It goes without saying that it’s been a rough couple of years for everybody. Now more than ever, folks are looking for a peaceful, relaxing, and affordable vacation. When you’re planning your next Smoky Mountain getaway, consider the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, NC. Surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies with easy access to nature and exciting attractions, our retro roadside motel offers a cozy retreat from the noise and chaos that often fills our lives. Here are 5 reasons you should make the Meadowlark your home base for a Smoky Mountain adventure this year!

1. Good Vibes

Set on a four-acre property in the WNC Great Smoky Mountains with 200 feet of gently sloping creek front, the family-owned and operated Meadowlark Motel is a classic Smoky Mountain resort where you can escape your troubles and enjoy all the adventures and serenity the mountains have to offer. The rippling Jonathan Creek, a mountain heritage trout stream abundant with wild fish, runs right by the motel and is a great place to cast a line or just relax and listen to the burbling of the water.

Our rooms and cabins offer the perfect pairing of modern convenience and traditional comfort with a combination of retro aesthetics and modern design that we like to call Appalachian Chic. Evocative of motor courts of the past, you’ll be inspired by the nostalgia of a road trip, plus old-time music, world cultural sounds, and hidden havens of serenity all around the property.

2. Great Location

When you stay with us, you’ll discover an authentic Appalachian experience with easy access to hiking, whitewater rafting, gorgeous mountain views, delicious cuisine, and all of the amazing experiences you’d expect in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Meadowlark Motel is located on Soco Road in Maggie Valley, a part of Haywood County, which boasts 16 peaks over 6,000 feet and 46 miles of scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There are also several museums that showcase the area’s traditions and heritage – like a world famous square-dance hall, the region’s top ski resort Cataloochee Ski Area, and the Wheels of Time Museum. Over in Cherokee, you can learn more about the region’s Native American culture and history at the Oconaluftee Indian Village or the Unto These Hills Drama. Or stop by the Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee for a bit of glitz and glam.

Asheville, NC and the sprawling Biltmore Estate are right down the road as well as other popular Smoky Mountain towns like Waynesville, Dillsboro, Bryson City, and more. And you’ll have easy access to multiple entrances of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore the vast natural beauty and landmarks of the WNC Smokies in this area of the park. Then return to the Meadowlark to rest up after your adventures.

3. Weekly Events & the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center

Join us each week on our BackPorch Pavilion – a 900 square-foot pavilion with a full kitchen, restroom, outdoor furniture and a barbecue pit. It’s the perfect place to swap stories around the fire, roast marshmallows and hot dogs, prepare a feast in the kitchen, or just unwind after a long day of outdoor adventures.

There’s always something going on. Whether it’s our artist-in-residence, Mike Ogletree, showcasing the Scottish heritage of the Smoky Mountains, a live DJ and drinks, or catered BBQ that’s free to guests, you’ll never be bored around here.

And please swing by our dedicated Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. As an extension of the motel, we strive to promote Smoky Mountain heritage, history, and culture through programs, seminars, concerts, festivals, tours, and corporate events. Visit our Facebook page to learn more and see what’s on deck for this weekend!

4. Eco-Friendly/Green Initiatives

We’re proud to be awarded the highest tier of recognition offered by the NC GreenTravel Initiative – the ‘Three Dogwood Award’. North Carolina’s GreenTravel Initiative is the most extensive of all state sustainable hospitality programs. It recognizes travel-oriented businesses within North Carolina for complying with a number of green, sustainable, and eco-friendly initiatives outlined by the state. And Meadowlark Motel earned this prestigious award because of our ongoing environmentally friendly programs that include:

  •       Extensive recycling program with one recycling bin for every two rooms
  •       Utilization of Energy Star-rated bulbs, electronics, and appliances
  •       Refurbished electronics, when applicable, to reduce landfill
  •       Local sourcing of materials to reduce carbon footprint, i.e. most products are post-consumer recycled materials (such as breakfast plates, cups and bowls)
  •       All old/unusable items are donated or recycled (old appliances and electronics are donated to Habitat for Humanity and linens are donated to the local pet shelters)

5. Guest Safety First & Foremost

At the Meadowlark, we believe we have an ethical responsibility to our guests to be clean, to be safe, and to be comfortable. Compelled to do what we felt was right for our family, our employees, and the guests of the Meadowlark, we have implemented a vaccine mandate for all staff. Everything we do is geared toward the comfort and safety of our employees and guests. We want to make staying at the Meadowlark not only a memorable experience but a safe one as well.

Ready to book your 2022 Smoky Mountain getaway? Reserve a room at the Meadowlark Motel. We can’t wait to see you!