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Category: Partner News

Path to Achievement: Building a Pump Track Trail

Becoming an Eagle Scout takes dedication and persistence. To earn this highest rank advancement, Scouts must plan and complete a community service project that gives them the experience of leading others in pursuit of a worthwhile goal. Local Scout Evan Cutlip of Troop 109 knew he wanted his project to have a lasting impact. He thought BIG. When contemplating possibilities for his Eagle Scout project, Evan, age 14, landed on a concept quickly. He and his friends enjoy mountain biking and they would often ride their bikes around town, particularly around the track at Davant Field. But Evan knew something more exciting was possible- he’d been dreaming of a bike track in his hometown of Blowing Rock since he was in Cub Scouts, after all. He envisioned building a pump track for mountain bikes, tucked by an area where people were already riding their bikes. A pump track is essentially a circuit trail with special features like berms and ramps. Cyclists ride a pump track by generating momentum along the trail with up and down body movements – pumping- instead of pedaling or pushing. He could imagine it easily. “I just drew a plan one day at school,” Evan said. That plan, complete with a preliminary layout and track features, became the first big step in his Eagle Scout Project. Though the trail itself had a small footprint, Evan’s parents immediately understood that the project would be a big undertaking, especially as the selected site was on Town property. They didn’t discourage him from taking it on, however. “It was going to take a lot of different elements to come together,” said Ron Cutlip, Evan’s father. As a landscape architect, he knew what kind of steps would be required to build a new landscape feature. “But we were confident he could take this on and we just needed to support his efforts.” Evan’s mother, Cheryl Cutlip, agreed. “We always want to encourage our kids to do hard things, and Evan was so passionate about this right from the start.” Evan began with his Eagle Scout Application, which required details on project implementation. He listed materials, quantities, expenses, potential donors, needed equipment, and more. With the project decided and plan refined, the next step was to gain approval for a brand new bike feature inside a Blowing Rock park. On March 14, 2023, Evan went before the Town Council to present his plan. “I was pretty nervous, probably as nervous as I’ve ever been. I felt like I was on trial!” Evan said about speaking to a room of town representatives. When the issue of funding came up, Evan assured the Council that no money would be needed from the Town. The project would rely entirely on donations of materials and labor. From questions about safety and insurance to others about use and maintenance, Evan answered them all. The pump track project was approved unanimously by the Blowing Rock Town Council. Work on the pump track began in April 2023. Though Evan initially thought the work would be completed quickly, he soon realized the project would likely take the whole summer. The project consisted of not only building the track, but clearing the initial trail, building bridges, rehabilitating the creek, and installing drains to prevent erosion.  “The project took 660 hours of work,” Evan said. He was helped by his friends, other Boy Scouts, and volunteers. He also raised $8,437.58 for the track from more than a dozen donors. Throughout the entire project, Evan took on the main leadership role. “When I first started off, I was not getting that much respect,” Evan said, explaining that it’s natural for people to expect an adult to be in charge. But it didn’t take long for everyone to realize that the bike trail was truly Evan’s project. He became a site director, there to provide instruction, direct volunteers, and document everyone’s efforts. On Wednesday, September 6th the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the new Davant Bike Park. The pump track is located alongside Davant Field on Clark Street. The ¼ acre park contains 347 linear feet of bike track, with two bridges and a trail path that varies between 4 and 6 feet wide. Evan expressed his appreciation for the support from the Town of Blowing Rock, as well as the volunteers and donors who helped make the idea a reality. “I have learned a lot of good life lessons about leadership and helping the community,” he said. He and his friends then treated the crowd to a demonstration by riding their bikes around the pump track, showing the jumps, bridges, and other terrain. Evan is excited about the fun this new trail will offer. “I just wanted to create something for the kids here in the community,” he said. “We used to have to find places to ride our bikes where we knew we really shouldn’t, so I thought it would be really nice if we had a place to go.” Evan Cutlip’s achievement was recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on October 17th, where he was officially named an Eagle Scout. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Evan said, “Throughout all of scouting, and my entire life, I’ve learned one thing that keeps me pushing: self discipline. Just like anything, motivation comes and goes but if you have strong self discipline nothing can stand in your way. It’s a skill that takes practice. I hope to help other scouts in the future to reach their goals.” As it so happens, 2023 is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina, and September’s trail theme was Achieve a Trail Goal. Evan Cutlip, Eagle Scout, opened a new pump track this September, achieving his goal of building a new trail for bikers of all ages to enjoy. The entire Blowing Rock community is proud of its newest Eagle Scout, and excited to see his vision become a reality! Donors to the Davant Bike Park include Appalachian Ski Mountain,

