45338 Blue Ridge Parkway
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
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Closure Alert!
Due to damages from Tropical Storm Helene, the National Park Service has closed the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 167 to Milepost 469. This closure includes the road as well as all facilities and attractions.
The Bluffs Restaurant will remain closed until further notice.​​​
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Please visit this website and our social media platforms for updates and information.
Parkway Detour
As work progresses on a major paving project between milepost 229.6 and 305.1, park visitors can expect a full closure from milepost 261 (NC 16) to Milepost 269.8 (Phillips Gap) beginning September 16, 2024. The primary detour route in the area remains unchanged, and access to Doughton Park, including the picnic area, campground, and The Bluffs Restaurant, is available via NC 18.
Remembering Ellen
We are so saddened to share the news that Ellen Woodruff Smith passed away on February 12. Ellen was adored by guests during her many years as a server at The Bluffs Coffee Shop at Doughton Park. Folks walked in the door asking for her before they even placed their order. She worked at the restaurant from the day it opened on May 31, 1949, to the day it closed on November 1, 2010. Many employees stayed at the Bluffs for decades, including Ellen’s dear friend and cousin, Kathryn Joines, who worked at the restaurant for 59 years. The people are truly at the heart of the Bluffs’ story.
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So many who dined at the coffee shop hold on to wonderful memories of Ellen, including Julie Hettiger, who grew up visiting The Bluffs with her family and supported the restoration of the restaurant. She recalls Ellen running to bring a high chair to the table when she arrived as a child with her little yellow teddy bear Boo Boo. This lines up perfectly with Ellen’s confession that she “spoiled every youngin’ I could.”
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Even after the restaurant closed, Ellen and her husband Paul received Christmas cards from friends and customers who frequented Bluffs Coffee Shop. We are thankful that Ellen and her husband Paul, who was a fixture at the restaurant, were able to see the completed restoration in recent years. Paul passed away on May 5, 2021.
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We would love to hear your memories and see your photos of Ellen. To send us your Bluffs story and images, email bluffsmemories@brpfoundation.org.
A Rich History
The coffee shop at Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway welcomed generations of locals and travelers during its original 61 years of operation. Thanks to the support of those devoted patrons and many others, The Bluffs has reopened to welcome diners once again for great home-style cooking.
There is more to Bluffs than just the good food!
Located on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, The Bluffs experience continues on from the restaurant to the beautiful recreation area that surrounds it. Enjoy your food alongside mountain scenery just a short hike or a moment's drive away.
Working with the Best Partners
Come visit us!
45338 Blue Ridge Parkway, Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Our hours
We are closed until further notice​.
The Parkway is currently closed due to
Hurricane Helene clean-up efforts in the park.