Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 540-463-2621;
http://hullsdrivein.com
;
2367 N Lee Hwy/US 11; per person $6; 7pm Thu-
Sun May-Oct)
For old-fashioned amusement, catch a movie at Hull's Drive-in, 5.5 miles
north of Lexington.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Blue Ridge Highlands & Southwest Virginia
The southwestern tip of Virginia is the most rugged part of the state. Turn onto the Blue
Ridge Pkwy or any side road and you'll immediately plunge into dark strands of dog-
wood and fir, fast streams and white waterfalls. You're bound to see Confederate flags in
the small towns, but will find there's a proud hospitality behind the fierce veneer of inde-
pendence.
Blue Ridge Parkway
road is just as pretty and runs from the southern Appalachian ridge in Shenandoah Na-
tional Park at Mile 0 to North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Mile
469. Wildflowers bloom in spring, and fall colors are spectacular, but watch out for
foggy days; the lack of guardrails can make for hairy driving. There are a dozen visitor
centers scattered over the Pkwy, and any of them make a good kick-off point to start your
trip.
Sights & Activities
There are all kinds of sights running along the Pkwy.
Mabry Mill
HISTORIC SITE
(Mile 176)
One of the most-photographed buildings in the state, the mill nests in such a
fuzzy green vale you'll think you've entered the opening chapter of a Tolkien novel.
Humpback Rocks
HIKING
(Mile 5.8)
Tour 19th-century farm buildings or take the steep trail to Humpback Rocks, of-
fering spectacular 360-degree views.
Sherando Lake Recreation Area
SWIMMING
