Virginia/North Carolina trip
 

I would value any comments/ideas on the following 21 night itinerary;
Arrive Washington Dulles from UK-drive to Big Meadows Lodge, Skyline Drive (1/2nights);Charlottesville (2 nights); back to Blue Ridge Parkway to Peaks of Otter (2 nights); continue Parkway to Blowing Rock (3 nights); Maggie Valley (7 nights); Winston-Salem (Old Salem) (2 nights); Richmond (3/4 nights); Fly home to UK
Not going into Washington having had an earlier visit and would like our "city" break to be Richmond! My wife and I have visited this part of the US before but wish to take it at a more leisurely pace as we are now both retired and have more time! We just love the open spaces and beautiful countryside and the huge variety of places to visit and sights to see.

I'm guessing you have a weekly rental in Maggie Valley but there are better places to stay w/better access to things. It would also be a shame to miss Asheville. Take a look at these - www.visitnc.com, www.nps.gov/blri, www.blueridgeparkway.org, www.asheville.com, www.virginiawines.org. You'll also be going thru the midst of NC & Va. wine country. NC wine info can be accessed via the visitnc website.

So agree with SAnParis. But if you are locked into Maggie Valley be prepared for day trips--to Asheville, Smokey Mountain Park. Peaks of Otter for 2 nights is maybe a lot, as is 3 nights in Blowing Rock. You could spend a couple of nights in Asheville to better advantage. Have fun and enjoy.
If you are a trout fisherman, the mountains offer some nice streams, and you can fish on the Cherokee reservation without a state license--just a reservation fee. Not far from Maggie.

We stayed a Peaks of Otter 1 nite and wished we had stayed for 2 because it was such a beautiful area to just take walks and relax. We also loved Big Meadows Lodge. Ask for a room with a view of the valley. If you have any interest in American History two great sights are: Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's estate near Charlottesville and Williamsburg historic park near Richmond.

Are you planning on driving down to Colonial Williamsburg from Richmond or just concentrating on the Richmond area?

That's a good question. Just noted that the OP is from the UK. If they're into 18th and 19th C. American history, 3/4 days is good to visit what the city and region have to offer. Otherwise, just for Richmond, it might be a bit much.

Thanks for the comments; We have driven part of the Skyline/Blue Ridge Parkway in the past but missed a lot due to time constraints, hence the several stops along the way. Have decided to make a stop at Asheville (for Biltmore). Will miss out Big Meadows so will drive straight to Charlottesville on arrival.We saw Maggie Valley as a reasonable center for Smoky Mountains bearing in mind many comments that Gatlinburg is very busy/commercial/touristy. We very much enjoy 'colonial' history and spend a week at Williamsburg a few years ago so looking to go elsewhere (eg Old Salem);Allowing for driving times times would expect two full days in Richmond prior to flying home from Dulles - does that sound realistic? We do like to "potter" rather than rush through things!Fredericksburg sounds interesting; maybe a stop there on the way to Dulles or a separate day trip?

I am delighted to see your plans include Old Salem. It is an excellent stop. Please check their opening schedules in timing your visit. They have been the victims of the economy and are limiting hours. www.oldsalem.org
If you have not planned your overnight there consider the Augustus Zeverly Inn in Old Salem. It is quite nice. There are several good dinner options very near by.
Welcome to North Carolina!