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.

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.

With a 46 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing Haywood County, the county boasts the highest and most natural elevations. Access to the parkway at 4 points throughout Haywood County provides the opportunity to complete your choice of 4 loop tours.

Maggie Valley Loop
If your time is limited, the Maggie Valley Loop can be completed in as little as an hour. To access the Maggie Valley entrance to the parkway at Milepost 455.7, Soco Gap, you will cruise through Maggie with its unique gift shops and craft stores highlighting the work of local artisans. Grab a homemade meal from a local restaurant. No chain restaurants here.

The Maggie Valley 19 Loop will take you past Waterrock Knob known for its spectacular sunsets and panoramic views. Along with a short but moderate hike to the crest of the knob, this stop along the Blue Ridge pleases both hikers and non-hikers alike. Exit at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1.

Waynesville 276 Loop
The Waynesville Loop includes the most views and hikes on the Haywood County section of the Blue Ridge. And with a short backtracking to Milepost 408.6, you can visit the Pisgah Inn not only a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal but another panoramic vista. For hikers, from the Inn you are only minutes from the trail that takes you on a moderate hike to the top of Pisgah Mountain.

The drive to the Blue Ridge entrance takes you through historic downtown Waynesville, the county seat, founded in 1810. Plan to take a stroll down Main Street. Access the Waynesville Loop from 276 South at Milepost 412.2, Wagon Road Gap, and exit the Parkway at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1. This 30 mile ride along the Blue Ridge provides a number of scenic views and hikes. Keep your eyes peeled for Looking Glass Rock Overlook(MP 417), Graveyard Fields Overlook (MP 418.8), Sam Knob Trail(MP 420), Devil’s Courthouse Trail (MP 422.4) and Haywood-Jackson Overlook (MP 431).

Canton/Clyde 215 Loop
Begin this tour at the Mt. Hardy Gap Entrance at Milepost 423.2 off N.C. 215. Take note that N.C. 215 itself is a heritage scenic byway. Along this part of the parkway, you will not want to miss the Haywood-Jackson Overlook. This overlook adjoins the Haywood Balsam hike that takes you to the highest elevation overlook on the parkway at 6053′. This fairly easy hike goes from 6020′ to 6053′. Exit at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1.

Your route to Mt. Hardy Gap will take you through the historic town of Clyde which boasts the Shook House Museum. In downtown Canton, you will find some fun shops and restaurants to get a bite before you begin your ride.

Maggie Valley/Waynesville Loop
Beginning in Maggie Valley at the Soco Gap entrance at Milepost 455.7and exiting at Milepost 412.2, this is the longest loop and all inclusive of the others. You could easily make this a day long drive starting with breakfast in Maggie and a tour of a few of the shops.

Make stops at Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451) for a near 360 degree view, Haywood-Jackson Overlook (Milepost 431) for the highest elevation views, and end with the breath taking views of Looking Glass Rock Overlook. Complete your tour with lunch or dinner at a local restaurant in Waynesville.

J. Arthur’s rustic charm outside duplicated inside with a massive stone fireplace in the main dining room reinforces the fact that you are on vacation in the Great Smokies.

The hungry souls lining up outside J. Arthur’s in Maggie Valley for the early bird specials are indicative of the great meal ahead. We certainly were not disappointed. Daily from 5pm to 6pm, the restaurant offers an early bird menu with your choice of beef, chicken and seafood entrees. The special includes soup or salad, main course, a choice of one vegetable, dessert and a beverage.

Although the salad was uninspired, the mixed lettuce was crisp, cold and fresh and was topped by a delicious locally grown tomato wedge. Since we are always partial to a honey mustard dressing, we did not try their signature Gorgonzola dressing. The London Broil priced at $12.99 arrived a delicate pink as requested with a lovely and light mushroom glace. The fresh mixed vegetables were perfectly crisp tender and delicious. The Prime Rib, the $16.99 main course, done to a light pink was melt in your mouth tender. The baked potato was fresh and tasty with the typical butter and sour cream on the side. A pineapple bread pudding topped off the traditional meal perfectly. Just sweet enough with the fresh whipped cream topping.

