The Ultimate Smokies Cabin Guide

You can rent a cabin in the Smokies for less than you'd pay for a hotel. We'll show you how. Our tools and tips teach how to pick the perfect cabin and plan a dream vacation―for 2 or 20.

Cool Off in the Blue Ridge

Check out our favorite spots along the parkway. Mile for mile, it's packed with food, shopping, and fun.

Photography Meg McKinney, Article by Mark G. Stith, Cassandra M. Vanhooser

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Virginia

Milepost 171.5: Château Morrisette Winery.
A winding side road leads visitors to one of Virginia's largest wineries. A restaurant opens for lunch Wednesday through Saturday and for dinner Friday and Saturday, plus Château To Go sells gourmet foods. The winery's Black Dog Concert Series runs now through October. Tours of the winery are given daily. Call (540) 593-2865, or visit www.thedogs.com.

Milepost 176.1: Mabry Mill.
The gift shop at this gristmill sells locally produced grits, buckwheat, and cornmeal. The Mabry Mill Restaurant ([276] 952-2947) serves up pancakes, barbecue, country ham, and grits.

Milepost 213: Blue Ridge Music Center.
An interpretive center opens this summer at the newest roadside attraction, plus there's an outdoor amphitheater. On Saturday nights this summer and Sunday afternoons in the fall, concerts feature mountain music by local and regional performers. For tickets call (276) 236-5309.