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Green Park Inn, located at 9239 Valley Boulevard in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is one of the few remaining “Grand Manor Hotels” in the region. This quaint inn has enjoyed a long history, first opening in 1891, and continues providing nostalgia and charm to those who are fortunate enough to stay beneath its roof.  For those who welcome discovering more about the history of Blowing Rock NC, why not book your reservations for 2018 at the second oldest resort hotel and give yourself something incredible to look forward to with friends, family, or your special someone.

This illustrious hotel has pampered many renowned artists, writers, movie stars and even presidents, who chose the High Country to luxuriate, relax and unwind.  Check this guest book:  J.D. Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Annie Oakley and Margaret Mitchell who wrote many pages of Gone with the Wind during her stay. Old photographs, antiques and furnishings add to the collective charm.  Grab a rocking chair and sit for a spell on the inn’s front porch after you’ve spent a day packed with Blowing Rock NC activities.  There’s nothing better than a cup of coffee or a cocktail while you gaze out on the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.

For those of you who know a little about the history of Blowing Rock NC, three Lenoir businessmen were inspired to open the inn on a large plot of land known as Green Park. The original hotel had three floors of over 73,000 feet, the only post office for the area, (some of it has been preserved to this day) a restaurant and bar.  The “golf wing” was added in the late 1950s with larger accommodations and balconies.   In 1982 the hotel earned the prestige of being included on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2010 its new owners refurbished, refurnished and repaired this cherished piece of our region’s history, knowing there were a lot of folks looking for things to do in Blowing Rock NC. 

There are now 88 guest rooms with more coming soon.  And it’s no wonder why more rooms will be needed—considering the inn is located in such a prime spot—at the gateway of the Blue Ridge National Parkway.  Landscaping has also made the outdoors more lush and open.  Inside you’ll find a 300 person conference room along with a smaller meeting room for 50-60 people.    A fitness room awaits you when the mood strikes to get in some exercise…perhaps to burn off the delicious fare offered from the Chestnut Grille or the Divide Tavern where you are certain to love the casual mountain dining experience.

Sample the Grille’s popular wines in a warm space graced with reclaimed American Chestnut, or sip a beer or refreshing cocktail in the Tavern which straddles the Eastern Continental Divide.

A selection of some of the inn’s fare: corn bread, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, sweet tea brined fried chicken, and local trout.

Be sure to relax in the lobby on weekend evenings to the live piano while you sip your drink.

When you’re searching for things to do in Blowing Rock NC, visit the Green Park Inn’s website.  The accommodations blend the sweetness of another time with the comfort we love today—Wi-Fi, HDTV, Keurigs, and the ultimate in comfy bedding.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Standard Room; Queen-sized bed. Comfortably-appointed and located in the “historic section.” Some rooms face the street; no mountain views available. Pet-friendly options available by reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Deluxe Room; Queen, King, or two Queen-sized beds. Many of these rooms located in the “historic section” with no mountain views, and some rooms face the street. May involve stairs. Pet-friendly options available by reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Superior Room; King or two Queen-sized beds; private balcony overlooking the yard and golf course. Adjoining rooms available upon request and availability. May involve stairs. Pet- friendly options are available by reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Junior Suites; King-sized bed with a Queen-sized sleeper sofa in separate sitting room. Located in the “historic section” with no mountain views. May involve stairs.

• Balcony Suites; King-sized bed with a Queen-sized sleeper sofa in separate sitting room. Balcony overlooks yard and golf course. May involve stairs.

• Victorian Suite; elegantly-appointed with a lovely open air environment and Jacuzzi tub in the room; claw foot tub in the bathroom.

PACKAGES TO KICK OFF THE YEAR:

• Winterfest; January 25-29, 2018; includes two nights and tickets to the Grand Wine Tasting held on Saturday, January 27 from 3pm – 5pm.

–Standard Room – $135/night

–Deluxe Room – $144/night

–Superior Room – $169.50/night

–King Suite – $203.50 / night

• Couples Getaway; enjoy premium beer or wine delivered to your room; soothing Swedish or deep tissue massage.

• Mid-Week Getaway; complimentary wine tasting.

Whatever the season, when you’re searching for things to do in Blowing Rock NC, remember the Green Park Inn has many year-long package specials, as well as many seasonal packages—Murder Mystery Weekend and Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Package are just two that are popular with people who adore Blowing Rock NC activities.  Weddings, family reunions, and all sorts of celebrations can also be enjoyed here.

No wonder guests write such glowing reviews:  “What a nostalgic experience to stay in this historical Inn during a snowy, picturesque weekend! We met one of the owners who made us feel like we were family, and the rest of the staff was friendly and helpful. The place has been restored to a point where you can still ‘feel’ like you are in the historical era, but still enjoy all the modern luxuries and amenities,” and “Beautiful piece of history! We loved our weekend stay at this quaint hotel. Staff was polite and attentive. The history, photos, antiques, creaking, crooked floors just add to the charm of this 126 year old inn. We loved every aspect from the wallpaper, quilts, the rocking chair porch, the stairs and even the water pipes from the ceilings.”

Call 828-414-9230 for more information or to make your reservations.

Adding to the history of Blowing Rock NC is the Bollinger-Hartley House, Gragg House,  Flat Top Estate, and the Vardell Family Cottages.  Blowing Rock sits on the crest of the Blue Ridge in Watauga and Caldwell Counties.  The town has an elevation of 3,500 to 3,600 feet above sea level which provides cooler summers and colder winters than we experience at The Coves’ more temperate climate.   

Folks who have already chosen The Coves as their home know it’s a pleasant excursion to Blowing Rock, to take in some of the awesome sights.  A rock formation extends above the Johns River gorge, and Glen Burney and Glen Marie Falls are also legendary sights for those who want to experience Blowing Rock NC activities. Don’t forget the Tweetsie Railroad theme park with its authentic steam engine that will take you on a three-mile scenic ride.  Mystery Hill and the Moon and Irene Mullins Arrowhead Collection boasts over 52,000 arrowheads, and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum should not be missed.  Moses Cone Memorial Park provides forests and trails to stride through, or if you prefer horseback, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve offers 25 miles of trails.

There are many community events in Blowing Rock too–Art In The Park runs May-October, the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival happens in April; the Fourth of July festival and parade; Blowing Rock Winterfest takes place in November, followed by Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town, a Holiday Parade or the Charity Horse Show– a tradition for 84 years.

If you have not yet visited The Coves, or the gorgeous region of Western North Carolina that so many have chosen, stop by and see some of the stunning mountain homes.  For example, the home on Oakcrest Lane is Craftsman-style on over seven acres with views of Grandfather Mountain, Brown Mountain and Table Rock right outside your door. The design of this home is spacious, with three generous bedrooms, three and a half baths, an office, great rooms, porches and a hot tub that gaze upon the mountains.  If you tend to accumulate a lot of belongings, the storage closets will suit your needs in the home’s temperature-controlled floored attic.  Stretch your legs in the Pisgah National Forest or paddle in Wilson Creek which are directly across the road.  What are you waiting for?

Or how about Waterfall Lane, another Craftsman-style home on 2.25 acres also with inspiring views of Grandfather Mountain, Brown Mountain and Table Rock.  This gem is designed with three spacious bedrooms, two and a half baths and an office. Great rooms, porches, and of course the hot tub provide you with glorious mountain views. You won’t be longing for more storage, and the temperature- controlled floored attic and whole house generator are the perfect additions.  What more could you desire with Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek just across the way.

Be sure to visit The Coves and see all the other inspiring possibilities that await you include day excursions to the Green Park Inn.

Call us at 828.754.0700 to schedule a visit!