Take A Break from the Interstate

Discover Quaint Small Towns, Southern Charms & History...
Taste Home-cooked Meals at Local Restaurants...
Stop along U.S. Highway 21 to Enjoy Panoramic Long-range Views...
Explore 8 State & National Parks...
Delight in Special Finds at Unique Shops & Antiques Stores...
Taste North Carolina Wines in beautiful Vineyards & Craft Beer at Breweries...

Take a Break from the Interstate is a tourism initiative which is an arm of the Miles J.O.B. Fund, Inc., a 501c3 charity. Our communities welcome all to travel Historic U.S. 21 and experience the beauty of Northwest North Carolina & Southwest Virginia!
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Visit our communities along Historic Highway 21!

Wythe County, Virginia
Town of Wytheville, Virginia
Grayson County, Virginia
Alleghany County, North Carolina
Wilkes County, North Carolina
Town of Elkin, North Carolina
Town of Jonesville, North Carolina
Town of Harmony, North Carolina

New River State Park

At 350 million years old isn't "new" at all, is credited with playing a large hand in the town's rapid early settlement and is enjoyed by mountain natives and visitors alike! The New River is one of the few major rivers in the world which flows south to north and boasts the title of one of the oldest rivers in the world, second only to the Nile River, which also flows south to north. The New River is great for boating, swimming, fishing, nature viewing and its uncommonly clear water is perfect for snorkeling. New River State Park >

Blue Ridge Parkway

A National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles (755 km), mostly along the famous Blue Ridge mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Its southern terminus is on the boundary between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina, from which it travels north to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and offers access to the Skyline Drive, the major north/south artery through the Park. Blue Ridge Parkway >

Stone Mountain State Park

Hosts a 600-foot granite dome that becomes visible as you travel into the park entrance. The sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain's base. The scenery is only one attraction associated with the park. Visitors can test their fly- fishing techniques in more than 20 miles of designated trout waters. Or, with more than 16 miles of trails, take a hike in the park. There are more than 14,200 acres of mountain beauty featuring outdoor activities of all kinds. Stone Mountain State Park >

Jefferson National Forest

Jefferson National Forest stretches along the ruggedly beautiful Appalachian Mountains, extending from one end of Virginia to the other and even crossing into part of West Virginia and Kentucky. Drive a back-country road, enjoy our glorious fall colors, use binoculars to spot colorful neo-tropical birds, or savor the peacefulness of wilderness of our special national forest. Covering 72,000 acres along the Valley and ridge of the Blue ridge Mountains including Wythe and Grayson counties along the route 21 corridor, Jefferson National Forest provides a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Jefferson National Forest >

The Yadkin River

The Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina, flowing 215 miles. the river is extensively used for recreation. Fishing consists mostly of sunfish, catfish, large mouth bass and white bass in the spring and early summer. Kayaking, canoeing and rafting are also possible. A portion of the river flows through Pilot Mountain State Park. Big Elkin Creek flows into the Yadkin river, and is stocked with trout along the Overmountain Victory Trial in Elkin's Municipal Park. There is a paddler's boat ramp and campsite on the Yadkin River in downtown Elkin. Yadkin River >

Crystal Springs Recreation Area

Located south of Wytheville, just outside the town limits on Pump Hollow road, the area consists of 1800 acres of property owned by the Town of Wytheville. The remnants of an old reservoir remain and serve as a home to various types of aquatic life. The Town of Wytheville partnered with the Wythe-Bland Community Foundation and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation TRACK Trails to design and develop the land for recreation purposes. The area includes three completed trails. picnic areas and access to camping sites. Crystal Springs Recreation Area >