Best 3 Days on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Wanting to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, but not sure where to start? Our friends at the Sugar Tree Inn have planned a three-day getaway along the Parkway, just for you! It begins with a stay at our Bed and Breakfast, Lovill House Inn.

Day 1: Boone, NC

Starting in the Southern end of the Blue Ridge in Boone, North Carolina. Named after American pioneer Daniel Boone, this charming town is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Boone is the perfect town for those who want a mix between outdoor adventure and a leisurely day.

As it’s within the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are ample hiking opportunities, but Boone has more to offer than just that. Fishing is a common activity in the town, as is mountain biking and climbing/bouldering. If you want to spend some time outside but don’t have the energy for hiking or climbing, Grandfather Mountain has free admission (reservations required however) to the top of the mountain. Here, you can cross the Mile-High Swinging Bridge where you will have panoramic views of the mountain ridge. Picnic tables are also available, so you can hang out and enjoy some packed snacks or lunch while soaking in the views.

Shopping in Boone could be considered a sport, as the town hosts over 130 shops that you can bounce between. From apparel, to pottery, to sports gear and everything in between, one day isn’t enough time to get through everything. Boone has 9 breweries and 3 wineries, so if you have a D.D, a beer/wine crawl could be the perfect way for you to see the town instead!

After all the activities (or maybe you need a bit of soakage after all that beer), we’re sure you’re feeling hungry. Downtown boasts 30 different cafes and restaurants, whereas wider Boone (including downtown) has a total over 88. Tacos, sushi, pizza…you name it, Boone has it, meaning picky eaters can rejoice. The Local, aptly named, is a local favorite that is open late. The Speckled Trout on Main Street describe themselves as a “low-country” seafood style restaurant, so if a bit of fish or shrimp is your thing, you might want to check them out. If you’re looking for live music on a Friday or Saturday night, Twigs Restaurant and Bar in Blowing Rock have live bands to listen to while sipping on a craft beer or a soft drink of choice.

When it comes time to sleeping, Boone has three B&B’s, as well as local and national brand hotels and motels. We recommend staying at the award winning Lovill House Inn.  We love their efforts to be a sustainable B&B and they are within walking distance to downtown. The hosts are friendly and accommodations are gorgeous!  If you’re sick of comfort and want to rough it, Boone has 8 campgrounds and RV grounds; although if you’re like us and are more of the “glamping types”, most of these campgrounds have cabins to rent.

Day 2: Floyd, VA

The only thing better than waking up in a cozy bed in the mountains is waking up in a cozy bed in the mountains knowing you have a comforting and hearty breakfast waiting for you, made fresh by Chef Gerry. Take an easy morning before check-out at 11, have a cup or two of coffee while sitting on the porch. You’ll be heading towards Floyd today. Along the way on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll be hitting multiple overlook spots where you can take in the scenery and snap a few pictures. We suggest stopping at the Arnold Valley South Overlook. 

For an afternoon stop, we suggest making a pit stop in Bedford, about half way between us and Floyd. Bedford is home to the National D-Day Memorial, but the cute town offers much more than that. The Bedford Museum has 300 years of history all in one building, but also houses resources for tracing your genealogy and a bookstore. Antique stores line the town, where you are sure to find a treasure or two. If the weather is nice, or if you’re hearty like us, you can take a hike along the Appalachian Trail, or walk the 3.3 mile Harkening Hill Loop Trail.

This quaint town has lots of food options, all with charm and individuality. Sit back with a beer and a burger at Beale’s, or be among flowers at the florist and café of The Blue Lady and Everafter. Soul Sisters & Brother Kitchen is one of Bedford’s newest restaurants, serving up southern soul food, or maybe you want to sit in a bit of history at the restored station house Liberty Station. 

After enjoying a bit of lunch, you’ll be back on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north to Floyd. Along the hour and a half trip, you’ll have more opportunities to stop and take pictures at an overlook. We suggest the Pine Spur Overlook about two-thirds of the way into the drive. Once you get to Floyd, you have a few different options for your evening. One option is stopping for dinner and wine at the Chateau Morrisette (dinner service Thursday-Sunday) if you are looking for a little more of an upscale experience. If you’re looking for a more low-key kind of night and want to cut loose with some live music, head to Floyd’s Country Store. Floyd’s Country Store is known for their Friday Night Jamboree, but feature live music most nights of the week. These events draw a crowd, so be sure to get there early, and make sure you have your dancing shoes on!

For a place to rest your head, we couldn’t recommend Moonlight Manor more! Jenny and John are Minnesotan transplants to Virginia, and that Minnesota Nice came along with them to Floyd. Nestled in the mountains, the five-room bed and breakfast have a gorgeous wrap around porch to sip your morning coffee or late night drink of choice with a view.

Day 3: Staunton, VA

The historic city of Staunton offers a wide variety of activities for any type of traveler. Downtown is packed full of unique, local businesses. Start your morning off with a coffee and pastry from Reunion Bakery & Espresso to fuel you up and get the energy pumping. The next stop after that is up to you. 

If you are more of an artsy person, why not stop in the Art Hive, a community arts center that features local artists and peruse their boutique. If galleries are more your thing, Staunton is home to the CoArt Gallery and R.R Smith Center for History and Art. Or maybe you want to get hands on and create some art of your own—the Sunspots Studios Glassblowing have you covered with demonstrations and a chance to blow your own glass ornament.

Maybe you’re more of a history buff and want to spend your day museum hopping. Staunton is home to numerous museums, covering military history (Staunton Military Academy/VWIL Museum at Mary Baldwin University), arts and culture (The Society for Victorian Arts and Culture and the Frontier Culture Museum), down to niche antique museums (Antique Fire Engine Museum and the Camera Heritage Museum).

Once you start feeling peckish, you are sure to find something that fits any taste buds. Nothing beats comfort food, which can be found at the Depot Grill, Mill Street Gill, or Marino’s. If pizza is what you’re craving (because who isn’t!), head over to Pizza Luca, who have gluten free and vegetarian friendly options. If you’re feeling like branching out a little more, Gloria’s Pupuseria offer Salvadoran style food, specializing in pupusas, whereas Thai Staunton Restaurant will meet your Thai-fix. Finally, since we are near the Chesapeake Bay, why not indulge on oysters, crab cakes, and lobster claws at the Blu Point Seafood.

We would be remised if we didn't mention the equally cute town of Lexington VA located 30 minutes in the other direction. We also have a thriving group of local businesses from farm tours to vineyards and shopping that comprise the North Rockbridge County Trail that you could easily spend the afternoon enjoying.  

Wrap up your evening in Staunton by driving 30 minutes south down to us at Sugar Tree Inn and enjoy a cozy evening in, sitting by a fire in your room or playing board games in our tavern. When the weather is warmer, they have a very large entertaining deck for you to enjoy your meal, drinks, or the comradery of others. They offer a full 3-course dinner service Friday and Saturday, but also have a selection of soups, salads, and hot food to order during the week day. You will disconnect to reconnect with your favorite person reminiscing about your fun filled day!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is host to cities and small towns alike, fitting every type of traveler. It was hard to pick just three places to visit, but we hope our three day itinerary helps point you in the right direction! If you follow our suggestions, let us know!