Exhilarating road biking, exquisite dining, and spectacular mountain scenery await you in the remote northwest corner of North Carolina.  You'll bike the famous Blue Ridge Parkway with its majestic views of the surrounding mountains.  Also leave the main routes behind as we guide you on little known back roads with picturesque Christmas Tree farms and trickling mountain streams.  Along the way, you will step back in time with visits to old-time country stores.  Take time off the bike to hike to a gushing mountain waterfall and paddle the leisurely currents of the oldest river in America.  Revel in low humidity and mild temperatures and pamper yourself with a private in-room Jacuzzi to rejuvenate yourself for the next day!

Day 1:  We meet in the village of Valle Crucis at the historic Mast Farm Inn.  You may choose to relax and visit historic Mast General Store down the street, or join us for a supported bike ride on the back roads made famous by that Lance fellow many years ago.  We will reconvene for more formal introductions over a gourmet meal at the inn.

Day 2:  Today, we bike the rural back roads and valley routes near the Tennessee border, actually crossing over briefly.   During the morning, and pass through wooded mountain gaps dotted with Christmas tree farms and grazing livestock.  By lunch we make our way to historic Todd for a glimpse into another "old time" general store of early 1900's North Carolina.  After our picnic lunch, we'll pedal along beside the gentle currents of the New River for one of the few flat parts of the tour.  We make our way in the late afternoon to River House nestled in Grassy Creek, NC.   Late afternoon is yours to relax on the porch or take a quick swim in the river prior to gathering in the evening.  You may opt for a massage from a highly acclaimed local massage therapist.  Find yourself a rocking chair on the front porch and enjoy hors d'eourves and cocktails as the fireflies get into action along the riverbank.  After a gourmet dinner in the River House dining room, you may want to walk up to the ridge top behind the farm for a view of the night sky, free of light pollution.

Day 3 finds us biking through tiny mountain communities on county back roads before venturing briefly to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.  The rolling hills and scenic terrain of this morning's ride are breathtaking. After our lunch on the banks of the New River, we have the option of taking a break from the bike to "Canoe the New" for a leisurely river trip through the New River Valley. We do have bike routes available for those who wish to continue biking in the afternoon.  At the end of the day, River House provides yet another spectacular meal as we commemorate our last evening together.

Day 4: After an elegant early breakfast at River House, this day finds us biking the Blue Ridge Parkway south.  This is the most challenging and exhilarating segment yet.  Climbs and descents are the order of the day.  You will definitely feel a sense of accomplishment after logging these beautiful miles.  (Parkway overlooks do give you a good excuse for frequent rest breaks.)  We'll take the Parkway all the way to Blowing Rock (lookout for Kilwin's Ice Cream shop up on Main St.)  The evening is yours to enjoy exploring the charm of Blowing Rock "on your own."  Blowing Rock boasts a wealth of great restaurants from casual to elegant, all within walking distance.

Day 5:  We start the next morning with one of Maple Lodge's incomparable breakfasts prior to cycling south toward the peaks of Grandfather Mountain.  Biking south on a road that follows the old Yonahlossee Trail, we approach and then skirt Grandfather Mountain.  After a catered picnic lunch, we hike to a nearby overlook to observe famous Linville Falls.  Departing Linville Falls, we climb to approximately 4300 feet elevation on the shoulder of Grandfather Mountain, and cross the famed Linn Cove Viaduct which offers spectacular vistas.  A thrilling descent takes us down to the final climb of the day before we exit the Parkway and follow another old stagecoach route back to Valle Crucis.  We'll enjoy hot showers at the inn, prior to departure.  

"I have been on three tours with a well-known company but this one easily outdid them all! I had a great time, all of the guests were interesting and fun and Greg and Anne are the best!"  
--  Tom, Nolensville, TN

	Lodging:   Night 1:  Mast Farm Inn, Valle Crucis, NC.  The Mast Farm Inn is a world renowned full service country inn, restaurant and school of cooking.  It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a Member of The Select Registry.
	Nights 2-3:  River House, Grassy Creek, NC. On the site of an old farm overlooking the New River, guest rooms have been created out of the old farm buildings.  Each room reflects the rustic farm setting, while offering a Jacuzzi hot tub, which you will enjoy after a long bike ride.  Gayle Winston’s years of innkeeping experience are complemented by the wonderful restaurant she runs onsite.  You'll soon understand why people regularly drive long distances for a sampling of River House cuisine.
	Nights 4:  Maple Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Blowing Rock, NC.  You will feel welcome at this historic inn nestled in the heart of the village of Blowing Rock.  Special touches like the beautiful flower garden and diverse breakfast menu make your stay a Maple Lodge comfortable.  You'll be walking distance to everything: shops, restaurants, and most importantly: ice cream!

Carolina Tailwinds guides tours on the Blue Ridge Parkway under a Commercial Use Authorization issued by the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park.

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Parkway and overlook photos courtesy of North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

Carolina Tailwinds   P.O. Box 24716   Winston-Salem, NC 27114-4716   888.251.3206 or 336.794.1054
email:  info@CarolinaTailwinds.com