Great post and pics. I've not been to the upper portion of the Parkway, so it was good to see. If you ever come farther down, into NC and past Asheville you'll come into the Pisgah National Forest, and there is a wonderful place called the Pisgah Inn right on the Parkway. Every room has a view, and their restaurant serves all day. Great hiking trails. They book up early.
http://pisgahinn.com/