The Discovery
The photo of this unassuming member of the orchid family was captured as it passed it’s prime. I would like to say that I recognized it for the rare beauty that it is. But, when my companion pointed it out to me, I photographed it because it was a wildflower we had never seen in several years of hiking.

Interesting Facts
So what makes the Pink Lady’s Slipper and it’s cousin the Yellow Lady’s Slipper rare? These orchids must be cross pollinated by bees, usually bumblebees. They exude a sweet smell and sport vein-like lines. The lines work like airport runways directing the bees into the small opening in the pink pouch. Although once inside the bee picks up the material needed for pollination, there is no reward there for the insect. So the bees have little incentive for entering the plants. Consequently, fewer than 5% of these beauties ever get pollinated. Of the 5% that do produce mature fruit, the seeds are tiny and have difficulty finding the right conditions for growth.

The Pink Lady’s Slipper is the only Lady’s Slipper that flowers from two lily-like base leaves on a leafless stalk.

Habitat
You’ll find these beauties from April through July in dry woods under the pines and oaks of the Great Smokies. We found this solitary Lady’s Slipper along Bradley Fork Trail.

If you happen upon this extraordinary orchid, please look and photograph but do not touch. Take care when approaching these plants for inspection or photography. These beauties do not survive attempts at transplantation. Removing the plants from the national parks is illegal.

For excellent accommodations and convenient access to this hike and all the fun of Haywood County please stay with us at Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC.

Haywood County and the surrounding area provide opportunities for shopping that take visitors away from the traditional shopping malls and chain restaurants. Shopping for one of a kind gifts and souvenirs while lunching at unique local restaurants, you will rediscover the joys of hunting for that perfect acquisition. As an added bonus, you will in many cases be able to buy American and definitely will contribute to a thriving downtown economy.

Waynesville

In Waynesville, you never had it so good when it comes to shopping for unique items. You’ll find handcrafted treasures on Waynesville’s Main Street. Make sure to stroll up to Persnickety’s Collectibles and Consignment at 145 South Main just 2 blocks west of Mast General Store. When you leave Persnickety’s stop next door at Women in the Moon for unique gifts and jewelry. Then, take a walk across the street to explore Blue Ridge Books and sample their pastries.

But, don’t stop there. Check out the Hazelwood shopping district where you will find the Hazelwood Soap Company, a family owned business that provides the finest natural soaps and lotions around. The women in your life will not be disappointed with a gift from here. A few doors down from the Soap Company you will find Cackelberry Mountain Gift Shop. Cackelberry supplies quality products for the home in an inspiring environment.

Then head on down to the Frog Level for a great cup of coffee at Panacea Coffee Company. As their website testifies: “home of some of the best single-origin, artisan-roasted coffee the world has to offer.” Make sure to stroll through Leapin’ Frog Gallery while your lunch is being prepared. You are sure to find a treasure or two.

Maggie Valley

Meander through the valley and you will find handcrafted items in shops like the Pottery Drummer or novelty gifts in Maggie Mountaineer Crafts. Cabbage Rose is another well established shop that keeps customers coming back. You will not want to miss Smokey Mountain Gifts & More, one of my favorite stops. Plan to enjoy a great meal at J. Arthur’s or choose award winning baby back ribs at the Bar-B-Que Shak.

So if you are tired of the same old shopping experience of malls and strip shopping centers, plan a long weekend in Haywood County. Plan to stay in surroundings that will help you escape the pressures of the everyday and slip back into a world of down home country warmth. We would love to have you stay with us at Mystic Mountain while enjoying the best that Haywood County has to offer.

We can’t get enough of the natural beauty of the Great Smokies, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pisgah. Maggie Valley and the surrounding area is a great place to call home, a second home. Mystic Mountain provides us and our guests with a special time to relax, explore, and connect with the natural world.

To make the time spent in between exploring as comfortable as possible Mark and I like to make regular updates to this wonderful mountain getaway. 2011 was a time for numerous updates. The year began with kitchen updates.

