Posted in North Carolina
April 15, 2022
by Carolyn Harmon
If your senses need rejuvenating, ease into the slow pace of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Surrounded by panoramic views from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, even a trip to the local grocery store is a wonder to behold. But don’t be in a hurry here, as folks come to unwind and relax. Switch gears and welcome the friendly greetings from tourists and townspeople alike. Happiness abounds in this beautiful valley, where a warm cabin awaits your stay.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Morning or night, no matter the season, this breathtaking view greets everyone visiting the valley.
Although the speed limit going through town is pretty slow, you may be stopped by the many elk passing through.
Early birds may want to sit on the porch and await their appearance in the blue morning mist.
Another place to spot them is at the many picnic areas and roadside shelters.
Mary Rathbone Rich Park off of Soco Road, provides a picnic shelter, walking trail, creekside benches, educational signage, and a rain garden.
For a more secluded hike, complete with a waterfall and forested surroundings, check out Soco Falls Trail. Information about the falls is available here.
This 0.2-mile loop trail, taking about five minutes to complete, is considered easy enough for the entire family.
And for breakfast or brunch, try Joey’s, offering good food since the summer of 1966. Their scrumptious pancakes and breakfast casserole are just two reasons it is still in business. For a menu and hours, click here.
Get in line early, as the place fills up fast. Other tasty meals can be found at such eateries as Pop’s Butts On The Creek, Country Vittles Restaurant, and the Maggie Valley Restaurant.
For shoppers, Maggie Valley Mountaineer Crafts is one of the many local options, carrying pottery, natural soy candles, pajamas, home decor, and more importantly fudge.
The area offers a wide array of inventory between its antique stores, gift shops, and furniture galleries.
Maggie Valley Rock Shop is an inside/outside store, where people “mine” rocks, minerals, and crystals from a vast assortment.
It is owned by two best friends from Miami, Florida, who made Maggie Valley their home.
The valley is also very friendly to motorcycle riders, as you will soon see driving through. Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum is a tribute to the history of motorcycles, cars, and other vintage memorabilia, offering veterans a discount.
Well-educated tour guides explain each bike in detail, making this visit a favorite for history buffs. The exciting space features the roaring sounds, smells, and smoke of the exhausts from the bikes as they are started inside.
Are you looking for another way to stretch your legs? Check out the Stompin’ Ground, for old country Bluegrass music, two-stepping, line-dancing, and an evening of family fun. The hall is open every Saturday night from May through October.
A live band fills this country music hall, and a clogging team performs during the evening. Snacks and soda are available, including homemade barbecue, all-beef hotdogs, and candy.
Also look for featured events at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Festival is one of the most popular. For future events, visit the website.
The 2022 Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Shows are scheduled for July 9-10, September 3-4, and October 22-23. Thunder in the Valley is another popular event for motorcycle enthusiasts.
And Maggie Valley in the winter is a site to behold, including the town’s decorations.
Most of the telephone poles are decorated with skis, getting people in the mood.
The Cataloochee Ski Area is right around the corner, offering fun and programs for skiers of every skill level.
And they take their instruction seriously, as the Cataloochee Ski & Snowboard School is a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors.
If sitting is your thing — Tube World is available right off of the main drag.
A ticket offers a one-hour-and-45-minute session, with tubes provided on-site.
Another area of interest is St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, built in 1969.
The late Rev. M. William Murphy was ordained at age 80, as the first priest of this church.
The natural wood and generous windows offer a gorgeous frame to the mountain views and light shining in.
Even if you don’t attend church, stop in for the unique beauty this building showcases.
Enjoy the down-home welcoming spirit from the restaurants to the mountains. Wherever your interests lie, there is something for everyone in Maggie Valley.
Address: Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum, 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Joey’s Pancake House, 4309 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Maggie Mountaineer Crafts, 2394 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Soco Falls parking, US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Cataloochee Ski Area, 1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA