Afton Mountain's popcorn man

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD57WX-HC2gjtROq0jcrmdDovRpoSEQRXpiuwVHi48_MSkjEBcU_MH2tG-0EPpI_UZVaSBSAo1yRlvBRNz__NGy2hugXYycacSptyNF1Glh0UH97A4_yg5-jK6mX_HdsBH-WNQsRfbrwF/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD57WX-HC2gjtROq0jcrmdDovRpoSEQRXpiuwVHi48_MSkjEBcU_MH2tG-0EPpI_UZVaSBSAo1yRlvBRNz__NGy2hugXYycacSptyNF1Glh0UH97A4_yg5-jK6mX_HdsBH-WNQsRfbrwF/s400/20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>King's Gourmet Popcorn on Afton Mountain</i></div><br />"If you build it they will come." Or, perhaps more appropriately, they will stop and buy.<br /><br />Ron King has found a market for snacks on Afton Mountain with <a href="http://www.kingsgourmetpopcorn.com/">King's Gourmet Popcorn</a> located at the juncture of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, I-64, and Rt. 250. With views into the Rockfish and Shenandoah valleys, millions of tourists pass that way annually.<br /><br />Once an oasis for hungry travelers, the past 15 years have not been kind to Afton. The Inn at Afton formerly known as the Holiday Inn, the Howard Johnson Restaurant, service station, and everything else have fallen into disarray. Only the Inn remains open. The sight of burned-out buildings and graffiti is not what most would expect while traveling the scenic mountain ridges.<br /><br />That's why King's bright yellow vendor trailer, decorated now for fall with brightly colored chrysanthemums, hay bales, and orange pumpkins, is a welcome sight for hikers, travelers, and locals alike. He is filling a need, as evidenced by his steady customer base and ever-growing menu selections.<br /><br />Eighteen months ago he started with a tarp and kettle korn pot, cooking the salty-sweet goodness on site while servicing curious customers. That fall he was joined by the apple man.<br /><br />Then King's Gourmet Popcorn began branching out, offering bottled water and icy cold soft drinks followed by a wider variety of flavored popcorn and then pork rinds. That was followed by the bright yellow vendor trailer that replaced the tarp and kettle. He added picnic tables, hotdogs, coffee, ice cream, walking sticks, and tee shirts. A Facebook page was established that now sports 600 followers and comes in handy when late afternoon storms cause early closings, conveniently announced online. There's even a small neon "Open" sign that flashes when he's on site.<br /><br />In short, King's Gourmet Popcorn is now a fixture on Afton Mountain, sought after by travelers who have become familiar with his offerings. My husband stops almost every time we're in the vicinity, grabbing his favorite bag of kettle korn before heading north on the Drive or south on the Parkway, and even sometimes as we head east on I-64 toward Richmond.<br /><br />Ron King is becoming a tradition. But he's not finished. Plans are to add more food selections, mail order, and additional flavors. Many would be happy if he proved to be the seed that began the rebirth and rebuilding of Afton Mountain.