Blue Ridge Parkway

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

Midday Mountain Music is a free, informal music presentation featuring local and regional musicians held in the Blue Ridge Music Center's covered breezeway, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Galax, Virginia. Midday Mountain Music takes place from 12-3pm each day when the Music Center is open. Join us for a few minutes or for the whole afternoon! No tickets are needed. 

See traditional basket weaving in action! White oak splits turn from simple reeds into sturdy baskets that will last for years. Learn how these baskets once filled the same everyday roles as today’s paper, plastic, and cloth bags.

The historic cabin will also be open for exploration! Step inside and learn about life on the farm in the 1890s.

The Blue Ridge mountains have a long history, both when it comes to nature, and when it comes to people. In fact, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a relative newcomer to the area! And park rangers get excited about all of it. Join us to find out what’s important in our resource-rich region.

We may be doing a deep dive into forest ecology. We might break out the tools for some traditional handicrafts. Or we may just decide to feature a favorite, but neglected critter. Talks and demonstrations may change daily—come for the surprise, stay to find out why it matters!

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend the grand staircase of the Cone manor house, and peek into the past while touring the living spaces of this local industrialist. Learn about the legacy of the Cone family from Moses’ beginnings as a grocery salesman to the family’s patronage of the fine arts in Baltimore. Then join the ranks of the manor staff as you descend the steep and narrow servant’s stairs to visit the butler’s pantry and kitchen. Learn about the lives of the inside servants, the outdoor estate workers, and the ordinary folk who kept the 3,600 acre country estate in impeccable working order.

IMPORTANT: All participants MUST be able to climb and descend two flights of stairs, as this historic building does not have an elevator. Guided tours are limited to 18 people.

The Gilded Age “Denim King”, Moses H. Cone, turned his hand from textile manufacturing to becoming a “gentleman farmer” in the late 1890s. And what better way to emphasize “gentleman” than to build a 23-room mansion in the Blue Ridge mountains? Join a ranger to ascend the grand staircase of the Cone manor house, and peek into the past while touring the living spaces of this local industrialist. Learn about the legacy of the Cone family from Moses’ beginnings as a grocery salesman to the family’s patronage of the fine arts in Baltimore. Then join the ranks of the manor staff as you descend the steep and narrow servant’s stairs to visit the butler’s pantry and kitchen. Learn about the lives of the inside servants, the outdoor estate workers, and the ordinary folk who kept the 3,600 acre country estate in impeccable working order.

IMPORTANT: All participants MUST be able to climb and descend two flights of stairs, as this historic building does not have an elevator. Guided tours are limited to 18 people.

Step into history with a ranger as we unveil the fascinating story of the Wood Family, their Ordinary, and tourism at Peaks of Otter! Stop in and chat with the ranger, learn about the family, and play with some old-timey toys and games.

A ranger will be at Polly Wood's Ordinary from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. All NPS Blue Ridge Parkway programs are free and open to anyone. All ages welcome.

Step into history with a Ranger as we unveil the fascinating story of the Wood Family, their Ordinary, and tourism at Peaks of Otter! Enjoy this 30-minute exploration into the history of the first public accommodation in Peaks of Otter—where it all began in the 1830s! Discover how this charming spot has been welcoming visitors for generations and continues to be a must-see for visitors today!

A Ranger will be at Polly Wood's Ordinary from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Formal Ranger Talks will begin at 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00 pm and will last 30 minutes each. All NPS Blue Ridge Parkway programs are free and open to anyone. All ages welcome.

See traditional basket weaving in action! White oak splits turn from simple reeds into sturdy baskets that will last for years. Learn how these baskets once filled the same everyday roles as today’s paper, plastic, and cloth bags.

The historic cabin will also be open for exploration! Step inside and learn about life on the farm in the 1890s.