Maggie Valley: Fall roads, skiing and homes away from home

In the heart of the Smokies lies Maggie Valley, a quaint mountain delight that sprang up to cater to visitors and still rolls out the welcome mat to traveling tourists.

The town is an epicenter of old-time mountain fun, from family restaurants and fine dining to foot-stomping Appalachian song and dance to putt-putt, elk-spotting and some of the best snow skiing in the South.

From spring to autumn, the valley is also packed with motorcyclists from around the country, who come to traverse the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, motor through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy the camaraderie of other riders who make annual treks to Maggie to visit the Wheels Through Time Museum. The Museum is among the highlights of a visit to Maggie, featuring a world-class collection of historic motorcycles and some cars. Most of the motorcycles are still in running condition. The museum has been featured in dozens of television shows and magazine articles.

Maggie herself, the town's eponymous early resident, became its namesake when her father realized that the hamlet must be named to have a much-desired post office. After submitting the names of his daughters — Maggie, Cora and Mettie — the postmaster settled on Maggie, and in 1904, a town was born.

Maggie left the valley for Texas at 17, but her image and namesake live on in the bonneted silhouettes that adorn the town, welcoming visitors to the mountain way of life. A volunteer dressed as Maggie still roams the town's sidewalks, welcoming visitors and posing for pictures.

Speaking of Maggie traditions, don't miss out on a visit to Joey's Pancake House. It only serves breakfast, but it's a hearty meal served up by a staff that knows how to treat their customers. Don't be put off if there's a line out the door — which there usually is on weekends — it moves fast and there's complimentary coffee while you wait.

From a tiny tourist hamlet to a bustling resort town, Maggie Valley has burgeoned into a scenic getaway with something for everyone.

With a full schedule of festivals and and the sprawling Blue Ridge mountains on its doorstep, Maggie Valley offers an idyllic taste of mountain hospitality all year long.

Attractions

• Appalachian Amusement Center — If you're not exactly ready for skydiving but you're still in the mood for some heart-stopping adventure, how about an indoor sky dive? A vertical column of air will blow you horizontal as you simulate the breathtaking feeling of flight. Flight instruction is offered. The tunnel will open in the summer. Call for more information or to schedule a session. 49 Adventure Park. 828.926.WIND.

• Cataloochee Ranch — Cabins, horse stables, a grand old lodge and restaurant, all atop a 5,000-foot mountain — sound like a wilderness fantasy? It's exactly what you'll find here, where the vistas are stunning and the atmosphere is as collegial as a campfire with old friends. Those who are not staying at the ranch are invited to join staff and visitors for evening cookouts, and you might even hear some local storytelling if you're lucky. 11 Ranch Dr. 828.926.1401.

• Cataloochee Valley and the elk — Elk again roam free in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside the valley, thanks to a re-introduction program. To find the majestic creatures, follow U.S. 276 north out of town and hang a left on White Oak Road, just before I-40, then another left onto Cove Creek Road. Follow signs into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a half hour ride with some steep gravel sections, so take care. Dusk is the best bet for guaranteed sightings, but please, stay away from the elk. They have antlers for a reason.

• Maggie Valley Opry House — Legendary banjo picker Raymond Fairchild can be found at the Opry House each summer, plying his trade. The venue seeks to be a guardian of the culture and music of Appalachia, and great mountain music is on tap nightly. The House opens at 8 p.m. nightly through October. 3605 Soco Rd. 828.648.7941.

• Stompin' Grounds — To see Appalachian dancing at its finest, visit the "Clogging Capitol of the World." This loose-tap dance style finds its roots here, and combines the drama of Irish dance and the down-home fun of mountain bluegrass. Home of the Clogging World Championships. 3116 Soco Rd. 828.926.1688.

• Wheels Through Time Museum — For a definitive history of the motorcycle in America, look no further than this unique museum. With 250 rare and vintage American bikes, it is the largest collection in the world. Don't miss that rarest of bikes, the Traub, and make sure you ask for its story, too. 62 Vintage Lane. 828.926.6266.

