As the eastern gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Maggie Valley was incorporated to be a tourist town. Of course that fact is made obvious by the town’s mix of family restaurants, putt putt courses, rental properties, hotels and motels, and souvenir stores. The town is a bustling center of activity throughout the year and a major ski attraction in the winter, as well as a hotspot for motorcyclists.

Maggie Valley got its name after one of the valley’s 1860s settlers, John Sidney Setzer, realized the town was in need of a post office. No name, no post office, the government said. Four suggestions were sent up to Washington, three of them being Setzer’s daughters’ names — Cora, Mettie and Maggie. Maggie was selected, but it wasn’t until about 1947 that the word “valley” was added. Miss Maggie is still around, portrayed by a volunteer who wears a yellow bonnet and waves to passing cars and appears at festivals.

Maggie Valley is riding a wave of excitement over the last few years as the Wild West theme park Ghost Town in the Sky has re-opened and Cataloochee Ski Area continues to expand its snowmaking abilities and trail system. The 2008 opening date at Cataloochee depends on weather, but it is scheduled for Nov. 28.

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 3-5 — Run to the Valley Rod Run. Held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 980.429.0175.

• 5, 12 — Gospel Sunday in the Fall at Ghost Town in the Sky theme park. Oct. 5 show features The Kingsmen, Oct. 12 is the Florida Boys. www.ghosttowninthesky.com.

• 17-18 — 2nd annual Raymond Fairchild Mountain Music Jamboree at Eaglenest Entertainment, featuring Maggie Valley’s own banjo virtuoso Raymond Fairchild. 828.926.9658 for ticket information.

• 18-19 — Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. Artisans from across the Southeast present their wares. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 828.926.1686.

• 24-26 — World Championship Clogging at the Stompin Ground. Individual and team competitions. 304.872.5803.

November

• 1 — The legendary Conway Twitty at Eaglenest Entertainment. 828.926.9568.

• 28-29 — Crafts and Greens Fair at the pavilion at Maggie Valley Town Hall. Local and regional exhibitors show their handmade crafts. 828.926.9926

December

• 6 — Maggie Valley Christmas Parade from the Ghost Town parking lot to the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 6 p.m.

Attractions

• Appalachian Amusement Center — Out in the Jonathan Creek community the AAC offers a vertical wind tunnel, a machine that produces a vertical jet, or column of wind, large enough and fast enough for a person to float. It’s like sky diving in place. They call it body flying. Flight instruction is offered. The tunnel will open in the summer. Call for more information or to schedule a session. 49 Adventure Park. 828.926.WIND.

• Cataloochee Ranch — A glorious mountain top resort with cabins, horse stables, a grand old lodge and restaurant are all atop a 5,000-foot mountain. The scenery is among the most breathtaking in the Smokies. Those who are not staying at the ranch are invited to join staff and visitors for evening cookouts based on space available. After dinner entertainment often includes a campfire and local storytelling. 11 Ranch Dr. 828.926.1401.

• Cataloochee Valley and the elk — In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside Maggie, elk have been re-introduced and are usually visible grazing in the fields. For sure viewing, be there at dusk. Head north out of Maggie Valley on U.S. 276. Just before reaching I-40, turn left on White Oak Road and then left onto Cove Creek Road. Follow signs into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This road is about 30 minutes into the valley, with several steep gravel sections so drive carefully. Once there, remember — do not approach the elk. They have antlers for a reason.

• Eaglenest Entertainment — This entertainment venue has comfortable indoor seating and an outdoor amphitheater. The venue doesn’t work like a traditional club, rather it is leased out for special events. 2701 Soco Rd. 828.926.9658.

• Ghost Town in the Sky — A wild west adventure theme park at the top of the mountain with gun shows, Can-Can girls, rides and special appearances. Open through November. $29 for adults, $21 for children ages 3-10, ages 2 and under free. 16 Fie Top Rd. 828.926.1140.

