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Can't believe admission fees to see The Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mtn in NC! Worth it?

Can't believe admission fees to see The Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mtn in NC! Worth it?

Old Sep 22nd, 2004, 01:31 PM
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Can't believe admission fees to see The Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mtn in NC! Worth it?

Everyone was so helpful in telling me that the Natural Bridge in Virginia was a tourist trap and was not worth the $10 fee.

How about $12 to get see Grandfather Mountain? It looks like there's more to do there. Worth it?

How about $6 to see The Blowing Rock? Worth it?

Any suggestions on "free" things to do in the Blowing Rock area? We're staying at the Chetola Resort.

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Old Sep 22nd, 2004, 02:02 PM
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I liked Grandfather Mountain. Blowing Rock, no, especially if it's foggy. We were in Blowing Rock with my in-laws, so we paid the money--and saw nothing but a fogged-in trail. Nice legend and all, but even if it were sunny I don't think it would've been any great shakes. Maybe someone who's been there when the weather was better will tell you differently.

If you're in good physical shape and have access to a bicycle, it's a beautiful area to ride in.
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Old Sep 22nd, 2004, 03:53 PM
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Skip the Blowing Rock. Nothing special there and better ways to spend your $6., like at Twigs for dinner.....
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Old Sep 22nd, 2004, 03:57 PM
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Chetola is lots of fun. Straight out their back door is a trail which leads to Moses Cone park. Excellent hiking. There is a gorgeous craft shop there with some very high quality regional craft work. Chetola also has a nice pool and fitness area.
I do think $12 for Grandfather Mountain is worth it.
Great place to visit and our weather is spectacular right now (not like last week).
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 12:43 AM
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As I already told you on your last thread..skip Blowing Rock. Go to Asheville and pay to tour Biltmore instead..worth every penny and even if it isn't "natrual."
Enjoy your low-cost adventures.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 02:21 AM
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We enjoyed our side trip to Grandfather Mountain when we passed through this area many years ago.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 05:36 AM
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Thanks everyone!
The Natural Bridge and The Blowing Rock are big NOs!

Grandfather Mountain is a YES!

Thanks!
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 05:41 AM
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I am volunteering to be the official voice of dissent regarding the Biltmore House. While the house and the grounds are spectacular, the official "tour" that you pay $35 or $40 is a rip-off in my opinion.

After turning over this large chunk of change, they turn you loose with a pamphlet so you can wander aimlessly through the fantastic mansion. On the day we were there it was hot and sooo crowded that we had to wait in looong slooow moving lines moving from room to room. It was excruciating.

You'd think for a $100+ for a family of three you'd get an organized, guided tour. This would alleviate the crowds and congestion and enhance the learning experience.

I say skip the Biltmore, buy a plane ticket to California and tour the Hearst Castle, where things are done right.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 05:51 AM
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gbhost, it's really not necessary to pit Hearst vs. Biltmore. Biltmore has more to do with the history of American architecture, American business, and American upperclass evolution. Hearst is an oddity -- on a grand scale but still strikes me as the Hollywood-ified immitation of what had been going on on the East Coast decades earlier and in Europe for centuries. But it's okay to appreciate both -- I'd never tell anyone to skip Hearst and go to Biltmore instead, esp. since they are 3000 miles apart and not part of the same trip. Of course, it COULD be part of the same trip if you were touring "American Palaces", in which case you'd have to go to Newport, the Hudson Valley, Chicago, St. Louis, and so forth.

Grandfather Mtn. is definitely worth it -- the views, the litle zoo, the swinging bridge -- sure!

Blowing Rock? eh!
 
Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 06:11 AM
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Our Grandfather Mountain is definitely worth the price. Blowing Rock...... well, not unless you're feeling flush! Biltmore House is totally worth the money, IMO, including the tours. It's especially gorgeous at Christmas.
 
Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 08:27 AM
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"I'd never tell anyone to skip Hearst and go to Biltmore instead, esp. since they are 3000 miles apart and not part of the same trip."