<br /><br />An interesting article by Waynesboro reporter Roger Gonazlez shares more about King Gourmet Popcorn and Ron King in <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/mountain-munchies/article_7b29ef1c-b0e2-11e2-b523-0019bb30f31a.html"><i>The News Virginian</i></a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>If you go:</b></i></span><br /><blockquote>Kings Gourmet Popcorn<br />Afton Mountain, I-64, Exit 99 (look for the bright yellow vending trailer)<br />Open: 7 days a week <br />Follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KingsGourmetPopcorn">Facebook</a><br />Website: <a href="http://www.kingsgourmetpopcorn.com/">King's Gourmet Popcorn</a></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQclunh_WY1uCaC0XNNAYP3wu1tt7QX9QUjtnDQbN_miM_9_0f1vwPQ8ktusoRQutvw-dshuCxUGNQ2OZw1fQOa4ciTmRce9V8GC8fw5YErOCHdvQEKbNqxLcBCg05ejUiczdvF2u82g_v/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQclunh_WY1uCaC0XNNAYP3wu1tt7QX9QUjtnDQbN_miM_9_0f1vwPQ8ktusoRQutvw-dshuCxUGNQ2OZw1fQOa4ciTmRce9V8GC8fw5YErOCHdvQEKbNqxLcBCg05ejUiczdvF2u82g_v/s640/19.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCZP4fgct9dJWHloPF5rA5bSNEDXCV8bm2VbKKv5uUx60cOxkQeTqVik8fE1m3v7n8EPBV7G9xkdABBvyMsqR0_MLOUz8NdynjLJuD318LY5d64mhKSclIcu5Vw1uiZA7MASSJemfuMT/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCZP4fgct9dJWHloPF5rA5bSNEDXCV8bm2VbKKv5uUx60cOxkQeTqVik8fE1m3v7n8EPBV7G9xkdABBvyMsqR0_MLOUz8NdynjLJuD318LY5d64mhKSclIcu5Vw1uiZA7MASSJemfuMT/s400/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xJb-Bm2O1yIfF9nJMjbYnVqsFjVBR9gGWZSEBAbybk7FwJ2YB0Hu03libqtjXZ-0mSGcIwAi3h_h8eIhB3r4g4qXq_HFjPBIj9kBvPxd4MVDM2CAv0j6O5XkxKRnqOYzVBHjp_ZvgJlw/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xJb-Bm2O1yIfF9nJMjbYnVqsFjVBR9gGWZSEBAbybk7FwJ2YB0Hu03libqtjXZ-0mSGcIwAi3h_h8eIhB3r4g4qXq_HFjPBIj9kBvPxd4MVDM2CAv0j6O5XkxKRnqOYzVBHjp_ZvgJlw/s400/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSMzHui5PTPJ3N_DdMKMBlk-GuG_V9bBjZT0oZzJCjUef61whn4nBy28LfSGXjIfi01YWR8j8km96XsY6Ge-hSivWm6J7ddkQKwRAp_0MAFDy5tLz6hq4C5Q50589vHaWlDGU-vZjejOc/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSMzHui5PTPJ3N_DdMKMBlk-GuG_V9bBjZT0oZzJCjUef61whn4nBy28LfSGXjIfi01YWR8j8km96XsY6Ge-hSivWm6J7ddkQKwRAp_0MAFDy5tLz6hq4C5Q50589vHaWlDGU-vZjejOc/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtuQ1cUHX51HzrmXm5BCfWB3qxzVfj0cAfn7kwLV8GY29Voq9r_QHRB_FVAolg4_pKoH3LsiGR2IxC62xqSbpIpSUR_YrtkXqjwM5L6qcYBFr8BLadiQ8zrtNFRTN-yI6asvUWmkeaTwW/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtuQ1cUHX51HzrmXm5BCfWB3qxzVfj0cAfn7kwLV8GY29Voq9r_QHRB_FVAolg4_pKoH3LsiGR2IxC62xqSbpIpSUR_YrtkXqjwM5L6qcYBFr8BLadiQ8zrtNFRTN-yI6asvUWmkeaTwW/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Afton Mountain overlooks (from top to bottom) Skyline Drive, I-64, and Rt. 250.</i></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Afton Mountain Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway King's Gourmet Popcorn Ron King Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Afton Mountain's popcorn man

