Ready for PlottFest?

The annual PlottFest celebration will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

A weekend event celebrating the history and heritage of the Plott Hound, the official state dog of North Carolina — a breed originated by the Plott family that gained worldwide notoriety in the Great Smokies. 

Bluegrass legend returns to Cataloochee Ranch

Americana/bluegrass act the Darren Nicholson Band will hit the stage for an intimate performance at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 11, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. 

Haywood Community Band launches 2025 season

The Haywood Community Band (HCB) will kick off its 2025 season with a special concert, a “Celebration of Song and Dance,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Calvary Road Baptist Church in Maggie Valley. 

Americana, blues at Cataloochee Ranch

Musical duo Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean will perform from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.

Jones is a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist and versatile touring songwriter, one whose guitar-driven blues and country tunes have been featured in film, television and radio.

Maggie budgets for ‘needs, not wants’

Maggie Valley’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year reflects a cautious and calculated approach, with officials holding the line on taxes but planning modest increases to some service fees. 

Maggie Valley residents look to de-annex from town

A small group of property owners in Maggie Valley are taking advantage of Rep. Mark Pless’ offer to de-annex them from the town, with at least one citing development restrictions and others saying they’re not getting what they’re paying for. 

Pless files bill to abolish Haywood room occupancy taxes

Today in the North Carolina General Assembly, Haywood County Republican Rep. Mark Pless filed a bill that would strip the county of its ability to levy room occupancy taxes.

'Sounds of the Season'

The Haywood Community Band will host its “Sounds of the Season” concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 14, at the Calvary Road Baptist Church in Maggie Valley. 

Sign up for night skiing at Cataloochee

Jackson County Recreation is offering four, five and six-week programs that will allow skiers to enjoy lessons under the night sky at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley. Lesson times run from about 3-5 p.m., but skiers can hit the slopes afterward until 10 p.m. 

Maggie Valley responds to former chief's lawsuit

Two months after former Maggie Valley Police Chief Russ Gilliland filed a lawsuit against the town for wrongful termination, the town has responded by requesting either a dismissal or a jury trial. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.