Travel

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.

For about 200 miles of Virginia roadway, at about 23 different stops, the idea is the same: Take part, one way or another, in the music of these old blue mountains.

To say I was surprised when your letter of Sept. 1 arrived telling me I was chosen as the Grand Prize Sweepstakes Winner of Blue Ridge Country magazine’s GETAWAY TO PRIMLAND (as advertised in the July/August issue) is quite an understatement.

Dude’s Drive-In thrives despite big chain competition thanks to red hot dogs, a high school chili recipe and friendly curb-side service that keeps customers coming back for more.

Mountain and valley views and 500-foot ups and downs.