King's Gourmet Popcorn on Afton Mountain "If you build it they will come." Or, perhaps more appropriately, they will stop and ...

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Waynesboro Fall Foliage Festival offers it all in shadow of Blue Ridge Mountains

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcREIKT3y92Ky9iFjYotWdqtF2MfSnJm8nQqidj16qtXr-TTx9fx92pC6rPY1x0GNwRN6cLtdtdk2vz41MYO3gy1rjSqgFE2gs-OeLC7BLJbPmsLqV1C3XcXYrFOnqS1nXmq4x27Zxbsd/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcREIKT3y92Ky9iFjYotWdqtF2MfSnJm8nQqidj16qtXr-TTx9fx92pC6rPY1x0GNwRN6cLtdtdk2vz41MYO3gy1rjSqgFE2gs-OeLC7BLJbPmsLqV1C3XcXYrFOnqS1nXmq4x27Zxbsd/s640/15.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday's Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro was a little damp but the show went on with artisans, entertainment, food vendors, and games for the kids. The downtown area was closed to vehicles and lined with vendor tents for this annual event that continues on Sunday until 5:00 p.m.</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/AVvXsEinS2Wi7AhzyIyeyR5qSIMrxL3Fp_jvL4MH6cBgqI6c-rNdg9HZh6VTXBGP_KXMqJZifof4mbR1DUdWm1m1ZNuaHqHJCcNpFb2Trs94_qJ-e2tI-gR15k4kQ-WI8a0diZ1UIusrovbBQl7g/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinS2Wi7AhzyIyeyR5qSIMrxL3Fp_jvL4MH6cBgqI6c-rNdg9HZh6VTXBGP_KXMqJZifof4mbR1DUdWm1m1ZNuaHqHJCcNpFb2Trs94_qJ-e2tI-gR15k4kQ-WI8a0diZ1UIusrovbBQl7g/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">John and Jennifer's friendly faces manned the Waynesboro Kiwanis booth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGjO7oiWTjdRMx8cXHe3Ce7jjV6V39_rY9gAmxWgujqPLrNqt75G6HGpFY1VeLFA4FJYtJf0XdODD3oR8pUriA4jIH3xtkPFmARXa6KXCmj53z8pP2Fs1EWoRdLo9PGtZ8q5tNbukGb8e/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGjO7oiWTjdRMx8cXHe3Ce7jjV6V39_rY9gAmxWgujqPLrNqt75G6HGpFY1VeLFA4FJYtJf0XdODD3oR8pUriA4jIH3xtkPFmARXa6KXCmj53z8pP2Fs1EWoRdLo9PGtZ8q5tNbukGb8e/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waynesboro Boy Scout Troop 47 was selling 1,000 apple dumplings as a fund raiser for the troop's summer program. Located under the farmers market pavilion, they were doing a brisk business Saturday morning.</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/AVvXsEjqndP-K46YujBFxRfdlQBSd_E5z_gg8oqkyHDmTa0QnI7w8ytmdteQpRQoqWy5_OWMRI3WvhHkXbcf1WBSdOQH1s80uV7bgVW_BN1wrInWLRmE3aPPOkFhHm1xf0V8kFBGHK81rqbrooZn/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqndP-K46YujBFxRfdlQBSd_E5z_gg8oqkyHDmTa0QnI7w8ytmdteQpRQoqWy5_OWMRI3WvhHkXbcf1WBSdOQH1s80uV7bgVW_BN1wrInWLRmE3aPPOkFhHm1xf0V8kFBGHK81rqbrooZn/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-E-QTH8ZMlHJleoSOfET_kQdpl7C4MVY05mpujoSzRoNtl8aVrEhu9jnObqFbIDJHb944Xozy78vAIjDArRjT5s00-tsinB8Ca-_XN4f8ISy-T3m7pnu-OmpXJXLKqUBu5_wYkKoaYh-/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-E-QTH8ZMlHJleoSOfET_kQdpl7C4MVY05mpujoSzRoNtl8aVrEhu9jnObqFbIDJHb944Xozy78vAIjDArRjT5s00-tsinB8Ca-_XN4f8ISy-T3m7pnu-OmpXJXLKqUBu5_wYkKoaYh-/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqIKGmPrre8H7EHNiWoa0q8cIzJ0_DgZRGE_WBRpRWk0Jkj93gvdIfYi8olcZxUTOj_VQvPzodMi6BL3HHRQcmqHD9gEyD3IhnXRPCYCb7ZmaJfD7LCPSatj8aIvIh3Un7FY1k80Tcyk4/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqIKGmPrre8H7EHNiWoa0q8cIzJ0_DgZRGE_WBRpRWk0Jkj93gvdIfYi8olcZxUTOj_VQvPzodMi6BL3HHRQcmqHD9gEyD3IhnXRPCYCb7ZmaJfD7LCPSatj8aIvIh3Un7FY1k80Tcyk4/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmROy1zX7AO3HoW7ysBC0aMhkn4coU06xioE9EnqcsdPmB3CXjQRk9GkNam1cqPXCUc_iYUX1o9a0spgMOcr4z8swYUfx7DoaNq-AjM0CdwkfStGbRMnz4_xikHjvbcCln26psyZFtCLX/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmROy1zX7AO3HoW7ysBC0aMhkn4coU06xioE9EnqcsdPmB3CXjQRk9GkNam1cqPXCUc_iYUX1o9a0spgMOcr4z8swYUfx7DoaNq-AjM0CdwkfStGbRMnz4_xikHjvbcCln26psyZFtCLX/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pgOi09nQvoHLAz5P0CnGY-NOgVz7PEdcKOUOKuPS8t87hImn5yI2Tjo2h75N8FdsRvVt-a-l8fl0Mmz_47Iy3tz2d5H30rbJHz1mNiXJanpJjHCdcdKAEFXmPfvPjPMBSy6qgLsLGwLI/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pgOi09nQvoHLAz5P0CnGY-NOgVz7PEdcKOUOKuPS8t87hImn5yI2Tjo2h75N8FdsRvVt-a-l8fl0Mmz_47Iy3tz2d5H30rbJHz1mNiXJanpJjHCdcdKAEFXmPfvPjPMBSy6qgLsLGwLI/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaehzNwh8fBh5a8xm7KXXgKIPgwSDg0JfcM5dU8ZAtYNp5g5l5igA8s-2PdM2NmsHvMkgfiA525-HBhkvKGiz8ogjrA-RlSj319PpPrngSVhck_NoUETeYWXU_wSw0k7zhtW56rGQqbCFZ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6kzrqcW-z27MYQgWiRLVT0ZAvQJSSGauQUcLNef7AbDvl6b0bBS_OLNNKjgXB_EN1rfl0l81qvTTj6eBwP2JYUyHfOv3giUNKS9hsIUbPy0OXAzR7l22D03YfGeSBODSzdcf6VcLGbyo/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 12, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Boy Scout Troop 47 fall festival Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Waynesboro Fall Foliage Festival Waynesboro Fall Foliage Festival offers it all in shadow of Blue Ridge Mountains

