A BLUE RIDGE LANDMARK SINCE 1938
Built In Anticipation Of The Blue Ridge Parkway Being Built
Tuggle’s Gap has stood as a beloved waypoint along the Blue Ridge Parkway since its founding in 1938. What began as a small roadside service shop — built by General Boyd, Ward Spangler, and two partners where Route 8 crests the Blue Ridge Mountains — quickly became a welcoming stop for travelers drawn to the beauty of the Parkway as it was being constructed. Originally called the Parkway Service Center, the building offered glass-bottle sodas, snacks, and basic supplies to early visitors, capturing the spirit of hospitality that remains at Tuggle’s Gap today.
Growing Through Generations
Before long, the original partners’ families became the heart of the business. Boyd’s daughter Irene married Spangler’s son George, and the young family took over operations. They lived in the lower level of the building, raising their son while serving home-cooked food and welcoming guests upstairs. During the post-World War II motel boom of the late 1940s, they added ten guest cabins along with a kitchen and dining room, expanding the property into a full service roadside inn. The Spangler family continued operating the motel and restaurant until the mid-1980s.
Modern Renovations and Revival
In early September 2021, father-and-son team Bjorn and Nick Bieneck purchased the property and began comprehensive renovations to honor its history while updating it for modern comfort. Many of the guest rooms had not been fully updated since they were built in the 1940s, and lacked features travelers expect today. The Bienecks preserved the inn’s original hardwood floors and vintage charm while adding heating and air conditioning in each room, smart TVs, and high-speed internet connectivity — blending classic character with modern convenience.
New Chapter with Blue Ridge Escapes — Winter 2025
In the winter of 2025, Tuggle’s Gap entered a new chapter under the ownership of Blue Ridge Escapes, a locally owned and operated hospitality company based in Virginia’s New River Valley. Blue Ridge Escapes is owned by the Andrus and Beckett families, who both live in the Riner, Virginia area and share a deep connection to the region. This transition marked an exciting moment in the property’s long history.
Our goal is to build on the strong foundation created by prior owners—preserving Tuggle’s Gap’s deep historical roots and classic roadside charm—while thoughtfully enhancing it with the amenities, guest services, and attention to detail that Blue Ridge Escapes is known for throughout the region.
As local owners, we are deeply connected to the New River Valley and the communities that surround Tuggle’s Gap. We’re committed to honoring the history of this iconic location while providing a modern, comfortable, and welcoming experience for today’s travelers. Whether guests are passing through on a scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive or staying to explore the area, our aim is for every visit to reflect both the legacy of Tuggle’s Gap and the elevated hospitality standards of Blue Ridge Escapes.