Drive along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 176. Here you’ll find picturesque Mabry Mill. This 100-year-old grist mill is open year-round for self-guided tours, and in the warmer months you can find tour guides, musicians, artisan demonstrators, the gift shop, and the restaurant to enjoy! Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, and rightfully so. Its beauty is not limited to one season or time of day. Visit Mabry Mill in all four seasons to get four different experiences of this historic landmark.

Winter

In Wintertime, the water wheel freezes over along with the flumes and the pond. Snow may cover the roofs and the lawn, making the Mill stand out from its surroundings. Winter snowbirds leave prints on the ground and forage for seeds under the bare trees alongside plump squirrels. Everything is quiet and peaceful. The inside of the Mill is closed along with the restaurant and gift shop. You will see few travelers this time of year along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and even fewer Winter staff at the Mill. Coming to the Parkway, and even more so, the Mill in Winter is always cause for caution. Watch out for ice on the road, sidewalks, and paved walking paths. Check the Parkway website before you go to make sure the roads are accessible and the Mill isn’t closed due to ice.

Spring

In Springtime at Mabry Mill, the water thaws and the wheel turns again. The grounds are covered in a rainbow of native mountain flowers such as iris, rhododendron, redbud, dogwood, and azalea. The ducks return from their winter vacation and take up residence in the pond to pose for travelers and their cameras. The restaurant and gift shop open back up on Mother’s Day to serve up a delicious country-style spread of breakfast and lunch. Yum! Take the short 0.5 mile Mountain Industry Trail hike to see historic buildings and experience more of Spring’s beauty in the mountain forest.

Summer

More travelers come through during Summer as the weather warms. You can meet friendly characters from all over the world here. Along with the abundant wildflowers, food, and gifts available in Spring, Summer comes with the start of weekly traditional music performances on the lawn beside the mill. Beat the heat under the massive, ancient trees growing on the property, spread out your blanket and relax in the grass, or get up and dance on the stage as you’re serenaded by the sounds of the mountain musicians. Also in the Summer begins the start of artisan demonstrations such as milling (of course), blacksmithing, basket weaving, spinning, carding, and more. Watch and learn how these crafts are done and get a taste of how life was 100 years ago. Grab some refreshing ice cream from the counter beside the gift shop as well!

Autumn

Autumn is the peak season for Mabry Mill. Travelers flock to the historic site while on their "leaf peeping" journeys along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This time is normally when the overflow parking lots are utilized, which regularly accommodates tour buses. The grounds are more beautiful than ever as the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The colors reflect in the pond, making this a photographer’s dream. Music still fills the air along with the smells of the blacksmith fires and delicious foods coming from the restaurant. Take a short, easy stroll down the Mabry Mill Loop Trail for more views of the beautiful leaves and a reprise from the many travelers.

Whatever season you find yourself in when you visit Mabry Mill, you are sure to have a great experience, learn a lot, and step back to a simpler time. Visit nps.gov and mabrymillrestaurant.com to learn about closures, events, menus, and more. Go to visitpatrickcounty.org to plan your stay, see nearby attractions and learn about events going on while you’re in the area.