Blue Ridge Mountains, NC, VA. May 2012

During my time off from school, my job gave me five days off in a row. Instead of spending those days cleaning the house and doing whatever it is responsible adults do, I decided we should use the time to travel. I asked my boyfriend to pick somewhere to go and we'd pack our bags and leave. He picked to go on a camping trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We packed up the car and off we went to North Carolina with Captain Kidd along for the ride of course.

Our trip started outside of Asheville, NC. but not before we passed the bat cave! Ah ha! I know your secret, Batman!

We stopped at the Arboretum outside of Asheville; a beautiful botanical garden with great trails.

At the Arboretum was a small exhibit of poisonous and intoxicating plants. Captain Kidd's favorites were in the liquor cabinet. 

The Arboretum also had a Bonsai Tree Exhibit that was breath takingly beautiful

The nature trails were really pretty.

After this detour, we began driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Every turn had amazing views of the mountains, beautiful tunnels and bridges, and waterfalls.

 

 We ended the first day setting up camp at a quiet campsite near the craggy gardens.

That next morning, we packed up and headed north on the Parkway. We first stopped and panned for gems.

And found an apple orchard next.

Captain Kidd's favorite jam was the "Hotter n hell" jam

We then explored the Linville Caverns

We hung out at the lake by our campsite.

Then made hot dogs next to the camp fire.

 

We hung out at the North Carolina and Virginia state line.

 

We had awesome wine tasting at a great hidden winery.

 

We ended the Blue Ridge Trail at Booker T. Washington's birth place.

We stopped at a gold mine on our way back home.

 

And checked out Charalotte, NC.