Then in the fall we brought an updated sofa into the living room. We find it a great place to sit back, relax, and reflect on our day. A comfy sofa makes a fire in the fireplace just a bit more cozy. Book a visit now and get to see the beauty and enjoy the comfort at Mystic Mountain.

To get the most out of your vacation days advance planning is essential fun. Enhance the time spent daydreaming about your upcoming trip by reviewing these helpful travel websites.

Area Information
A very active and well maintained website, Welcome to Maggie Valley, developed by the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, provides a wealth of information that is updated daily. This website provides local weather reports along with links to live webcams and a critical events calendar. It also provides tips for hikes, scenic drives, and entertainment within minutes of downtown Maggie.

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority provides an extensive overview of activities in the Maggie Valley area. Developed locally by people in the know, it links to activities that are off the beaten path as well as information about the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and local waterfalls.

Guided Hikes
A visit to Maggie Valley/Waynesville would not be complete without a visit to see the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Cataloochee Valley Tours will take you there. April through October the valley is host to a variety of natural beauty. Along with the elk you can see unique wildflowers and birds in April and May and the show of the synchronous fireflies in May and June.

Motorcycle Tours
For motorcyclists or for anyone who wants to find great loop tours in the valley check out America Rides Maps. Wayne Busch, “The Map Guy,” has covered thousands of miles to develop maps that take riders on the most scenic and challenging rides in the area. The website provides custom designed maps, tutorials, and links to Wayne’s blog.

Fly Fishing
For beginners to experience fishermen, the people at Waynesville Fly Shop are your connection to successfully fishing the Haywood County area.

This nationally maintained website Trails.com should be a go to for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With detailed information on trail heads and maps for hikers, bicyclists, campers, scenic drivers, Trails.com is an essential resource for planning a visit to Haywood County.

Despite being located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Marker 458.2, you might say Heintooga Ridge Road is off the beaten trail. Found near the entrance of the Parkway from the North Carolina end, Heintooga Ridge Road links the Blue Ridge with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

During our outing we encountered three elk who had wandered over from the Cataloochee side of the park. Grazing along the side of the ride, the elk provided a great photo opportunity. Along with the elk, a flock of wild turkeys were foraging along the roadside.

After taking advantage of the roadside photo op, we continued on to Flat Creek Trail to take in the view of the Smokies from Heintooga Overlook. The overlook is situated just a few yards from the parking area. The trail head has a lovely picnic area with numerous tables plus a well-maintained convenience station. The overlook has two comfortable benches to enjoy the view. Sunsets and sunrises would be spectacular. The birding opportunities are some of the best in the area with a chance to see Broad-winged Hawk; Ruffed Grouse; Black-billed Cuckoo; Northern Saw-whet Owl; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Least Flycatcher.

Max Patch is a hike that should be on every visitor’s to-do list. The novice hiker has the option of an easy to moderate 1.4 mile loop with a magnificent payoff. The summit affords the hiker 360 degree long range views. If you are looking for more of a challenge, there is a wider loop that encompasses 2.6 miles of trail. Finally, the experienced hiker can choose the Cherry Creek Trail/Appalachian Trail Loop. All trails lead to the summit for a panoramic experience you will not forget.

A bald, Max Patch, is covered by beautiful native grasses. A mystery to scientists, these balds are a conundrum. The moderate climates should support heavy tree growth but none exists. However, this lack of trees at the summit results in tremendous views and a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Hiking Max Patch takes you into the Pisgah National Forest by way of Interstate 40 west when coming from Maggie Valley, NC. Take exit 7 to access Cold Springs Creek Road and turn to your right. A hundred yards down Cold Springs Creek Road ends and becomes F.R. (Fire Road) 148, a gravel road. Travel 6.1 miles to S.R. 1182. At this writing the sign marking the left turn onto S.R. 1182, Max Patch Road, is down so keep track of your mileage. S.R. 1182 ends at the parking lot, a 2 mile ride.

