Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Toyota Highlander
The open road is outstretched for miles ahead of you. No schedule. No plans. Adventure is waiting.
This past weekend Joe and I took a trip to the NC Mountains. We left the kids at home with their grandparents and headed to Asheville to attend a wedding. As a child, my family spent a lot of time on the NC coast but we very rarely visited the mountains so I was extremely excited to explore the Blue Ridge mountains.
We stayed in an adorable little cottage just north of Asheville that really allowed us to embraced the slower mountain life. The long dirt driveway provided privacy and seclusion but was also a bit of a challenge to back out of… luckily we had the 2014 Highlander XLE’s backup camera.
In between wedding events, we would sneak off to explore the active downtown Asheville scene or walk the sleepy streets of Weaverville. The Highlander (especially the navigation system) guided us through windy mountain roads that would suddenly open upon breathtaking views or crossed over the rushing French Broad River. Aside from our wedding plans we just let to open road guide our weekend. It was such a release to just get out and drive.
After all of the wedding festivities were over we decided to take the long way back to Raleigh via the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Highlander offered a smooth and safe ride up and down the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped at several lookouts along the way and really took in the scenery before we headed back home.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (“Toyota”) provided me with the use of a 2014 Highlander for a short period of time and a gas card. I am receiving no other compensation from Toyota. The opinions I have shared about this vehicle are my own.
I just test drove one for a week and I am seriously considering getting one!
Love the back up cam feature! Never thought I would actually think it was that important to have but now that I have it in my own, I could never be without. The Highlander looks like an awesome vehicle for everyday use and traveling!
Such Sharp Looking Vehicle Love All The Perks Must Head Out & drive One!
I love North Carolina!! This looks like a great SUV – I love Toyota!!
Toyota makes great vehicles and my dad used to love them. I’ve personally never owned one but I’m thinking about it and the highlander sounds like one to check out.
Love the suv, Those pics are great Beautiful scenery
What a beautiful place! I would love to visit there! That car is awesome too!
Your pictures are so beautiful. Now I want a mountain vacation and a road trip (in a Toyota)! That sounds like the perfect summer plan.
we have a toyota sequoia and love it, I know the highlander is a little smaller but similar features.
My mom has this vehicle and she loves it, it’s nice and spacious!
My in laws have toyota and they love it we have a ford and not so happy
It’s nice to know when you’re traveling those mountain roads that you’re in a safe and secure vehicle like that. It’s nice looking!
Oh what a great car- and a beautiful, serene time in the mountains as well! I love all of the dashboard features in this Toyota Highlander!
We love Toyota but have not driven the Highlander yet. You took some great pictures!!
We’re in the market for a new car and have had such a hard time deciding. We definitely have to put this on our list now.
I can’t get over how cool that navigation system is!
I love taking random driving trips and been doing so since the beginning of June. Looks like I should add North Carolina to the list. Do you think Toyota would lend me a car to go cross country? 🙂