Blog

Catch up on the latest news about our efforts to protect the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photo by Vicki Dameron

Denim Ball raises nearly $200,000 for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park 
September 13, 2023
Decked out in denim attire, more than 200 guests admired a unique collection of vintage cars as they celebrated the sixth annual Denim Ball on Sept. 7 at the Perry Car Barn in Blowing Rock. The sold-out event raised nearly $200,000 to fund continued improvements at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park through the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “We are so grateful for a wonderful venue, generous sponsors, and a delightful group of guests who support this iconic and cherished place,” said Jordan Calaway, Chief Development Officer for the Foundation. 
Learn more

Lance joins Council of Advisors for Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
August 14, 2023
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation recently welcomed Bronwyn Lance to the nonprofit organization’s Council of Advisors.  Lance is chief of staff to U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11), where she oversees the intersection of policy, press and politics for North Carolina’s 11th congressional district. 
Learn more

Public invited to regional meetings for Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan
July 26, 2023
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is announcing a series of meetings in August to help formulate an action plan for Blue Ridge Rising, the regional planning effort that is uniting the gateway communities of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Members of the public are encouraged to register for and attend any of the seven meetings hosted in North Carolina and Virginia.
Learn more

Kids in Parks to add 138 TRACK Trails in South Carolina
June 5, 2023
The Foundation's Kids in Parks program is preparing to expand its network of family friendly outdoor adventures, called TRACK Trails, in South Carolina. Through a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation to support the goals of Diabetes Free SC (DFSC), Kids in Parks will establish three TRACK Trails in each of the state’s 46 counties over the next four years for a total of 138 new locations.
Learn more

Blue Ridge Parkway projects that need your support
May 24, 2023
Each year, the Foundation works with the National Park Service to determine where donors can make the greatest impact on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our 2023 Parkway Project List below outlines the ways your donation can transform the national park you love.  The national park depends on dedicated donors to provide critical funding through the Foundation. You can choose to give to a specific initiative that you want to see accomplished or provide a gift that supports the highest priority needs. 
Learn more

Mother's Day gift inspiration
May 10, 2023
Do you need a heartfelt Mother’s Day gift? We have 5 wonderful ways to show mom your love. 1. A donation to protect the Blue Ridge Parkway in honor of your mom is a meaningful way to show you care about the national park she loves. Whether she enjoys hiking, visiting historical sites, or taking in the mountain vistas from overlooks, your gift will make her proud. You can also download an e-card or printable card to announce your gift! Donate
Learn more

The Bluffs Restaurant to reopen on May 26 for 2023 season
March 16, 2023
New operator to manage historic establishment at Doughton Park on Blue Ridge Parkway The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park, milepost 241 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, will reopen for the season on Friday, May 26, with a new team managing operations. Cal Ledbetter of The Bluffs Restaurant, LLC, will manage the restaurant.
Learn more

Virginia legislature approves Blue Ridge Parkway license plate
February 22, 2023
On Friday, Feb. 17, the Virginia General Assembly approved the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s specialty license plate. Proceeds from sales will support enhancements and programs along the country’s most visited national park. Thanks to Parkway supporters, the Foundation exceeded the 450 preorders required to secure approval for the license plate. It will be the only specialty plate in the commonwealth solely dedicated to funding projects and programs along the Parkway. 
Learn more

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation selects Brandt as new Virginia Development Director
January 23, 2023
We are pleased to announce that Kevin Brandt is the Foundation's new Development Director for Virginia.  Based in Lynchburg, Brandt was previously the project manager for the Foundation, serving as a liaison between the organization and National Park Service (NPS) to shepherd projects to completion, including the rehabilitation of Flat Top Manor at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park. Brandt will support community outreach and fundraising in the commonwealth. 
Learn more

Virginians can support the Blue Ridge Parkway with the new license plate
November 3, 2022
By Jack Betts and Broaddus Fitzpatrick Virginia and North Carolina are two competitive states — in sports, in economics, in academics and in their magnificent environments running from the mountain ridges down to the coastlines. Residents of both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of North Carolina have exceptional pride in the beautiful local, state and federal parks — particularly the 469-mile long Blue Ridge Parkway, which the two states share. So why do North Carolinians provide so much more support for the Parkway?
Learn more

The Denim Ball raises $240,000 for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
October 2, 2022
More than 200 guests attended The Denim Ball on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock, N.C. The event surpassed its previous fundraising record, garnering $240,000 in support for continuing improvements at Moses and Bertha Cone’s former 3,500-acre estate.
Learn more

7 Ways to Celebrate the Parkway's Birthday
September 10, 2022
The Blue Ridge Parkway is celebrating 87 years this Sunday, Sept. 11. We could list hundreds of reasons to celebrate this amazing national park, but here are just a few adventurous ways to mark the occasion. Enjoy!
Learn more

Get the Parkway Plate for a chance to win a $100 Mast General Store gift card
July 12, 2022
We’re getting closer and closer to our required goal of 450 pre-orders for the new Blue Ridge Parkway license plate in Virginia. To show our thanks, we’re entering every current plate applicant’s name, and those who order by August 31, in a drawing to win a $100 gift card to Mast General Store. You can use it at any location or online to shop for outdoor gear, clothes, and more.
Learn more