A lot of business has left Maggie Valley following the closing of Ghost Town in the Sky. In addition, many Post-Recession families are still hoarding, and not frittering away the few extra pennies they may gain here and there. Business is, however, picking up. For each business lost, the town is gaining one or more. Most are restaurants or nightclubs, but a few cater to novelty interests like beading or custom décor for mobile homes. Manufacturing is not a priority of the city fathers, who are interested in supporting a tourist economy. “Elk watching” and “going to Asheville” are two claims to fame the valley still offers. The town now attributes its survival to Wheels through Time, a museum that draws motorcyclists.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger