About
Travel back in time with the revival of what was once known as Kinston’s Mid-Town Motor Lodge. Originally built by George Dubose of Dubose Realty Company in 1963, in an area known to locals as Mitchelltown, this Motel was intended to accommodate downtown shoppers and automobile travelers from Highway 70 and Route 11 (HWY 11). During the time the Motor Lodge was constructed, there were only two other hotels to accommodate those travelers. Tourists came from all directions to enjoy the food, fair, shopping and shows in Kinston. The town had a thriving economy and parking places were hard to come by on the weekends.
This era is historically known for new rising genres of music and a growth of social changes. A favorite for Kinston in the 60s were big band ensembles that would play in warehouses around town. Talent like James Brown and some of his band even called the Motor Lodge home from time to time after performing a local show. As the years passed, the tobacco and textile industries dwindled, and Kinston saw less and less travelers. The Motel was forced to shut its doors. In the 80s, new ownership and the name change to Kinston Motor Lodge brought in rent-by-the-hour guests. However, it still was not enough to sustain what was once a thriving nightspot.
It has now been revived into the Mother Earth Motor Lodge, named for its sister company Mother Earth Brewing, which was established in 2008 and is located just a few blocks south on Herritage Street. Mother Earth Brewing was only the beginning of what owner Stephen Hill and son-in-law Trent Mooring have envisioned for Kinston. Along with several other downtown trades, Mother Earth Motor Lodge is the second lodging accommodation that Mother Earth Brewing has established.
Mother Earth Motor Lodge offers a total of 44 rooms including standard economy and economy plus, as well as suites to accommodate lengthier stays. Each suite is equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Non-alcoholic beverages, Mother Earth beer, Sercy Spiked & Sparkling, and snacks are available for purchase. The center courtyard features a three-ring pool similar to the original kidney shaped pool, grill and picnic tables, shuffle board and 9-hole mini golf for outside entertainment. Located next to the lobby is The Ram Neuse Room complete with a warming kitchen for hosting catered events and meetings. Mother Earth Motor Lodge also offers group reservations for weddings, reunions, and corporate events.
The Mother Earth Motor Lodge is registered as a National Historic Building by the United States Park Service.
Mother Earth Motor Lodge
501 N. Herritage St.
Kinston, NC 28501
(252)520-2000
www.motherearthmotorlodge.com