I'm actually planning on ride down that way the same weekend, only leaving out Thursday, slab it to the top of the Blue Ridge as I find the speed limit on skyline a bit slow, then ride down the parkway to stay at the Peaks of Otter then continue down the parkway to the Woodberry Inn
http://www.woodberryinn.com/ right off the parkway near the Marby Mill Friday. Its a truly wonderful small Inn, with a small bar and restaurant right on site that makes most of the food from locally available produce. I had one of the best meals on my entire trip last year down to Miss. and it cost me all of $10.50! They have only 12 rooms, a small pond lorded over by Barney the one-eyed duck, very secluded and quiet. the couple that runs it are really great, former FSO and they love to chat it up with their guests, so don't expect to get to your room anytime soon after arriving! Its only about an hour and half from Marion. Perhaps you could join me there Friday?
As for RT16, and other roads in the area diffidently check out RT. 58. the part between Mouth of Wilson to Damascus it really great as it winds around the side of several of the tallest peaks in that part of the state. Rt. 16 intersects it along that part just a bit west of Mouth of Wilson and if you head west from that intersection you'll hit the best part.
From the Woodberry Inn I plan on heading down to stay at the Alpine Inn
http://www.alpineinnnc.com/ in little Switzerland, another really great, small off the beaten path Inn also run by a great couple with awesome views along the parkway and just a mile from the Switzerland Inn with a 4 Star restaurant.
Anyway, if you're interested in meeting up for the evening On Friday at the Woodberry Inn, just let me know.
RM
Fromerly MR. MonkeyButt now Mr.
Breezy-Butt!http://roadrunes.com"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion,
but not his own facts" - Daniel Patrick Moynihan
"I think you're a NUT!"- Tina