Tourists and summer residents in mountain communities were part of Blue Ridge culture for over a century before the Blue Ridge Parkway was built. Blowing Rock in particular was an established resort town which tripled its population in the summer. Moses Cone was one such summer resident who built a mansion outside Blowing Rock, now on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 294.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park has 25 miles of gentle carriage roads, which take you to views and lakes. In contrast, the Tanawha is spectacular and very rocky.