Celebrate Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary, with year-round, affordable package deals on America’s iconic roadway

The following is a sampling of Virginia’s diverse and affordable travel packages celebrating the parkway’s 75th anniversary. A complete list of package deals, as well as a chance to win a seven-day, six-night vacation for four on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at www.Virginia.org/brp:

Natural Bridge to the Blue Ridge Package

* Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center – Natural Bridge, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

The Natural Bridge, known as nature’s cathedral, is a natural archway soaring over 20 stories high across Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. The Natural Bridge to the Blue Ridge Package includes one-night accommodations at Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center, breakfast and passes to Natural Bridge and Trail, Monacan Indian Living History Village and Natural Bridge Caverns and museums. Prices start at just $129 per night for two people and $169 per night for groups of four.

Relaxing Getaway with Aerial Tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway

* Best Western Waynesboro Inn & Suites – Waynesboro, Va.(Valid through December 31, 2010)

Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway like never before with this package featuring a 30-minute aerial tour by plane of the Blue Ridge Parkway provided by one of the experienced pilots from Eagle’s Nest Airport in Waynesboro (maximum 3 guests). This package also includes one-night accommodations in a spacious suite with mountain views and breakfast buffet. Prices start at $139.99 per night, based on double occupancy.

Mariners Landing Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Package

* Mariners Landing – Smith Mountain Lake, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

Mariners Landing, an exciting family adventure destination on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake is offering the seven for five special. Book five nights at the standard rate and receive two additional nights free. This package includes spacious, fully furnished condominiums, convenient amenities, lake access and daily express breakfast. Regular rates start at $156 per night and depend on room type and date of visit.

Relax, Unwind in the Charm and Hospitality of Downtown Waynesboro

* Belle Hearth Bed and Breakfast – Waynesboro, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

Enjoy “hospitality in the valley” when you stay at Belle Hearth Bed and Breakfast in downtown Waynesboro, located at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Package includes: one-night accommodations, welcome basket, breakfast and dinner, private Blue Ridge and Shenandoah wine tasting, outdoor yoga facing the Blue Ridge Mountains, picnic lunch to enjoy by the South River and two 60-minute massages using Blue Ridge herbal oils. Package starts at $385 per night.

Family Reunion Lodge Package Skyline Drive

* Shadow Mountain Escape – Luray, Va. (Valid through December 31, 2010)

Enjoy the proximity to Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway with the entire family. These timber frame cabins rest on 15 pristine acres bordering the park land. All cabins include intricate hand-crafted Oak timbers and extensive rockwork. A pond, stream and nature trail offer outdoor recreation. This package includes accommodations for up to eight guests, a bonfire under the stars and a welcome basket filled with homemade treats and award-winning jam. Package price starts at $1200 for two nights.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org to start planning a visit. Or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

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Many people, when planning a trip to the Shenandoah Valley, instantly think of Shenandoah National Park. Yet the region covers a lot more territory. The valley stretches a couple hundred miles, from Roanoke in southwest Virginia to Winchester in the north, and encompasses relatively large cities, small hamlets, mountains, rivers, national forests and state parks as well as the national park. For their first decision, Grace Kunkel of Burtonsville and Adi Lang of Baltimore must choose accommodations that will put them within striking distance of both a town with good restaurants and parkland with hiking and other outdoor activities.

Go read the rest at… Visiting the Shenandoah Valley on a budget.

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The intrinsic value of the Parkway’s natural resources and its singular drive to preserve the culture and history of the Southern Appalachian region may be lost upon a new wave of Americans who don’t fully appreciate the need for the preservation and conservation of this amazing park. So, how do we ensure future generations’ care for the Parkway? How do we ensure future generations’ care about the Parkway? As governmental resources continue to diminish, who will oversee the health and well-being of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Ask anyone who’s driven the road to describe it and they will undoubtedly begin to describe a memory of an event — an outing with the family at Mabry Mill, an autumn hike with the kids into Linville Gorge, a romantic picnic with someone special. They will remember the rime along the upper ridges, their amazement at the engineering of the road and its bridges and tunnels, the unforgettable camping trips with family and friends. They may recall venturing into communities big and small — from the artistically diverse town of Floyd to the more metropolitan city of Roanoke — and the individuals they met along the way: weavers, woodcarvers, potters, farmers, merchants, musicians, and entrepreneurs.

In other words, the true value of the Blue Ridge Mountains also lies in the memories of fellow travelers, the lasting lessons of life and discovery, the intimate connections with nature and the Earth. Sure, it’s a road. But it is so much more than that.

Come and celebrate the wonder of the Blue Ridge Parkway in its 75th year. We invite you to join us throughout the year at special events in communities along the road, including a special weekend at the Blue Ridge Music Center near Galax in September. We also encourage you to become involved in securing the future well-being of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Volunteer your time. Consider protecting adjacent lands in conservation easements. Investigate the work of organizations that support the Parkway — there are many of them. Teach a young person to be a committed steward. Help us protect the future of America’s Favorite Drive.

Go read the entire Op-Ed at: Francis: Historic Parkway Faces Challenges | Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Phil Francis is superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. He can be reached at (828) 271-4779.

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Washington, D.C.—According to a new assessment released today by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), one of the most beloved recreational footpaths in the United States, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, faces many challenges that put the experience of visitors and trail resources at risk. Adjacent land development on privately owned land, sources of air pollution, and funding shortfalls impacts the ability of trail managers to protect historic structures and preserve trail resources.

“The Appalachian Trail attracts millions of hikers each year, and we must ensure its unique American experience is protected for future generations to enjoy,” said Ron Tipton, NPCA’s senior vice president of policy. “This report demonstrates clearly that a strong commitment by government agencies and trail advocates is essential to preserve the AT’s unique natural and cultural values for future generations.”

via New Study Highlights Challenges Facing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail • Appalachian Mountain Dreams.

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Beginning March 1, 2010, Shenandoah National Park will institute an Outside Firewood Ban in an attempt to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive invasive exotic beetle that feeds on ash trees. As of 2009, the EAB is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees throughout the Midwest and in some eastern states. Currently, the closest documented EAB infestation is in Fairfax County, Virginia, only 55 miles east of Shenandoah’s northern boundary. Foresters across the state are working to control the spread of this devastating insect through quarantines, bans, and public education.

The EAB is often spread by the movement of infested firewood. Over the last several years, EAB infested firewood has been found at campgrounds, hunting camps, NASCAR events, rest stops, and picnic areas throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S. The park’s campgrounds and picnic areas are the most likely areas for EAB introduction into Shenandoah National Park. Because of the seriousness of a potential infestation, park managers are implementing the firewood ban effective March 1, 2010. The regulation will require that visitors not bring any firewood (or wood scraps) into the park. Visitors may gather dead and downed firewood in the park or purchase wood at Park Camp Stores. The park’s vendor’s sources have been approved and are being monitored for EAB. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to use charcoal for cooking fires.

White ash trees, comprising approximately 4% of the park’s overall forest, are found in 16 forest communities that together cover 65% of the park’s acreage. Given what is known about EAB infestations, an outbreak in Shenandoah National Park could lead to the loss of white ash in the park and surrounding areas. Shenandoah’s managers want to avoid the same widespread devastation to the ash population that the woolly adelgid has wrought on the Eastern Hemlock.

via Shenandoah National Park – Shenandoah National Park to Ban Outside Firewood in March (U.S. National Park Service).

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