Saturday's Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro was a little damp but the show went on with artisans, entertainment, food vendors, and ga...

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Humpback Rock on foggy October day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE679JNvi9gICqmnruC2rcptoYoA0XdCvc1FUEe-ijaxnp5GkaPa9Z-LbNL1-rWqjZ0dB651MfNSfdOvSY3-skAAwGgNBKkbUd6rPOD_i9RQZoVPwnUPcBBiBPHdzg6ZefDh56UfcP8xH/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE679JNvi9gICqmnruC2rcptoYoA0XdCvc1FUEe-ijaxnp5GkaPa9Z-LbNL1-rWqjZ0dB651MfNSfdOvSY3-skAAwGgNBKkbUd6rPOD_i9RQZoVPwnUPcBBiBPHdzg6ZefDh56UfcP8xH/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Top of Humpback Rock is shrouded in fog as viewed from the farm on Friday, October 11, 2013.</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/AVvXsEjIcs7uzg_G1nfivqYh1ZmjMPclwNw7vf8zsB32f3YcsDEhNRl7Z8-zdLtVvr_NyJ7eda4hjZykQrMHHixMMcG8Z3WhmrrtjDQn49T_IADmsEs9s66YaYwqHGFSEAVny13pdCnbDxRh2aRa/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/AVvXsEjIcs7uzg_G1nfivqYh1ZmjMPclwNw7vf8zsB32f3YcsDEhNRl7Z8-zdLtVvr_NyJ7eda4hjZykQrMHHixMMcG8Z3WhmrrtjDQn49T_IADmsEs9s66YaYwqHGFSEAVny13pdCnbDxRh2aRa/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Blue Ridge Parkway as seen from entrance to Humpback Rock hike parking area.</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/AVvXsEioGBLv9LjINfqLKa0DAJV6qlVjRHrRzfYpbLH4KKPqGphHJhGEOgyRLPx275QWbp1wvr4nUDKgGB7o7x8N74yRt_HxZYQ6tWivLfV1ttGztM_8msLCAHjqEn0P1ffZKr1GupqgcDYumhVR/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGBLv9LjINfqLKa0DAJV6qlVjRHrRzfYpbLH4KKPqGphHJhGEOgyRLPx275QWbp1wvr4nUDKgGB7o7x8N74yRt_HxZYQ6tWivLfV1ttGztM_8msLCAHjqEn0P1ffZKr1GupqgcDYumhVR/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Humpback Rock hiking area had vehicles in the parking lot on a foggy, drizzly day. The assumption would be they had hiked to the top.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock Farm Humpback Rock hike leaf season tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Humpback Rock on foggy October day

