Essential stops along the bewitching Blue Ridge Parkway

But Shenandoah's most famous feature by far is Skyline Drive. This 105-mile route follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, connecting all of the park's visitor centers. It also contains a whopping 75 scenic overlooks, which are necessary, since the ever-changing scenery is constantly begging to be photographed, or simply admired for more than a passing moment. The speed limit of 35 MPH helps keep the drive nice and relaxing, too. Mileposts along the way make it convenient to find and plan stops. Definitely take a break at the Rocky Top Overlook for incredible views. It's massively popular in the fall, when the leaves start to change color, but it's equally gorgeous in the spring, when blooming flowers are highlighted.

Natural Bridge State Park is one of Virginia's newest state parks, but its history goes way back: This 215-foot-tall limestone rock formation carved by Cedar Creek has been a sacred site of the Monacan tribe, was once owned by Thomas Jefferson (who called it "the most sublime of nature's works"), and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was a common subject for painters, its lodge has hosted countless famous guests, and there's even a tale that the bridge was surveyed by a young George Washington. Illustrious history aside, the park features six miles of hiking trail (including the Cedar Creek Trail that goes under the bridge), a recreated Monacan Indian Village, and the 30-foot Lace Falls. Pro tip: For another view, U.S. Route 11 (aka Lee Highway) runs across the top of the bridge.

Music is an important part of Appalachian culture, and you can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for the sounds that helped shape folk and bluegrass at the Blue Ridge Music Center. It's open from May through October, and is generally free. It features an interactive Roots of American Music Museum and a Midday Music Program that lets visitors hear live "informal mountain music performances by local and regional old-time and bluegrass musicians" between noon and 4 PM. There are bigger concerts at the outdoor amphitheater some evenings, which you can attend for a small fee. It's incredible to see how the Center is preserving the history and forging the future of Appalachian mountain music.

Shenandoah isn't the only place along the Parkway to find waterfalls. North Carolina's Linville Falls is another stunner worth visiting. There's a visitor center and you can take several different trails for various views of the 150-foot-tall cascade. Erwins View Trail is a moderate, 1.6-mile round-trip with four overlooks. There's also another trail starting at the visitor center that forks; one side takes hikers into Linville Gorge (1.4 miles round-trip) and the other ends at the Plunge Basin Overlook (a 1-mile round-trip). Swimming is dangerous here, but there are boulders to climb on in the gorge.

Little Switzerland is a tiny community on the Parkway (which claims a population of 46) with a quirky, Swiss vibe (naturally!). It started as a mountain resort in 1910 that took inspiration from the Swiss Alps, and the surrounding area took the concept and ran with it. One of the gems in this unique town is the Switzerland Cafe & General Store. The smokehouse has been serving up tasty and fresh fare to travelers for thirty years. The menu is loaded with salads, quiche, sandwiches, and plenty of smoked meat. Save room for dessert; no matter which cake or pie you order, it's bound to be memorable.

If you can't get enough Blue Ridge beauty, tack on a cruise along the 52-mile Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive. It begins at the top of the 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell summit, then follows the Blue Ridge Parkway before dipping into the South Toe River Valley, and ending at the intersection of U.S. 19/23 and Interstate 26. Mount Mitchell is located in Mount Mitchell State Park, and you'll want to save an afternoon to explore. There's a viewpoint at the top, which is the highest point east of the Mississippi, as well as hiking trails ranging from quick walks to day hikes. There's even a lodge-like restaurant on site that features a killer view, so it's worth it to stop in for a cup of coffee or some pie to enjoy while you bask in the scenery.

Folk art is another unique aspect of Appalachian life that's being preserved. Learn all about the style and craft at the Folk Art Center in the art haven of Asheville. It houses a library, a bookstore, three galleries, and a craft shop, all highlighting traditional and modern folk art. Demonstrations are held during the spring, summer, and fall in the visitor center as well. This is the headquarters for the historic and illustrious Southern Highland Craft Guild, and it makes a big difference to have the power of such a talented and dedicated group of artisans behind the Center.

Asheville is the location of the opulent Biltmore Estate, the biggest and most luxurious home in America, boasting 250 rooms spread across 178,926 square feet... and that's just the main home. The main house features an indoor pool, a bowling alley, a vintage workout room, a stunning conservatory, a cathedral, and a two-story library. The grounds feature acre upon acre of impeccably manicured gardens (there are 2.5 miles of walking paths through them), as well as a farm and a village with shopping, dining, accommodations, and a winery in a former dairy barn. You can take a self-guided tour, or have a guide for an additional cost. Whatever you choose, you'll want to spend the better part of a day here to make the most of a visit.