A little “peace” of heaven just off the Blue Ridge Parkway
There are many things to do and see on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Fancy Gap. You can photograph the picturesque Mabry Mill, hike on some of the most scenic trails on the Parkway, learn about the local history and taste some delicious wines.
Check out our Blue Ridge Parkway page for some suggestions.
Villa Appalaccia is a beautiful Italian villa just off the Parkway not too far from Fancy Gap. It’s a great setting to enjoy some good wine and food. The high elevation makes for a great place to escape the summer heat. Though I’d been in the neighborhood many times — in Floyd, at Chateau Morrisette, … Read more
The Fancy Gap Country Store makes a claim to being the best BBQ on the Parkway, and based on the signs so far, I think they might be right. The Food The BBQ is smoked for hours in their bear-proof(?) smoker out front. The pulled pork sandwich was very good, as was the smoked and … Read more
Doughton Park has been on our list of top ten hikes near Fancy Gap for awhile, and I recently had the pleasure of hiking one of its many trails. Doughton Park is noteworthy for open meadows, remote creek-hopping trails, and cabins and ruins from the late 19th and early 20th century mountain community. There are … Read more
Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed places on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just a few miles from Fancy Gap, it’s easy to see what makes it a popular destination for folks in the area. There have been countless pictures taken over the years of the picturesque mill across the pond. Other activities and … Read more
Devil’s Den Nature Preserve is a nice, short hike about a mile from “downtown” Fancy Gap. It’s a great option if you’re short on time and want to get a quick hike in. The Hike The trail descends a half mile down to the cave. It’s a short, moderate hike if you stay on the … Read more
Cumberland Knob, Where the Blue Ridge Parkway Began The Cumberland Knob Recreation Area offers a couple of nice hikes — one easy and one moderate to strenuous. It is located at mile marker 217.5 on the Parkway near the Virginia/North Carolina state line. The Parkway got its start in 1935 in this area. The recreation … Read more
There are a lot of great choices of motorcycle rides near Fancy Gap. From fabled dragons to a ride on one of the premier motorcycling roads in the country, it’s hard to go wrong picking any route around Fancy Gap. These are some you might want to add to your bucket list — or at … Read more
The Blue Ridge Parkway near Fancy Gap is one of the most scenic roadways in the country. It’s a great place for a day trip to stop and smell the roses. If you’re in Fancy Gap or the surrounds, here are some suggestions for your road trip and some rose smellin’ tips along the way. … Read more
I have fond memories of hiking and backpacking in Rocky Knob Recreation Area. My sons and I camped in the well shaded primitive campground in the gorge next to Rock Castle Creek. We used it as a base camp for the loop hike up to the top and then back down again. My daughters and … Read more
Romantic Winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway Looking for a romantic winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway? You will find our favorite winery, Chateau Morrisette, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains not too far from Fancy Gap. Enjoy the rustic elegance and fine dining of the Chateau’s restaurant, tour the vineyard, or take … Read more
Pilot’s Perch: Tannya Hughes ~ 540.307.0470 / pilotsperch@hotmail.com
Pilot’s Perch Too: Shannon and Brent ~ 704.918.5522 / cabin@a4life.org
