In Waynesville, Balsam Mountain Inn, one of the jewels of the Blue Ridge, wears its 105 years well thanks to the loving attention of the innkeepers, Kim and Sharon Shailer. Southern Living magazine highlights the inn as one of their favorites.

What a great venue for Songwriter’s in the Round! We happened upon this fantastic dinner show quite by accident. One Saturday evening a month (except January), talented artists come from around the music world to entertain guests of the inn, locals and visitors to the area. Last May Benita Hill, Becky Hobbs and Chas Sanford treated dinner guests to a wealth of original sounds in the intimate setting of the Balsam’s lovely old dining room. We dined family style. Spending the night with guests of the Inn along with local residents, we had a stimulating evening of food, conversation, and spectacular music.

Each of the songwriters introduced their songs with extensive background and history. Songwriters in the Round allowed the listeners to feel up close and personal with the artists as they shared generously about the creative process-the successes and failures. I plan to make this an annual event when I stay at Mystic Mountain Cabin.

In the community of Lake Junaluska, within minutes of Maggie Valley, you’ll find the Corneille Bryan Native Garden. You can easily locate the garden within a short walk of the rose garden on Stuart Circle. Best known for its collection of native vegetation including wild flowers, trees, and shrubs, this little gem can be quickly traversed within minutes or explored for hours.

The conservators of the garden do an excellent job of identifying and tagging the extensive variety of plants. Consequently, the garden provides an easy way to view and identify the native plants of the area. Walking the garden is a great way to begin your study of the beautiful wildflowers of the region. Seeing them in the garden should make identification in the wild a little easier for the novice.

Seasons in a Wildflower Refuge provides an index of all the plants in the preserve and highlights the seasons in the garden. Written by Lake Junaluska residents, Janet Lilley and Linda McFarland, members of the garden committee, the guide will enhance your walk through the garden.

A tour of the Corneille Bryan Garden is an activity that you can squeeze in on a down day. Take along your camera even an amateur photographer like me can find success photographing the jewels of the garden up close and personal.

As always we would love to have you stay with us at Mystic Mountain during your visit to Maggie Valley and the surrounding area.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway rides rated in the top ten in a survey in April’s 2011 issue of American Motorcyclist Magazine. Wayne Busch of America Rides Maps has been detailing these rides for years. Stay in Maggie Valley, NC and all these roads can be on your to do list.

From Maggie you are minutes from the Soco Gap entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 455.7. Head west to the southern entrance/exit of the park way at mile marker 469.1, you will find yourself 2 miles south of Cherokee. Head east from Soco Gap, your first stop should be Waterrock Knob. But, you won’t want to linger too long. This stretch of the Blue Ridge has much to offer including Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the Blue Ridge. At mile marker 417, you’ll find Looking Glass Rock. Mount Pisgah Inn is a must do at mile marker 408. Grab a meal or just pause to take in the view from the “Peak of the Parkway.”

The Cherohala Skyway meanders through the Nantahala National Forest on the North Carolina end of the ride. You’ll enjoy long sweeping curves and spectacular views on this challenging ride. Photo ops are prominently marked along the way. Other than a couple of restrooms along the 36 mile ride, it is pure wilderness so be sure to top off your gas tank. Riding on this $100,000,000 skyway, you won’t be disappointed with views that compete with those of the Blue Ridge. Allow a full day for this ride if you are traveling from Maggie, an 80 minute ride one way. The ride begins out Robbinsville, NC.

You’ll find the Tail of the Dragon adjoining Cherolala Skyway. This challenging 13 mile stretch of road is said to have as many as 318 curves. To protect riders the 55 mile per hour speed limit was lowered to 30 miles per hour in 2005 with stepped up law enforcement on the Tennessee side.

For up to the minute travel information on all of these rides check out America Rides Map. Wayne Busch designs these custom maps to help you plan out the best route and key you into some little known side tours that you won’t want to miss.

If you are looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay with easy access that is always clean and well maintained please check out Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC.

The Problem
When the original 28″ drop-in range bit the dust at our vacation rental, we discovered that the standard 30″ range would not fit in the 28″ opening left behind. That necessitated moving the existing cabinets or replacing them. Since in the original install the sink cabinet was not centered on the window and the sink was not centered in the cabinet, it definitely made sense to update the cabinets before replacing the tired almond colored laminate counters and installing a new free standing range.

The Goals
Our goals were threefold: to refresh the kitchen and improve the footprint, to limit the amount of refuse going into the landfill, and to do all this within a limited budget.

The Solution
To the rescue came Jeana Burnette and the wonderful people at Jennings Builders Supply and Hardware. Jeana understood our desire to work within the existing footprint of our charming country kitchen and salvage whatever we could. Saving the upper oak cabinets which were still looking good was an obvious and easy step to take.