The main dining room was comfortable. The atmosphere was family friendly with an electric train running around the base of the vaulted ceilings trimmed in wood timbers. Our server was courteous, attentive, and efficient. J. Arthur’s Early Bird Special was a great deal and certainly will be added to our list of favorites in Haywood County.

Haywood County provides fertile grounds for a group of artists with diverse talents from mountain music to concert music to live theater. You will want to schedule time to experience one or several of these live performances.

Mountain Music
Mountain music has been in the heart and soul of Haywood County since before the Revolutionary War.

In Canton, there’s “Pickin’ in the Park,” held outdoors each Friday night at the Canton Recreation Park from May through September.

In Maggie Valley, from April through October, each night Tuesday through Saturday, there’s music and dance at the Stompin’ Ground, known as the “Clogging Capital of the World.”

There’s bluegrass music at the Maggie Valley Opry House nightly April through October.

Every other Friday July 4th through August, downtown Waynesville closes off part of its Main Street to have square dancing and old-time music.

The Haywood Community Band

If you are in Maggie at the Maggie Pavilion on the third Sunday evening at 6:30 P.M. from May through October, you are in for a musical treat. The Haywood Community Band performs a varied repertoire including music from Cole Porter, Johann Straus and John Philip Sousa. You can catch them at other venues throughout Haywood County during their performance season.

The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART)

The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre born in 1997 is a volunteer supported community theatre. Stage performances are in the James Auditorium, a 255-seat traditional proscenium space that operates April through November. In the winter, productions shift to the 75-seat Feichter Studio Theatre for a second season of more experimental work. The theatre built in the style of 1920s Summer Stock theatres enhances the experience.

Dinner and the theater is a distinct possibility in between exploring the great outdoors of western North Carolina. What a fun juxtaposition!

Surrounded by mountain streams, creeks, and rivers, Maggie Valley provides beautiful spots to relax from the summer heat in natural swimming holes. Because mountain rivers can rise suddenly due to flash flooding, swimming in mountain rivers can be dangerous. Do try these recommended spots to safely enjoy the mountain waters. Remember that most of these swimming spots do not have lifeguards on duty. Keep a close eye on the kids. Bring or wear your swim clothes which are required.

1. Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields Trail, an easy 3.2 mile hike, ends at the base of a waterfall. In the parking lot you will find a map of the trail system. If you take the Second Falls hike which is only .3 of a mile, you end on a large observation deck. From the deck you can view the falls from below. Here there are swimming areas where you can wade into cool mountain pools of water.

Directions:
Take US Highway 276 to the junction with the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Graveyard Fields Overlook at milepost 418.8 where the trail begins.

2. Oconaluftee Islands Park
You can end your walk around Oconaluftee Islands Park on Tsali Blvd in Cherokee by wading into the river. As the Oconaluftee flows through Cherokee, it creates two small islands that are accessible by footbridges. The islands are surrounded by great shade trees, picnic tables, benches, barbecue grills and pavilions. Bring your swimsuit and plan to make a day of it.

Directions:
From Maggie, take 19 into Cherokee. Make a right onto US 441N/Tsali Blvd. About a 17 mile ride.

3. Sliding Rock
Water Parks have nothing on Sliding Rock, a natural rock formation spewing 11,000 gallons of water per minute. The water jets down a 60 foot rock formation and ends in six feet of cool, clear water. For school age children who like to swim and adults who are kids at heart, this is a thrill a minute natural slide. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months.

Directions:
Take US Highway 276 S. Turn right at US-276 S/US-64 W. Sliding Rock will be on your right.

If you are interested in hitting Harrah’s, the quickest way to Cherokee from Maggie Valley is definitely US 19. But, if you are interested in the cultural side of Cherokee, the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you on a direct route to a wonderful day of exploration.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, Scenic Ride to Cherokee
The Blue Ridge Parkway provides a unique and scenic access to Cherokee from Maggie Valley. Traveling from mile marker 455.7 in Maggie to mile marker 469.1, you will arrive at the southern entrance/exit of the Parkway. With beautiful overlooks along the way, the 30 minute ride to Cherokee is spectacular. As you exit the Parkway, you will arrive at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This stop is worth the ride with a Mountain Farm Museum to explore and a gentle hike along the Oconoluftee River to take.