 Top of Humpback Rock is shrouded in fog as viewed from the farm on Friday, October 11, 2013.  Blue Ridge Parkway as seen from entrance to H...

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October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Picnic Area still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRB7QjRwi9ukHmd4XJQ3dRbEBtLUd20Ll9xL8OZVgO1Oc__YExAVY60uuI2X5b8cXTCSPJPiqGsZ7aHTcZKX6I-GEJCje-i8ls0EnhtMOQOeso33F7PLmUiwI1hoz06MMmfpAHwR9HWEd/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRB7QjRwi9ukHmd4XJQ3dRbEBtLUd20Ll9xL8OZVgO1Oc__YExAVY60uuI2X5b8cXTCSPJPiqGsZ7aHTcZKX6I-GEJCje-i8ls0EnhtMOQOeso33F7PLmUiwI1hoz06MMmfpAHwR9HWEd/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Humpback Rock Picnic Area was closed and fog-shrouded at mid-day on Friday. The locked gate had a sign: "Because of the federal government shutdown, all national parks are closed." This is the time of year when this particular picnic area is packed on weekends with locals from the Valley.</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/AVvXsEh8ZYTVZOaBvO32F0JTCWI8wCSsd5vGT1PyjpWOUZGx_tVebW-R5mhFWC4xZmpHzWX2tZ4hOGH23qIB2AxEYbExuFVuHU2_TfQ7PEu0yaFB5pr8wzAsRhr3aldHkAvJBGZFAoPHuC4yC3OV/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZYTVZOaBvO32F0JTCWI8wCSsd5vGT1PyjpWOUZGx_tVebW-R5mhFWC4xZmpHzWX2tZ4hOGH23qIB2AxEYbExuFVuHU2_TfQ7PEu0yaFB5pr8wzAsRhr3aldHkAvJBGZFAoPHuC4yC3OV/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heavy fog covered the mountains at mid-day on Friday.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock picnic area tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Picnic Area still closed

 Humpback Rock Picnic Area was closed and fog-shrouded at mid-day on Friday. The locked gate had a sign: "Because of the federal govern...

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October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Visitor Center still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ruykzzr2jqr2xTylN2mDU8GdJPNwRHh3iDvb9POIxtlB68Ss2Eo5J0Mq4OZG-x2bs0ff91wgEqu3EbTKQTBwJw2e1I-31mwWswuvP5bFYnv90WmUUic9Wj8WcI3svaVPUuD0RVqdTqno/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ruykzzr2jqr2xTylN2mDU8GdJPNwRHh3iDvb9POIxtlB68Ss2Eo5J0Mq4OZG-x2bs0ff91wgEqu3EbTKQTBwJw2e1I-31mwWswuvP5bFYnv90WmUUic9Wj8WcI3svaVPUuD0RVqdTqno/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Humpback Rock Visitor Center remains closed during the government shutdown even though travelers stopped, perhaps hoping to find it open. They were disappointed. The Blue Ridge Parkway itself is open.</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/AVvXsEjTW0SGzi5CJMUbI1Tv7bGIqInSzF59yCpzCQZSNlLum7QT5nhwgS8ip2oI9tOCWD8Xol3UHp_A_8SLuz1qvF3AhGGUrEt7iqzr1wLRI6xLSQvldBto4oYeocBKOyyTQqYlREFKNWB2hanx/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW0SGzi5CJMUbI1Tv7bGIqInSzF59yCpzCQZSNlLum7QT5nhwgS8ip2oI9tOCWD8Xol3UHp_A_8SLuz1qvF3AhGGUrEt7iqzr1wLRI6xLSQvldBto4oYeocBKOyyTQqYlREFKNWB2hanx/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hand-written sign on restroom doors noted, "Restroom Closed. Please travel to Waynesboro for gas and restrooms. Thank you." Comments added by disappointed patrons.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock Visitor Center October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Visitor Center still closed

