MITCHELL AT MARBY MILL (BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY - MILEPOST 176, VIRGINIA)

Sunday, July 8th - We attended 8:30 Mass at Holy Angels Church in Mt. Airy, North Carolina.  It was Father "Zyandrewski" last day as he was being transfered to another parish.  We jokingly said to him after Mass that we could have made some pierogies for him if we did not rush to get back to STL.  Upon hearing about our road trip, a nice lady told us to be sure to stop by Mabry Mill at milepost 176 to see the restored mill and exhibits on rural life in Appalachia.  The Mill is one of the most popular gathering places anywhere on the parkway.  

The Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner stated that this century old gristmill is the most picturesque spot on the entire parkway.  Mitchell agreed. 

Ed and Lizzy Mabry built this mill and ground corn for their neighbors for three decades.  In addition to the mill, visitors could also see a wheelright shop, sawmill and blacksmith shop.  It was pretty crowded when we were there, so we did not try to watch the blacksmith demonstration and the ladies spinning or making baskets.