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119 Ranch Dr
Maggie Valley, NC 28751

+1 (828) 926-1401 [email protected]
Experience

Ranch Events

Immerse yourself in the food, the culture, and the music of the mountains.

All events can be booked online by clicking the links below. Additional fees apply.

 

Cataloochee Barn Dance with Darren Nicholson Band

Lace up your dancing shoes and join World Champion Clogger and Dance Caller, Heidi Kulas, Marc Pruett, and Darren Nicholson Band for an evening of swings, promenades, and do-si-do’s in our historic Hayloft. Dance the night away with friends and family, and enjoy the spectacular setting and service.

Make it a whole evening at Cataloochee Ranch and join us for dinner at Switchback afterwards!

Saturday, September 12 – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
$30 per person
$15 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free

 

BBQ Basics

Join us for an immersive, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of great barbecue at The Forge, our outdoor kitchen set against the backdrop of the mountains. This instructional experience is designed to demystify the art of smoking, offering guests a guided look into the techniques and traditions behind authentic barbecue.

Following the demonstration, guests will enjoy a well-earned lunch featuring freshly prepared barbecue and classic sides, bringing the lesson full circle in true mountain fashion.

Wednesday, September 16 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$65 per person

Live Music: Darren Nicholson Band

A GRAMMY nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, Darren Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years at the Grand Ole Opry out of Nashville Tennessee, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Darren now spends his time recording, writing new songs, and performing. You can catch Darren almost every week sharing the music he loves, traveling both nationally and internationally – as a solo artist, with his own Darren Nicholson Band, or in collaboration with other musicians.

Wednesday, September 16 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

Vintage Cake Decorating Class – SOLD OUT

Create a beautifully decorated cake using classic vintage piping techniques in this hands-on class. Choose between a chocolate or vanilla cake, then follow step-by-step instruction as you learn to pipe elegant borders, ruffles, rosettes, and other timeless designs. By the end of class, you’ll have a stunning cake to take home and share with friends and family—along with the skills and confidence to recreate the look on your own.

September 18 – 2 p.m.
$102 per person

Sommelier's Secrets: Wines of Northern Italy

Discover Northern Italy’s finest, from the bold reds of Piedmont to the crisp whites of Veneto. Savor the authentic taste of the Alps in every glass.

September 19 – 3 p.m.
$100 per person

 

Live Music: Brian Ashley Jones

Brian Ashley Jones, a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist, and versatile touring songwriter whose guitar-driven Blues and Country tunes have been featured in film, television and radio. Originally from Upstate South Carolina and a longtime resident of East Nashville, TN.

Wednesday, September 23 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

 

Cataloochee Barn Dance with Darren Nicholson Band

Lace up your dancing shoes and join World Champion Clogger and Dance Caller, Heidi Kulas, Marc Pruett, and Darren Nicholson Band for an evening of swings, promenades, and do-si-do’s in our historic Hayloft. Dance the night away with friends and family, and enjoy the spectacular setting and service.

Make it a whole evening at Cataloochee Ranch and join us for dinner at Switchback afterwards!

Friday, September 25 – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
$30 per person
$15 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free

 

Live Music: Alan Edwards

Alan Edwards has been making music for 30 years. It’s been an essential element throughout his entire life. With roots steeped in the tradition of storytellers like John Prine and Townes Van Zandt, Edwards crafts songs that are both spare and richly evocative. In a career spanning three decades, his music has been featured across the country.

Wednesday, September 30 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

Tea Time at Cataloochee Ranch

We invite you to savor a curated selection of fine teas from the Asheville Tea Company, including black, green, and herbal varieties. Pour your tea from classic kettles while enjoying tiers of delicate tea sandwiches and handcrafted pastries. It’s the perfect springtime respite with a view.

