Blowing Rock in Watauga County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Mayview Manor Hotel

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2022

1. Mayview Manor Hotel Marker

Inscription. Mayview Manor was an opulent 138 room, grand hotel, constructed in 1921 by Walter L. Alexander on the cliffs of Blowing Rock overlooking the Johns River Gorge. Its Early Appalachian architecture incorporated locally sourced chestnut, red oak, maple and native rock. The gateway to this grand hotel was located at Laurel Lane and Main Street, adjacent to this marker. The hotel was closed, fell into disrepair, and was demolished in 1978 to make way for a condominium development.

Open from May to September until 1966, Mayview Manor was the destination for well-heeled summer guests, including movie stars and such notables as Annie Oakley, Margaret Mitchell and Woodrow Wilson. One can picture white linen suits and straw hats, golf and horseback riding, horseshow breakfasts with glistening ice sculptures, cocktail parties and ballroom dancing, Mayview Manor was truly the centerpiece of Blowing Rock summers and is a significant part of Blowing Rock's rich history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 36° 7.936′ N, 81° 40.704′ W. Marker is in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Watauga County. Marker is at the intersection of Laurel Lane and Main Street (Business

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U.S. 321), on the right when traveling west on Laurel Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blowing Rock NC 28605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Appalachian Ski Mountain (a few steps from this marker); Sonny's Grill (a few steps from this marker); Tweetsie Railroad (a few steps from this marker); Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show (a few steps from this marker); Blowing Rock's History (a few steps from this marker); Main Street Through the Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Martin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Yonahlossee Theater (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blowing Rock.

Also see . . . Hail to the Queen: Mayview Manor Stood as a Regal Icon of Blowing Rock for Merely Four Decades. Walter Alexander planned big things for the village of Blowing Rock. But first, the town needed a grand inn. (Jon Elliston, WNC Magazine, October 2011) (Submitted on November 21, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2022

2. Mayview Manor Hotel Marker

Mayview Manor Hotel Marker with background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Parker, February 25, 2024

3. Mayview Manor Hotel Marker with background

Items from Mayview Manor displayed at Blowing Rock Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Parker, February 25, 2024

4. Items from Mayview Manor displayed at Blowing Rock Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on February 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 800 times since then and 397 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 16, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on February 25, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.