North Carolina has no shortage of amazing places to stay when you are traveling through or on vacation. By car, it’s almost nine hours from the western border of the state to the coast. Before the invention of the automobile, that same journey would take days. One hotel that’s been around since the 1880s and has been named by Forbes as one of the 25 top haunted hotels in America is worthy of at least an overnight stay – or longer, if you can carve out the time.
Blowing Rock’s Green Park Inn was built by the Greene’s, the first family to settle in the Blowing Rock area. They arrived on the property in the mid 1800s. After founding a group of three businessmen, the inn began construction in the late 1880s and opened to guests in 1891.
Green Park Inn
It quickly became known as the Grand Dame of the Highcountry and featured 68 rooms in its roomy 73,000 square feet.
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With the exception of 15 months over the years of 2009 and 2010, the hotel has operated continuously since the opening. In 2009, it was purchased by new owners who temporarily closed and began a major renovation.
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Today, the Green Park Inn features 88 guest rooms and suites with modern conveniences like private baths.
Green Park Inn If you’re wondering about the haunted stories, folks who’ve stayed here report room 318 has quite a bit of paranormal activity.Tales passed down through generations tell the story of Laura Greene, the daughter of the founder. As the tale goes, she died in room 318 of a broken heart after her husband-to-be left her at the altar. Folks report sightings of Laura throughout the hotel and in room 318.
Even though the Green Park Inn doesn’t actively promote the haunted tales that surround the property, it has been known to have a Ghost Log book in the lobby for guests to record any activity.
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Over the more than a century since the inn opened, some very distinctive guests have graced its four walls with their presence.
TripAdvisor/Lovestotravel1989 Margaret Mitchell (author of “Gone With The Wind”) stayed here and reportedly penned some chapters will enjoying the inn’s hospitality. Other famous guests include Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, J.D. Rockefeller, and Wild West sharpshooter, Annie Oakley.
Among the many amenities offered by the Green Park Inn are on-site dining at The Chestnut Grille (pictured) and a more informal space in the Divide Tavern, which also serves food.
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Whether you’re an enthusiastic ghost hunter or just a wandering traveler, you’re sure to love a visit to the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock.
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It’s located very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and makes a wonderful spot to roost for a night during your journey exploring the parkway.
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Learn more about the Green Park Inn and check dates or make a reservation by visiting the inn’s website, here.
Green Park Inn
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TripAdvisor/Management
If you’re wondering about the haunted stories, folks who’ve stayed here report room 318 has quite a bit of paranormal activity.Tales passed down through generations tell the story of Laura Greene, the daughter of the founder. As the tale goes, she died in room 318 of a broken heart after her husband-to-be left her at the altar. Folks report sightings of Laura throughout the hotel and in room 318.
TripAdvisor/mgonzalez807
TripAdvisor/Lovestotravel1989
Margaret Mitchell (author of “Gone With The Wind”) stayed here and reportedly penned some chapters will enjoying the inn’s hospitality. Other famous guests include Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, J.D. Rockefeller, and Wild West sharpshooter, Annie Oakley.
Google/Brian S
Google Maps
When you’re in the area, be sure to slice some time from your schedule to visit the town’s namesake, The Blowing Rock. And for more reasons to love the Town of Blowing Rock, keep reading here!
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Address: Green Park Inn, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
