Flat Top Manor On The Blue Ridge Parkway In North Carolina Is A Springtime Dream

We say it every year: springtime in the mountains of North Carolina is our most favorite time of year! We’ve found little to compare to the bright hues of the season that return to the landscape and blanket the mountain ranges. One springtime adventure worthy of a stop every year is a visit to Flat Top Manor located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 294 in Blowing Rock.

The estate sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet, affording stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Google/Elizabeth Shank

The grand home built here between 1899 and 1901 by Moses H. Cone contains 13,000 square feet. During hours in which the house is open, you can visit (and take a tour) for free.

TripAdvisor/GMB54

The stunning architectural elements, both inside and out, are an impressive testament to the local craftsmanship of the era. It’s said Cone’s original plans for the home were to cost $25,000 to build - in an era when $200 would build an ordinary (much smaller) home on the same spot.

Google/Sweet T

As impressive as the home is, the real springtime attraction at Flat Top Manor is the view and the many miles of walking paths on the property. The most popular of them begins at the foot of the grand entrance staircase and is called ‘The Figure Eight Trail.’

Google/Jon Scott

The expansive property boasts many additional trails and old carriage paths to explore. The Flat Top Mountain Trail is considerably longer (4.8 miles) and leads through spectacular fields filled with wildflowers. Along the way you’ll see the Cone Cemetery, pass under a stone archway, and reach a four-story fire tower.

Flickr/JR P

Back at the main house, explore local and regional crafts at the gift shop of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, shop for keepsakes in the bookstore, and relax on one of the many rocking chairs on the expansive front porch.

Google/Greg Burch

The National Park Service provides guided tours of the upstairs, where you’ll get a peek at even more of this opulent mansion on the hill.

Google/Thomas Sawyer

Many locals and visitors alike make a springtime visit to Flat Top Manor (Moses Cone Mansion) a regular rite of the season. It’s such a beautiful spot to spend the day, it’s easy to see why!

Google/Tyler Drees

Flat Top Manor at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is operated by the National Park Service. The house is open April 5, 2019 through November 30, 2019. The grounds are open year-round, unless the parkway is closed due to inclement weather. For more information, see this link on the official website of the National Park Service.