The Blue Ridge Mountains, Peaceful Mountain Living
Mt. Airy North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for their incredible scenery, hiking trails, and rustic getaways. With a large area covering over 550 miles, many quaint towns are scattered throughout, creating picturesque pockets of peaceful mountain living.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountain range. They can be accessed using the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive stretching across North Carolina and Virginia. As one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States, originally settled by the Cherokee Indians, the rich history is showcased in many local museums and art houses.
Their beautiful hiking trails are within range of the Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as eight national forests which make for incredible scenic adventures.
Below are 5 unique Blue Ridge Mountain destinations, with diverse offerings from historic attractions and sporting events to adventure and retirement.
5 Places to Visit in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
1.The Biltmore
Known as America’s largest home, the Biltmore, located in Asheville, NC, was designed by Richard Morris Hunt in 1895. The Biltmore is open for tours and hosts a winter holiday event that’s not to be missed. While visiting the Biltmore, hop over to downtown Asheville’s vibrant art scene, surrounded by a variety of top-tier restaurants and breweries.
2.Boone
Boone, NC is home to Appalachian State University, where the Mountaineers division 1 college football defends their turf. If you’re a college football fan, taking in a home game in this unique and fanatical atmosphere should be on your list.
3.Elkin Valley
Hike from Grassy Creek Vineyard to Carter falls using the Elkin Valley Trails in Elkin, NC. Named after the Elkin River, Elkin has a popular music scene and hosts music festivals throughout the year.
4.Winston-Salem
Incorporated in 1849, Winston Salem has a variety of museums and historic buildings. Visit and tour the Historic West End of Winston-Salem NC, one of the first streetcar suburbs in North Carolina.
5.Mount Airy
One of the most unique and charismatic towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Mt. Airy, North Carolina. As host to Mayberry Days, a celebration of the Andy Griffith Show, you can experience a full week of wholesome events, bluegrass jamborees, and country cooking so good it’ll make you weep! With its small-town, vintage feel with modern-day conveniences, it’s a hidden gem to visit or settle permanently. Ridgecrest, Mt. Airy’s senior living retirement community gets in on the action, crowning a king and queen who ride in the main parade.
If you’re interested in retiring to the blue ridge mountains, RidgeCrest may be your perfect pocket. RidgeCrest offers spacious senior apartments for independent and assisted living with amenities including a national award-winning wellness program, a variety of social and wellness activities, delicious restaurant-style dining, and more!
