Is It Worth It? Why My Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains Was Everything I Thought It Would Be

The first mountain range I saw was the Berkshires in 2008. I immediately fell in love and have been spending my vacation days traveling to various mountain towns across the world. Last summer, I took a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains to spend a week exploring this iconic mountain range, and it was everything I had thought it would be. From the Bayou to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this was one of the most epic road trips I’ve ever taken. I don't travel like other travelers, and you may be surprised by how I used my time in western North Carolina.

Since it was my first time visiting North Carolina, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m a nature girl, so big cities are a hard pass for me. Luckily, a dear friend lives in Banner Elk, a tiny little town in western North Carolina that was the perfect home while I explored this majestic mountain range. 

I had zero plans. I know this would make many travelers glitch, but I don’t like sticking to a strict schedule when I’m traveling—I much prefer to wake up, see what the weather is like, and go about my day. Of course, I’ll always have a few spots on my radar, but I never know when I’ll visit them. I subscribe to the “let’s just jump in the car and drive” mentality. 

On my first day, the weather was perfect, so I had to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I call these days “casing the joint.” I just enjoyed the scenery, blasted my playlists, and made some mental markers on what shenanigans I could get into for the next week.

No matter how many times you see photos or videos of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nothing can prepare you for seeing them in person. Naturally, I pulled over at several lookout points to take in the views. I could (and did) stare at these mountains for hours. Watching the clouds move over the mountains and cast shadows is my favorite version of reality television.

Once I had successfully spent the day driving around, I spent the next few days on side quests. I found random hiking trails that led to spectacular views, watched incredible sunsets from rocky ledges, and enjoyed the small-town vibes that Banner Elk is known for. I explored Blowing Rock and the Linn Cove Viaduct and even stumbled onto the Looking Glass Rock Trail by chance.

I took this trip before Hurricane Helene destroyed much of this area. I’m from New Orleans, so I know the struggle of rebuilding after a hurricane all too well. While the landscape may have changed, plenty of local businesses have reopened and rely on local tourism to operate.

Two of my favorite restaurants in Banner Elk, Stonewalls and Bayou Banner Elk, both offered unique and delicious fare in a welcoming atmosphere. The former is slightly more upscale, while the latter is great for casual vibes. 

My only regret on my trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains was not visiting Grandfather Mountain and checking out the swinging bridge. I don’t like crowds, and I knew the 228-foot suspension bridge would be packed with people (it was peak season). When I go back, I will aim to be one of the first people in the park and hope that everyone else sleeps in. The views from the highest peak on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains might just be worth dealing with the crowds. 

I stayed with my friend, but if I didn't already have a place to stay in Banner Elk, I would opt for a mountain cabin with gorgeous views. I could just sit on the porch and enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains all day long!

Are you the type of traveler who roughly sketches out your days, or do you prefer a more structured schedule? Share this article with your favorite travel buddy and start making plans to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains this year. I visited in the summer, which was spectacular—but imagine how offensively beautiful the Blue Ridge Mountains would be in the fall!