Elk Fest 2019
There are links on this site that can be defined as “affiliate links”. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links provided. See our Disclosure Policy for details.
Fall is a popular time for festivals. The weather has begun to cool, yet nice enough to still be outside. We traveled up to our property, Picture Perfect Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC to get a break from the September heat in Columbia, SC. and visit the first annual Elk Festival.
Elk were once prevalent in the southern Appalachian mountains. Over-hunting and loss of habitat eliminated them from the western North Carolina region in the late 1700’s
Elk were reintroduced into Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001 with 25 elk from the Tennessee-Kentucky border. The herd is now self sustaining and has grown to over 150. Our vacation home is close to the entrance to Cataloochee Valley where you are able to view the elk and enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina. We have enjoyed visiting this beautiful area many times. For more information, visit Elk Watching 101.
Due to the growing interest of Elk in the Maggie Valley area, the locals planned their first annual Elk Festival this September. A three day event that appears to have been a huge success and I’m sure will be added to the long list of yearly events. At this time of year there are many fun and exciting festivals throughout the area.
Here is a short video of one of the craftsman at the festival.
And what would a festival in the mountains be without clogging?
There were many vendors with mountain themed products, an art contest and exhibition, conservation education programs and entertainment. Of course every great festival must include an assortment of food.
I’m sure most people have enjoyed having a Sundae. But have you ever had a BBQ Sundae? Appalachian Smoke BBQ, in additional to typical BBQ meals, offered their BBQ Sundae. We are suckers for trying the unusual, so Carol and I ordered up this never before heard of delight. Simple, yet unique. It is layered in a bowl, starting with baked beans, then on comes their shredded pork with a nice BBQ sauce and topped with cole slaw and a pickle.
While this is not different from many BBQ meals available in the South, the way it is presented was something new…and tasty. If you’re the type that doesn’t like your food to touch, this is not for you. But we found the blending of the different taste delightful.
Another interesting food vendor was Sweet Tooth Cheesecake Delights. With a bright pink canopy that is very attention getting, I strolled over to inquiry about one of my favorite treats.
This is another family business with recipes that go back several generations. I’ve experienced many varieties of cheesecake over the years (strictly for study of course). Some are more like a “cake” while others more like a “pie”. I love them all. Sweet Tooth cheesecakes are very light and fluffy. They currently have 9 flavors with more in the works. I tried the Cookie N’ Cream version. Delicious! Sweet Tooth Cheesecake Delights.
Another part of mountain history and lore is “Shine”, as in Moonshine. Elevated Mountain Distilling Company is a craft distillery located in Maggie Valley. They produce a unique variety of spirits and have more in the works. Small tasting samples were available for adults to try. It would have been rude to not try them all, so taste test I did. All were very smooth and I particularly found the Shinning Rock Peach Pie Moonshine a favorite. They offer Tours and Tastings at their facility on Soco Road in Maggie Valley.
If you have plans for a visit to Western North Carolina, check out this link for upcoming festivals and events. And consider a stay at Picture Perfect Cabin while you enjoy the beauty of the mountains.