Tanks for the Memories: Grand Ol' Grandfather
- Lindsay Britts
- Oct 12, 2017
- 3 min read
Getting inspired to do a little cruisin’ of your own? Ready to hit the road for a weekend ride to a place you’ve never been before? We can show you the best trips in your neck of the woods and you won’t even have to stop to fuel up. Each week, we pick a starting city and plan a getaway to some of the most charming, energetic, and just plain fun places that you’ll only need one tank of gas to reach. When it’s all over, you’ll be able to say… TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
Starting City: Charlotte, NC
Destination: Grandfather Mountain, NC
Distance: about 105 miles
Autumn is the time to start cozy-ing. Whether it’s with loved ones, a pet, a book, or just a nice Apple Brown Betty, it’s good to feel that buzzy warmth milling about your heart. One sight that always brings up cozy times for me is the changing leaves of densely-packed trees. The bright earthy hues make me want to grab a sweater and head on a nice walk before returning to a fire and some tea. While the first thought of foliage observation may be the “leafers” in New England, you can also watch the colors change around you in other parts of the country, like the Blue Ridge Mountains. A quick jaunt from Charlotte, North Carolina can take you to this week’s perfect spot to be cozy: Grandfather Mountain.
Source: visitnc.com
Source: Wikipedia
According to the Encyclopedia of North Carolina: “Called Tanawha ("fabulous bird" or "eagle") by the Cherokee Indians, the mountain acquired the name "Grandfather" from early settlers who saw the face of an old man's profile in the outline of the peaks against the sky.” The mountain itself is almost 6000 feet tall and is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grandfather Mountain was privately owned until 2008, where it built its reputation as a tourist attraction, until the owner passed away and the state bought the land to make it into a state park. A nonprofit called the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation was created to operate the tourist part of the mountain and collect funds for conservation of the land.
One of the most well-known attractions that has been around for decades is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It is America’s highest suspension footbridge, and was built in 1952 with a rebuild in 1999. The bridge provides stunning views as you cross from peak to peak. An elevator was recently built into the attraction so that even those who can’t climb the mountain can still come up to the bridge and see the scenery. You can learn about the endangered species that make the park its home through lectures. The park is mindful of its motorists, and has a car club visitors’ page where you can reserve visits with your auto club.
In October, The Colors of Grandfather Guided Walks happen on weekends, where you can learn about the biology of the forest and its multicolored leaves. There are also Habitat Programs that talk about the local fauna as well as Adult Field Guide programs for those who want to take the knowledge of the parks home. Plenty of activities happen outside of the fall months as well. For those wanting to partake in Scottish traditions, the mountain hosts a set of Highland Games every summer. The crowded schedule includes sheep herding, a harp competition, athletics like tossing the caber and hammer throw, and a Parade of Tartans.
The park offer access to and from the Blue Ridge Parkway, so you can continue your adventures along this famous scenic route. The oranges, browns, and yellows will match your cherry red Corvette! Cozy up to Grandfather Mountain this season!
STRETCH YOUR LEGS: If you take the northern route Google Maps suggests to head to Grandfather Mountain, you’ll pass by Mystery Hill, which lives up to its name as the attraction boasts a “gravitational anomaly”. You can also visit an Appalachian Heritage Museum, a Native American Artifacts museum, and stay at one of the on-site cabins.
LEARN MORE:
https://grandfather.com/
https://blueridgemountainlife.com/blue-ridge-parkway-travel-guide/
https://www.visitnc.com/fall
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