The Blue Ridge Parkway From Crestwood: A Mountain Drive Almost at Your Doorstep

Some hotels are a place you return to after exploring the mountains.

Crestwood feels like it is already part of them.

Tucked into the High Country between Boone and Blowing Rock, Crestwood sits within easy reach of one of the region's defining attractions: the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Which means you do not need a complicated road-trip itinerary.

You can simply head out and see where the road takes you.

Why Is This Part of the Parkway So Special?

The Boone and Blowing Rock section packs an unusual amount into a relatively compact stretch.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.

Julian Price Memorial Park.

Price Lake.

Rough Ridge.

Linn Cove Viaduct.

Grandfather Mountain.

The Parkway around Boone includes more than 20 overlooks and dozens of hiking opportunities, with some of its most famous scenery just south of Blowing Rock.

Start With Moses Cone

If you want an easy morning, make Moses H. Cone Memorial Park your first stop.

The park combines wide mountain views with historic grounds, carriage trails and lakes.

You can spend hours walking.

Or hardly walk at all.

That makes it especially useful for groups where one person wants a hike and another would prefer to enjoy the scenery with considerably less effort.

Continue Toward Price Lake

Just down the Parkway, Julian Price Memorial Park offers another version of the High Country.

Forested trails.

Open spaces.

Water.

Mountain reflections.

During fall, Price Lake can be one of the most peaceful stops in an otherwise very popular season.

Go Farther for Linn Cove and Grandfather Mountain

If you want the famous view, continue toward Milepost 304.

The Linn Cove Viaduct wraps around Grandfather Mountain and was the final major engineering piece needed to complete the Parkway's continuous route.

Nearby trails and overlooks offer views back toward the structure and across the surrounding mountains.

Or continue toward Grandfather Mountain itself for even higher elevations and a completely different perspective.

Then Come Back to Crestwood

This is where staying at Crestwood changes the day.

You do not have to finish a scenic mountain drive by driving back into the busiest part of downtown.

Return to the inn.

Have a cocktail at the bar.

Sit down for dinner at The Table.

Or book some time at the newly renovated spa.

The Table combines Southern-inspired seasonal food with indoor dining, a library, bar and terrace. The spa offers massages, facials and spaces designed for a slower pace.

The Parkway gives you the mountains during the day.

Crestwood lets you stay in that feeling a little longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Crestwood

Is Crestwood near the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Yes. Crestwood's Shulls Mill Road location places guests within easy reach of Parkway access near Blowing Rock.

What Parkway stops are near Blowing Rock?
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and Julian Price Memorial Park are among the closest major destinations, with Rough Ridge, Linn Cove and Grandfather Mountain farther south.

Can you visit the Parkway and return for dinner at Crestwood?
Absolutely. The Table at Crestwood currently serves dinner Thursday through Sunday.

Is the Parkway open year-round?
Sections can close because of weather, construction or other conditions, so checking current National Park Service road information before leaving is a good idea.

‍