Looking for a recommendation for a place to stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway to do some easy, but scenic, hiking to break up the ride. Other suggestions are welcome, too. Thank you in advance

You have two threads. Just settle on one.

There are plenty of places to hike along Blue Ridge Parkway. Some really short walks or some long hikes:

http://hikinginthesmokys.com/blue_ridge_parkway.htm

Have you thought about Peaks of Otter Lodge? I guess a lot depends on the time of year you are going but we have stayed there twice, in spring & in early fall, and can recommend its basic charm. Ask for an upstairs room for the best lake view.

There is a ranger station nearby to supply advice and trail guides and you will be just a short drive from Bedford where there is an elaborate D-Day memorial [means a lot to us Brits]. You can also get to the Booker T Washington National Memorial, and later enjoy some fantastic ice cream at Homestead Creamery in Burnt Chimney.

We loved the Parkway but also the opportunities it brings to dive off into places on either side. [The VMI in Lexington has guided tours by Senior Cadets, there's Woodrow Wilson's Presidential Library in Staunton, Blowing Rock is an interesting little town, and that's all before you get to the southern parts.]

Enjoy your trip!

I like Peaks of Otter too.

Check out Mabry Mill. The pancakes are the best:

http://www.mabrymillrestaurant.com/