Western North Carolina is home to some of the most quaint, scenic towns in the country. You can still walk into an old-fashioned diner and have a great meal. You can still see hayrides at Christmas time. You can swap stories of the “one that got away” down at the local fishing hole. Downtowns still bustle with old-fashioned charm, from antique shops to general stores. If you’re having a bit of nostalgia and looking for places to visit with Norman Rockwell-style charm, we have a great list of enchanting towns for you to explore, conveniently near nostalgic Maggie Valley scenic motels – set at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Norman Rockwell-Type Towns & Cities Near Maggie Valley Scenic Motels

  • Maggie Valley exudes the charm of yesteryear, mingled with the modern conveniences of today. At the town hall, you can “borrow” a fishing rod and some gear to go fishing in the state-stocked Jonathan Creek that runs through the center of the town. Visit the Stompin’ Ground to see authentic Appalachian dancers perform. Stroll through Wheels of Time to see vintage motorcycles. Have a great family style meal at area restaurants. Don’t miss the antique shops nearby. If you check the calendar before your arrival, you can plan your visit around special events held throughout the year at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, such as Bluegrass jams, county fairs, bike rallies, auto shows, an arts and crafts show, and more.Ghost Town is a famous recreated western village / theme park in Maggie Valley.
  • Waynesville, NC – As the county seat of Haywood County, Waynesville is just a short drive from Maggie Valley, NC. Known as the “gateway to the Smokies,” Haywood County proudly claims 46 miles of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy antique shops, general stores, old-fashioned restaurants, Christmas tree farms, nostalgia-invoking community events and more in Waynesville.
  • Clyde, NC – Visit the Shook Museum and the Shook-Smathers House, a historic house that’s open for public tours.
  • Canton, NC – Join the Canton locals for Pickin’ in the Park with live music by local artists on Friday nights in the summer. Try your hand at river rafting, fishing or other Pigeon River water activities. Take in a show at the Colonial Theater.
  • Linville, NC – This town offers a charming walk into yesteryear with its Old Hampton General Store and Grist Mill, the original train stop for the Tweetsie Railroad. Today, it’s a popular BBQ restaurant and also sells mountain cheeses, jams, jellies, hams and more.
  • Cherokee, NC – Don’t miss the Oconaluftee Indian village in Cherokee, for a real taste of what it was like to live in an Indian village in the 1700s.
  • Asheville, NC – The Biltmore Estate and Mansion in Asheville offers a glimpse of historic charm among the rich and famous. The River Arts District is brimming with activity and features the work of local artists in studios along the riverfront. Asheville offers numerous cultural attractions and historic charm.
  • Dillsboro, NC – Visit this 19th Century railroad town to see restaurants, shops and attractions. Tour the Monteith Farmstead, a historic 16-acre farm.

More Information on Historic Towns & Cities in the Blue Ridge Area

Want to know even more? The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area website gives much information on things to do and see related to culture, heritage and historic towns and cities in Western NC and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A Maggie Valley Motel Near Western NC Attractions

Meadowlark Motel is located on Soco Road in the heart of Maggie Valley. Set along the banks of Jonathan Creek, this legendary Maggie Valley motel offers spacious cabins, cottages and guest rooms with plush beds – many with jetted tubs, microwaves and refrigerators. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and Continental breakfast in the charming breakfast room with a fireplace. The property features a long list of excellent guest services, including Friday night family nights, free Saturday night cookouts for guests, wine and local craft beer tastings, music by local musicians, in-room spa services and much more. There’s a large outdoor pavilion with a full indoor kitchen if you want to host a group gathering – just contact their customer representative. Call 828-926-1717 for more information.

Check their current packages and deals to enhance your stay in the NC Mountains, and then book your stay for a vacation you will remember fondly forever.

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Photo: Cousin Reginald Goes to the Country, 1917, by Norman Rockwell