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Pink Motel.

Tinkerbell Motel Sign

Field review by the editors.

Cherokee, North Carolina

Cherokee matriarch Lois Queen Farthing opened the Pink Motel in 1953. She wanted it pink because it would prevent the local laundry from mixing up its sheets with the other motels in town. The color spilled over onto its upholstery, tile, and matchbooks.

The appearance of Tinkerbell on the Pink Motel's neon sign seems odd, since the famous fairy is traditionally dressed in green, not pink. But Lois's 11-year-old daughter, Lyna, was a big Peter Pan fan (the Disney film had just come out), and wanted the Tinkerbell image.

Current Pink Motel manager Faye Ludlum ("Miss Faye") told us that the motel is still pink, although mostly in its exterior and bathroom tiles. "And people just love that sign," she said. "They line up to take pictures. We need to put a bucket out there and collect tips."

Tinkerbell Motel Sign

Pink Motel

Address:
1306 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC
Directions:
Pink Motel. On the east side of Tsali Blvd/Hwy 441 about a mile north of downtown.
Phone:
828-497-3530
Admission:
Free
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Wigwam MotelWigwam Motel, Cherokee, NC - < 1 mi.
The Cherokee TraderThe Cherokee Trader, Cherokee, NC - < 1 mi.
Pose with Indians - and Bill the BuffaloPose with Indians - and Bill the Buffalo, Cherokee, NC - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Hatfield-McCoy Dinner Show, Pigeon Forge, TN - 27 mi.

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