Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill</i></div><br />Breakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. <br /><br /><i><a href="http://www.blueridgemuse.com/node/20182">Blue Ridge Muse</a></i> Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.<br /><br />There was this puzzling comment from the National Park Service:<br /><blockquote>A spokesman for the National Park Service said Thursday they are not encouraging businesses operated by private vendors to reopen, they won’t stop those who do.</blockquote>Thankfully, for travelers and locals, Mabry Mill is back on the grid although the government shutdown didn't help things: <br /><blockquote>Radcliff said Mabry Mill is “definitely open through Oct. 31″ but lost at least $65,000 for the 10 days that it was closed because of the continuing government shutdown.<br /><br />The attraction was closed last weekend at what was considered the “peak” time for autumn colors on this part of the Parkway.</blockquote><a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/peaks-of-otter-lodge-now-open.html">Peaks of Otter Lodge has also reopened</a> amid the shutdown.

Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson government shutdown Mabry Mill Mabry Mill Restaurant National Park Service Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

 Mabry MillBreakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.Th…

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Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.</i></div><br />Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.<br /><br />The company that runs the concession released a statement, according to <a href="http://www.wset.com/story/23675586/peaks-of-otter-lodge-re-opens">WSET TV-13</a>:<br /><blockquote><i>"Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is thrilled to announce the re-opening of Peaks of Otter Lodge effective noon Saturday, October 12. The restaurant will open with a limited menu for dinner service. The shuttle to Sharp Top Mountain will not be operating as all National Park Service services remain closed. We would like to thank our employees and our guests for their support and loyalty. <br /><br />Our employees are excited to get back to work serving guests and creating memorable experiences. Fall is a beautiful time to visit Peaks of Otter Lodge and we look forward to continuing a successful first season as operators. <br /><br />Peaks of Otter Lodge is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway - an open and gate-free commuter road. Because of its unique position, we were able to re-open the iconic and popular property just in time for the best views of fall foliage. The Lodge is open through December 1.<br /><br /> Shenandoah National Park, among other national parks where Delaware North operates, remains closed due to the government shutdown. We remain hopeful for a resolution in the near future."</i></blockquote>

Blue Ridge Parkway Delaware North Companies & Resorts government shutdown National Park Service Peaks of Otter reopening tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

 Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.The …

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Mabry Mill, others poised to open this weekend

This is great news! Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the changing leaves and stop by the re-opened restaurants and attractions along the way. This would be a great way to help these businesses recover and get back on their feet after ten days of government shutdown.<br /><br />Check before going just to be sure they're open but the restaurant at Mabry Mill was hoping to be reopened this morning, and Peaks of Otter was hoping to be reopened for this weekend including lodging and restaurant, according to the Roanoke Times:<br /><blockquote>Mabry Mill will reopen today and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford County could be open by this weekend under agreements with the National Park Service, which had ordered parkway sites and concessionaires to close when the federal government shut down Oct. 1.<br /><br /> Radcliff was planning for a Friday reopening of Mabry Mill, though she had yet to hear from the park service Thursday afternoon. Robert Peters, the general manager of the Peaks of Otter Lodge, said he was “very optimistic” the lodge will be open by this weekend.</blockquote>Private businesses that are helping the federal government by running park concessions should not be forced to close during budget debates.

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Mabry Mill Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill, others poised to open this weekend

This is great news! Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the changing leaves and stop by the re-opened restaurants and attractions along the way. This would be a great way to help these businesses recover and get back on their feet after ten days of gov…

