A travel guide to my new favorite spot in North Carolina! Excited to share this Cataloochee Ranch review!
Almost two weeks ago, Joshua and I made the short 3.5 hour drive to Maggie Valley, NC to stay at the Cataloochee Ranch. The drive was super easy coming from Charlotte and extremely beautiful once you hit the mountains. It was the first time both of us has visited the Maggie Valley area and we blown away by it’s beauty! The mountains honestly amaze me every time I visit them.
As mentioned here, I was EXTREMELY excited about this trip. I had been dreaming of visiting a dude ranch for years and basically jumped for joy when the opportunity came to do so. There was lots of planning that went into my packing. And maybe a countdown in my planner!
Well luckily, the Cataloochee Ranch and our experience not only lived up to my dreams {and excitement} by honestly surpassed them! Our cabin was the cutest {and so spacious}, the food was incredible, the views were breathtaking, and relaxation was real! So let’s dive into the trip + my recommendations for those looking to visit a ranch or experience a new kind of vacation.
THE Property
I have to talk about the property first because it absolutely blew me away. As stated above, Joshua and I were blown away by the beauty of Maggie Valley, specifically that of the Cataloochee Ranch. The ranch has a 5,000-foot elevation that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Providing extraordinary mountain views and wonderfully cool temperatures. There are mountains as far as you can see, horses grazing in pastures, and sweet cabins all around you. It is a sight to be soaked in and truly enjoyed!
From the second you drive onto the property you have an instant feeling of peace and relaxation. Something I know we all strive for when trying to get away from it all! This was honestly my favorite thing about the ranch. Even though we were working lots of the trip, the moments we were not, we felt so relaxed and miles away from real life and real stressors!
WHERE TO EAT
The Cataloochee Ranch offers a couple of options when staying with them. You can book as a bed & breakfast, where only breakfast is included in your rate. Or you can book with full service. Meaning breakfast and dinner are both included. You can then prepare a light lunch in your cabin or join them for lunch at $8-13.50 per person.
Dinner our first night:
Garden Salad with Homemade Ranch or French Dressing & French + Rolls
Sides: Garlic Mash Potatoes, Green Beans, Onion Casserole
Entrees: Sweet & Spicy Chicken, Beef Brisket – Homemade BBQ Sauce
Desserts: Brownie, Pecan Oatmeal Cake, and Strawberry Lemon Tart
Breakfast our first morning:
Sausage, Bacon, Eggs, Oatmeal, and Biscuits.
Assorted Homemade Jams
Lunch:
Garden Salad with Homemade Ranch or French Dressing
Sides: Pasta Salda, Coleslaw, BBQ Beans {they were amazing}, Corn on the Cob
Entrees: Cheese Burgers with fresh toppings
Hot Dogs with fresh toppings
Dinner our second night:
Fajitas: Grilled Onions, Chicken, Steak, Sour Cream, Cheese, Lettuce, Beans, and Tortillas.
Sides: Guacamole, Salsa, and Chips.
Dessert: Mexican Chocolate Cake
Breakfast our second morning:
Sausage, Bacon, Eggs, Oatmeal, and French Toast.
Assorted Homemade Jams
If you’d like to take a closer look at their dinner menu, you can view their Summer 2018 menu here.
WHERE TO STAY
You have a couple of difference options when booking your stay at the Cataloochee Ranch. There are Cabins on the Ridge, Ranch Cabins, Rooms in Silverbell Lodge, and Rooms in the Main Ranch House. Deciding which one to book really just depends on how many people you are traveling with and how much privacy you would like!
Ranch Cabins and Rooms in Silverbell are great options for larger groups and families.
Cabins on the Ridge and Rooms in the Main Ranch House are perfect for couples looking to get away and enjoy some time together! Joshua and I stayed in Willow, which is one of the Cabins on the Ridge. It was the perfect size for us and we absolutely loved it! Seriously, neither of us wanted to leave!
WHAT TO DO
The very first thing you need to do is explore the property! Check out the main ranch house, walk up to the horse barn, and down to the fishing pond. Then, if you’re in a cabin, sit right down in one of the rockers and enjoy the view! After that…
Go Horseback Riding: This is an absolute must if you’re staying at the Cataloochee Ranch when the horses are in town {they send the horses to SC in the winter for them to get away from the cold and take some time off work}. Their horses are beautiful and you can tell instantly how well kept and healthy they are! The trails are also beautiful and well kept. And you cannot beat the view from the top!
Joshua rode Dodger and I rode Junior. Which seemed fitting as Dale Jr. is my favorite NASCAR driver {even if he’s retired now}.
Go Fishing: Joshua is ALL about some fishing. And honestly, I am too. Although, you will not find me putting the bait on the hook or taking the fish off haha. Right down from the cabins is a sweet fishing pond that is full of trout and more. If you ask the kitchen, they’ll provide you with some bait. There are also bamboo rods in your room. You are allowed to bring your own fishing rod though!
