Meet In West Jefferson
We’ll start our morning in beautiful West Jefferson in Ashe County, NC – the coolest corner of the state.
Stop #1 - The Cascades
This journey begins at The Cascades, where you will bask in the coolness of mist from the breathtaking waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The easy, 1-mile loop of the Cascades Trail explores the forest that perches on the edge of the Blue Ridge. The path wanders the crest above the Piedmont to Falls Creek just as a water shoots over the cliff. Along the trail, twenty interpretive plaques describe the trees of the Blue Ridge. The main species are all here. There are a few benches on the way and plaques about dogwood, tulip tree, pignut, black locust, serviceberry, mountain laurel, white oak, flame azalea, minnie bush, highbush blueberry, and chestnut oak.
Stop #4 - Box Lunch at The Cascades Picnic Area
We will move to The Picnic Area where will will enjoy a tasty box lunch from Sweet & Savory Bakery & Deli prepared just for us.
Stop #2 - Photo Op at 19th-century Jesse Brown & Cool Springs Baptist Church
A half-mile trail leads you to the Jesse Brown Cabin. The cabin was built in the late 1800s and sits beneath a large red maple tree. Built as a residence for local preachers, the cabin is known for its sharp inclined roof. Also, located beside the cabin is the old Cool Spring Baptist Church building. Both the cabin and the church were built in the 19th century and give a true sense of the rustic nature of homes and buildings in the backcountry. Roger might have held services in a church building like this.
Itinerary Content
Stop #3 - Brinegar House
Brinegar Cabin is a historic home located in Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 239. The cabin was built about 1880 by Martin & Caroline Brinegar and is a one-story log house covered with lapped siding and resting on a fieldstone foundation. Our next stop is historic Brinegar Cabin, a well-preserved piece of early mountain life, where we’ll learn about Martin & Caroline Brinegar. Caroline, a healer of sorts herself, would have been fast friends with Claire. The property consists of a cabin, a shed, and a spring house, which is where perishable goods were stored. The bottom floor of the cabin is open and furnished.
Stop #5 - Thistle Meadow Winery
You’re in for an incredible treat at this beautiful winery in Alleghany County! Your taste buds will be tantalized by a flight of either sweet or dry wine from the family owned Thistle Meadow Winery. The tasting will be complete with a beautiful souvenir glass. This stop is sure to please while you relax in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Final Stop - Dinner at the River House Inn
Dinner will be at the River House Inn Restaurant, which promises wonderful cuisine and a scenic view of the historic New River. Elegant but unpretentious, the River House restaurant is known for its great food and ambiance. We’ll have worked up quite the appetite so will be more than ready to enjoy this delicious meal!