Humpback Rock Visitor Center remains closed during the government shutdown even though travelers stopped, perhaps hoping to find it open. Th...

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October 11, 2013 ... Skyline Drive is still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNiCp3tWNhS-lUAp-RIs08at7qER1BMPV8iH4kWr2r4B5aEbTkwzSDn2slyH40UaGjQcG1qo3Mn0C3hwRAp63FIBLCneKSvhq_y7ayCYYE90jPIN5MP1FKDXEJLwsorKvhmZhEcv-w69/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNiCp3tWNhS-lUAp-RIs08at7qER1BMPV8iH4kWr2r4B5aEbTkwzSDn2slyH40UaGjQcG1qo3Mn0C3hwRAp63FIBLCneKSvhq_y7ayCYYE90jPIN5MP1FKDXEJLwsorKvhmZhEcv-w69/s640/4.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Afton Mountain is blocked by a locked gate and sign that announces, "CLOSED. Shenandoah National Park is CLOSED due to the government shut down."</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/AVvXsEigVUf2z1EwzcOMvrpM5MNZ19oBNeiL5dbNFxKlaUIFwH2sFer6Mm9s7VW53i3CPh1Q1YSxHkBJUPn4tpdlNsPHr_-mibGjnAG3viNB6qWjpB-bFWLri5aVRxyXI16QbCow9B3gJ4tTcPG2/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVUf2z1EwzcOMvrpM5MNZ19oBNeiL5dbNFxKlaUIFwH2sFer6Mm9s7VW53i3CPh1Q1YSxHkBJUPn4tpdlNsPHr_-mibGjnAG3viNB6qWjpB-bFWLri5aVRxyXI16QbCow9B3gJ4tTcPG2/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE0v15J07J5zY9mg238EWUsBDUOpfWtoB8ksqBIMK7vKteT9M-d8p1Cq6iSah1IrxnxklEidc7XR9z27S8H7Lwwj7wTgfXr9FEIYEY5vR-HvOtQwte-v-8ES6akSLJbQ_iUnbB5r7_iBp/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE0v15J07J5zY9mg238EWUsBDUOpfWtoB8ksqBIMK7vKteT9M-d8p1Cq6iSah1IrxnxklEidc7XR9z27S8H7Lwwj7wTgfXr9FEIYEY5vR-HvOtQwte-v-8ES6akSLJbQ_iUnbB5r7_iBp/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains government shutdown October leaf looking Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October 11, 2013 ... Skyline Drive is still closed

The entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Afton Mountain is blocked by a locked gate and sign that announces, "CLOS...

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Madison supervisors ask Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park

Wouldn't it be great to see every county adjoining Shenandoah National Park take the same action as the Madison County supervisors by asking Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park [<a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/starexponent/news/local_news/madison-supes-to-congress-reopen-shenandoah-national-park/article_e0ae5cf2-31dd-11e3-96ce-001a4bcf6878.html">link</a>]? For many, it's difficult to watch as nearby businesses suffer from the closure and endure the lack of tourist traffic at this time of year when millions travel to the mountains for the colorful autumn leaf season.<br /><br />Graves Mountain Lodge in Madison County is feeling the pinch at the time of year when their parking lots are usually blown out with vehicles and tourists:<br /><blockquote>"The next three weeks are going to be the main time for foliage," said Jimmy Graves with Graves Mountain Lodge on Thursday. "You've got the businesses on top of the mountain, they're closed and so ... yes it's an impact because you don't have the people here whether they'd come to eat lunch, some would spend the night, but they're going other places. Normally this time of year we would probably have another 50 people coming hiking, eating, would be more than 100 cars a day going to White Oak (Canyon), probably more than that going to Old Rag.<br /><br />"We are losing money from the park being closed - everyone around the park is losing money," he said.</blockquote>Some attractions are set to reopen on the Blue Ridge Parkway ... it's past time to reopen Shenandoah National Park. [<a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2291048-12/mabry-mill-other-parkway-attractions-poised-to-reopen.html">link</a>] <br /><br />End the government shutdown.