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Just reopened, Peaks of Otter now a victim of government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8IuKVsgcPO25YS8QQrJgaTptcSCxDUV5Z4jsvX6FzjRutF_eS8DiEDpyXbCHjeF5d4xiNHKW-eTqQ96BSFjMAbMHBSwFU0x6ha0iTm0lQ43mpKHWfltrq5KJLPW65RDPOlnfn7QYvICL/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8IuKVsgcPO25YS8QQrJgaTptcSCxDUV5Z4jsvX6FzjRutF_eS8DiEDpyXbCHjeF5d4xiNHKW-eTqQ96BSFjMAbMHBSwFU0x6ha0iTm0lQ43mpKHWfltrq5KJLPW65RDPOlnfn7QYvICL/s400/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Peaks of Otter Lodge on September 26, 2013.</i></div><br />The government shutdown <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_d9749888-2b17-11e3-a817-0019bb30f31a.html">has shuttered Peaks of Otter</a>, that historic lodge and restaurant that reopened this year after being closed the past two years. Even though it is run by a private enterprise, the government has forced its closing until a budget is passed by Congress.<br /><br />Will it recover?<br /><br />Take a drive south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will see shuttered gift shops, restaurants, and campgrounds because no vendors can be found to run these concessions. Imagine running a business that the government can arbitrarily shut down at a time of year that brings in more than 25% of income.<br /><br />Last week, as SWAC Husband and I meandered down the Blue Ridge Parkway toward North Carolina, we stopped at Peaks of Otter for lunch. I had been excited at its reopening this year and even tried to book a room -- albeit on short notice -- for our trip but they were full. That was a good sign.<br /><br />The restaurant at mid-day last Thursday was busy with every window table occupied. The host, a gentleman about retirement age, greeted us and led the way to a table directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Abbott Lake and Sharp Top. I joked with him, asking how he <i>knew</i> we wanted to sit in front of the window. He chuckled and said sometimes there aren't enough windows for all the requests to be at those prime tables.<br /><br />The manager, a friendly middle-aged lady, welcomed us and made sure we were comfortable, then took our drink orders. A few minutes later a smiling young waitress, probably twenty-something, arrived to take our orders. We enjoyed a twenty-dollar lunch with a million-dollar view as we watched guests strolling the pathway that circles the lake. <br /><br />A lady arrived alone and was seated at the table beside us. From nearby Bedford, she said she had been busy working at home that morning but decided to drop everything and head to the Peaks for lunch. Maybe she was listening to the news ... maybe she needed a taste of mountain air ... but I'm glad she did it last week because if she felt like an impromptu lunch today, she would be out of luck.