Today we’re visiting a gilded age mansion… an arts and crafts mecca… and a breathtaking park… all easily accessed on America’s favorite drive. Welcome to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.

Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, this park is 3,600 acres of natural beauty, capped off by a gem of American architecture. It’s easy to see why this destination welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Standing majestically atop the estate sits Flat Top Manor – a 23-room, 14,000-square-foot Beaux-Arts style mansion built in 1901 by Moses and Bertha Cone. It featured cutting-edge comforts for its time, including telephones, hot and cold running water, and gas lighting.

Today the Manor is the home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, featuring handmade wares by hundreds of regional artists. The gorgeous works are displayed throughout the first floor. And once you have experienced these incredible creations wrought by humans… it’s time to enjoy the creation wrought by mother nature.

25 miles of gently graded carriage trails from a bygone era are today popular for walking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park features scenic spots like Bass Lake, rolling meadows, and of course, plenty of beautiful mountain views.

Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha were textile magnates. Known as the denim king, Cone built the estate as a retreat and working farm. The property was gifted to the National Park Service in 1949 to preserve it for future generations.

Strolling the grounds in the crisp mountain air, the beauty of nature is a balm for the soul.

With abundant natural splendor, impressive architecture, arts, crafts, and more, you have to see Moses H. Cone Memorial Park for yourself.