With warm sunshine on your cheeks and the wind in your hair, it's time to take in the sights and sounds of the Virginia countryside as we honor the age-old tradition of a spring drive.

There are many reasons to go outside and enjoy nature this spring, but one thing that is undeniable, the mountains are calling, and you must go.

The mountains are calling, so a spring drive is in order

DRIVE SOUTH IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Suppose you were to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway from around Peaks of Otter (milepost 86) and head south toward the historic Mabry Mill (milepost 176.1). In that case, we might encounter spots of red and purple along embankments and road ditches from the Fire Pinks and Dwarf Irises. 

Fire Pinks are commonly seen in the ditches and fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The brilliant orange Flame Azalea, the magnificent pinkish-purple Catawba Rhododendron, and seemingly delicate budding flowers of Mountain Laurel won't be blooming until June in the higher elevations.

But you can usually see gorgeous Mountain Laurel in the foothills at Fairy Stone State Park by early to mid-May. This works well as it's our choice to stay a few nights if you want to extend your spring drive into a short road trip.

Recommended lodging:  Fairy Stone State Park has cabins, lodge, yurts and a fantastic campground: 800-933-7275.
 

FAVORITE PLACES TO STOP

Peaks of Otter: Have breakfast or lunch in the restaurant or picnic near the sweet little Abbott Lake just out back. It's such a neat little lake that sitting nearby on a clear day, you can reflectively view the mountains all around you.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, Peaks of Otter and Abbott Lake as viewed from Sharp Top

If you're up for it, hike the 3-miles roundtrip to Sharp Top or Flat Top to take in the 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's not for the faint of heart, and you'll be sure to earn your ice cream that you'll probably enjoy back at the Visitor Center/Ranger Station.

Mabry Mill: This is one of the most picturesque places along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is in Meadows of Dan. It's especially popular when adorned in spring and summer blooms. Wander around the mill and inside for a little history lesson, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds.

Pack a picnic and enjoy it together at this historic Mabry Mill

Floyd is a one-stop-light town known as one of Virginia's most beloved quirky towns and a music mecca from its prominence as one of the favorite stops along The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.

There is so much contained within this small community, from local artisans to homegrown farms and produce to the culinary treats they are well known for.

There are wineries, breweries, distilleries and even coffee roasters that make Floyd their home.
 

DRIVE NORTH IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

Head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Skyline Drive for some amazing scenery

Everything comes to life as the springtime in the mountains.

FAVORITE PLACES TO STOP

As you head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Skyline Drive (from milepost 105), the numbers get smaller to the Shenandoah Valley (milepost 0.2), where you might wish to hop off the scenic road at Front Royal and make a stop to see the Virginia Bluebells at Shenandoah River State Park. This park would also be ideal for an overnight base camp for more day tripping.

Recommended lodging: Shenandoah River State Park has cabins, lodges, camping cabins and a spectacular campground: 800-933-7275.

The Virginia Bluebells at Shenandoah River State Park are worth your time.

Make this a must-see on your spring drive in Virginia

How do I find the Bluebells, you ask?. To make it simple, there is a park trail named after them. Just meander down that trail for any of the 1-mile length as it follows the river, and you are sure to spot these beauties. Here's a trail map to help.

If you're going to see these beautiful flowers specifically, give the park a call to make sure they're in bloom at (540) 622-6840. Because they put on a show year after year, they can probably give you an ETA for their full bloom schedule this year.

 

When you visit this area, you really should see the Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the east coast, and see the Great Stalacpipe Organ, Saracen's Tent, and Dream Lake. And if you have time, plan on a trail ride at Jordan Hollow Stables, located in Stanley, Virginia (just a short drive from the Luray.) While in Luray, have a nice lunch and something scrumptious and made from scratch at the local Gathering Grounds Patisserie and Cafe. Or drive in for a hot fudge sundae or sweet tree at Flotzies.

If you want to rappel, rock climb, cave, or hike to a waterfall as a group with a personal guide, you might contact Wild Guyde Adventures.

Visit the many scenic sights in Virginia's mountains

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive

BONUS

Another fun day trip, which is about a 40-minute drive from Shenandoah River State Park, would be to visit Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, Virginia.

This park has super scenic views, woodlands, and a historic farm's rolling pastures in the Crooked Run Valley. Hiking, picnicking, fishing are favorite activities in this peaceful place. Nature and history programs are offered year-round.

Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history and a pleasure to explore in the spring.

Spend a day on the farm

Here you can spend a day on the farm or test your hiking moxie on a section hike of  The Appalachian Trail, a 2,181-mile public footpath that goes from Maine to Georgia. Fortunately for us, the section that traverses this park is only 2.43 miles and rated as easy.

Hike the Appalachian Trail at Sky Meadows State Park

The park has 22 miles of hiking trails, 10.5 miles of bridle trails and 9 miles of biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The park also accesses the Appalachian Trail and has overnight parking for AT hikers (up to 14 days). It's a three-day hike from Harper's Ferry and a two-day hike from  Shenandoah National Park.

There is year-round primitive hike-in tent camping nestled against the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Campers must hike Hadow Trail 1 mile with their gear from the overnight parking area to get to these campsites. Call to inquire at 800-933-7275.

When you visit, you might enjoy a meal at a nearby historic tavern like the Hunter's Head Tavern, which is a farm-to-table and serves up delicious British pub fare. Or go for a more upscale dining experience the wild game and locally sourced meats at Field and Main with its rabbit, venison and other meats and back to our roots idea of eating off the land.

Check out this interactive Blue Ridge Parkway wildflower guide and bloom schedule to help direct your travels. You can search our events database here for wildflower or spring events.

It's never too early to plan a spring getaway.