Food and retail services to continue at Mabry Mill in spring 2027
During the 2026 visitor season, NPS staff and volunteers at Mabry Mill will regularly host educational programs, cultural demonstrations such as blacksmithing, music events and walking tours.
The Blue Ridge Parkway announced on May 14 that it has selected MM176 LLC for a 10-year concessions contract to provide food, beverage and retail services in the restaurant and gift shop adjacent to Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The new, private concessions operator is planning interior renovations in 2026 and is planning to open its food and retail services to the public in spring 2027. The Parkway awarded the new concessions contract through a competitive selection process.
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“We are excited to see food service return to this historic Parkway destination and look forward to working with the new operator over the next decade at Mabry Mill,” said Tracy Swartout, Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent. “The new operator’s upcoming investment at the site builds on other recent investments such as the rehabilitation of Matthews Cabin, and a new roof and wheel on the Mill Building. As the new operator prepares for renovations, there is still much to enjoy and do at Mabry Mill and in nearby communities, such as Meadows of Dan and Floyd, where a wide variety of food services are available.”
Plus, during the 2026 visitor season, NPS staff and volunteers at Mabry Mill will regularly host educational programs, cultural demonstrations such as blacksmithing, music events and walking tours. Beginning June 7, the Blue Ridge Music Center will host Milepost Music concerts for the first and third Sundays throughout the summer. Food truck vendor opportunities are also available for the upcoming visitor season. Interested parties should contact BLRI_Concessions@nps.gov for more information.
Located at milepost 176.2, Mabry Mill is a popular Parkway attraction. The site offers a historic gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop. Most of the buildings at Mabry Mill were built shortly after the turn of the 20th century. While the mill building and blacksmith shop are original to the site, other buildings were moved closer to the mill from nearby areas to provide visitors a view of life in Appalachia during that period. A short trail connects these structures and provides informative exhibits and interpretive displays.
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