Nothing is better than taking your European automobile on the road for a long drive. This baby was built for performance, so why not enjoy how it handles the road over a weekend? East Coast EuroWerks can give it a quick once-over and then you and your family can hit the road to enjoy North Carolina’s stunning fall foliage. ‘Tis the season for colors beyond the imagination. Here are four suggested routes.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
This is the most popular fall foliage route and you won’t be disappointed if you tackle this road. Make certain you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway on a clear day because as you wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll see fall foliage as far as 50 miles on each side. The drive itself is challenging, with plenty of winding roads and elevation changes. Go now before it snows in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. Highway 441
Highway 441 will take you through Smoky Mountains National Park, and you’re sure to see plenty of fall foliage the higher you go. This is a weekend trip, as the route starts in Cherokee, NC and ends in Gatlinburg, TN. You should take this drive now, too, because Highway 441 leads you up to Newfound Gap, whose elevation is 5049 feet. The last two weekends in October offer the prettiest fall colors.
3. U.S. 74
This is also a weekend trip because we’re going to recommend that you hop on West U.S. 74 and head to Asheville, NC. The drive is about 5 1/2 hours, so make this a date weekend without the kids. Plan to visit the Biltmore Estate for your fall foliage pictures. Between the natural beauty and gardens on the expansive grounds, you’ll see more fall colors than you ever thought possible.
4. Nantahala Byway
If you don’t feel like dealing with the Asheville crowds, stay on U.S. 74 instead of heading north on U.S. 26 and head to the Nantahala National Forest. The scenic byway between Whittier and Marble, NC, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. If you and your spouse love to canoe or kayak, book accommodations in the forest and enjoy the fall colors from the waters.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the stunning fall colors found in North Carolina. We here at East Coast EuroWerks in Wilmington, NC, think they rival anything you’d see up north, and we’d be happy to give your European automobile a quick check before you hit the road on your adventure. Call us today to set up an appointment.
