Halfway between Nashville and Blacksburg (Read 580 times)

The Appalachian Trail runs through that area. Lots of opportunities to hike. But the weather this time of year is dicey there.

Smokies Knoxville Ashville Boone, NC

Anything more specific than "Smokies"? Knoxville and Ashville are both way closer to Nashvegas than Blacksburg. (I already map-quested them.) As is Gatlinburg. Where is Boone? Whats there?

Yes, ASU is in Boone. It is very pretty. It is close to Grandfather Mountain where there is lots of lovely hiking and a tough marathon in the Summer. There are some pretty lodges and restaurants there too. Asheville is awesome. Nearby is Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Also outside Asheville is the Biltmore Estate and winery. Biltmore was (ABS pay attention) built by a Vanderbilt. The downtown area in Asheville is also awesome, and is home to a fabulous bookstore (Malaprops), chocolatery (Chocolate Fetish) and the country's best Veggie restaurant (Laughing Seed). Smokies. They are all beautiful. Asheville is almost in the middle of the two, but is closer to Blacksburg. Check it.

Asheville is awesome. Nearby is Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Also outside Asheville is the Biltmore Estate and winery. Biltmore was (ABS pay attention) built by a Vanderbilt. The downtown area in Asheville is also awesome, and is home to a fabulous bookstore (Malaprops), chocolatery (Chocolate Fetish) and the country's best Veggie restaurant (Laughing Seed). Smokies. They are all beautiful.Check it.

Would you believe I am actually very familiar with the Biltmore estate....even more familiar with Carl Sandburg's goats. Of course, its been over 10 years since I have been there.... If it hasnt changed since I was last there, Saluda NC has the best bakery.

Actually, it looks like Gatlinburg may be pretty close to half-way. Has anyone who has been there recommend for or against it?

Here's a vote against. Gatlinburg is in the vicinity of Pigeon Forge and Dollywood - it's a tourist trap. For a jarring experience, try going to Ober Gatlinburg for skiing. The town is bizzare; it's an Alpine village as envisioned by hillbilles. "Y'all want an order of pawm freets (pomme frittes - french fries) to go with them there curry wursts?" And the skiing wasn't that great, either.

Cades Cove is compared to Percy Warner by folks who have run in both places. I have not been there personally. I do hear that there is lots of traffic through Cades Cove though.