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Madison supervisors ask Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park

Wouldn't it be great to see every county adjoining Shenandoah National Park take the same action as the Madison County supervisors by as...

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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 wa...

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Peak leaf color above 4,000 feet is this weekend

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzvCHExBNMDTz99UHrD-2gdv58nF2bS8bhm5FGyNT2Xd3unPXJFhgEN_IczLw0WxJ_mrEL3lySVDN3MMCbwKjOroPc7cJfheShqSG_F2WDwb38EpcXzsFJs2Uis0vDas_Iz4SX0Cr_KVy/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzvCHExBNMDTz99UHrD-2gdv58nF2bS8bhm5FGyNT2Xd3unPXJFhgEN_IczLw0WxJ_mrEL3lySVDN3MMCbwKjOroPc7cJfheShqSG_F2WDwb38EpcXzsFJs2Uis0vDas_Iz4SX0Cr_KVy/s400/4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Eric McCarty at Blue Ridge Parkway Color Tracker reports that peak leaf color will be this weekend, October 11-13, 2013, at elevations above 4,000 feet. That includes Grandfather Mountain, Craggy Gardens, and Mt. Mitchell in the North Carolina mountains.<br /><br />Go to http://www.blueridgeparkwaydaily.com to follow the color changes along the Blue Ridge Mountains.<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge Parkway Daily Craggy Gardens Grandfather Mountain leaf color season Mt. Mitchell Peak leaf color above 4,000 feet is this weekend

Eric McCarty at Blue Ridge Parkway Color Tracker reports that peak leaf color will be this weekend, October 11-13, 2013, at elevations above...

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Frontier Culture Museum picks up government shutdown slack with school field trip

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntGh1iotE83oj3Cratyp4i3_3Kksg4VX4d73QqYOmdynuEhyrIQR1mxPyjI_6Ycah2PTNvMJcM-F03THt3Jw4yHKA_fnwGeOOMdwChrgisSxKPIHxWASp3mvCtOgqleWKLsm1Qd0lMVFp/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntGh1iotE83oj3Cratyp4i3_3Kksg4VX4d73QqYOmdynuEhyrIQR1mxPyjI_6Ycah2PTNvMJcM-F03THt3Jw4yHKA_fnwGeOOMdwChrgisSxKPIHxWASp3mvCtOgqleWKLsm1Qd0lMVFp/s640/18.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />I heard from a friend this morning whose wife teaches kindergarten at a local private school. The school had been scheduled to take a field trip today to Humpback Rocks farmstead on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a group of authentic log buildings forming an 1800s mountain farm. Due to the government shutdown, Humpback Rocks is closed and the field trip was in danger of falling through.<br /><br />However, they were able to rearrange their field trip to Staunton's <a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/">Frontier Culture Museum</a> that teaches about the early immigrants who came to America from England, Ireland, Germany, and Africa complete with costumed interpreters and hands-on teaching opportunities.<br /><br />A silver lining of this government shutdown may be that some tourism sites not under the federal government's umbrella could see an uptick in their visitors. The Frontier Culture Museum is just one....<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway field trips Frontier Culture Museum Humpback Rocks Lynn R. Mitchell Frontier Culture Museum picks up government shutdown slack with school field trip

I heard from a friend this morning whose wife teaches kindergarten at a local private school. The school had been scheduled to take a field ...

