Throughout the years the “motor inn” has been a staple of American travel. Blowing Rock is home to several of these iconic properties and three of them are still directly operated by the local families that own them. Quaint, comforting, and bursting with personality, these 3 family-owned and operated Blowing Rock inns run much the same way they have for decades, ensuring guests are met with a familiar face and a warm welcome upon arrival. Offering a nostalgic feel from their downtown locations, each of these inns deliver on their mission – making your trip to Blowing Rock as memorable as can be!
When you come to the mountains, time moves a little slower, the people are a little friendlier, and that extends to your stay as well. In Blowing Rock, we have all kinds of fantastic accommodations, however these family-owned and operated motor lodges offer a bit of nostalgia from a time when road tripping with the family was king. From the hand-picked decor to make your stay a bit cozier to the personal gardens you’ll want to walk in and admire, these properties have felt the love of their local owners for decades.
Alpine Village Inn:
Pulling into the Alpine Village Inn, it won’t be long before you’re greeted by meticulously manicured lawns and a “welcome” by innkeepers Katherine and Charles Smid. Charles’ love of the golf green and the Inn is visible immediately in the landscaping. The Smids are long-time owners and operators of the inn; this Blowing Rock motor lodge has been the landing zone for eager travelers coming or returning to the mountains for generations. “We see familiar faces quite often, and it’s always a treat to welcome back guests who have been visiting us over the years. Sometimes it’s artists returning to their favorite getaway, or visitors just looking for a weekend trip to the mountains. We love catching up with our guests when they come into town,” said Katherine.
Hemlock Inn:
Overflowing with charm and character, the Hemlock Inn is one of Blowing Rock’s most historic lodging options. For well over 100 years, the Hemlock Inn (known prior to 1929 as the Morris House) has been a place for travelers to rest their heads. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the hand-crafted wooden artwork that ornaments the lodge, highlighting the native wildlife found here in the mountains. Owners and Innkeepers Bryan and Donna Summers have been welcoming guests to the lodge for decades. They are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the history of the property, the town, and the many timeless activities that keep folks traveling back to Blowing Rock year after year. Donna reflected with us on the wide range of visitors who have stayed at the inn, even featuring maps in the common area for guests to pin where they’re traveling from, “We’ve seen folks from everywhere, but it’s always special to hear why they choose to come to Blowing Rock.” This one-of-a-kind motor lodge is nostalgia at its best, and it doesn’t take long talking with the family to realize what makes the place so special.
Homestead Inn:
The Homestead Inn in Blowing Rock has been called by many their “home away from home”, and for good reason. Owned and operated by Rob & Caroline Valet, along with the help of their son, Chris, the Homestead Inn captures the best parts of classic Americana travel and provides guests with a modern stay amid a quirky and true to self backdrop. From Rob’s beautifully kept flowers in the garden to Caroline’s personal touch added to every room, your experience at Homestead Inn is one that you won’t forget. With pet-friendly lodging and a wide range of rooms available, the Homestead Inn is way more than your average motor inn. Whether it be Rob, Caroline, or Chris, you’ll be greeted at check-in with a smile and a “Welcome to Blowing Rock!”
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