Blog

Catch up on the latest news about our efforts to protect the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photo by Vicki Dameron

The Bluffs Restaurant to reopen in spring 2021

August 27, 2020
The road to reopening The Bluffs Restaurant has been a long journey, and we thank you for supporting the project every step of the way. We want you to be the first to know about a development in operations at the Doughton Park restaurant. The operator has decided to suspend food service for the remainder of the 2020 season in the interest of the safety of patrons and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We agree with the decision, and plan to reopen in the spring of 2021.
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The Bluffs Restaurant to reopen on August 22

August 13, 2020
Update (August 23, 2020) from The Bluffs: We are experiencing a water supply issue, and need to complete additional repairs to the historic building. Please accept our apologies! We anticipate being able to reopen for our regular hours on Saturday, August 29, but please check back at BluffsRestaurant.org for the latest news. Update (August 18, 2020): Please note updated operating hours!
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Great American Outdoors Act Becomes Law

August 4, 2020
The Great American Outdoors Act is now official! With the stroke of a pen, years of hard work by thousands across the country became the law of the land, securing a much brighter future for our public lands and parks. There have been few times in a generation that the word legacy can be used in reference to the future of our public lands, but that time is now.
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Tips & Recipes for a Perfect Parkway Picnic From Ashley English

July 22, 2020
We want to make your Picnic for the Parkway special, so Ashley English, author of A Year Of Picnics: Recipes for Dining Well in the Great Outdoors, is here to offer tips for a successful excursion and delectable recipes for an inspired outdoor dining experience on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Secret Family Recipes for Parkway Picnics

July 20, 2020
The Blue Ridge Parkway features more than 700 sites at 14 picnic areas that are ready to host your next gathering of family or friends, from Humpback Rocks (milepost 8.5) to Mt. Pisgah (milepost 407.8). To enhance your Picnic for the Parkway even more, our staff and a longtime Foundation friend are sharing some of their most treasured family recipes. Check out these suggestions as you plan your next Parkway picnic experience.
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Great American Outdoors Act would help a national treasure – the Blue Ridge Parkway

July 16, 2020
Update July 22, 2020 - The U.S. House just passed the Great American Outdoors Act with a vote of 310-107. The bill will provide desperately needed funding for national parks and public lands. It now goes to the President for final approval. With potential passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, our country is on the verge of one of the most important legacy events to support our national parks and public lands in my lifetime. Recently passed by the US Senate on a bipartisan 73-25 vote, the legislation now heads to the House for consideration. 
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Creating Pathways to Parks

July 7, 2020
In our country, people of color suffer from certain chronic illnesses at a higher rate than the rest of the population. At the same time, they seldom use our public lands for the health benefits that can absolutely be achieved through regular exercise, which is a big reason Pathways to Parks was formed.
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New closures now, mean a stronger Parkway in the future

April 15, 2020
Dear Friends, More than ever, we are all in this together. For decades, the Blue Ridge Parkway has been our outdoor playground, our link to mountain history and culture, and our place to connect with nature. But this is an unprecedented time. The National Park Service has made the difficult decision to close many sections of the Parkway that are seeing high visitation. (See the complete list of newly announced closures.) Keeping each other and our communities safe is what matters most right now.
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Visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway and COVID-19

April 8, 2020
The Parkway rangers are striving to keep the Blue Ridge Parkway safe while seeing an enormous influx of visitors. If you plan to enjoy the Parkway during this time, please make their job a lot less stressful by following these tips. Avoid the Crowds
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A Safer Blue Ridge Parkway, Thanks to You

April 7, 2020
For law enforcement rangers, ensuring the safety of millions of visitors along 469 miles of road in two states is no small feat on an ordinary day. Now, they are seeing a large influx of people looking to find comfort in the outdoors during this difficult time.
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Spring wildflowers on the Blue Ridge Parkway

March 19, 2020
We can’t say it loud enough: thank goodness for spring! The promise of refreshing walks in the woods, colorful blooms, and a greener landscape on the Blue Ridge Parkway are bright spots during these stressful times. If you’re headed out to appreciate the diverse wildflowers that herald the season’s arrival, we have tips for best viewing and staying safe.
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Finding calm on the Blue Ridge Parkway

March 18, 2020
Dear Friends, As the news about COVID-19 develops, many people are turning to the outdoors to ease their stress and regain a sense of calm. We know that the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the natural places that can provide peace and perspective during these uncertain times.
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Muddy Creek selected as new operator for The Bluffs Restaurant

March 11, 2020
We are pleased to announce that renovations to the interior of The Bluffs Restaurant at milepost 241 on the Parkway are underway, and a new operator has been selected. Muddy Creek Enterprises, owners of the Muddy Creek Café & Music Halls in Sparta and Winston-Salem, will operate The Bluffs Restaurant under an agreement with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The restaurant is slated to reopen this summer.
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Double your impact on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

February 12, 2020
Update: Thanks to your love for The Bluffs, we have met the $25,000 match for repairs to the historic restaurant. Our hearts are bursting as we announce another gift-matching opportunity for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yes. That’s right. WE HAVE TWO MATCHES!
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Renovations to begin at The Bluffs Restaurant

February 7, 2020
Ten years after The Bluffs Restaurant closed, interior renovations will begin in preparation for an opening day this summer! Thanks to your support, the work will soon get underway at this beloved Doughton Park gathering place at milepost 240.
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Meet our new board officers, trustees and advisors

January 27, 2020
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of new officers and the addition of members to its board of trustees and council of advisors. With a diverse range of backgrounds, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the leadership of the nonprofit that is focused on preserving and protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway.  
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Ivey joins Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation team

January 17, 2020
We are pleased to welcome George Ivey to our team this month as a Development Officer. In his new role, he will support community outreach and fundraising in the greater Asheville area. Ivey has a lifelong appreciation for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Born and raised in Asheville, he grew up less than two miles from the Parkway. As a teenager, he worked as a busboy at the Pisgah Inn restaurant. An avid cyclist, he rode the entire 469 miles of the scenic route in 2004.
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A Big Thank You to Our Volunteers!

January 16, 2020
Volunteers are valued members of our Community of Stewards. By generously sharing their time and talents, they reflect a deep commitment to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We can’t thank them enough for choosing to work with the Foundation to make an impact. Here are just a few of the many people who contributed their time in 2019.   Spreading the Word Ed Grove
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