Mabry Mill in Winter

     Extending southward through the Southern Appalachians and winding through two major parklands, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most exceptional drives along the east coast. With endless scenic views and scores of historic landmarks, this 469 mile parkway has countless reasons for its popularity. An all season attraction, springtime puts on a showy display of mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea and fields of wildflowers. Summertime's long days and cool nights welcome the majority of parkland visitors, while during the fall season, a few weeks during October may see record numbers of leaf peepers. Winters may see the least amount of visitors, but after a fresh snowfall the barren landscape is smoothed over and brightened with nature's soft blanket of white.
     One of the most popular stops on the parkway is in Virginia at Milepost 176. Deserving more than just one visit, Mabry Mill is the perfect setting for one of the parkway's outstanding historic sites. Built in the early 1900s, Mabry Mill illustrates the hard working, tough pioneers of the Blue Ridge Mountains like Ed Mabry. One out of a long list of structures preserved by the National Parks Service, the mill site also includes a wheel-wright's shop, blacksmith's shop, and whiskey still.
     Mabry Mill, a historic grist mill restored in 1945, is one of the most picturesque mill settings in America, entertaining millions of photographers, artists and sightseers over the years.

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