Grandfather Mountain - 2-4 hours - At 5,964 feet Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge with some of the oldest rock formations in the world. Why is it called Grandfather? Just take a look at the view from Hwy. 105 and you'll see the profile of the old man with his long beard and strong nose, taking a snooze with his head tilted back. The views on top are spectacular--walk across the Mile-High Swinging (and sometimes singing) Bridge...hike several trails and stop for a picnic or have lunch at the Museum Restaurant. Be sure to visit the bears, otters, eagles, cougars and deer in their natural habitats. Milepost 305 then take Highway 221 South for approximately 1 mile to the entrance. 800-468-7325 www.grandfather.com $

Linville Gorge - The deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River is located right here in the High Country! The Linville Gorge Wilderness area offers a plethora of trails, opportunities for rock climbing, camping and much more. Please note that this area is very rugged and remote. Permits are required for overnight camping. For more information: 828-652-2144. FREE

Brown Mountain Lights- Although scientists have tried for years to explain it, the mysterious red, bluish-white or yellow lights that appear suddenly over the Brown Mountains, remain a mystery. Of course local residents have come up with their own explanations. One of these legends is that a plantation owner had gone up the mountain to hunt, became lost and never returned home. One of his slaves took a lantern and searched for him for several nights but never returned. It is said that the light is from the lantern of the slave's spirit searching for his master. Another legend is that the lights are the wives still searching for their husbands killed during a major war between the Cherokee and Catawba indians. Visible in all seasons but better in the fall, the best time to see them is on a cool, crisp night just after a good rain (around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m.). The best locations for viewing the lights are: Wiseman's View (for those with a 4WD) near Linville Falls on milepost 317.5 , the Lost Cove Overlook on milepost 310 , An overlook south of Jonas Ridge on NC 181 and from the Thunder Hill overlook on milepost 290.

Montezuma - A tiny community between Linville and Newland. The name came from a committee which wanted to recommend the name "West End" for the town. To ensure that their favorite name would be chosen, they decided to only suggest two names and make the second name so impossible and ridiculous, that "West End" would be a shoo-in. The other name they chose was "Montezuma". So the names were proposed and to the "clever" committees' surprise, they chose MONTEZUMA!

**Many of these blooms may be found along the Parkway, at Grandfather Mountain or at Beech Mountain.