Collettsville, North Carolina: House of Mugs

Friendly people at the House of Mugs. They might let you walk through the house if you're nice.

Interesting place. The House of Mugs is about 20 minutes outside Lenoir.

Even the drive to the House of Mugs is beautiful. If you look hard enough you'll find an empty spot for a mug. Or you can get creative.

The House of Mugs is a sight to behold. It's in western North Carolina near the town of Collettsville, on the Johns River. Mr. Sisk is not only a collector, but a decorator. His entire home, including fence and archway, are covered with tens of thousands of coffee mugs. There is a guest book on the porch for visitors to sign, and I heard that if he is home, he invites you in to see the inside, which is also covered. This is a must see. Especially if you like mugs!

The wood frame cabin -- covered, as its name suggests, top-to-bottom in coffee mugs -- sits practically on the banks of the Johns River north of Collettsville. Owner estimates more than 25,000 mugs cover two buildings and fencing around the property. Visitors are welcome to visit year-round and there is a visitor's sign-in sheet on the front porch. Peek through the windows and the entire inside of the building is also covered in coffee mugs. If you can find an empty nail, you can leave a coffee mug, too. [C. Ritch, 06/29/2015]