It is hard for us Brits to understand the sheer scale of the U.S. – we consider a 10 mile drive pretty far after all. Today we ventured up into the Blue Ridge Mountains and hit the Blue Ridge Parkway – a stretch of glorious mountain park that reaches for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. Driving along even a short stretch offers some stunning views and amazing hikes and campgrounds though bears are an issue! Parts of the road are closed off in winter months as a precaution.

We also checked out the viewpoint at the Star of Roanoke – a huge metal star that adorns the Roanoke mountain and offers unparalleled views across the valley.

We also found time to check out local newspaper the Roanoke Times – the titles out here all appear to be broadsheet though a slimmer version.

And the paper itself:

Back soon JJ