In the Area: CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA MAGGIE VALLEY, N.C.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Hike the Park: The crowds thin during the winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the perfect time to hit the trails. Hike the Little Cataloochee Trail, an easy five-mile hike through historic ruins. www.nps.gov/grsm.
Go Tubing: It’s the fastest growing trend in snowsports, and Tube World Maggie Valley has everything the family could want from this new pastime. A magic carpet moves you to the top of the hill, and the youngest in the family can build snowmen and have snowball fights in the Wee Bowl Snow Play Area. www.tubemaggievalley.com.
Visit the North Pole: Every December, Maggie Valley turns into the North Pole with Christmas parades, Santa appearances, fire-works, and more. Hit Cataloochee on Christmas day and you can even ski with Santa. www.maggievalley.org.
EAT HERE
Grizzly Grill: A cozy cabin feel and down home cooking with an emphasis on barbecue. www.thegrizzlygrill.com.
STAY HERE
A wide range of lodging options are available through the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce. 800-624-4431. www.maggievalley.org.
BUY HERE
Mountain Fever Real Estate: Carrie Bates and the team at Mountain Fever Real Estate offer a wide variety of homes throughout the Maggie Valley area. 800-926-2545. www.mountainfever.net.