There are a wealth of places to stay and eat in countless mountain communities just off the Parkway—but, the Parkway boasts its own distinctive lodging and dining spots. Staying on the high road for accommodations and meals truly enhances that "away from it all" experience.
Pisgah Inn, Blue Ridge Parkway / William A. Bake - Blue Ridge Parkway Association via NPS
Parkway Lodges And Accommodations
While there are a number of lodging accommodations located along the Parkway, as of 2024, there are only two currently open for business. This February 2024 Traveler article reports the National Park Service is raising the prospect of reopening those other businesses long-shuttered along the Parkway.
Lodges open from north to south,
Peaks of Otter Lodge, Blue Ridge Parkway / NPS file
Peaks of Otter Lodge (Milepost 86)
Twenty miles north of Roanoke, this 63-room lodge once managed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts and transitioning over to Explor Peaks of Otter, LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, includes a full-service restaurant and lounge. Rooms have porches that overlook Abbott Lake with Sharp Top soaring dramatically to a point just beyond.
Pisgah Inn (Milepost 408.6)
The lodge was built in the mid-1960s when the Parkway opened past Mount Pisgah. The Parkway’s loftiest lodge (located at 5,000 feet / 1,524 meters) is a cool refuge from the hottest days. The rooms (and one suite—all renovated in 2008) come with one king, queen, or two double beds, a front porch and rocking chair that overlook a dramatic plummet to the Pisgah National Forest. A coffeemaker, antenna TV, and small fridge are other amenities. ADA Compliant and Handicap Accessible Rooms are available.
Parkway Places To Eat
Peaks of Otter Lodge (Milepost 86)
The Parkway’s biggest lodge serves three meals a day, seven days a week at the Lake View restaurant, serving meals from 7:30 am-9:00 pm. The bar & lounge is open 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday - Sunday. The dining room flanks an awe-inspiring view of Sharp Top across Abbott Lake. Reservations are not taken and service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of six or more should call 540-586-1081.
Mabry Mill Restaurant (Milepost 176.2)
Although temporarily closed for the 2024 season, Mabry Mill’s Restaurant is popular for traditional country offerings such as country ham, barbecue, and buckwheat pancakes. The gift shop (still open) sells the mill’s stone ground cornmeal, buckwheat flour, grits, blackberry preserves, and carries a wide selection of crafts items. 276-952-2947.
Bluffs (formerly Bluffs Restaurant) (Milepost 241.1)
Doughton Park’s restaurant features country-style meals (fried chicken and other such entrees) and has an informal rural character. Reservations are not taken - tables are first-come, first-served. Click here for the current menu offerings.
Crabtree Meadows Snack Bar (Milepost 339.5)
This small restaurant/gift shop/camp store facility serves travelers and campers at Crabtree Meadows Campground. Expect snacks and light, informal fare.
Pisgah Inn Dining Room (Milepost 408.6)
The Dining Room at Pisgah Inn serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week from April through October behind big picture windows overlooking lower mountains. Reservations are highly recommended but you drop in, you can check with the dining room host for same-day availability. Click the link above to see the various menus.
