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
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.
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Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s and he Mountains in the High Country. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 30, 2022
2. Mayview Manor Hotel Marker
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 Mark Parker, February 25, 2024
3. Mayview Manor Hotel Marker with background
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 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 3,397 times since then and 343 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.