We caught a trout within 15 minutes and she was just about the prettiest fish I’ve ever caught or seen Joshua catch.
Take a Hike: While we did not do this activity, we certainly will next go around. There are short trails, long trails, and a couple in between. Great for beginnings, intermediate, and avid hikers.
Upon arrival you’ll receive a hiking trails map with all near by trails outlined. This will provide you with miles of trails that wind deep into tall hardwood forests, go along the banks of streams, and climb to mile-high meadows that offer breathtaking views.
For more things to do check out this page.
Now I can say, hands down, that our stay at the Cataloochee Ranch was one of my favorite trips to date! We will 100% be going back to this special place!
Not only will we be going back but I have been recommending it to ALL my family and friends. So I know lots of them will be visiting too. And now, I’m telling you, you NEED to book a stay here stat!! Especially if you’re planning to go during peak leaf season {which this spot would be incredible for}. As they do book up very quickly for that season!
Joshua and I were gifted a weekend stay at The Cataloochee Ranch + meals in exchange for a review. All views and opinions are of course my own!
That place looks so pretty! I love how you can see all the horses, and the food looks so good.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
It really is amazing! I could not recommend it more.
xo Laura Leigh
This post is giving me all the feels because my family and I used to vacation here, and we loved the ranch so much we bought a cabin on the same mountain! Some of my favorite memories!
Aw!!! I love that! It is such a special place. Hope y’all stop by when you’re in the area.
xo Laura Leigh
This looks like so much fun! It also looks relaxing!
XOXO
Cathy
Absolutely! Yes, very relaxing for sure.
xo Laura Leigh
Oh my gosh what a beautiful Ranch! I haven’t gone to a ranch in so long. This one’s pictures are so amazing.
Isn’t it? I was overwhelmed by it’s beauty. You’ll definitely have to take a trip!
xo Laura Leigh
What a beautiful place! It looks so relaxing!
It really is!
xo Laura Leigh
This trip looks amazing Laura – truly the perfect weekend getaway and I wish we had something similar close to NYC (though we probably do and I’m just missing out)! Also, I love your ranch-esque but still feminine looks – nailed it 🙂
xx Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com
It was a wonderful trip for sure! Maybe you’ll need to make a little trip down to NC to visit 🙂 Thank you so much gal – I really appreciate that!
xo Laura Leigh
Seems like the vacation you’ve always wanted!! I know you and Josh were in heaven!! That’s so awesome that they have meal package where you can have both b&d provided! No need to ever leave haha!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
We absolutely were! Both loving life haha. Right? I wish more places did that. Makes for such a simple, relaxing vacation.
xo Laura Leigh
What a great time on the ranch. Definitely looks like you had a wonderful time and the food looks fab, too.
For sure gal! Oh the food is amazing! Worth the trip alone haha.
xo Laura Leigh
This sounds like such a fun trip & something that Nick would totally love!
It was incredible – such an experience! Y’all should definitely book a weekend here – I am sure you’d love it!
xo Laura Leigh
What a beautiful place! It looks like you two had the best time.
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
The ranch is absolutely stunning! Truly couldn’t get over the beauty of the property.
xo Laura Leigh
This place is so cute!
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
You need to go! It’s a super short drive from Atlanta too.
xo Laura Leigh
This whole ranch looks like a dream!! How stinking fun 🙂
It truly is! A must visit spot for sure.
xo Laura Leigh
This seriously looks absolutely amazing and your looks are gorgeous! I’ve been dying to go to somewhere like this. I need to travel more!
xx
Lauren
It was truly an incredible experience. Such a beautiful place! You will definitely need to plan a trip here.
xo Laura Leigh
I think I could stay here for a while!! Love the gorgeous trees so much!!
Hillary | http://www.hillheady.com
Right? Can’t imagine how beautiful it is once everything is in bloom.
xo Laura Leigh
This ranch looks Iike a dream!! Definitely bookmarking for my next trip ?
It truly is! Yay – you’re going to love it!
xo Laura Leigh
Looks like an amazing place!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Most definitely is! You’ll have to visit!
xo Laura Leigh
This ranch looks amazing
I would love to visit it one day
Much Love,
Jane
You should make that happen!
xo Laura Leigh
First of all I love the new site layout! Second of all, you have the best travel guides out of anyone I know!!!
Ah yay!! Thank you Ruthie. Seriously making my week with your compliment, thank you gal!
xo Laura Leigh
What a gorgeous getaway! I’ve never been to NC before but now I’m dying to go!
It truly was! Oh girl you need to make it happen and stay at Cataloochee Ranch – it will be a trip you’ll always remember!
xo Laura Leigh