Last Monday I gave you two suggestions for lodging in the Maggie Valley area. Today I’ll give you two more, both with particular attributes you might enjoy.

3. Lambuth Inn. Probably the opposite of the first two recommendations would be Lambuth Inn at 92 North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Junaluska, NC. It is stately and very distinguished, certainly not rustic in the mountain cabin sense of the word rustic. This is a place with giant, imposing white columns and expensive furnishings. As a matter of fact, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Dept of the Interior.

Stately exterior of Lambuth Inn.

I have heard about Lake Junaluska for years from my Methodist friends. Apparently, this is their version of Ridgecrest Conference Center, long held as important to the Baptists. It is a place where lives have been impacted spiritually, so it is special to many people.

Inspiration Point at Lake Junaluska.

Lambuth Inn is situated within sight of the lake, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the cross at Inspiration Point. Rooms have wireless internet, flatscreen TVs, coffeemakers and alarm clock radios. There are 131 sleeping rooms, a dining hall that serves buffet-style meals, a Christmas shop, and plenty of meeting and gathering areas.

Christmas Shop in Lambuth Inn.

Here are some scenes inside Lambuth Inn.

Large gathering area in the lobby of Lambuth Inn.

Large dining hall big enough to accommodate hundreds of retreat guests.

Another gathering room in the lobby area of Lambuth Inn.

4. Boyd Mountain Log Cabins and Tree Farm. Imagine the charm of staying in one of the six cabins scattered around the grounds of a Christmas Tree Farm. The cabins are open in all four seasons, but my mind pictures them covered in snow.  This delightful place can be found at 445 Boyd Farm Road in Waynesville, NC. The cabins are completely furnished with a full kitchen, fireplace, cable TV, wireless internet, a washer, a dryer, a porch, a deck, a charcoal grill and an outdoor firepit. Guests are even treated to their signature Boyd Mountain roasted coffee. This would be a wonderful place for a secluded honeymoon or a writer or artist’s retreat. Various cabins sleep 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 people.

Rustic cabin just perfect for a secluded retreat.

A cabin hidden between these trees.

Cabin beside the lake at Boyd Farm.

The owners live on the grounds. After all, someone has to oversee the constant care required by all of those Christmas trees.

Residence of the owners of Boyd Mountain Farm.

Take some groceries and just plan to live “off the grid” for a few days. It will refresh your soul.

Take a look.

Christmas trees in all stages of growth.

Christmas trees in the distance.

I hope you are getting the hint that Maggie Valley is a place you should plan to visit. Avoid the crowds of Gatlinburg some year soon and give it a try. I’ve told you about several restaurants. Now, you have ideas about places to stay. Downtown Waynesville is packed with interesting shops, too.  Go and find your own favorites.