On the Blue Ridge
On the Blue Ridge features conversations with people shaping the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hosted by Asheville-based journalist Jon Page, the show explores the ideas, creativity, and vision driving Western North Carolina forward.
Through long-form interviews and on-location storytelling, each episode captures the evolving story of these mountains.
On the Blue Ridge
Lisa Bottomley on the Past, Present, and Future of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Lisa Bottomley is the executive director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, a nonprofit made up of local businesses, communities, and individuals that has been promoting America’s Favorite Drive for 75 years.
A native of North Carolina’s Alleghany County, Lisa grew up with the Parkway playing a supporting role in her life. Her father helped build portions of the road, and years later she got engaged at Doughton Park. Since 2023, she has served as executive director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, which acts as the official marketing partner of the Parkway.
In this episode, Lisa talks about her personal connection to the Parkway and how it eventually became a professional one, the impact of Hurricane Helene on the Parkway and surrounding communities, and how visitors can begin planning a trip along the Parkway today.
Blue Ridge Parkway Association
blueridgeparkway.org
Theme Music
The song "Goa" was written by Lyndsay Pruett and performed by the Jon Stickley Trio.