• Maggie Valley Club — Once the Maggie Valley Country Club, this resort offers golfing, dining and resort living in a newly renovated atmosphere. For information call 866.659.4725, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.maggievalleyclub.com.

Dining & Nightlife

• Cataloochee Ranch — Cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays, family-style dining other nights. Call for reservations, daily menus. 119 Ranch Dr. 828.926.1401.

• Country Deli — Great meal made from scratch food at a good price. 3445 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley (in Market Square Plaza). 828.944.0316.

• Diamond K Dance Ranch — Classic and Top 40 country music and dance shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Snack bar, pool tables, game room. No alcohol. 4027 Soco Rd. 828.926.7735.

• Frankie's Italian Trattoria — Italian food with pizza and seafood. 1037 Soco Road. 828.926.6216.

• Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant — Mexican food and monster margaritas. 3422 Soco Rd. 828.928.7777.

• Hurley's Creekside Dining and Rhu Bard — Fine dining with indoor seating and outdoor creekside tables. 4352 Soco Rd. 828.926.1566

• J. Arthur's Restaurant — Great steaks, pasta, trout, cheesy French onion soup. 2843 Soco Rd. 828.926.1817.

• Joey's Pancake House — Traditional breakfast fare. 828.926.0212

• Legend's Sports Grill — 22 TVs for all your sporting needs, an arcade room for the kids, American fare including burgers, wings and wraps. 3865 Soco Rd. 828.926.9464.

• Maggie Valley Opry House — Home of legendary banjo picker Raymond Fairchild. Nightly bluegrass and traditional mountain music. 3605 Soco Rd. 828.926.9336.

• Maggie Valley Resort & Country Club — Golf resort with upscale restaurant. Wine, beer, mixed drinks available. 1819 Country Club Dr. 828.926.1616.

• Moonshine Grill — Wood-fired Angus steaks, fresh seafood dishes and more. 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 828.926.7440.

• Rendezvous Restaurant and Bar — Modeled after an old hunting lodge, the restaurant feature American fare including fish and steaks. Live music on the weekends. 70 Soco Rd. 828.926.0201.

• Salty Dog's Seafood & Grill — A family restaurant also well known as a biker hangout. 3567 Soco Rd. 828.926.9105.

• Smacker's Sports Grill — American favorites like cheeseburgers and chicken fingers. Plus they say it's haunted. 2651 Dellwood Rd. 828.926.0999.

• Snappy's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Family dining featuring Italian dishes. 2769 Soco Rd. 828.926.6126.

• Starvin' Marvin's Trout House — Open daily except Monday. Casual and family friendly. 11214 Soco Road. 828.926.6465.

• Stompin' Ground — Barn-like dance hall with staff dancers and musicians. Often hosts dance competitions. No alcohol. 3116 Soco Rd. 828.926.7767.

• The Swag — Located just outside Maggie Valley this upscale conservation refuge and inn offers gourmet dining by reservation only for outside guests. 2300 Swag Rd. 800.789.7672.

• Tiki House Seafood and Oyster Bar — Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Family restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. 828.944.0445.

Visitor Center

• Maggie Valley Convention Bureau and Visitors Center is located along Soco Road (U.S. 19) in Maggie Valley. If coming west into Maggie Valley, the visitor center is on the left. 828.926.1686 or www.maggievalley.org.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 4280 Soco Rd. 828.926.0679.

• Haywood County Library — Public access to the Internet is available at all locations in one-hour time slots and on a first come, first served basis. Wireless service is available. Open Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 3987 Soco Rd. (Town Hall) 828.926.0461, ext. 6.

• Urgent Care — There are two Urgent Care centers, one located behind Haywood Regional Hospital on Leroy George Drive in Clyde, which is open seven days a week, and a second at 556 Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville, which is open Monday through Friday. All patients are seen on a walk-in basis. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, call the Urgent Care Center at 828.452.8354 or Urgent Care West at 828.452.8890.