A Blue Ridge Parkway Inn
Thoughtfully know as “Americas Favorite Drive” the Blue Ridge Parkway includes 469 scenic miles through Virginia and North Carolina. Along the way you will experience the vibrant cultures, Cherokee history, local agriculture and South Appalachian crafts and music.
The Sourwood Inn is just a few miles from the parkway in Asheville and sits within a beautiful forest that is 3,200 feet above sea level. During your stay enjoy the following:
- A bountiful breakfast buffet that tis locally sourced with plenty of homemade options form sweet to savory.
- The mountains can be enjoyed from your private balcony or the many sitting areas and outdoor porches around the inn.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway, the nation’s most visited National Park, waits you only two miles away from your room like a string of pearls through the Appalachian Mountains.
- A day of exploring in the mountain air or in the Asheville cityscape compete for your attention.
- An evening meal that is inspired by a Farm Direct philosophy and a curated wine list is available Thursday through Sunday with advance reservations.
Places to visit
The Sourwood Inn is situated in the midst of nature. While being remote, guests can enjoy many attractions on the parkway that are close by including:
- The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center, run by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, holds live demonstrations and sells fine crafts made by local artisans.
- Rattlesnake Lodge Trail, at mile marker 374.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a moderate hike that is five minutes from the Sourwood Inn. It is part of the Mountains to Sea Trail and leads to the ruins of the lodge.
- Craggy Gardens, at mile marker 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a favorite with locals and visitors alike for its trails and views. Bring a picnic!
- Mount Mitchell, just north of the Parkway at mile marker 355, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet above sea level) and a worthwhile trip if you’re coming to the mountains.
- Linville Falls, a little further north on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 316, features several hikes to a number of waterfalls. Pack a lunch and enjoy the drive too.
- Grandfather Mountain, with its views and Mile High Swinging Bridge, waits for you at mile marker 305 off the Parkway. There are even activities for your kids.
You can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north up to Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain for a day trip. The next day, drive south to Cherokee, NC, where you can learn about Native American culture and history. There is plenty of casinos in this area with gambling and shows.
The Sourwood Inn sits so close to the Parkway, you can use it to get anywhere.
Check the availability of your favorite room!
In the Mountains Near Asheville
Despite its location off the beaten path, this Blue Ridge Parkway bed and breakfast is still a short half hour drive to downtown Asheville, NC. At the Sourwood Inn, you get to enjoy fine lodging in the peaceful mountains while having easy access to the excitement and quirkiness of a vibrant mountain city. In fact, you can follow the Blue Ridge Parkway right into town. Look for the turn-off around mile marker:
- 382 to take U.S. 70 (Tunnel Road) five miles through East Asheville right into downtown
- 384 to take U.S. 74A to I-240 three miles into downtown
- 388 to take U.S. 25 (Hendersonville Road) five miles through Biltmore Village on your way to downtown
Depending on your taste for outdoor escapades or indoor excitement, you can find lots to do and see in nearby Asheville. Enjoy several of Asheville’s highlights when you visit, such as:
- The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, includes daily house tours or you can purchase a garden pass which allows you access to their beautiful bike and hiking trails.
- Asheville is a culinary experience and a foodie destination. Dine with the locals on Southern dishes or sup at the best fine dining establishments anywhere. Ask your innkeeper for a recommendation.
- Asheville tours introduce you to the area’s history while entertaining you including:
- Grayline Trolley, for an orientation to Asheville’s highlights
- La Zoom Bus, for a comedy tour with some of Asheville’s characters
- The Amazing Pubcycle, for a pedaling, drinking tour of downtown — yes, you read that correctly
- Haunted Asheville, for a different slice of Asheville’s history
- Brewery tours abound in Beer City USA, especially since the opening of the Sierra Nevada and New Belgium breweries
- Experience Asheville through the prism of Lexington Avenue, with its funky shops and locally owned restaurants.
- Get out of town — and into the treetops — on a zipline tour at Navitat Canopy Adventures
- At Blue Heron Whitewater, you’ll experience the French Broad River up close and personal.
- If a guided horseback ride along mountain trails sounds appealing, then plan a trip to Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
Come stay with us
Staying in an upscale mountain lodge provides a retreat from the hectic pace of life. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Elk Mountain Scenic Highway/Ox Creek Road turn-off by mile marker 376 is the entrance to the Sourwood Inn. lays the Appalachian Mountains at your feet. Whether you want to go off to explore or lounge with a cup of tea, you’ll know that your place among the trees is reserved especially for you.
When you stay at the Sourwood Inn, where fine lodging is in the details, you may not want to go anywhere else. The hours slide by leisurely when all you’re called to do is rock in a chair on the porch and read a new book with the Blue Ridge Mountains a scenic backdrop. If it’s downtime you crave, you’ll find it at this Blue Ridge Parkway bed and breakfast. Every moment you spend on the grounds rejuvenates and energizes you.
Come stay with is where you will find:
Fine lodging and farm direct dining on Elk Mountain