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Blowing Rock TDA Prioritizes Research and Wayfinding This Year

The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) has adopted and begun implementing its budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Anticipating a decline in occupancy tax revenues, the TDA staff and board set the current budget at $ 1,518,636 – a 15% reduction from the previous year’s budget. With a continued reduction in call-to-action advertising, the TDA is dedicating a notable portion of promotional spending to research that will bring clarity to future promotions planning. Infrastructure dollars will be directed to several projects, including updated wayfinding signage throughout Blowing Rock and expanded restrooms in Memorial Park. The explosive rate of growth in leisure travel directly following the pandemic was not a long-term trend, and travel industry experts anticipated a shift when travel became safer. Currently, the domestic travel industry is seeing a continued “cooling-off” that began late last year. Indeed, Blowing Rock occupancy tax collections for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 were about 5% below the previous year. Much of this decline can be attributed to changes in demand as airline options and international travel began to return to normal; many regional visitors resumed more varied travel habits as soon as they became available. A continued decline is expected this year as these travel patterns continue to normalize and local pricing responds to reduced demand. The BRTDA does not see these declines in comparative revenue and visitation as a cause for alarm. “Many businesses in Blowing Rock will likely tell you it was a challenge to keep up with the record demand of late 2020 through 2021,” says Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the BRTDA. “And our residents were certainly feeling the impacts of overwhelming visitation levels. This slow-down is really a return to more normal, sustainable levels of business, which is something we welcome.”   Even with changes in demand, and other potentially-affecting factors like inflation and gas prices, travel forecasters have predicted strong overall domestic leisure travel in 2023 and 2024. And Blowing Rock continues to garner accolades that confirm the little town remains a favorite vacation spot. Earlier this year, Blowing Rock was voted Best Small Town in NC by readers of Southern Living Magazine, and Best Walkable Town and Best Main-Street Local Shopping by readers of Blue Ridge Country Magazine. It’s also worth noting that while occupancy tax revenues are expected to be less than last year, current budgeted revenues are still about 40% higher than 2018-2019 revenues, reflecting overall growth.  The BRTDA is always working to gather industry information and research to better understand the Blowing Rock visitor and market. With current shifts in travel patterns- plus new technology and partnerships available- staff felt that 2023-2024 was an ideal time for more focused research. Earlier this month, the BRTDA received results from a 2023 Brand and Image Position survey conducted by SMARInsights. Participation in this survey was made possible through a partnership with Visit North Carolina.  During the current fiscal year, the TDA is contracting with data collection companies AirDNA and Arrivalist. “These firms will help the TDA learn a great deal about the High Country visitor: how long they stay, where they are from, and where they spend their time while visiting,” says Brown. This useful information will be available regularly throughout the year and the BRTDA plans to share with its constituents, board, and Town Council. General promotions activity is planned in 2023-2024, with advertising that continues an established focus on sustainable messaging in connection with Outdoor NC and Leave No Trace principles. For the last few years, the BRTDA has focused on educational and stewardship messaging during busy summer and fall seasons. Traditional call-to-action marketing, designed to increase visitation, is generally limited to “shoulder seasons” when regular visitation declines. New educational programming for students at Appalachian State University will continue this year, with the intent to enhance communication between the university and local businesses for student employment. Phase I of the new wayfinding signage, funded entirely by the BRTDA, will be implemented in the current fiscal year. These attractive signs will direct visitors and residents to points of interest and help reduce sign clutter in some key areas. The custom design, construction, and installation will be directed by Destination by Design of Boone. The BRTDA will also continue to provide funding support for Town events like the 4th of July Festival, Halloween Festival, and Christmas in the Park. Infrastructure dollars from the BRTDA go to landscape improvements and beautification each year, which this year includes the purchase of hundreds of blooming plants, installation of Christmas lights, and restroom cleaning services. A portion of this year’s infrastructure budget will also build additional restrooms in Memorial Park, doubling the current capacity. Construction is currently underway. About the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority:The BRTDA operates as the official Destination Marketing Organization for the Town of Blowing Rock, and exists to increase and enhance Blowing Rock’s visitor economy. Utilizing the 6% occupancy tax levied on short-term lodging stays in the Town of Blowing Rock, the TDA funds the promotion of tourism in Blowing Rock and provides a funding base for improvement and maintenance of the Town’s tourism-related infrastructure. August 2023