<br /><br />After lunch, we explored the lodge, saying hello to the friendly staff and taking photos of the rustic interior with beautiful views. A friendly young lady worked the gift shop. Inside the visitor center, an outgoing gentleman boomed out a welcome and offered directions to various hikes and the bus trip to Sharp Top. Next door in the country store, stocked with camping and hiking necessities, another man about retirement age greeted us with a friendly smile, offering information and bus tickets for the ride to the top of Sharp Top. Running every hour on the hour for those with young children or mobility issues, the bus offered an alternative for those who could not make the trek up the steep trail. We took a short leg-stretcher, not having time to hit the summit either by bus or legs, and then hit the Parkway south as we continued on our trip.<br /><br />Today while listening to news of the government shutdown, I thought about all those workers we encountered last week. They are out of work at one of the busiest times of year for leaf-looking country. It's sad to think that the lodge, restaurant, and all facilities are closed to the public because of the debacle in D.C.<br /><br />Reporter Eleanor Kennedy with the <a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_d9749888-2b17-11e3-a817-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>Lynchburg News and Advance</i></a><i></i> talked with folks at Peaks of Otter:<br /><blockquote>General Manager Robert Peters said most of the lodge’s 72 employees were gone by noon on Tuesday, with more set to depart at 5 p.m. when the front desk officially closed. About half of those employees, like front desk supervisor Debbie Smith, worked for the lodge under its previous operator and were rehired when Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts took over and reopened the attraction in July.<br /><br />“I’ve been through a lot with the Peaks of Otter,” said Smith, who started as a housekeeper there more than 25 years ago.<br /><br />A handful of staff members remained Tuesday to keep the place going, including Peters, Smith and a few housekeepers and maintenance staffers. But today, Peters said, the lodge will be maintained by Peters and one other person.<br /><br />“[The employees] are out of work with no pay until the government figures out what to do,” he said. “It’s bad for the guests, it’s bad for the employees…it’s a bad situation.”<br /><br />Tuesday’s closure came only days after the lodge’s grand opening celebration last Friday and at the start of its biggest moneymaking season, when autumn foliage draws many to the Parkway each year.<br /><br />Peters said the 63-room attraction was expected to be at about 50 percent capacity Tuesday night, 75 percent today and Thursday and completely booked through the weekend.<br />...<br />During that time, Peters said, the lodge likely will lose between $5,000-$10,000 on weekdays and $20,000-$30,000 thousand over the weekends.<br /><br />“It’s adding up quickly,” he said. “This is the money that’s coming in that pays the bills for the rest of the year.”</blockquote>A guest preparing to leave the lodge made a comment that is true across the board for those affected by this shutdown:<br /><blockquote>“The people here have been absolutely fantastic,” said Loudene Riggs, a member of the North Carolina contingent who’s been coming up to the Peaks with her husband since the 1960s.