Sorry, but if you couldn't tell, I was being facetious. And I wasn't pitting one piece of magnificant architecture against another, I was pitting one tour program against another. Hearst's is organized and guided and readily educational. The Biltmore's is haphazzard, disorganized and unprofessional (and hence, overpriced)IMHO.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 10:22 AM
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I understand gbhost's comment about tour guides at the Biltmore Estate. It would be helpful if you could ask questions along the way. I found the audio guide helpful and I think it was around $4 several years ago.

Grandfather Mountain is owned by Hugh Morton. He is an excellent photographer and has at least one book of photographs of the area. If your library has a copy of it, look through it before your trip.

A free and worthwhile thing to do is visit Mt. Mitchell. It's the tallest point east of the Mississippi. The 'scenic' way of getting there from the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed, but if there is anyway you can work it into your plans, do so. I'm not sure of the mileage from Blowing Rock or Grandfather Mtn.

Near Grandfather Mtn. is the Linn Cove Viaduct on the BRP. Once again, I don't know if this segment of the highway has closed, but if there is a civil engineer in the group, the road will fascinate him/her. The road is cantalevered off the mountain and is often used in tourist photos of NC. There is a visitor's center nearby and some trails to the overlook.

Along the BRP in VA is Mabry Mill. There is a restaurant there that gets very crowded and it's a good place to take a break and view the mill. Scenic and free.

Check into event happening at Appalachain State U. in Boone. There might be a touring group your family might be interested in.
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 01:10 PM
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If you are AAA member you will get $2.00 off at the Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain too. Jewelhawg, you may also start saving by not going to too many casinos in Grand Bahama Island
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 01:18 PM
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I think the main thing about Blowing Rock and GFMtn is the weather. I've been to the former on a clear day and the view is breath taking - was it worth the $$ - no - you can see similar views at many spots along the Blue Ridge Pkwy. I've been to GfMtn for the finish of a 100mi bike race that my husband competed in, it was a cold, rainy, miserable day - in Sept. It is usually about 10 degrees cooler there than in Asheville. I might opt for the latter if it was a nice day or just save yourself some $, pack a picnic lunch and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because of the floods and resulting road erosion certain sections are closed so make sure you check that out first. Be sure and stop in some of the great town along the way...Blowing Rock, Black Mtn, Asheville, Waynesville...
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Old Sep 23rd, 2004, 05:04 PM
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Ok Mama...reveal your identity!
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Old Sep 24th, 2004, 04:01 AM
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Jewelhawg, I am my kids' mama.

LOL! Waynesville is a great town?
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Old Sep 24th, 2004, 05:58 AM
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Dear Mama, I think Waynesville is under-recognized. It is a sweet little town near the Great Smoky Mtns and just off Blue Ridge Parkway with a small downtown that has some great shops, art galleries and restaurants. Near the old railroad lines there are more funky, artsy type shops and a big coffee shop with an outside deck that also serves food.
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Old Sep 25th, 2004, 05:28 AM
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We loved Chetola, by the way, and loved poking around Blowing Rock.

But do check ahead of time whether the Parkway is open through from/to where you want to go. Many closures due to slides from the hurricanes.
 
Old Sep 25th, 2004, 07:59 AM
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I live 5 minutes from Grandfather Mtn. Just a little warning, The recent floods have damaged and completely closed many roads. We can not even run school busses anywhere in the county. Yes you can get around but there are still many businesses closed and roads are very unstable in areas with some shoulders that have drops you could bury a small suv in. Please be very careful. Yes, come and see our beautiful mountains but please ask about any roads before you attempt any back road travel.
My 2 cents worth is Grandfather is worth any admission price. Chetola is a beautiful place and the town of Blowing Rock is a attraction in itself. I am local and still love to wander around Blowing Rock. Linville Falls is beautiful and is free! It is about a 10 minute drive from Linville. Elk River Falls is also wonderful but the road is completely gone so that one is out.
Have a wonderful trip and if I can help you with any directions or questions please e-mail me directly as I don't get on this forum too often.
AprilA [email protected]
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