The public is invited to enjoy and explore all that the Blue Ridge Parkway offers along the “Asheville Corridor of the Parkway”: the Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center – and just off the Parkway – the 
lovely gardens and trails within the NC Arboretum. Other attractions within easy access to the Parkway include the Zebulon Vance Birthplace State Historic Site in Weaverville, and the WNC Nature Center in Asheville.
Special events at the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 384, include a performance by The Cane Creek Ramblers, guided hike and interpretive information from BRP Rangers and local writer Karen Chavez, book signing by Western Carolina University professor, Anna Fariello. The Hop Ice Cream will also be on hand, offering their homemade creamy and delicious products for purchase.
Detailed schedule of events:
8:45 a.m. – Anyone interested in coming along on an Easy/Moderate Guided Hike is invited to meet in front of the Visitor Center. Please wear long pants, comfortable shoes appropriate for hiking, and be prepared for the possibility of changing weather (even rain!).
9:00 – Karen Chavez and Ranger Gail Fox will lead a hike along the 1.5 Mile Loop Trail located at the Visitor Center.
10:00-10:45 – Following the hike, Karen Chavez will be available to meet visitors and sign the book that she authored: Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina. She is an editor for the Asheville Citizen – Times newspaper, directing coverage of outdoor recreation, environmental, and health and fitness issues. Karen is also editor of WNC Mountain Travel Guide, a twice-yearly magazine-style visitor’s guide, and has published many articles over the past decade on hiking, hiking with dogs, outdoor recreation, and outdoor sports.
10:00-2:00 – BRP Rangers will greet visitors and have interpretive information of interest to all ages
11:00-2:00 – The Hop Ice Cream will be on hand, offering their homemade creamy and delicious products for purchase. Their ice cream is always a hit!
1-4 p.m. – Anna Fariello will be available for book signings of any of her three publications about Cherokee craft and culture: Cherokee Basketry, Cherokee Carving, Cherokee Pottery Anna will also be providing information about a Cherokee exhibit coming to the BRP Visitor Center in October.
3-4:30 p.m. – The Cane Creek Ramblers will be performing traditional Bluegrass and Old Time music at the Visitor Center. This group of local musicians and vocalists will be providing a wonderful performance; and along with the other activities, free and open to the public.