<br /><br />“They have been handed a really rough deal.”</blockquote>End the government shutdown.<br /><br />Here are more photos from Thursday, September 26, 2013, as we enjoyed some time at Peaks of Otter: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFux8ATR4bdKQfYz3pAGvsZC-PZQLv0f3Tnq8FFl6xALvbTj0IRTzwNhWmMqg71AsbB3je91Us74tN1gHxFEQymt5LPfhKEiEQ962BE0vP_AiRyvmJNDkHJmlq0KcTsWzHVbWXBJ9k87as/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFux8ATR4bdKQfYz3pAGvsZC-PZQLv0f3Tnq8FFl6xALvbTj0IRTzwNhWmMqg71AsbB3je91Us74tN1gHxFEQymt5LPfhKEiEQ962BE0vP_AiRyvmJNDkHJmlq0KcTsWzHVbWXBJ9k87as/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">A welcoming fall entrance to the Peaks of Otter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2R3v9onpxSqdBIbsAMtJVBDeLo1YIquLnRocfADCW18ph2qu0fVzQLKo_SBosnijHq6BXdl2-_yBCnjxbqt1frl3Z6vAM6Gixa_hx2MUdM8rEZyPnTIAHYLecMlrwxA4ab_LXAOHlnq7/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2R3v9onpxSqdBIbsAMtJVBDeLo1YIquLnRocfADCW18ph2qu0fVzQLKo_SBosnijHq6BXdl2-_yBCnjxbqt1frl3Z6vAM6Gixa_hx2MUdM8rEZyPnTIAHYLecMlrwxA4ab_LXAOHlnq7/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our lunch table overlooked Abbott Lake and Sharp Top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQxI4XRrLVLeiTlQhBeGR6Jx_7DxJYF6woHn5pW85SSMXratBgj-konvsSGFvvYRrNysXUm4VUmhwmbeX6aG8uBCpRzn7W3-GOsBdg5FATIt0t4bhdu4In5beVDYxYz6q89K11m4qAPj1/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQxI4XRrLVLeiTlQhBeGR6Jx_7DxJYF6woHn5pW85SSMXratBgj-konvsSGFvvYRrNysXUm4VUmhwmbeX6aG8uBCpRzn7W3-GOsBdg5FATIt0t4bhdu4In5beVDYxYz6q89K11m4qAPj1/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-M9iL7MpY0UkZmHgBhF3skZkh2l4kZUwyY1WN-E3qH6DikqdjTghOdUDY0vS9e7zSvowIKg9KIh4jB6MpYYO-NpaaQkvDy3Ezkt3dNEusRCx9l3e-SwT90-W8Qmocktby4NPuv3xfszM/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-M9iL7MpY0UkZmHgBhF3skZkh2l4kZUwyY1WN-E3qH6DikqdjTghOdUDY0vS9e7zSvowIKg9KIh4jB6MpYYO-NpaaQkvDy3Ezkt3dNEusRCx9l3e-SwT90-W8Qmocktby4NPuv3xfszM/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou20fUhZYGo06PinygFyLGklvp-nbN74wY-5xZfeq8wd3R0AUat3KZl7nFLIDsNioWjKDCmaZQe6xHrBv9rawUhENsuUxsAGIZdzfn_Rfj1HS8KBHxlK02RlLF7pESUR4nyzIpkK7sSOU/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou20fUhZYGo06PinygFyLGklvp-nbN74wY-5xZfeq8wd3R0AUat3KZl7nFLIDsNioWjKDCmaZQe6xHrBv9rawUhENsuUxsAGIZdzfn_Rfj1HS8KBHxlK02RlLF7pESUR4nyzIpkK7sSOU/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_q6Lj1bC8be44Z4f6MXU-wK4OVxdEEubzy6jW1jJCUKTYwHOuxTcSB6824Amjwlm1Yzg5eipFwLDtlhOziHSaC4vwJK9Ow7mgmAxKTAYL-CVTD3Hcad4Ox0lRnIN0Qyl_YE3D7eo0utH/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_q6Lj1bC8be44Z4f6MXU-wK4OVxdEEubzy6jW1jJCUKTYwHOuxTcSB6824Amjwlm1Yzg5eipFwLDtlhOziHSaC4vwJK9Ow7mgmAxKTAYL-CVTD3Hcad4Ox0lRnIN0Qyl_YE3D7eo0utH/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lounge area of the main lodge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUdRfSumcV_3lq5TkyrNJOcpRjHupWra5EWOY3XmogDJTaB7XyKZorWWvsLhx-mRZJ49OTeRmvf2Qs_vIVjIu84PYAM1echg-wsMYKg_a_RvOGRnKKv46lsXAlsV3YLMeoxMN3HTJ7v5S/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUdRfSumcV_3lq5TkyrNJOcpRjHupWra5EWOY3XmogDJTaB7XyKZorWWvsLhx-mRZJ49OTeRmvf2Qs_vIVjIu84PYAM1echg-wsMYKg_a_RvOGRnKKv46lsXAlsV3YLMeoxMN3HTJ7v5S/s320/18.