Courtesy of Byron Kane of Waterfall Associates
If North Carolina is on your upcoming itinerary and you want to immerse yourself in culture, consider spending a night or two at Historic Magnolia House. This perfectly restored B&B in Greensboro was originally featured in the Negro Motorist’s Green Book, which listed the gas stations, dining options, and comfortable accommodations that welcomed black travelers during the Jim Crow era. Today, the building stands as a testament to resilience and inclusivity in America’s tumultuous history. Walking through the building’s doors feels like you’ve been transported back in time to a time when black travelers faced racism at every turn. But the building also tells a story of warmth, hospitality, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Originally known as the Magnolia House Motel and later as the Daniel D. DeBatt House, this iconic location opened in 1949. During a time when Black travelers faced discrimination, exclusion, and worse, the business welcomed guests of all backgrounds, and the place served as a refuge for Black leaders, musicians, athletes, and activists, including icons like Tina Turner, who sought refuge from the harsh realities of racism as they traveled across the country.
Today, under the stewardship of Natalie Pass Miller and her husband, Devin Miller, the legacy of Historic Magnolia House lives on. Pass Miller’s father purchased the dilapidated property from the original owners in 1994. When she learned of the property’s incredible history years later, a meticulous restoration project began. Historic Magnolia House has now been lovingly restored to its former glory, ensuring its rich story remains intact for future generations to cherish.
While it’s been updated to meet the needs of modern travelers, of course (think plush bathrobes and walk-in showers), much of its strong history and physical presence remains intact. “As a Green Book Hotel, we made sure to keep the house structurally intact,” explains Paz Miller. “The most popular thing about the house is the staircase, because it’s original except for two planks. When you think of the staircase, you think of all the hands that have touched it. That story lives here.” And elements of the original fireplace and porch, as well as other classic elements reminiscent of homes from the ’50s and ’60s, are also on full display amid an appropriately themed midcentury modern décor.
With four thoughtfully curated rooms that pay tribute to notable past guests, the mansion offers more than just lodging. “Each room has its own unique educational experience,” says Pass Miller. “For example, the Legend Room honors famous athletes who have stayed with us, including Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige. Carlotta is a room that speaks to our Queen of Soul, capturing the energy and essence of legends like Lena Horne, Ruth Brown and Gladys Knight.” There are also rooms dedicated to Black writers and intellectuals who once graced the halls, such as Carter G. Woodson, and a music-inspired space inspired by the friendship between Buddy Gist (son of the hotel’s first owner) and jazz musician Miles Davis. Additionally, the hotel features a restaurant, bar and pavilion event space, making it the perfect venue for weddings, corporate events and more.
“You walk the hallways as James Baldwin, stay in the rooms, dine the way that Baldwin or Louis Armstrong or any of our historical guests did,” Passmiller says. That’s why the hotel isn’t just a hotel, it’s a cultural landmark. An on-site museum showcases that history through immersive VR and AR technology, giving guests a deeper understanding. “There’s a presence here,” Passmiller continues. “You just feel all of the ancestry, the love, the preservation. Our historic preservation technology has made the walls literally speak to you.”
Located 20 minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport, this retreat combines accessibility with serenity, making it the perfect location for those seeking a peaceful retreat steeped in history. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history or the charm of the quaint surroundings, a stay at Historic Magnolia House is an experience like no other; a journey through time where past and present seamlessly intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on all who cross its boundaries.
