great hotel, excellent amenities, easy to get to many locations (e.g. Biltmore, etc.).

The thing about the BRP is this. Exits/On ramps to the BRP are located throughout the BRP at various locations - generally along or by a particular town. Don't be afraid to get off the BRP and take another side road down further (South perhaps in your general direction) and then get back on the BRP at the next small town. Have a great trip.

 

I don't want to burst your bubble about Mt. Airy, but it's not all it's hyped up to be. It's not, IMO, that great of a little town. Yeah, they have some old-time cars w/ the big circular red lights on the hood, but it isn't that great of a place to spend more than one hour tops. There are far better places to venture than Mt. Airy. I wouldn't try to dissuade you from going, but I wouldn't hold high expectations for a tour in time of a quaint little Mayberry.

 

Awesome! All input is greatly appreciated!

lLooking to avoid (I know, I know) tourist traps......I think we are looking at, for overnight stops, Floyd VA, Boone/Blowing Rock and then Asheville (which we are familiar with)

The BR Music Center in Galax looks like a cool thing as well....

Cheers,

Troy

 

I can't help much because all my experience is between the Smoky Mountains and Asheville. We absolutely love this section of the BRP and I have been told it has the best views of the entire road. I can't speak for the other sections but we love this part. We are planning to drive the full thing after I get the Jetfire done.

 

if you are at all interested in antique motorcycles the "wheels through time" motorcycle museum is outstanding,located just west of asheville in maggie valley.everything in the museum runs,not unusual to hear more than one old machine get fired up during a visit.there are a few unusual automobiles there too.

 

Thanks Norm, good to know. I did expect more, it will become a detour instead of a destination.

 

Your description is perfect.

 

As luck would have it......took the Olds out yesterday and the top pump decided to give up the ghost. It's been running slower the last couple of years........and here is where the MAW bites you in the ashtabula. Two years ago, I had a new top installed and the frame rebuilt. I put in new cylinders and lines. At the time, I was thinking....should I just replace the pump and be done with it? NAAAAHHHHH. I mean, what could POSSIBLY go wrong with a half century old hydraulic motor/pump??

So, a week before the trip.......have to order a new pump. Now, if the FEDEX gods smile upon me.....it should be no problem. However, my luck....mid-week, some guy in Pigsknuckle Oregon is going to get a delivery from Fusick's with MY pump.

My sainted wife, the long-suffering Wendi, said look at the bright side, it didn't die the day before the trip or while we were on the trip.........NOTHING ruins a great temper tantrum like a wife who makes a really good point.

Cheers,

Troy

 

Ya, a good think you have a week. I had a water pump go bad one day before a trip before. Good thing the local parts store had one. Even then, it is better to go out a day before than on the trip.
Post some pictures of the trip if you can/ Love seeing pics from the BRP

 

See, you are a "glass half full guy". My wife is too. What is it with you people?

J/K........

Yup, this will be a picture-fest. Just looking forward to getting out and getting away!

As a side note, it would be cool to organize a classicoldsmobile.com Olds-fest/road trip event......

Cheers,

Troy

 

Troy, in case you’re interested in the latest foliage update.

https://www.romanticasheville.com/fall.htm

 

Thanks man!!!

 

I know you all are breathlessly anticipating updates to my impending trip so who am I to disappoint??

So, Fusick's came through with the new top pump........a smidge of a PITA. One, climbing into the truck of a car at 49 is not nearly as fun as it was at 14 to sneak into the drive in. TWO, I'm going to have this tattoed on the back of my forehand: CHECK THE GROUND WIRE. The ground wire on the pump wasn't secure so that led to a few minutes of sheer PANIC when the pump didn't work. I'm sitting there thinking...please, please, please don't let it be the switch. I really don't want to have to do that again. Ever.

Anyway....new pump installed. Getting the rubber feet in the holes sucked a lot but....it works fantastic......now just to get 'er cleaned up and ready to launch on Sunday!

Cheers,

Troy

 

Glad you are up and running again!

 

Troy - Happy you're ready to roll.