Princess Motel
Curious about the fate of a once-thriving roadside attraction? The virtual tour below offers a 360-degree panoramic look around the Princess Motel in western North Carolina, giving urban explorers an immersive glimpse into this eerie piece of forgotten history.
Cracked windows, overgrown vines, and towering trees suggest nature has been at work here for quite some time. How many years of abandonment would it take for the forest to weave its way through every nook and cranny, silently reclaiming the Princess Motel?
Click here to view it in fullscreen.
About the abandoned motel in North Carolina
Nestled along the historic Highway 19 in Cherokee, North Carolina, the Princess Motel stands as a haunting reminder of days long gone. Abandoned and forgotten, this once-vibrant establishment now evokes a sense of mystery and nostalgia. In this blog post, we will uncover the intriguing history of the Princess Motel, exploring its origins, its years of operation, and the stories that surround its abandonment. The Princess Motel, a charming roadside accommodation, was built in the mid-20th century, during the golden age of motels in the United States. Its unique construction can be seen as it looks like it was designed around nature, when it was established to cater to travelers exploring the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the cultural richness of Cherokee.
For several decades, the Princess Motel served as a haven for weary travelers seeking rest and comfort. Its doors welcomed tourists, families, and adventurers, providing them with a cozy place to stay while they explored the surrounding attractions. However, as the years passed, the motel’s popularity waned, and it eventually ceased operations. While specific details about the motel’s ownership are shrouded in mystery, locals recall the Princess Motel as a family-owned business that was run with warmth and hospitality. Though the names of the original owners have faded from public memory, the legacy of the Princess Motel lives on in the memories of those who once stayed within its walls.
Today, the Princess Motel stands in eerie silence, its rooms empty and its neon signs dimmed. Nature has begun to reclaim the space, with vines creeping up the walls and wildflowers blooming in the once-bustling courtyard. The reasons behind its closure remain unknown, adding to the motel’s mystique. Some speculate economic challenges or bad management, while others will say it was the nearby casino.
While the Princess Motel may now be a shadow of its former self, it serves as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Cherokee. The town continues to thrive, embracing its rich heritage and welcoming visitors from around the world. As you stroll along Highway 19, take a moment to glance at the abandoned Princess Motel and let your imagination wander, envisioning the lively days when it was the heart of roadside hospitality.
The Princess Motel in Cherokee, North Carolina, stands as a poignant reminder of the passage of time. Its abandoned state ignites curiosity and sparks the imagination, inviting us to delve into the stories of the past. While the motel’s doors may no longer open to guests, its legacy endures, woven into the fabric of Cherokee’s history. As we reflect on the Princess Motel’s journey from bustling roadside inn to abandoned relic, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring allure of forgotten places.
The area is home to several abandoned hotels or motels such as the Cool Valley Motel and while others have recently been demolished and now used as dirt parking lots for the casino in the heart of town. If you liked this blog post, you might also like to explore the Little Cataloochee Baptist Church in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Strawn Historic Citrus Packing House District in Central Florida, or the abandoned theme park the Ghost Town Village also in North Carolina.
A 360-degree panoramic image in front of the abandoned Princess Motel in North Carolina.
Welcome to a world of exploration and intrigue at Abandoned in 360, where adventure awaits with our exclusive membership options. Dive into the mysteries of forgotten places with our Gold Membership, offering access to GPS coordinates to thousands of abandoned locations worldwide. For those seeking a deeper immersion, our Platinum Membership goes beyond the map, providing members with exclusive photos and captivating 3D virtual walkthroughs of these remarkable sites. Discover hidden histories and untold stories as we continually expand our map with new locations each month. Embark on your journey today and uncover the secrets of the past like never before. Join us and start exploring with Abandoned in 360.
Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
Click on a state below and explore the top abandoned places for urban exploring in that state.
You might also like
