Travel

Saltville, Va.’s director of tourism, Charlie Bill Totten, stands outside the Mahanaim Church, near Clinchburg, Va., proclaiming a vision: “I can see people traveling,” he says. “Not by vehicles, but by bicycles, walking.”

Two of Blue Ridge Country’s enthusiastic interns headed to historic Lexington, Va., to explore its eclectic downtown, populated by artists, gardeners, Civil War figures, a bookstore cat and a singing waiter.

Want a true sense of just who the Appalachian Trail thru-hiker is? Saunter on into tiny Damascus, Va., May 14-16 for the full flavor.

Friday: Behold the Beauty. Learn about nature, horticulture and native plants through educational programs or a walk along the landscaped trails at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located on the campus of JMU.

One of my favorite Blue Ridge Parkway stops – and one of Mindy DeCesar’s “favorite projects” – is the garden at Brinegar Cabin (mile marker 238.5) at Doughton Park.