Route suggestion: those of you coming up from the south will probably want to take US321 through Hickory and Lenoir to Blowing Rock. Rather than procede on US321 to Boone and the heavy traffic on NC105, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Blowing Rock. The Linville/Grandfather exit is just a sort way past the Viaduct at mile marker 305.

I drive 321 2-3 times per month. There is construction underway for 7 or 8 miles, but the route is open.