Located just a few miles from Waynesville, Maggie Valley is a wonderful area worth exploring! Maggie Valley is not so much a town – it is a collection of homes and businesses that flank the highway. Even so, there is still lots to see and do! Here are a few highlights for first-time visitors to Maggie Valley.
Wheels Through Time Museum
The Wheels Through Time Museum is a great place to get lost looking at a unique niche of American motor history. This 50+ year old museum (originally founded in Glen Ellyn, Illinois) boasts the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and “one-off” American automobiles. The museum houses a collection of over 300 rare machines.
Cataloochee Valley
One of the most remote parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this area is rich in mountain history. The area features wildflowers and wildlife including elk, white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkey. Cataloochee features several excellent hiking trails and well-preserved buildings from the early 1900’s. Be sure to fill up with gas before venturing into the valley as there are no modern amenities in the park area.
Elevated Mountain Distilling Company
Elevated Distillery operates in a renovated theater, which creates a very unique layout (highly recommend taking the free tour!). The distillery also hosts food trucks and free music on select weekend evenings. This can be a great way to end a day of exploring!
Fantasy Golf & Game Room
Love mini-golf? This fun 18-hole course features waterfalls and a lighthouse. Additionally, the game room features classic attractions like skee ball and arcade-style games. Make sure to stop and enjoy the magnificent view from the 18th hole tower!
BearWaters Brewing Company Creekside
A recent addition to Maggie Valley, this newly opened location features excellent beer and a gorgeous patio. They are a perfect place to stop and grab a beer and a bite to eat during your exploration of Maggie Valley. While here, be sure to order one of their famous giant pretzels.
Soco Falls
This wonderful double-waterfall is a Maggie Valley treasure. The steep climb down to the bottom is absolutely worth the trip. One note: while the Falls are spectacular, the pull-off and parking is not at all well marked. It is located on the south side of Highway 19, just one mile west of the Blue Ridge Parkway exit.
Start your day with a gourmet breakfast at The Yellow House, our romantic Waynesville bed and breakfast before heading out to explore Maggie Valley. Enjoy an afternoon discovering shops and attractions, and indulge in a meal at one of the fantastic local restaurants. After that, head back to the inn to enjoy wine by the fire in a thoughtfully appointed guest room. Treat yourself or a loved one to a fantastic Western North Carolina getaway and head back with something special to remember our lovely mountain town!
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