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS4oS3S5uOuEkAI_u7Y-m0MrXLq2FcahYdgBo_A0gLrNgs6xWgTw-e1BdHVWnkh73GI2I_Jt2UGgGlNq6AeWRLutv0eWa_wTuqjs91t_MMw3y5sh4vZXZNvcLcIkaVQlQXYeiDUPCA0wz/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS4oS3S5uOuEkAI_u7Y-m0MrXLq2FcahYdgBo_A0gLrNgs6xWgTw-e1BdHVWnkh73GI2I_Jt2UGgGlNq6AeWRLutv0eWa_wTuqjs91t_MMw3y5sh4vZXZNvcLcIkaVQlQXYeiDUPCA0wz/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lobby area and gift shop.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFyfTv7-Xkv3l7ZkJhhMwmkrx4OE7gRmArug85bbPywJMjhFAXcSlBCUqg_RKty1KwgrtWVkurjiD2rYH9Pl0NL-JrRb5uNOr59Tq8USYWBEgXP8S-kGE-zlc0Rbi401hjO-XEeaS5k0z/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFyfTv7-Xkv3l7ZkJhhMwmkrx4OE7gRmArug85bbPywJMjhFAXcSlBCUqg_RKty1KwgrtWVkurjiD2rYH9Pl0NL-JrRb5uNOr59Tq8USYWBEgXP8S-kGE-zlc0Rbi401hjO-XEeaS5k0z/s640/20.jpg" width="280" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Available from the gift shop....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrbNcyNt2sqlAA41Mj8Kz1Aof7xpM0lz7Gted7ctz6Cp5TBdOwn2NV81rQ5mX6uMCkuJU6rH_t2UOjvcZQ-_79EljiDk-vJeEbyTXLIkZdyKPhxaiLsYoPYNRfI7av2JTReTvnCbCJL4U/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrbNcyNt2sqlAA41Mj8Kz1Aof7xpM0lz7Gted7ctz6Cp5TBdOwn2NV81rQ5mX6uMCkuJU6rH_t2UOjvcZQ-_79EljiDk-vJeEbyTXLIkZdyKPhxaiLsYoPYNRfI7av2JTReTvnCbCJL4U/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peaks of Otter Campground is now closed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnGc_0L-Y5RZRjW08cpgrK-9G7SeqcYSbi8X8qDJFoRlEI6sVPr9jvNpm01teDOHSgcW86U0_-xZB9Zxy2MvMsd-VosSPdWTtQoudsctTIKxEpPcgKlgAbIFmzCWLRT6mLKxsQLorTrvW/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnGc_0L-Y5RZRjW08cpgrK-9G7SeqcYSbi8X8qDJFoRlEI6sVPr9jvNpm01teDOHSgcW86U0_-xZB9Zxy2MvMsd-VosSPdWTtQoudsctTIKxEpPcgKlgAbIFmzCWLRT6mLKxsQLorTrvW/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAempAbdqJ4PvViDRtqofydpOS0py1PTGTlXydwD9qut6aHgEMI2vP-u2orJbBIAAll2Es1LZ1PjlWEhJAmB3ZtHzujdG0kOpiZRIMp012OTWaEpc5ANWO3yROXohBq8NMC0oNsIiFx4cD/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAempAbdqJ4PvViDRtqofydpOS0py1PTGTlXydwD9qut6aHgEMI2vP-u2orJbBIAAll2Es1LZ1PjlWEhJAmB3ZtHzujdG0kOpiZRIMp012OTWaEpc5ANWO3yROXohBq8NMC0oNsIiFx4cD/s640/21.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J_7YvZGba18Af3V-MN045ijSxQedRoOTIWuMwULRzJS-oDhibxRf5b0Y87SHky1RluXPYode5Erxbww8PbKPn3j637oLM3Io5moRQEgQ1GdBLZyNE29juZezxP4iLbJ713iPo6uvZDj6/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J_7YvZGba18Af3V-MN045ijSxQedRoOTIWuMwULRzJS-oDhibxRf5b0Y87SHky1RluXPYode5Erxbww8PbKPn3j637oLM3Io5moRQEgQ1GdBLZyNE29juZezxP4iLbJ713iPo6uvZDj6/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sharp Top looms over Peaks of Otter Lodge.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 26, 2013

