For more than a century, Delaware North has managed food, lodging, and retail services in all kinds of places, including airports, stadiums, and national parks. When servicing parks, their goal is to provide visitors with a comfortable and memorable experience that enhances the natural surroundings. They partner with the National Park Service at several locations, where they handle everything from running hotels and restaurants to operating gift shops and campgrounds.
At Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive in Virginia, Delaware North runs some of the key visitor services. If you’ve ever stayed at Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, or Lewis Mountain Cabins, you’ve experienced their work firsthand. They’re in charge of the food, lodging, and gift shops at those spots, and they take great care to manage it all well. Dining menus often include local or seasonal ingredients, and the lodges are in step with the rustic surroundings while providing all the necessary amenities and comfort you’d expect. It’s all about enhancing the park experience without distracting from the views, trails, and wildlife that people come to see.
Tasty treats like the Signature Blackberry Ice Cream Pie at Skyland keep guests returning; it’s always a refreshing addition to the trip. Speaking of refreshment, Hawksbill Brewery is taking over the taps at Skyland on select dates this year. Check out the On Tap and Bites menus to whet your appetite. Those hiking or traveling with a dog can take advantage of the special Canine Yappy Hour at Big Meadows. There’s even a canine cuisine menu!
Additionally, some of the activities within Shenandoah National Park are managed by Delaware North, like horseback riding at Skyland, astronomy programs at Big Meadows, and special hiking programs to learn the basics of using maps and compasses, and other outdoor survival skills.
Delaware North embodies sustainability. They work to reduce waste, keep energy-efficient systems in place, and source both food and supplies locally when possible. They also work with the National Park Service to help educate visitors about the history and ecology of the area. So while they’re handling the logistics behind the scenes, they’re also helping visitors connect with our beautiful places in a meaningful way.