Travel

Afton Mountain B&B outside Afton, Virginia: http://www.aftonmountain.com/

This one is out in the countryside outside Afton, Virginia. Lovely area, and just a few miles (about 7, iirc) from the confluence of the BRP and Skyline Drive.

Sitting on that front porch early on a nice spring morning is to die for. The owners are a wonderful, progressive younger couple. Breakfast there is very good, and the place is very nice. If you decide to stay here: watch carefully for the sign, as it can be easy to miss.

We had dinner the evening of our stay at Blue Mountain Brewery: http://www.bluemountainbrewery.com/

The food, and general ambiance, were very good. Casual, nice large patio area for outside dining with a lovely view, if the weather is right. We enjoyed a warm evening there watching a thunderstorm off in the far distance over gently rolling hills/valley.

In any case, there are several very nice restaurants in the area which the B&B recommends.

Another place we really enjoyed was the General Francis Marion Hotel, in Marion, Virginia:
http://gfmhotel.com/blackrooster/

This one might be a bit out of the way for you, but it's a quick drive. Accommodations are very nice, and a great value. The Black Rooster is the Hotel restaurant, and the dinner there was truly outstanding (good enough that we sent our regards to the chef, who came out and talked with us for awhile). Very nice younger man, and excellent cook.

Now that I've recommended these places I've no doubt jinxed them...

Widows Creek Falls and Stone Mountain Falls are both located within Stone Mountain State Park. Very pretty area, lots of hiking w/varying degrees of difficulty.

You might also want to plan for an hour or so at Humpback Rocks: http://www.accessiblevirginia.org/shenvalcities/bluerideparkwayshenval/attractions/humpbackvc.htm

It's either at the end or the beginning of the BRP, depending on where you start from. Very pleasant walk through a restored mountain farmstead. I posted some photos of it on Trip Advisor (Curt T): http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g28954-d108331-r132071228-Humpback_Rocks_Visitor_Center_and_Mountain_Farm-North_Carolina.html#REVIEWS