With Jeana’s help we decided to install oak lower cabinets for continuity. Then, we chose a painted finish that would work with the existing tile floor. The Medallion Oak Cabinets in the Seagrass finish were the perfect pick. Retrofitting the new cabinets into the existing footprint and on the recently installed tile floor required an expert carpenter. Jennings definitely had the right man for the job.

Jeana came up with an affordable option to link the upper oak stained cabinets with the lower painted oak cabinets. She suggested adding the wooden doorknobs stained to match the lowers on both upper and lowers. The uba tuba granite tied the entire project together.

We improved the footprint by moving the new energy efficient dishwasher from one side of the sink to the other. The change allows for two people to work in the kitchen now. Much more efficient.

We pride ourselves on providing the best place to relax and enjoy the mountains of Maggie Valley and the surrounding area of Haywood County at an affordable price. Check out our new kitchen and everything else that is great about Mystic Mountain Cabin. We’d love to have you visit with us any time at our Maggie Valley cabin rental.

Although cold weather dominates the days and nights in Maggie Valley and the surrounding area through January and February, you can still find plenty to do in this mountain friendly place.

In the Snow
Cataloochee Ski Area is still in high gear and should continue making snow through March. Cataloochee offers a FREE beginner lesson with all Cataloochee rentals any non-holiday Monday through Thursday, all season long!! This free lesson is for 1 1/2 hours and you should be present 30 minutes prior to your chosen lesson time to sign up! Lesson times run 9:30, 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:15pm. No excuses. Get out there and give it a try.

Looking for a tamer way to enjoy the snow. Check out Tube World. The experts at Cataloochee Ski Area know how to keep the snow in shape for a perfect tubing experience. Because of the carpet lift that takes you back to the top of the run, you get that much more time to spend tubing. With a dedicated Wee Bowl Snowplay area even the tots can enjoy the snow. Tube World will keep you in the snow from the middle of December to the first of March.

Cold Weather Avoidance
Head on out to the historic Biltmore House in Asheville. With admission discounts through to March 31 when ordering tickets online and 7 days in advance plus kids’ 16 and under admitted free through March 31, this is an indoor activity that guarantees to entertain.

Visit us at Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley and ask about winter discounts.

Although you don’t have to be an avid golfer to enjoy the great food at the Pin High Bar and Grille at Maggie Valley Country Club in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, you certainly would be a happy golfer. The front nine of Maggie Valley Club’s 6,500 yard golf course are flat. The back nine provide spectacular views with a rise of up to a 3000 foot elevation. At that elevation you overlook North Eaglenest Mountain, part of the Plott Balsams, a range of the Appalachian Mountains in Haywood County, and less than a mile north of Eaglenest Mountain.

A face lift of the course and the clubhouse was completed in 2009. The clubhouse architecture exemplifies a classic Arts and Crafts style. The pub setting includes well upholstered and comfortable chairs and booths. With lovely views onto North Eaglesnest Mountain in the background, you can’t go wrong with a meal at the Pin High.

We enjoyed a delicious and reasonably priced lunch. My partner ordered the Maggie Valley Club Sandwich for $7.95 which was piled high with the thick cuts of ham, turkey, bacon, swiss or american cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on your choice of bread. I enjoyed the Chicken & Vegetables in Puff Pastry for $7.95 with chicken, celery, carrots, cream sauce wrapped in puff pastry. Although the puff pastry was a little soggy on the bottom the cream sauce was nice and light and the chicken was moist and flavorful. With both of these meals, we enjoyed the traditionally southern sweet tea.

During our next visit to the Pin High we enjoyed a relaxing Sunday brunch. We both ordered the Western Omelette with hash browns and a choice of toast or english muffin. Both the omelette and potatoes were lightly seasoned with butter. In the comfortable atmosphere, the Pin High was a great place to relax and enjoy a leisurely Sunday.

You will be welcomed with or without your clubs at the Pin High Bar and Grille. However, you choose to arrive you will be glad that you did. From Mystic Mountain Cabin, you can take a short hike down to MVCC and the Pin High.

The Winter holidays descend upon Western North Carolina in an intimate, small town tradition. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, you can create holiday memories that will last a lifetime. Here are 5 events you will definitely want to experience.

Christmas at the Biltmore
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC gets decked out for the holidays in early November. With spectacular Christmas trees on display throughout the 250 room chateau, the artistic displays are guaranteed to inspire your creativity and to enliven your spirit. Shop for unique holiday gifts at the Biltmore gift shops. Your day pass also provides access to Antler Village for dining, shopping, and historical exhibits.

Grove Park Inn: “Gingerbread is in the Air”
The Grove Park Inn of Asheville, built during the heyday of the Biltmore Estate, provided accommodations for many of America’s luminaries including William Jennings Bryan and F. Scott Fitzgerald. You won’t want to miss the expansive Great Hall, 120 feet across with 24 foot ceilings and two grand 14 foot fireplaces. At the Inn, the annual national gingerbread house competition highlights the holidays.

“A Night before Christmas” in downtown Waynesville, NC
A fun night in this charming mountain town with hayrides, caroling, live music, Santa, and more. You’ll feel like you have taken a step back in time when you visit Waynesville especially for this celebration. Main Street is closed to cars and the street scene exudes holiday cheer.

All Aboard the Polar Express
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad brings to life the new modern Christmas classic book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. What better way to experience the holidays with your children than traveling to the North Pole to meet Santa. The train departs from Bryson City, NC for a scenic ride through the spectacular Smoky Mountains.

Dance Your Way into the New Year
Join the surge in ballroom dancing and bone up on your moves during a dance camp then end 2010 with a celebration of dance and music. Not interested in the dance camp, you can still reserve a seat and spend your New Year’s Eve at the Crowne Plaza Resort of Asheville enjoying the big band music of the 30s and performances by international dance champions.

Stay with us at Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley to be conveniently located for each of these holiday events.

Holiday Open House
Waynesville, the county seat of Haywood County since 1810, provides a wonderful backdrop for a down home kind of Christmas. The holiday season kicks off on the Sunday before Thanksgiving with a Holiday Open House on Main Street, the quaint shopping district. With the historic buildings and lovely street scene, the Christmas decorations take on a storybook charm.

Here Comes Santa Claus
This year the Christmas parade marches down Main Street on Monday night, December 6 at 6pm. The “Storybook Christmas” theme should inspire originality by non-profits competing for a first place prize of $150 and commercial enterprises competing for a commemorative plaque. An evening procession of lights after dark should mesmorize the parade watchers.

A Night Before Christmas in Downtown Waynesville
Line the streets with hundreds of luminaries. Close down Main Street to make room for the carolers, musicians, and none other than good ole St. Nick. Take a hayride on an old fashioned wagon. This Waynesville tradition is guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages. Join the shopkeepers and Waynesville residents for visiting, shopping and dining on December 11, 2010 until 9 pm.

Stay with us at Mystic Mountain Cabin to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of mountain life during the holiday season.

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Waynesville

It’s a wonderful life in Waynesville. And walking down Main Street during the holiday season you might expect to see George Bailey and his wife Mary sipping a cup of coffee at Pheasant Hill Cafe and Gallery.

More Than 100 Artists Inspired by Nature
Looking for unique gifts for the unexpected surprise on Christmas morning you’ll find it in downtown Waynesville. One of my favorite shops Twigs and Leaves feels as much like an art gallery as a fine gift shop. With 160 artists represented, you will find an original gift that you love in your price range.

Artists in Residence Work Wonders with Clay
While you are out and about, a stop at Burr Studio is a must. Dane, one of the owners and sculptors, can usually be spotted in the shop. Dane never seems to tire of meeting, greeting and sharing one of his many stories. If clay sculpture and pottery are your first love, you will want to visit Burr Studio.

Did You Say Colored Pencils
After visiting T Pennington Art Gallery, you’ll never look at colored pencils in the same way again. Teresa Pennington, self taught artist, documents the spectacular beauty of western North Carolina. This artist considers her talent God given and she certainly is a blessing to the town of Waynesville.

In Haywood County, traveling along historic and scenic Rt 215 leads to the Mount Hardy Gap Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most convenient access to Sam Knob. What a great way to arrive at this hike! The Mt. Hardy Gap Entrance places you at MP 423.2 only 3.2 miles from Sam Knob (MP 420). You will follow Fire Road 816 for about a mile where it ends at a parking lot. After parking, walk towards the end of the paved road to the dirt trail. The trailhead, one of the highest in Western North Carolina, is to your right.

A heads up here on the trailhead. The hiking books that we consulted along with the online sites evaluated this hike as moderate and it was. But, we weren’t looking for a narrow trailhead that started an immediate ascent. The trailhead adjoins Art Loeb Spur, a horse and hiking trail, immediately to the left of Sam Knob Trail. Art Loeb-another great hike for a different day.

Once you start your ascent, the adventure begins. The narrow trail takes you up through an alpine type forest with exotic grasses, raspberry, strawberry and blackberry bushes, and wonderful banks of wildflowers. Just when we were looking for a break in the action, we happened upon this spectacular rock formation where we could sit down and take in the view.

We skipped the last 50 feet to the summit because we hiked quite a ways along Art Loeb Spur by mistake. But, we still enjoyed some very expansive views and were pleased with our decision to hike along the trail to Sam Knob on the Blue Ridge.