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ASHEVILLE, N.C. — It’s the news you’ve been waiting for: The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park will reopen for the season on Thursday, May 27.

Heritage Dining and Events LLC, led by Sharon Pinney and Chef John Gamradt, is the new team in charge of operations. They bring a combined 35 years of experience in the food service industry to the beloved establishment. “Heritage is honored and excited to be a part of bringing The Bluffs, a cherished iconic restaurant, back to life,” Pinney says.

The restaurant at milepost 241 will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The menu will feature traditional Southern fare with a fresh and savory, modern approach. The Bluffs classics such as sweet potato pancakes and Southern-style fried chicken will be available every day.

To book reservations, call (336) 372-7875. For directions, job openings, and more information, visit BluffsRestaurant.org.

Other Parkway opening dates:

Flat Top Manor
The transformation of Flat Top Manor’s exterior is in full swing thanks to donor support. You can expect a buzz of restoration activity outside during your visit. On April 15, the Southern Highlands Craft Guild and America's National Parks stores will welcome visitors inside. During April, the stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday. Hours will be extended as the season progresses.

Blue Ridge Music Center
The Music Center at milepost 213 near Galax, Virginia, will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday starting May 6. The wonderful live Midday Mountain Musician sessions will be hosted from noon to 4 p.m. Learn more and see the summer concert series lineup at BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org.

Picnic areas
Beginning May 14, you can dine al fresco at any Parkway picnic area, so begin planning your perfect portable outdoor meal now. (While a handful of picnic areas are open year-round, May 14 is the day they are all open for the season.)

Get into the camping spirit
Looking forward to campfires and starry skies? Price Lake and Linville Falls campgrounds are open to guests now on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations can be made for all eight Parkway campgrounds for dates starting on May 28 (Memorial Day weekend). Book a site at recreation.gov. 

For the complete list of openings and operating hours, click here.

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