In and around Haywood County birders will find three excellent viewing opportunities.

Devil’s Courthouse Trail, located near Milepost 422.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, provides an opportunity to view the Peregrine Falcon, Alder Flycatcher, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. The .4 of a mile hike to a rocky outcrop at 5,720 feet is very steep but short. The long range views are spectacular. The best time for birding is late spring through early summer. You’ll find details of this hike on this page at Trails.com.

Heintooga Spur Road is located on a spur of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Wolf Laurel Gap (Milepost 458.2). In this spruce fir and hardwood forest, you will find a variety of species common to elevations of 3,800 to 5,400 feet. For a list of the birds and hiking details check out this page at Trails.com. The best viewing takes place between mid-April to mid-October.

If you are searching for Golden-winged Warblers and Least Flycatchers, Max Patch Road and Bald provides an excellent environment for these species. Located off Interstate 40 at exit 7, an easy hike takes you to the top of the bald. The 360 degree long range views entice you to sit and stay awhile so bring a blanket and a snack. Although the views are always worth the trip, the birding opportunities are best between mid-April and June. See details of this hike on this page at Trails.com.

Need a place to stay? Check out Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC within 30 minutes of each of these locations. The front porch is a great place to sit back and watch the birds come to you.

In Western North Carolina, Fall puts on a beautiful show. In Haywood County there are fabulous overlooks on the Blue Ridge and wonderful hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest.

But, if you just want to kick back, relax and enjoy Fall’s splendor from a rocking chair porch, Mystic Mountain Cabin is the perfect place to do that.

The views surround the house and you can enjoy the beauty from every room.

If and when you feel rested up enough, there are several wonderful hikes within walking distance of the cabin. Hike up to a small waterfall that cascades along a wooden staircase to the water’s source.

Or take a hike up Creekside to the top of Killian Knob to overlook Maggie Valley.

The road to Cataloochee Valley can be intimidating. While totally doable, the ride takes you from the valley floor on the Jonathan Creek side of Haywood County, NC, up and over Cataloochee Mountain by way of a gravel road, and down the other side to the floor of Cataloochee Valley.

Cataloochee Valley Tours offers a better way. Not only do they provide transportation but also provide a tour conducted by a University of Florida certified naturalist. Cataloochee has much beauty to behold. That beauty can only be enhanced through the perspective of an expert on the valley, its inhabitants, and its history.

Every season has something special to offer. Check out the schedule of activities that vary with the time of year.

Food Network television personality and restaurateur Paula Deen has brought her southern cooking style to Cherokee, NC at Paula Deen’s Kitchen. The restaurant, although large, provided comfortable seating along with the charm of sitting under the gazebo of a Carolinian back porch.

Since we arrived in the off season and within minutes of the dinner seating, we were escorted to our table right away. However, guests started to arrive early and reservations are recommended.

With our beverages, we sampled Paula’s cheese biscuits which were tasty. We both enjoyed Paula’s distinctive potato salad and her cole slaw from the basic salad bar. I ordered off the menu – the pot roast. The wait for the meal was longer than I anticipated. However, the serving was ample and the meat was fork tender. Served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, the roast and veggies were in a tasty gravy that was lighter than I anticipated. My dinner companion chose the buffet. He enjoyed the meat loaf and the fried chicken. For dessert, I tried the apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. Again, a much longer wait for this dessert than one would have expected. My husband enjoyed one of the best brownies ever from the buffet.

There seems to be a lot of disappointment with Paula’s restaurant at many of the review sites. Let’s hope her team is keeping an eye on these. Check out Trip Adviser for additional comments. We arrived at the restaurant after a lovely hike along Bradley Fork Trail so we were hungry. After years of traveling around the area, we have learned to accept a different level of performance from the restaurants. Although most restaurants have some tasty items on their menus, it is usually hit and miss.

If you are interested in visiting Cherokee and Paula’s Kitchen, Mystic Mountain Cabin is only 15 minutes away in Maggie Valley, NC.