Green Park Inn- Blowing Rock, NC

The Green Park Inn is absolutely lovely. While it may be a work in progress, it is clear the owners intend to preserve the original features that make the hotel special. It is the last of the “Grand Manor Hotels” in western North Carolina, and is the second oldest resort hotel in the state. They just don’t make them like this anymore.

Built in 1891, the Green Park Inn was billed as a premier resort destination. The luxurious Colonial Revival hotel boasted a ballroom, billiard room, bowling alley, and a post office. Over the decades, it has hosted Presidents Coolidge and Hoover, magnates such as John D. Rockefeller, and celebrities such as Annie Oakley, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Stewart, and Henry Fonda. Margaret Mitchell even stayed here while writing portions of “Gone with the Wind.”

Although I imagine the road outside the Inn is much busier these days, and the area a bit more populated, the interior still suggests quaint country inn. Many of the common areas retain their original Heart of Pine wood floors, while the lovely dining room is constructed of now extinct American Chestnut. As a bonus, the food at the Restaurant was excellent.

The hotel operated continuously from 1891 to 2009, which is a pretty good run for any hotel. With new owners in place, the hotel reopened in 2010, following an aggressive renovation of the property. As with many historic hotels, it is a work in progress, and some rooms are still being renovated. Our room was basic, but comfortable; located under the eaves, it retained much of its original charm.

The common areas have been nicely restored, and both the lobby and library are comfortable gathering spots. Just off the library is the Divide Tavern, a nod to the hotels location, which straddles the Eastern Continental Divide. It is a wonderfully retro space, which served one of the best Manhattans I have ever had; I can still taste the bracing cold beverage, with minute ice crystals that melted in your mouth.

On the other side of the lobby, just off the dining room, a history room is maintained. It houses a wonderful collection of articles, reviews, and memorabilia from the past 100 years. It even includes a portion of the original post office that operated out of the hotel, complete with post office boxes.

Located just a short drive from the town of Blowing Rock, and walking distance to The Blowing Rock itself (billed as North Carolina’s oldest attraction), the Green Park Inn is centrally located. It is also perfectly situated for those looking to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, Moses Cone Memorial Park, or Grandfather Mountain State Park.