Built On
Community
The Milner family founded Hellbender Bed and Breakfast in 2020, amidst a global pandemic. Their goal was more than just providing excellent food, drinks, and lodging; they also sought to raise awareness about the indigenous hellbender salamander and its increasingly threatened habitat.
The building itself has been around for nearly a century. William Holshouser began building a lodge in 1928 and opened it as the Sunshine Inn in 1931. Holshouser's daughter, Ethel Burns, took control of the business not long after and ran it until her 1969 retirement. It was renamed “Crippen's Country Inn & Restaurant” in 1994. When the Crippen family moved away, it became “the New Public House & Hotel.”
The Milners have maintained the property's historic charm, without sacrificing modern amenities. Our rooms are designed for maximum comfort, whether you are crashing from a long day of adventures or having a romantic mountain getaway.
Similarly, the Restaurant's menu is a mix of classic and new ideas. Our chefs have created new twists on old favorites, from the smash burger to the collard green melt. The Bar features classic cocktails, thoughtfully crafted seasonal drinks, and a variety of wine and beer, including a rotation of draft beer from local breweries.