Museum, Art Galleries, and Live Performances
But, you won’t want to linger too long. Because as you continue along US 441, 2 miles south, you will enter the cultural side of Cherokee.

One of your first stops should be the Native American Craft Shop, as much a gallery of native American art work from around the country as a retail store.

Not far up the road you will encounter the main cultural intersection .

Everyone of these activities is well worth your time.
1. “Unto these Hills: A Retelling” provides a live reenactment of Cherokee history, the second longest running outdoor drama. Summer performances only
2. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, the oldest and leading Native American Arts Cooperative in the United States, represents a wide variety of artisans. Open year round
3. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian retraces the 11,000 year history of the Cherokee of western North Carolina. Open year round
4. Oconluftee Indian Village recreates the lifestyles of the Cherokee in 1759. May through October

Light show starts in mid June
Unless you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia this year, the only way you will get to experience the synchronous fireflies is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Appalachian Voices provides an excellent explanation of the natural phenomenon. Catch a photographic view of the natural light show at the Knoxnews Blog.

Elkmont Historic District
If you are looking for an excuse to start your trip to the mountains in June, this rare event can be viewed for two weeks in mid-June at the Elkmont Historic District in GSMNP, a wonderful collection of abandoned cabins. The cabins began as part of a logging camp at the turn of the 20th century. Eventually, the area evolved into an elite club for the wealthy of East Tennessee. In 2009, the park service decided to restore these buildings that are now on the National Historic Register.

So, if you can’t time your trip to arrive for the synchronous light show of the fireflies, Elkmont and the Little River Hike should still make it onto your to do list when you visit Mystic Mountain and the Great Smokies.

Maggie Valley provides crafters with some excellent resources that rival products found in the craft stores of large metropolitan areas.

Meet the Reviewers
To evaluate the quality of the shops in Maggie my sister Nancy with 50 years of crafting experience and I took a tour. A few of Nancy’s talents include an expertise in jewelry making, painting, and paper crafting. I was a Creative Memories consultant for five years and enjoy scrapbooking. Additionally, I have been sewing clothing and interior decor items for 30 years. With these skills on our resumes, we felt qualified to offer reviews of the Maggie Valley shops.

Scrappin in the Mountains
Our first stop Scrappin in the Mountains provided an exciting assortment of papers. Rather than overwhelming, the artfully arranged selection makes finding the perfect papers a pleasure. What fun scrapbooking your trip to Maggie with the custom designed diecuts including the iconic Maggie herself along with the Elk of Cataloochee! If you come for a Scrapbooking Girlfriend Getaway, the light and bright work area would add to the fun.

Pretty Crafty
Our next stop on the craft store tour took us to Pretty Crafty. Darlene the owner is usually on site and is extremely knowledgeable. In addition to a good basic selection of scrapbooking supplies, Pretty Crafty includes products for a variety of interests. Nancy found some great beading tools and some helpful tips from Darlene. If you have varied crafting interests or you have kids stuck for a rainy day vacation activity, Pretty Crafty should be on your vacation to do list.

Quilters Quarters
Within a stone’s throw of Pretty Crafty lies Quilters Quarters. Walk through the door of this cabin shop and you are guaranteed to be inspired. The fabrics are not only artfully displayed but creatively organized. Selecting the colors for your first or next quilt will be a joy. The extensive product line brings regular visitors from throughout the southeast to the doorsteps of Sandy and Tom Fogarty, Dianne and Diane. They eagerly take suggestions for classes and have a very strong class schedule for beginners to intermediate to experienced quilters.

With so much to do in and around Maggie Valley, visiting the craft shops would not ordinarily make it onto your vacation to do list. But, these privately owned shops emphasize quality and unique products with talented displays. Stop in when you are out and about; you won’t be disappointed.