asdaven

Hi
Looking to take a summer trip to the Smokies for a week and stay on the North Carolina side. Been to the Tennessee side and seen much of the park. And last year we went to Brevard and loved it. Thinking about either going to Maggie Valley or Bryson City this year. Seen a lot of the park, so we re not just going for the park. Although we haven't been to Catalochee Valley or Deep Creek sections of the park. Not interested in Cherokee. Been through there before. Just trying to figure out which place has more to offer, mostly in dining options that aren't Chinese food or burger joint, but not super high dollar restaurants either. I realize Waynesville is an option too. I been around there but not through. I suspect its as big as Hendersonville. So, if I were to pick that area, I'd probably prefer Maggie Valley if there's a sizeable amount of dining options there. And Waynesville is still nearby. The Blue Ridge Parkway being closer to Maggie Valley would be a plus too. Bryson City would be closer to Fontana Dam, the park by a little bit, and maybe the Chorola Skyway. Not so interested in rafting, even though its fun, which seems to be the big thing in Bryson City. More interested in hiking, sightseeing by car, and other things. Right now I'm leaning towards Maggie Valley. But I'm trying to figure out how much is there. Bryson City seems more of a town, but Maggie Valley might have more dining options. I don't know. Maggie Valley seems more tourist oriented but not too much.

Thanks for any suggestions-

rncheryl

To further compound your choices, our favorite is Waynesville.

http://www.waynesvillenc.gov/

Gretchen

I've always considered Maggie Valley to just be a crossroads on the way to Cherokee (which we go to for fly fishing). A lot of kitsch to me.
We like Bryson City but usually stay at the Fryemont Inn so haven't explored the dining. It is close to the Park.
What about Boone-Blowing Rock-Linville Gorge area.

asdaven

I have already stayed in the Boone and Blowing Rock area. It is very nice. But, just want to goto a different area for a change. Sylva also seems to be maybe a "significant" small town.