Bedford Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown National Park Service Peaks of Otter Just reopened, Peaks of Otter now a victim of government shutdown

Peaks of Otter Lodge on September 26, 2013.The government shutdown has shuttered Peaks of Otter, that historic lodge and restaurant that reopened this year after being closed the past two years. Even though it is run by a private enterprise, the gove…

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Government shutdown? Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway would close -- UPDATED

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrg45c_Twty0OtRUVBQIt4kKWhtyb_nle44FCkfCXU4D8GpomXUIHFYwcO8RYBNcFtuhzu9NuEFDyPlpITnDgWfV9i-RzwdhPGa4qB8itLW2fWa32oGT6A0VlMXi2gIe5jxdjA51M2hr/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrg45c_Twty0OtRUVBQIt4kKWhtyb_nle44FCkfCXU4D8GpomXUIHFYwcO8RYBNcFtuhzu9NuEFDyPlpITnDgWfV9i-RzwdhPGa4qB8itLW2fWa32oGT6A0VlMXi2gIe5jxdjA51M2hr/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill would be closed during a government shutdown.</i></div><br />Come on, people ... Republicans did this in 1995 and had our behinds kicked to the curb by the American people who blamed the entire government shutdown on the GOP. Do we really have to repeat history?<br /><br />Apparently so, for those who were not around back in the day. If you don't know history, you are bound to repeat it. <br /><br />So <a href="http://www.doi.gov/shutdown/index.cfm">what would be shut down</a>?<br /><br />Just as the east coast approaches leaf season when millions hit the roadways to admire the changing colors of fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway could be a victim of the shutdown. That trickles down to hotels, gas stations, restaurants, attractions, and other tourist-related businesses that clearly benefit during leaf season.<br /><br />The Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Smokey Mountains would close under a government shutdown. That includes bathrooms, visitors centers, camping and picnic areas, concessions operations and backcountry trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.themountainpress.com/news/x249846987/Government-shutdown-would-mean-Smokies-closure">The Mountain Press</a> reported: <br /><blockquote>The last time the government shut down, in the mid-1990s, for 27 days, closures cost park-dependent communities an estimated $14 million daily, according to a report from the National Parks Conservation Association.<br /><br />“When our national parks closed in 1995-96, I received an outpouring of calls from gateway communities alarmed by the situation,” said Phil Francis, the recently retired superintendent of Blue Ridge Parkway.<br /><br />“The potential shutdown adds insult to injury because these communities are already concerned about the recent cutbacks in funding for national parks that have harmed the Park Service’s ability to serve visitors," Francis added. "No one expected these cuts to happen again. Now we’re looking at not only a potential shutdown, but the likelihood of another round of cuts. If that happens, there’s a good chance it’s going to be even harder.”</blockquote>The <a href="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130927/NEWS/309270031/As-leaf-season-nears-government-shutdown-could-close-Blue-Ridge-Parkway">Asheville Citizen-Times</a> weighed in:<br /><blockquote>The parkway, which only recently reopened after a giant crack caused by a landslide was repaired, means a lot to tourism-related businesses in Asheville.<br /><br />If the shutdown happens, and lasts into the fall leaf season, small businesses could feel the pinch.</blockquote><a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2262104-12/government-shutdown-would-close-blue-ridge-parkway.html">The Roanoke Times</a> laid it on the line:<br /><blockquote>The Blue Ridge Parkway and many of its attractions will close during its peak travel season if the federal government shuts down on Tuesday.<br /><br />All national parks will be forced to close if Congress does not agree on a spending bill by midnight Monday. If a shutdown happens, park rangers have been instructed to close the parkway.<br /><br />“The plan is to close up all operations and shut the gates for the most part,” said Leesa Brandon, Partnerships & Community Outreach Coordinator for the parkway. “I am still hopeful that there will be a resolution and it won’t come to that.”</blockquote>Last week's journey down the Blue Ridge Parkway would not have been possible this week if the shutdown goes through. All the places SWAC Husband and I visited are slated to be closed:<br /><blockquote>Although many details will still need to be addressed, the Department of the Interior’s plan seems to instruct parkway attractions such as Mabry Mill, the Peaks of Otter and other privately managed venues on parkway property to close. Even if those places are allowed to remain open, however, travelers in automobiles would have limited access.<br /><br />Likewise, should a shutdown occur, the Blue Ridge Music Center will be forced to close and its daily bluegrass and old-time mountain music events will be canceled.</blockquote><a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-travel-and-leaf-peeping-in.html">No leaf looking</a> along Skyline Drive ... Shenandoah National Park closed ... no taking <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-ridge-heritage-polly-growing-up-in.html">Polly to lunch</a> at Skyland Resort as we had planned. The shutdown would close it all and, again, affect businesses along the way.<br /><br />NPR senior business editor Marilyn Geewax <a href="http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/09/27/impact-government-shutdown">commented</a>:<br /><blockquote>"... tourism could take a big hit. Consider if you owned a restaurant. I talked to a guy who owned a restaurant out - just outside of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Early October is the leaf peeping season. That's when people are out there, driving around. If the National Park is closed, the Skyline Drive is closed, that's a real hit on all of that tourism industry out there. So restaurant owners worry, stores worry and, you know, the entire really travel industry is concerned because passports won't get processed.<br /><br />"So people may not plan various trips. So we're not really talking about an airport shutdown. Air traffic controllers will be deemed essential. TSA workers, they'll be essential. But it's all the things around traveling. Yes, the airport may be open, but if Yosemite Park is closed, what's the point of going on your vacation?"</blockquote>Glad we made our trek last week when we were able to see <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-ridge-parkway-lunch-at-peaks-of.html">Peaks of Otter</a>, <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/early-morning-reflections-at-mabry-mill.html">Mabry Mill</a>, Explore Park, the BRP Music Center, and all the other sights along that meandering American byway.<br /><br /><b>UPDATED 10/1/2013:</b> A last-minute decision on Monday by the National Park Service will allow the Blue Ridge Parkway to remain open during the government shutdown. Political reporter Bob Stuart has the latest today in the <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/shenandoah-national-park-to-close-if-shutdown-happens/article_37420cb0-2a29-11e3-a5d7-001a4bcf6878.html"><i>News-Virginian. </i></a><br /><br /><i>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell</i>