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Community Classroom: Hospitality & Tourism Student Tours Launched in Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) is excited to embark on a fresh partnership program with the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Appalachian State University. This new program will offer regular academic tours of tourism-related businesses in Blowing Rock, open to students studying Hospitality and Tourism. These tours will be available once each semester. The inaugural Spring Tour, presented at the end of March 2023, was attended by fourteen students and two faculty members. It was a big hit with participating businesses and attendees. On the Spring Tour, students got to meet several local business owners and managers at their businesses throughout the afternoon. This fast-paced dive into the Blowing Rock tourism economy offered a unique learning experience where students could see various locations, ask questions, and gain insights on operations. They also saw potential work-places first hand, which local business owners saw as an additional factor in participating in the tours. “We were on board as soon as we heard the idea,” says Rob Dyer, co-owner of The Inn at Ragged Gardens and The Best Cellar Restaurant. “We were excited for the opportunity to meet some current students and show them around. And it was a great way to connect with the school, to be a resource for learning and employment.” Lisa Stripling, co-owner with Dyer, agrees. “We’re both App State alums ourselves, and we are delighted to help support the students and programs at ASU,” she says. “The students we met were immediately engaged and asked great questions. With that energy, and considering what they’re learning as hospitality students, I’m sure these students would be outstanding assets as employees at businesses like ours.” In addition to a visit to the Inn at Ragged Gardens, the spring tour included stops at Chetola Resort, Hellbender Bed & Beverage, The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop, Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM), and The Blowing Rock Attraction. At BRAHM, the students heard from a forum of local retailers that included The Mountain Thread Company, J.W. Tweeds, The Last Straw, and Footsloggers. “It was such a good day,” says Dr. Carol Kline, the Director for the Hospitality and Tourism Program at Appalachian State University. “The spring tour was expertly executed and we learned so much about on-the-ground management and marketing with this behind-the-scenes view.” This tour program is part of increased efforts by the BRTDA to improve community communication and rapport. In keeping with its values of promoting economic growth and providing leadership in the local tourism industry, the BRTDA believes this program will help enhance the local tourism industry through improved connections. “The High Country is a vibrant tourism destination and an ideal community classroom for students in Hospitality Management,” says Amanda Lugenbell, Assistant Director of the BRTDA and coordinator of the student tour program. “Blowing Rock in particular offers a number of models for how small businesses meet ever-changing challenges and opportunities in a resort town.” As a graduate of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Appalachian State University, Lugenbell felt the tourism business community in Blowing Rock was an untapped educational resource. At a time when the service industry is struggling to maintain an adequate workforce, the BRTDA was also interested in finding ways to promote hospitality employment opportunities in Blowing Rock. “Blowing Rock is full of successful hospitality businesses,” Lugenbell goes on to say. “The people behind them have so much expertise to share and we’re proud to highlight them as the business leaders they are. These students are potential employees and interns; they are also the next travelers and future business leaders. We are excited to welcome them on these tours and expose ASU students to Blowing Rock in a meaningful way.” “It’s a great service for students to get this type of exposure to attractions and resources just down the road,” Dr. Kline adds. “We are thrilled about these tours as a new extension in our long-time relationship with the Blowing Rock TDA, and we’re grateful to the TDA for creating this opportunity for our students.” The next tour is scheduled for the fall semester in early November. Interested Hospitality and Tourism students may make inquiries by connecting with Scott Gray, instructor in the Business Management Department at Appalachian State University. Tours are provided to students free of charge and spaces are filled on a first-come, first served basis. Many thanks to the individual hosts on the spring tour for their time and generosity: Frank Byrd, Rob Dyer, Lisa Stripling, Hunter Womble, Emily Brinker, Erica Brinker, Michael Foreman, Brian Baldwin, Carol Dickerson, Katherine Lile, Roger Robertson, and Charlie Sellers. Much appreciation goes to BRAHM for their contribution of the Community Room for the retail panel. April 2023For information: Amanda Lugenbell, 828.295.4636, amanda@visitblowingrock.com

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Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock

