Hi Patrick,
I hope all has been well. We have geared up for another great season of fun, festivals and fellowship. Our calendar of events is continuously growing. This week we have events happening all throughout the county.
Dehart Park will be opening up on Friday, May 22nd to help kickstart your Memorial Day Weekend. The Dominion Valley Park will be hosting the Gospel Music Fest Weekend, this is a multi-day event that brings a lot of good music, fun and fellowship.
Also, I have some more good news to share, The Blue Ridge Parkway announced 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 the historic Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The new operator is planning interior renovations in 2026 and is planning to open its food and retail services to the public in spring 2027.
This is great news and will bring tourist back to the area. I am very thankful to the National Park Service and their commitment to finding a vendor for Mabry Mill. Our Meadows of Dan Community will benefit tremendously from the opening. The “good news” will be worth the wait.
Tracy Swartout, Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent, stated “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.”
Check out our calendar of events and see when music will be playing at the Mill. Our department sponsors Mile Post Music a series that brings music to the mountains.
Yes, as we look forward to the renovations and the opening in 2027, until then; you can stop in the Meadows of Dan, Community and enjoy some unique treats, like a piece of Possum Pie, from the MOD Market, “Felicia’s”, Chocolate Candies of all varieties from Nancy’s Candy, a cup of coffee “Java” at Primitive Coffee, and they have a new restaurant Papa’s Country Kitchen that has opened. Don’t forget the other gift shops all in nested to together for a great day of adventure.
Our website: https://visitpatrickcounty.org/ will have all of the latest information on upcoming events.
All my best,
James Houchins
jhouchins@co.patrick.va.us
Director of Economic Development and Tourism
