USA 2022 Tag 11 + 12

On the 11th day of our road trip, we started with two bagels from J's Bagels. I highly recommend both the Berry Bagel with Strawberry Cream Cheese and the Salmon Bagel. (We had more of both later at Otter Lake, with cheese added.)

After that, we headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our first stop was the Farm Museum. There are several reconstructed accommodations and more things that remind us of the settlers.

We continued on a road lined with trees in spring attire on both sides. This would accompany us all the way to Roanoke and get greener and greener.

We almost missed the next stop at various lookout points, but a small U-Turn fixed it. It was the reconstructed railroad track at a small waterfall with a stream. 💦🛤️

Throughout the route, there are overlooks, parking lots, and hiking trails, from which we selected a few, including the Otter Lake. The circular path is worth it with a dam, beaver tracks, and spiders. In the end, we treated ourselves to a snack and enjoyed the shade, as it was 'unfortunately' 30° again. (Not what we ordered. 🤔)

The clouds at the Arnold's Valley viewpoint were really nice, and they were also great for our trip to the Fallingwater Casacades. Both are highly recommendable, especially the latter for simply dipping your feet in the water.

When we arrived in Roanoke, we were warmly welcomed by Elaine at the Raspberry House. There is an incredible attention to detail and love for nature in the house.

In the evening, we went to a burger and beer bar. There were burgers with mac'n'cheese, chips, and bacon and (even better) breaded and fried Oreos. 🤤

On Day 12, we started with sleeping in and taking a bath in the freestanding bathtub. After a hearty breakfast, we took a little tour of Roanoke. There are many small shops with local products around Market Square, so there was a lot to see and browse.

Somehow, we wanted to take a walk and drove here and there, but nothing really appealed to us. When we arrived at Explore Park to take a short hike, it started to rain (unfortunately). So we went back to the house and took a cozy and extended nap.

Since there seem to be many breweries in Roanoke, I was happy to play chauffeur for Egg, so we showed up at Big Lick Brewery a little after 4. Egg had a flight with beers from the brewery. Then we went to Wasena Tap Room, where we are now sitting and enjoying live country music while Egg tries more beers.

Tomorrow, we might visit the Museum of Transportation here in Roanoke and then continue on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville.

P.S.: Today's temperature is the ordered 20°. It is much more pleasant.