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway federal government government shutdown Mabry Mill Music Center Peaks of Otter Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Government shutdown? Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway would close -- UPDATED

 Mabry Mill would be closed during a government shutdown.Come on, people ... Republicans did this in 1995 and had our behinds kicked to the curb by the American people who blamed the entire government shutdown on the GOP. Do we really have to repeat …

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Blue Ridge Parkway: Lunch at Peaks of Otter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZqZzZQIh21xowW1GzA7AN8Em0pMmMVodW_47AMGDJdYeGCq0IKcFUIfW5jR9KK_PeBRKE2kHAHGHYkgNnJvEnwVt0B0uqFnsceS85geP6YftETfzkSUlXwaIKiEBOw8aAbVfikXj0xoo/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZqZzZQIh21xowW1GzA7AN8Em0pMmMVodW_47AMGDJdYeGCq0IKcFUIfW5jR9KK_PeBRKE2kHAHGHYkgNnJvEnwVt0B0uqFnsceS85geP6YftETfzkSUlXwaIKiEBOw8aAbVfikXj0xoo/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.peaksofotter.com/">Peaks of Otter</a> at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/sero/appalachian/sec3.htm">lost in the history</a> of this scenic area of Virginia. The dining room is nice place to meet friends and enjoy the beauty outside the ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking Sharp Top and the lake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7nTlaelTB2Gtn5JjJKkHNYJ-fQul3OTouTBTvi__HbjBfMGM2MbWOUAkPKpaCb4jvc5pAYmlX5CNFXl8K-KX3lo395I895O0kM4jNYOo8ScnBhLQPUKdVBBQyyYckQl73kQkQoy0QLZv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7nTlaelTB2Gtn5JjJKkHNYJ-fQul3OTouTBTvi__HbjBfMGM2MbWOUAkPKpaCb4jvc5pAYmlX5CNFXl8K-KX3lo395I895O0kM4jNYOo8ScnBhLQPUKdVBBQyyYckQl73kQkQoy0QLZv/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I tried the Peaks Quesadilla with cheddar jack cheese, onions, peppers, cilantro, and served with fresh salsa ... one of the best I've had.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCXa8WeWyff-uZlkwIume16eBeDzuEOu7cOnyZtW2QvJVJ-v4lKE3aOYpIshqdCSZLa2SnZ2u1DaYXTncxGlttaeWkpNkPc7TioKZ2RlrZH5sIimIUqzSS03Zn1ti8GbDgMSMsjx8gVOC/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCXa8WeWyff-uZlkwIume16eBeDzuEOu7cOnyZtW2QvJVJ-v4lKE3aOYpIshqdCSZLa2SnZ2u1DaYXTncxGlttaeWkpNkPc7TioKZ2RlrZH5sIimIUqzSS03Zn1ti8GbDgMSMsjx8gVOC/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Classic BLT on toasted white bread with steak fries.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S_SzW1hvgMcL7ZTikAS3Cj5YSSwo4rsiI6p4hRSlGJwOb9pINzCWai6JtaHR_A9MjSw06kp0UQM3bfvQhDMqoVyOZ4j5xjpMb-HtvvHGLOFvhPrlgSHzvF3gsGWRBUQnigAQ18ri-o4d/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S_SzW1hvgMcL7ZTikAS3Cj5YSSwo4rsiI6p4hRSlGJwOb9pINzCWai6JtaHR_A9MjSw06kp0UQM3bfvQhDMqoVyOZ4j5xjpMb-HtvvHGLOFvhPrlgSHzvF3gsGWRBUQnigAQ18ri-o4d/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The meal was very reasonable. The view of Sharp Top was priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br /><br />

Bedford Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway: Lunch at Peaks of Otter

 Peaks of Otter at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get lost in the history of this scenic area of Virginia. The dining room is nice place to meet friends and enjoy the beauty outside the ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking Sharp Top and the…

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