Green Park Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Green Park Inn
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 321, Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
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| Area | 8.7 acres (3.5 ha) |
| Built | 1882 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004637 |
| Added to NRHP | June 03, 1982 |
The Green Park Inn is a very old and famous hotel located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It sits right on the Eastern Continental Divide, which is like a natural line that separates where rainwater flows. If rain falls on one side, it goes to the Atlantic Ocean, and if it falls on the other, it goes to the Gulf of Mexico! This hotel was built a long time ago, in the 1880s, and has been open for guests almost continuously ever since.
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A Historic Hotel in North Carolina
The Green Park Inn is a member of Historic Hotels of America. This is a special program that recognizes and celebrates the best old hotels across the United States. It is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which works to save important historic places.
Famous Visitors
Many famous people have stayed at the Green Park Inn over the years. Some of these guests include John D. Rockefeller, who was a very successful businessman, and Herbert Hoover, who was a President of the United States. Other notable visitors were Annie Oakley, a famous sharpshooter, and Eleanor Roosevelt, a former First Lady.
The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 3, 1982. This means it is recognized as an important historical building. It is also part of the larger Green Park Historic District.
Early Days and Legends
Before the hotel was built, during the American Civil War, a small fort was created on this very spot by soldiers.
Some people say the hotel is haunted by friendly ghosts! Because of these stories, the Green Park Inn has hosted several meetings for ghost hunters who come to explore the mysteries.
A New Beginning
In 2009, the hotel faced some tough times and had to close for a while. However, new owners bought the Green Park Inn on March 31, 2010. These owners were real estate investors from New York.
They worked closely with the Blowing Rock Historical Society. They also partnered with the State Historic Preservation authority. Their goal was to keep the hotel's original charm and historical look.
Just off the main lobby, there is a special History Room. This room tells the story of the hotel's past. It even has the original Green Park U.S. Post Office inside!
Reopening and Renovations
After a lot of hard work and renovations, the Green Park Inn reopened to the public on October 29, 2010. The new owners made sure to buy only products made in America when they were refurnishing the hotel.
On July 1, 2011, the hotel reopened its restaurant, which is now called the Chestnut Grille. It was named after the American Chestnut trees used to build the hotel. They also reopened the Divide Tavern. This tavern is named "Divide" because it sits right on the Eastern Continental Divide!
Celebrations and Milestones
On October 29, 2011, the Green Park Inn celebrated its first anniversary since reopening. It had a very successful year!
In 2016, the hotel celebrated its 125th anniversary with a big dinner and dance. This was a huge milestone for the hotel. It is the second oldest operating resort hotel in North Carolina. It is also the last of the "Grand Manor" hotels still open in western North Carolina. Descendants of the hotel's original founders, the Bernhardt and Harper families, were among the guests at this special celebration.
- Winston-Salem Journal (July 31, 2009). Owner of Green Park Inn, high bidder to negotiate deal.
- Watauga Democrat (August 21, 2009). Green Park Inn sold in courthouse sale.
See also
In Spanish: Green Park Inn para niños
