Its the Location!

Best Bang-for-your-Buck Photo Ops

These are easy to get to spots where you can get a great shot for your vacation album and not have to work too hard to get it!

Johns river Gorge from Mayview Manor (5 mins away)

This is our secret photo spot! You are now sworn to secrecy and can’t tell anyone! We stumbled upon this spot several years ago and is one of our favorites. Just up the hill right in Blowing Rock (at the corner of Wonderland Trail and Meadow Lane), you’ll find a stone wall that looks out over Johns River Gorge. If you follow us on Instagram you may recognize a favorite photo of mine - my daughter taking a photo while sitting on the stone wall. It’s particularly nice right before sunset for a pre or post dinner photo shot since you’re right in BR. Its a higher elevation so it tends to get foggy, but if you hit it right, there are fantastic views. Note that there isn’t much space for parking, but you’ll probably be there alone so pull off and take a few great shots! And shhh its our little secret!! Pro Tip: This is near the sight of the 138 room Mayview Manor Hotel (1922-1966) that sat on the ridge. Here’s an interesting article about it.

Find it here: Mayview Manor Wall

Thunder HIll Overlook

Our favorite overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is actually the closest one too. Access it from either 321and head north on the BRP (its on the right), or from the cabin, if you take Aho Rd east (away from 321) you’ll come upon the BRP and want to turn right. There are three great overlooks just a mile or so down the road - one on the right and two on the left. Thunder Hill is the second on the left, but all have great views. This is a lunch spot favorite. Bring chairs or blanket, or sometimes we’ll even just lift the gate to our SUV and sit in the back.

Pretty much anywhere you stop along the BRP is fantastic, so take your time and and enjoy the scenery. And don’t forget to bring snacks or even lunch since you’ll want to stick around for a bit with the great views.  

Find it Here: Thunder Hill Overlook

Bass Lake

Bass Lake is a favorite spot to take an easy walk around the .8 mi carriage trail loop with plenty of spots to get that great shot of nature at its best. Look for turtles sunning themselves on fallen trees or ducks swimming among the lily pads. One spot in particular is about halfway around the lake you’ll see a stone wall that is a wonderful place to grab that family photo with a nice view of the lake as your backdrop. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, and its literally a 1/2 mile from Main Street!

Find it here: Bass Lake

Moses Cone manor

This is a great place for a photo shoot. I can image a lot of weddings and prom pictures have been taken at here. Its a well-known spot, so anyone will immediately recognize the white pillar fence if they’ve visited the property before.

More info: Moses Cone Manor

Greetings from Blowing Rock

Right in Downtown Blowing Rock is a cool mural that you might miss if you’re not looking for it. The 10 ft “Greetings from Blowing Rock” postcard mural makes for a great place to take a fun picture to send to family and friends. And you don’t even need a stamp! Located behind the Parks and Rec Building on the corner of Park Ave and Wallingford St about a block off of Main Street.

More info: Greetings from Blowing Rock

Linn Cove Viaduct

Linn Cove Viaduct was the very last piece in the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway and is easily recognizable as an image that you have most likely seen. Located at Milepost 304, its about 20 mins away from the cabin. With a visitors center and hiking trails nearby, its a great place to enjoy the day and take some great shots.

More Info and Directions: Linn Cove Viaduct

The Blowing Rock

This a tourist attraction, and you’ll pay an entrance fee, but there are some stunning views and a great place to learn a little history as well as take some good pictures.

More info: The Blowing Rock

Grandfather Mountain - Mile high bridge

This is a really great place to take some pictures and one of the most popular spots to visit in the area. While there are a lot of trails to explore, and a nature area with animals that the kids love, access to the Mile High Bridge is actually really easy. You can drive right to the top and park a few feet away from the bridge and gift shop!

More Info: Grandfather Mountain

Beacon Heights Trail

(Easy hike with a short incline) You will go uphill for this short trail (just .3 mi) but oh, my what a reward at the end. Spectacular views - there are two areas so don’t miss seeing both. This is our family favorite and one we always bring those visiting for the first time! This is on the Blue Ridge Parkway and very close to Grandfather Mountain (about 20 mins away from the cabin.)

more info: Beacon Heights Trail