Improvement Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway

(Updated March 11, 2026) The Blue Ridge Parkway is getting some much-needed repairs in 2026! We are excited to see these improvements being completed this year, which will ensure enjoyable use and safe access to the Parkway for many years to come. See the project announcement from the Blue Ridge Parkway here. See the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Road Status & Closures page here.   Here’s what you need to know when visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock this year! When will construction be taking place? Work on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock begins in mid-March of 2026 and is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026. Will the Blue Ridge Parkway be closed for construction near Blowing Rock? Yes, closures will occur in staggered sections. Detours will be used so you can still access your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway attractions and features throughout the project.  Which attractions or trailheads will still be accessible? Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, Rough Ridge parking, and Linn Cove trailhead parking will have uninterrupted access- from either the north or the south- throughout all phases of the project. Attractions and trailheads are marked by the nodes on the project map (see below). Alternating closures will be set between nodes. Price Lake Boat Rentals will reopen on April 3; see website for hours and details. Price Lake Campground is set to open May 22; reservations available at recreation.gov.  The Southern Highland Craft Guild Shop at Moses Cone Manor will reopen on April 15. See hours on the Guild’s website. After an initial 3-4 week closure in March and early April, the Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9, used as trailhead for some Grandfather State Park trails) will also be accessible from at least one direction like the others.    What sections are currently closed? Beginning the week of March 16 the sections listed below will be closed. For reference, Blowing Rock is located around milepost 294. See these sections marked in red on the maps below. Milepost 291.9 at Highway 321 in Blowing Rock to milepost 294 at Cone Manor.  (Step 1A) Milepost 298.6 at Holloway Mountain Road to milepost 302.8 at Rough Ridge Overlook. (Step 1A) Milepost 280.9 at Old 421 in Deep Gap to milepost 285 at Bamboo Road. (Step 1B) Which sections will be open or closed during my visit? Active closure sections will be noted on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Road Status & Closures page. Check the closures page often. Information on upcoming sections or section order has not been shared at this time.  A signed detour route, along with a system of signs on secondary roads, will direct visitors from the main detour route to attractions along this corridor. All active detour maps can be found here. For information about specific trail open/closed status along the Parkway, click here.  Can I still access closed sections on foot or by bike? No. Within active closures, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff. Heavy equipment and workers will regularly be moving through the project area.  Why is this work happening now? This is the final phase of work on a $100M+ project, spanning 75 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The project includes repaving and rehabilitation along the mainline motor road, as well as repairs to road drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage. Funding for this project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund. Learn more about this funding and project here. Additional work to repair damage from Helene at Linville Falls and Parkway sections further south is also expected to be completed this year. Learn more about Helene Recovery Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway here.

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A bright garden stretches in front of a small motor inn with cars parked in front of the room entrances.

Azalea Garden Inn Acquired by Savara Hospitality and Piedmont Capital

Savara Hospitality and Piedmont Capital are pleased to announce the acquisition of Azalea Garden Inn located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The property was purchased by a joint venture between Fairfax, Virginia based Savara Hospitality Inc. and Charlotte, North Carolina based Piedmont Capital RE, LLC. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Blowing Rock, Azalea Garden Inn features 16 guest rooms as well as a cozy log cabin. Well known for its beautiful landscaped grounds, Azalea Garden Inn is located on Main Street within walking distance to shopping, fine restaurants, arts & crafts exhibits and outdoor activities, as well as driving distance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the High Country’s most popular attractions. “We are thrilled to complete another acquisition with Piedmont Capital, and are elated about the addition of Azalea Garden Inn to Savara Hospitality’s growing portfolio of boutique hotels. We look forward to continuing this landmark property’s longstanding tradition of offering guests superb service and a cozy mountain experience.” stated Vishal Savani, Managing Director of Savara Hospitality. William Hodges, Founding Principal of Piedmont Capital, added “The Azalea Garden Inn is a staple in downtown Blowing Rock. We are excited to partner again with Savara Hospitality in another acquisition and are very grateful to have worked with such great sellers in the Knoll family.” Savara Hospitality operates a portfolio of unique upscale hotels in Virginia and North Carolina, including Blowing Rock’s Meadowbrook Inn and Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins, both located steps away from Azalea Garden Inn.  Savara Hospitality will be operating Azalea Garden Inn following the acquisition. About Savara Hospitality Savara Hospitality owns, operates, and provides hospitality management and consulting services to historic and boutique hotels and inns in urban and vacation destinations throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Featuring a portfolio of independent hotels that boldly express their individuality, Savara Hospitality utilizes a customized, hand-on approach to ensuring that each property in its portfolio finds its way to thrive. Savara Hospitality’s hotels and inns have received countless accolades for their attention to design and unwavering commitment to service.  For more information, visit www.savarahospitality.com. About Piedmont Capital Founded in 2021, Piedmont Capital is a Charlotte-based real estate investment firm focused on core plus and value-add retail, office, and hospitality assets throughout the Carolinas.

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