We drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is what the National Park Service says about this drive:
America’s Favorite Drive
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.
We only drove a portion of it, but it was a really relaxing slow-paced drive. In many places the two lane road winds through a tunnel of trees along the peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many overlooks where you can stop and enjoy the view or some are the starting place for a hike.
We stopped at the James River Visitors Center where we took a short hike over the river to see the remains of one of the Locks. This was the Battery Creek Lock, built in 1848. This was part of a Canal System started in 1785. Canal Systems were an important way of transportation until trains took over. Here is more information on this Canal System.
It was a very enjoyable day. Here is a link to our pictures.