Blog Category: News

Catch up on all the recent news developments related to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Virtual Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Store here.

Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for 8/20/2010

Wildflowers along the Blue Ridge ParkwayMany find the Parkway their favorite place to escape the summer heat. Even here in early to mid August, Parkway meadows are filled with the beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that just about any time of year or season the Parkway is a wonderful place for those who live wildflowers.

On the northern end near Humpback Rocks typical summer blooms of Goldenrod, Butter and Eggs, Woodland Sunflower, Black Eyed Susan, Ox-Eyed Daisy, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all very evident. Morning Glory and Purple Headed Coneflower and a few Cardinal Flowers are being reported on the farm at Humpback. At the picnic area, Heal All and Yarrow are also common.

Many of the same species are found around the Peaks of Otter, Yarrow and Black Eyed Susan, Woodland Sunflower, Joe-Pye Weed and Appalachian Bellflower. Virgin’s Bower and Bull Thistle are also common. Look for the pale Touch Me Not between Milepost 80 and 85 and Butterfly Weed around Milepost 90.

Read the full wildflower report for 8/20/2010 at Virtual Blue Ridge.

Parkway Tree Project This Year’s Parkway Category Theme

August 9th, 2010 Tanna Baumgardner No comments

One very special and anticipated feature of the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is its rotating Share the Journey® category theme. This year, The Parkway Tree Project has been established to document significant trees that contribute to the character, environment, and/or aesthetic of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photographers are encouraged to capture images of trees along the Blue Ridge Parkway that stand out as the most beautiful, the oldest or largest, trees that tell a story or have a place in history, and those that are unique for their shape, species or character. Read more »

8th Annual AMPC Is Only A Month Away!

August 6th, 2010 Tanna Baumgardner No comments

8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition

This year’s AMPC will be open for registration and submissions on Friday, September 17, 2010! This should give you shutterbugs a little extra time to squeeze in last minute summertime shots for this year’s comp. The competition will also be closing a little bit earlier than usual, too, so that’s something to keep in mind as you get your submissions together. For a full schedule of events, rules, FAQ and other important info, please visit the website: www.appmtnphotocomp.org. Read more »

Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for 8/6/2010

Wildflowers along the Blue Ridge ParkwayMany people find the Parkway their favorite place to escape the summer heat. Even here in early to mid August Parkway meadows are filled with the beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that any time of year or season the Parkway is a wonderful place for those who love wildflowers.

On the far northern end of the Parkway near Humpback Rocks, Joe-Pye Weed, Morning Glory, Woodland Sunflower, Black Eyed Susan, Ironweed, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all very common.

Stroll through the picnic area at Humpback Rocks and enjoy the Yarrow and Heal All in bloom there. In the Rocky Knob/ Mabry Mill area, Milkweed and. . .

Read the full wildflower report for 8/6/2010 at Virtual Blue Ridge.

Music Festivals in the Blue Ridge Mountains

August 3rd, 2010 Greg LaVecchia 1 comment

One of my favorite passions in life is to go to live music events. This includes music at night clubs, concerts and festivals. I like indoor and outdoor events. In the last four months our Virtual Blue Ridge team has been able to attend several great music festivals in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read more »