• Maggie Valley Opry House — Featuring world renowned banjo picker Raymond Fairchild, the Opry House aims to preserve mountain culture and the music of Appalachia. The House opens at 8 p.m. nightly through October. 3605 Soco Rd. 828.648.7941.

• Stompin’ Grounds — This dance hall is known as the “Clogging Capitol of the World.” 3116 Soco Rd. 828.926.1688.

• Wheels Through Time Museum — A motorcycle and vintage car museum that tells the history of motorized transportation in this country. With 250 rare and vintage American bikes, it is the largest collection in the world. 62 Vintage Lane. 828.926.6266.

• Maggie Valley Club — Formerly known as the Maggie Valley Country Club, this resort has undergone a dramatic renovation over the last few years including golf course improvements, a new clubhouse, and new meeting spaces. For information call 866.659.4725, email info@maggievalleyclub.com, or visit www.maggievalleyclub.com.

Dining & Nightlife

• Carolina Nights — Dinner theater featuring music, comedy and magic. 3732 Soco Rd. 828.926.8822.

• Diamond K Dance Ranch — Classic and Top 40 country music and dance shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Snack bar, pool tables, game room. No alcohol. 4027 Soco Rd. 828.926.7735.

• Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant — Mexican food and monster margaritas. 3422 Soco Rd. 828.928.7777.

• J. Arthur’s Restaurant — Great steaks, pasta, trout, cheesy French onion soup. 2843 Soco Rd. 828.926.1817.

• Legend’s Sports Grill — 22 TVs for all your sporting needs, an arcade room for the kids, American fare including burgers, wings and wraps. 3865 Soco Rd. 828.926.9464.

• Rendezvous Restaurant and Lounge — Modeled after an old hunting lodge, the restaurant feature American fare including fish and steaks. Live music on the weekends. 70 Soco Rd. 828.926.0201.

• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill — A family restaurant also well known as a biker hangout. 3567 Soco Rd. 828.926.9105.

• Smacker’s Sports Grill — American favorites like cheeseburgers and chicken fingers. Plus they say it’s haunted. 2651 Dellwood Rd. 828.926.0999.

• Snappy’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Family dining featuring Italian dishes. 2769 Soco Rd. 828.926.6126.

• The Springhouse — Dance club with live music and DJs, pool tables. Cover charge. 2914 Soco Rd. 828.926.1516.

• Stompin’ Ground — Barn-like dance hall with staff dancers and musicians. Often hosts dance competitions. No alcohol. 3116 Soco Rd. 828.926.7767.

• The Swag — Located just outside Maggie Valley this upscale conservation refuge and inn offers gourmet dining by reservation only for outside guests. 2300 Swag Rd. 800.789.7672.

• Towne House Restaurant — Greek, Italian and American dishes and desserts. 4352 Soco Rd. 828.926.1566.

• Maggie Valley Opry House — Home of legendary banjo picker Raymond Fairchild. Nightly bluegrass and traditional mountain music. 3605 Soco Rd. 828.926.9336.

• Maggie Valley Resort & Country Club — Golf resort with upscale restaurant. Wine, beer, mixed drinks available. 1819 Country Club Dr. 828.926.1616.

Visitor Center

• Maggie Valley Convention Bureau and Visitors Center is located along Soco Road (U.S. 19) in Maggie Valley. If coming west into Maggie Valley, the visitor center is on the left. 828.926.1686 or www.maggievalley.org.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 4280 Soco Rd. 828.926.0679.

• Haywood County Library — Public access to the Internet is available at all locations in one-hour time slots and on a first come, first served basis. Wireless service is available. Open Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 3987 Soco Rd. (Town Hall) 828.926.0461, ext. 6.

• Urgent Care — There are two Urgent Care centers, one located behind Haywood Regional Hospital on Leroy George Drive in Clyde, which is open seven days a week, and a second at 556 Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville, which is open Monday through Friday. All patients are seen on a walk-in basis. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, call the Urgent Care Center at 828.452.8354 or Urgent Care West at 828.452.8890.