We rode the parkway this past summer and got rained on for 85% of our time on the east coast and in the mountains. Vacation got to be a long pull. We stayed at Stations Inn, mid week, the last week of July/ first days of Aug. We were one of two rooms rented for the night and almost the only ones that ate there that night. From the website I was expecting more bike traffic. Did we hit the slow time or did we miss the more popular place to stay?
I wouldn't be in a hurry to stay there again. Thoughts?
Supershooter
I can appreciate the ride in rain. We did a week long trip with three days of heavy thunder storms year before last, and road back from York, PA last year all the way in the rain. Suit up and enjoy! LOL
Stations Inn is not what it once was. About 8 years ago now the owner ran into financial trouble and it was forsale and shut down. Then his former wife opened Freebornes up across the street. Then Stations Inn opened back up on a smaller scale. Then the wife buys SI and owns both. Right now SI is open every day and Freebornes on Thursday through Sunday. We were up there a few weeks back on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait for a table. It was busy. The food is good and it is a convenient stopping point in that area. The motel at SI is outdated. Freebornes has better rooms and also has king sized beds. There is covered parking however at SI. A give and take.
Normally in the summer, especially on weekends there are 200 to 300 bikes, live bands and it is a happening place even today.
For us it is just over an hour away and a very nice ride so we are up there a lot. Our favorite place is Little Switzerland Inn. Much more expensive but really nice, awesome views, fantastic restaurant and close to awesome roads and Linville Falls. Come back and give that a try next time.