Trip to Banner Elk, NC

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

Here is my situation. We originally had plans to go to Hershey Suites from the 4^th to the 11^th of August. My Dad was never really keen on going, and kind of wanted to go to West Virginia as he likes to go motorcycle riding and heard the roads there are excellent.

Knowing this I tell him that I can get a week at BlueRidge Villas, in Banner Elk, NC for the 5^th to the 12^th and he can stay one night in Hershey then ride to NC. It is very close, and will take him right through WV. He says he'll think about it and get back to me. I told him if I did not hear back from him I would go ahead and get it. Of course, after I have already booked it, he tells me he didn’t really want to pay for the extra week. Problem is it was an exchange with SFX!

So, I have listed the Hershey Reservation but this close I am NOT optimistic. So I have two questions since it looks like I'm going to NC;

1. Since I have cancellation insurance on the Hershey Suites, when would you cancel the reservation? I do not want to leave it until the day of so that if there is another BG owner who wants it they can get it.
2. Driving from London, ON to Banner Elk, NC where would you stay in a hotel? I am thinking Charleston, WV but thought I’d see if anyone has any other recommendations.

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

Well, since I didn't get much in the way of suggestions, has anyone ever been to this area? We rented out the Hershey Suites, albeit at a small loss but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I understand the NC mountains are beautiful, and looking forward to some curvy hills with guard rails to prevent falling off them. Anything else to actually do there though?

So far I am interested in Horn in the West, the Linville Caverns, and Grandfather Mountain. Also considering a tryp to Carrowinds Theme Park. Love the idea of the lazy river that takes you through both NC and SC but looking for some other suggestions.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Wish I could help you but I've only been to Asheville area and Charlotte.
I'm sure Banner Elk is beautiful. Most of North Carolina's mountains are beautiful if you like rustic vacations and beautiful scenery.
The roads aren't scary unless you get stuck in the sticks at night. There aren't street lights in many areas so I'd avoid night driving and the GPS can't figure out where it is half the time so invest in a map just in case. Cell phone service is also spotty in many areas.

If you like artsy crafty things then you'll love NC and TN. I went crazy visiting all the little handmade shops from Asheville to Gatlinburg. Are you going to Gatlinburg and Asheville also? It's not that far. Worth visiting IMO.

You'll also want to drive the Blue Ridge parkway at least part way and stop in Pisgah for lunch.

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

Asheville is definately on our radar, as the Biltmore Estates are there. Little further then I would like, but there is a 20 minute difference between what Googlemaps says and MS Streets and Trips. Do love beautifuly scenery, so definately looking forward to it. Only a couple of weeks away.

Thanks for the tip about the cell phone reception and GPS. I have always relied on it, and generally speaking it get's me where I want to go. In such unventured territory it might be good to have a back up.

Tennesse had been on my list as well, couple of shows etc and it would be nice to check out Gatlinburg since there is a BlueGreen resort there we eventually hope to get to. I am not a art and craftsy person, however my mother ran a crocheting and knitting business for several years so she will hopefully enjoy it.

The whole thing though can't come soon enough. We are "avoiding highways" on the way down so that we can see more of everything along the way. This is a true road-trip, and although we technically could do it in a day down we are stopping on the south side of Columbus somewhere.

Wish I could help you but I've only been to Asheville area and Charlotte.
I'm sure Banner Elk is beautiful. Most of North Carolina's mountains are beautiful if you like rustic vacations and beautiful scenery.
The roads aren't scary unless you get stuck in the sticks at night. There aren't street lights in many areas so I'd avoid night driving and the GPS can't figure out where it is half the time so invest in a map just in case. Cell phone service is also spotty in many areas.

If you like artsy crafty things then you'll love NC and TN. I went crazy visiting all the little handmade shops from Asheville to Gatlinburg. Are you going to Gatlinburg and Asheville also? It's not that far. Worth visiting IMO.

You'll also want to drive the Blue Ridge parkway at least part way and stop in Pisgah for lunch.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Biltmore definitely worth a visit. I love their Christmas shop and I'm sure Mom will too.
I still have spiced Hot cider mix that I bought a few years ago.

You can spend a whole day at the estate between the tour, shops, lunch, visiting the gardens and driving the property we spent the entire day there. Don't forget to visit Downtown Asheville too. Lots of cutesy shops and restaurants. Hopefully the economy hasn't destroyed it.

Somehow I wandered up this mountain and found this church. It was a nice day trip and beautiful. I think a friend recommended it. It was one of those windy mountain roads but the scenery was spectacular.
http://www.campgreenville.org/chapel.php

[shaggy Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close shaggy]

Lots to do in the area. I am about 2 hrs away and go up a couple of times a year. In the vicinity you have Blowing Rock, cute town & a great arts in the park that they have once a month, maybe more. The Blowing Rock is nothing. Grandfather Mtn is fun, they have a mile high steel swinging bridge. Also Linville falls, gem mining, etc. Eat at The Daniel Boone Inn. Nice area. shaggy

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

Is Lake Lure worth the visit ? I think it is near Asheville, NC.

[Alien23 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Alien23]

If you love artsy handy points and then you are going to really like NC in addition to TN. I journeyed crazy going to all the little handmade stores coming from Asheville for you to Gatlinburg. Can you Gatlinburg in addition to Asheville also? It's not in which significantly.

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

Looking at upcoming weather reports, this is going to be a RAINY trip. 90% rain for a good portion of it, and chances of it everyday. Should have cancelled and taken all the overtime they are offering at work!

[shaggy Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close shaggy]

Is Lake Lure worth the visit ? I think it is near Asheville, NC.

Lake Lure is where a lot of Dirty Dancing was filmed. There is a boat ride you can take on the lake. There is a great place called Chimney Rock that you can hike and it is beautiful. I can no longer do it but I'm glad I did it when I was younger. It is privately owned
so there is an entrance fee , You can take an elevator to the top and then walk down. Across the street from Chimney Rock is a bunch of craft shops and junk shops. There is a pretty waterfall at Chimney Rock also.

[funtime2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close funtime2]

grandalf, we have a condo on top of Sugar Mountain.... from our balcony we can see the footbridge on Grandfather Mountain. The area has lots to offer with the Blueridge Parkway drive being one of the best. I would have been glad to exchange you a week in our private resort for the Hershey time, but that is water under the bridge.

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

This is defiantely something I would consider, as we are interested in going back to that area. There was a lot we didn't get to see or do, and it would be nice to also just relax a little bit as we spent a fair amount of time on the go. It wouldn't be for a couple of years I suspect but will try to keep that in mind.