Grandfather Mountain is Open!
The Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway was developed by Hugh Morton, who named it for his grandfather. Morton also was known as a wildlife photographer. A wilderness portion was sold to the state for a state park.
The region has four nearby peaks. The main facility is now operated by a foundation. The area also has 11 public trails, caves, and cliffs. The Linville River flows east, and the Watauga River flows west from the mountain. It also is well known for its mile-high swinging bridge, which I didn’t try. I did navigate the twisting road up the mountain that has no guardrails. Grandfather Mountain also hosted the Highland Games last weekend, which is an annual event based on Scottish traditions.
Murfeesboro NC
Hiding in Plain Sight
Murfeesboro is in northeastern North Carolina and is east of Roanoke Rapids. It is just a few miles south of the Virginia border. Plantations in the area go back to the 17th Century. The town was dedicated in 1787 on a site that was formerly occupied by Indigenous People. The port on the Meherrin River became official three years later.
The gardens are located behind the WRAL Studios at the corner of Avent Ferry Road and Western Blvd. in Raleigh adjacent to the campus of North Carolina State University.