Visit The Friendliest Town In North Carolina The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up
By Carolyn Harmon|Updated on March 31, 2023(Originally published March 26, 2023)
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
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. No matter how long you’re there, you’ll quickly agree that Maggie Valley is the friendliest town in North Carolina.
Morning or night, no matter the season, this breathtaking view greets everyone visiting the valley.
Mary Rathbone Rich Park off of Soco Road, provides a picnic shelter, walking trail, creekside benches, educational signage, and a rain garden.
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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 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.
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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.
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.
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, the friendliest town in North Carolina. Curious to take a tour of beautiful Maggie Valley? Watch the brief drone video below, and we bet you’ll be planning your trip in no time!
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More to Explore
friendliest town in North Carolina
Beth C. |March 31, 2023
What are some other charming small towns to visit in North Carolina?
North Carolina has no shortage of delightful small towns to enjoy. In addition to Maggie Valley, there are plenty of other charming towns to visit in North Carolina, including any of the following:
New Bern -- a charming coastal town that dates back to 1710
Boone -- close to natural wonders like Grandfather Mountain, Elk Knob State Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Bath -- home to beautiful churches and other historic buildings
Hillsborough -- ranked as one of the coolest towns in the U.S.
Beaufort -- a lovely seaside town that's as pretty as a postcard
Saluda -- a small mountain community less than 50 miles outside of Asheville
Blowing Rock -- a picture-perfect downtown near the mountains
What are the best natural wonders you can hike to in North Carolina?
North Carolina is home to so many natural wonders, it's nearly impossible to list them all! That being said, there's one unique natural wonder that you can hike to in North Carolina. For this adventure, we're headed into the heart of Pisgah National Forest to Pink Beds Trail Loop. This natural wonder is seasonal; it's a collection of beautiful wildflowers! The best time to take this trail is in late May or early June. Learn more about this beautiful view you can hike to in North Carolina -- and don't forget to bring your camera!
