Former Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant located at 2021 East Spring St. in Cookeville,TN. The motor lodge is currently operating under the name Alpine Inn & Suites with the restaurant currently occupied by a mexican restaurant operating under the name Fiesta Cancun Mexican Grill. The motor lodge is hands down one of the most intact Howard Johnson's locations left in the Country. The family which operates the Alpine Inn are the ORIGINAL owners of the Howard Johnson's and are very proud of their property keeping its original features yet keeping updated with the times. Each room retains their original "pamper panels" which were bedside switches that lit up lights around the room with the push of a button. Another notable feature was each room throughout the property still having their own private patio one of many features unique to the Howard Johnson's chain. The interior of the gate lodge is still largely intact even the "rapid reservation" booth remains although local, tourist guides have been put in the place of the HJ directories. The restaurant on site which has been occupied by a number of restaurants over the years still has its eye-catching signature orange roof. The restaurant has been renovated over the years although their are a few holdovers most notably the copper hoods and modified dairy bar decor which now serves as the mirrored backdrop which now reflects the liquor bottles on display. I would like to personally thank Martina and her son Peter for their excellent hospitality and rich knowledge of the Howard Johnson's chain! I should note that due to limited space the gate lodge will be demolished on November 1st 2016 and replaced with a larger guest lobby. Both Martina and her son Peter were very hesitant to get rid of their iconic gate lodge but decided it was for the better as the structure was becoming dated and succumbing to weather related damage over the years.
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