Smokies Guide
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Moses Cone Manor: Flat Top Manor on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Whether you know it as Moses Cone Manor, Flat Top Manor, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, or the Parkway Craft Center, this grand estate perched along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains is an architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
Built by textile magnate Moses H. Cone, the estate was bequeathed to the National Park Service and is now maintained as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Today, a visit to Flat Top Manor invites guests to step back into the Gilded Age, explore miles of scenic mountain trails, and admire the handcrafted works of Southern Highland Craft Guild artisans.
🧵 The Legacy of Moses Cone: The Denim King
Moses Cone was a towering figure in the 19th-century American textile industry. He began his career traveling the country as a salesman alongside his brother, Ceasar. Their firsthand knowledge of dry goods and regional trade gave them a strategic edge, leading them to establish manufacturing operations in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The Denim King: Recognizing the demand for durable clothing among mountain residents and laborers, Cone pioneered mass production of high-quality denim. His mills supplied denim to major outfitters—including Levi Strauss & Co.—earning him his famous moniker.
Beyond his immense business success, Moses Cone was a generous philanthropist who invested heavily in Western North Carolina’s land, agriculture, and community.
🏛️ Architectural Majesty: Flat Top Manor
Finished in 1901, Flat Top Manor takes its name from nearby Flat Top Mountain. Designed in the classic Colonial Revival style, the majestic 13,000-square-foot mansion features:
- 23 Grand Rooms spread across multiple levels.
- Sweeping Wraparound Porches framed by iconic white columns.
- Ornate Details, including leaded glass windows, decorative dormers, and historic period finishes.
Surrounding the estate are 3,500 acres of meticulously designed grounds featuring two man-made lakes, lush apple orchards, and over 25 miles of gentle, gravel carriage trails that remain popular today for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
🎨 Parkway Craft Center & Guild Exhibits
Flat Top Manor is home to the Parkway Craft Center, operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Drawing over 200,000 visitors annually, the manor serves as a vibrant cultural hub where guests can experience regional artistry firsthand:
Watch Daily Craft Demonstrations
See master artisans practice traditional mountain crafts live, including woodworking, weaving, pottery, and glassblowing.
Shop Handmade Goods
Browse a curated shop featuring fine Appalachian crafts, unique jewelry, handmade textiles, and artisan home decor created by Guild members.
Tour the Estate
Walk through the historic first-floor rooms of the mansion and learn about the rich history of the Cone family and the ongoing estate restoration.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Located directly off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 294, Moses Cone Manor is an ideal stop for history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fans of regional arts and crafts.
💡 Visitor Information & Details
Address: 667 Service Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 294)
Phone: (828) 295-7938
Learn More: Blue Ridge National Heritage Area - Moses Cone Manor