Parkway throws mountain party
A day full of activities at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville promises mountain music, outdoor literature, local food, environmental education and a guided hike. Events run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the visitor center along the parkway.
• 8:45 a.m. There will be an easy to moderate guided hike meeting in front of the visitor center. Writer Karen Chavez and Ranger Gail Fox will lead a hike along a nearby 1.5-mile loop trail.
• 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Chavez will be available to meet visitors and sign copies of her book, Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina. Chavez is the outdoors reporter and blogger for the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper, directing coverage of outdoor recreation, environmental, and health and fitness issues.
• 10 a.m. until noon, Parkway ranger will provide an interpretive table of information about hiking. In addition, a mini-campsite will be on display in front of the visitor center to show visitors what kind of equipment might be needed for a backpacking or camping trip.
• 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., The Hop Ice Cream will be on hand, offering their homemade products for purchase.
• 3 until 4:30 p.m., The Cane Creek Ramblers will perform a free concert of traditional bluegrass and old time music at the visitor center. www.blueridgeheritage.com 828.298.5330 x303.
