Linville Falls Tavern

The Linville Falls Tavern is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion A in the area of social history for its role as a gathering place and center of community life for the residents of Linville Falls and as a stopping place for tourists and visitors traveling through northwestern North Carolina. Constructed in 1936 for C. J. Howell, it is located at the juncture of three North Carolina counties, Avery, Burke and McDowell. The Linville Falls Tavern has served the public as a tavern, restaurant combined with gift shop, service station and store, and as a family restaurant and night club. The property is eligible under Criterion C as a significant local example of the Rustic Revival style as expressed in a commercial building. The tavern is part of a group of Appalachian rustic buildings inspired by A J Downing's principles of landscape and design, Gustav Stickley's Craftsman magazine, and the government rustic style that was prevalent in the region. In addition, it is one of a few surviving commercial rustic buildings in the area. The period of significance extends from 1936, when the building was constructed, to 1950, when the character of the establishment changed due to the ban of alcohol sales in these three counties. - NRHP, 31 October 2000