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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; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIBhGz2NL2YsXRNlziB40IvjNSkhY57w_LhtiHJYOPshs_nFb9VJfQldQTwOTYxz9Ia-UAdJ_JBH0uioxZbftWicVZAJ5vEkp2MmSet5peWW1OP-uOSv74vsKkDNcO3BNba9wjxgh-ZVi/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIBhGz2NL2YsXRNlziB40IvjNSkhY57w_LhtiHJYOPshs_nFb9VJfQldQTwOTYxz9Ia-UAdJ_JBH0uioxZbftWicVZAJ5vEkp2MmSet5peWW1OP-uOSv74vsKkDNcO3BNba9wjxgh-ZVi/s400/13.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/AVvXsEixR10Bc5AH53fb3s4yXEbmcb9GJlh4Y9eIk2xmmit2KZK2QqxgmbuNzlsJE8d7Fcb-RVXOyaUuUPOl4Okm91_tPIWdKoSBl1AfPtRMdrzXd0hLGjhMyN7KCSZE6DLLLHg82qogKVEs1FSV/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR10Bc5AH53fb3s4yXEbmcb9GJlh4Y9eIk2xmmit2KZK2QqxgmbuNzlsJE8d7Fcb-RVXOyaUuUPOl4Okm91_tPIWdKoSBl1AfPtRMdrzXd0hLGjhMyN7KCSZE6DLLLHg82qogKVEs1FSV/s400/14.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/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; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxoAj7QLJ99Ongczr_0tKTrlFcJKboqH9HbVY0TLcdVdTP7KPc9BFPxxaZzpYz4Q5PJcZlucKKR2LZ97Nb8LKg-n4SKzyTponvVmhNm8ngTSHbVBEwY5KHFSpRpoKxVHe32DdA-d6IqLa/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxoAj7QLJ99Ongczr_0tKTrlFcJKboqH9HbVY0TLcdVdTP7KPc9BFPxxaZzpYz4Q5PJcZlucKKR2LZ97Nb8LKg-n4SKzyTponvVmhNm8ngTSHbVBEwY5KHFSpRpoKxVHe32DdA-d6IqLa/s400/26.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/AVvXsEi3DPFA1_PuaHVnxzdW5MQ74EAiM-S9B0mIBtCI4AW1NpgW0-9dj6aptuW0_aJ8r1ZLFnRDWGpouOHKeNWnF7tI1lgYOOHXkwcO4E5wTmK_veNE4zDasv_SuHVAXwUitwtVR-Zfu5AXbC7c/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DPFA1_PuaHVnxzdW5MQ74EAiM-S9B0mIBtCI4AW1NpgW0-9dj6aptuW0_aJ8r1ZLFnRDWGpouOHKeNWnF7tI1lgYOOHXkwcO4E5wTmK_veNE4zDasv_SuHVAXwUitwtVR-Zfu5AXbC7c/s400/27.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/AVvXsEj6gb6LBj2C-SE6GX7r3jxVPG6z7vJdC-gMrEBY8d8ekuAy3usd-J-799c9ms_nk1-xTsUIB_sWx6XlCdN-N9qIP8AP7QpRriFzniZoBPvf4LvQB2pCCzlVAm0KfgA0eoC0ws7yagcpF6FA/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gb6LBj2C-SE6GX7r3jxVPG6z7vJdC-gMrEBY8d8ekuAy3usd-J-799c9ms_nk1-xTsUIB_sWx6XlCdN-N9qIP8AP7QpRriFzniZoBPvf4LvQB2pCCzlVAm0KfgA0eoC0ws7yagcpF6FA/s400/32.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/AVvXsEhjNS_te6OUjR3opFgk6WVq3a_UilxiuVePvGJuAz-3rKRHU8otAD3PIkrKhrU_bTu2e0_JmZj6xB51sZI0Sasya9stNoKbDCRfHI2mgI8ISBlVstMJ5qNPoG9NqHyEEGB9x-2YJs3xBLN4/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNS_te6OUjR3opFgk6WVq3a_UilxiuVePvGJuAz-3rKRHU8otAD3PIkrKhrU_bTu2e0_JmZj6xB51sZI0Sasya9stNoKbDCRfHI2mgI8ISBlVstMJ5qNPoG9NqHyEEGB9x-2YJs3xBLN4/s400/33.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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 r...

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