Thursday, October 1 – 2 to 4 p.m.
$75 per person
$50 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free

Live Music: Darren Nicholson Band

A GRAMMY nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, Darren Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years at the Grand Ole Opry out of Nashville Tennessee, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Darren now spends his time recording, writing new songs, and performing. You can catch Darren almost every week sharing the music he loves, traveling both nationally and internationally – as a solo artist, with his own Darren Nicholson Band, or in collaboration with other musicians.

Wednesday, October 7 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

Live Music: Brian Ashley Jones

Brian Ashley Jones, a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist, and versatile touring songwriter whose guitar-driven Blues and Country tunes have been featured in film, television and radio. Originally from Upstate South Carolina and a longtime resident of East Nashville, TN.

Wednesday, October 14 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

Oktoberfest

Celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest at Cataloochee Ranch. Enjoy an Alpine-inspired BBQ buffet featuring hearty seasonal favorites, local craft brews, festive games and activities for the whole family, and live entertainment from the Appalachian Freunde Polka Band.

Sunday, October 18 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$100 per person
$40 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free

 

BBQ Basics

Join us for an immersive, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of great barbecue at The Forge, our outdoor kitchen set against the backdrop of the mountains. This instructional experience is designed to demystify the art of smoking, offering guests a guided look into the techniques and traditions behind authentic barbecue.

Following the demonstration, guests will enjoy a well-earned lunch featuring freshly prepared barbecue and classic sides, bringing the lesson full circle in true mountain fashion.

Wednesday, October 21 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$65 per person

Live Music: Alan Edwards

Alan Edwards has been making music for 30 years. It’s been an essential element throughout his entire life. With roots steeped in the tradition of storytellers like John Prine and Townes Van Zandt, Edwards crafts songs that are both spare and richly evocative. In a career spanning three decades, his music has been featured across the country.

Wednesday, October 21 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

Live Music: Darren Nicholson Band

A GRAMMY nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, Darren Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years at the Grand Ole Opry out of Nashville Tennessee, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Darren now spends his time recording, writing new songs, and performing. You can catch Darren almost every week sharing the music he loves, traveling both nationally and internationally – as a solo artist, with his own Darren Nicholson Band, or in collaboration with other musicians.

Wednesday, October 28 – 5 to 8 p.m.
$30 per person

Sommelier's Secrets: Harvest Wines

Celebrate the season with a tasting of wines curated to elevate your holiday table. Discover the perfect pairings for your festive feasts, featuring warming reds and versatile, food-friendly whites.

November 21 – 3 p.m.
$100 per person

 

Guest Chef Dinner with Nico Abello

Join us for a special guest chef dinner featuring Nico Abello of the soon-to-open Enlo restaurant in Greenville. For this unique evening, Chef Abello will join our culinary team to create an exceptional five-course dining experience inspired by the flavors and traditions of Appalachia.

Set against the beauty of the Ranch in our private dining room, The Lookout, the evening offers a rare opportunity to experience the collaboration of two culinary perspectives in one memorable meal.

November 22 – 6 p.m.
$175 per person

Holiday Wreath Crafting

Celebrate the season with a festive wreath-making class. Surrounded by winter’s natural beauty, guests will craft their own custom wreaths using fresh evergreens, foraged accents, and elegant holiday touches. With guidance from our Ranch Arts team, enjoy a cozy, creative experience—and take home a one-of-a-kind wreath to adorn your door.

November 28 – 3 p.m.
$60 per person

 

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, escape to the mountains and gather at Cataloochee Ranch. From roasted turkey and heritage sides to seasonal desserts and curated wines, every bite tells a story of place, season, and slow, thoughtful preparation.


Whether you’re a returning guest or discovering the ranch for the first time, Thanksgiving at Cataloochee is a timeless experience — a perfect blend of comfort, connection, and mountain magic.

November 26 – Seatings available from 12 to 6 p.m.
$100 per person
$40 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free

Photo Credit: Cameron Wilder

 

Breakfast with Santa - SOLD OUT

Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a stop at Cataloochee Ranch before the big day! Join us for a delicious Rancher’s Breakfast Bar and the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

November 27 – 8 a.m.
$60 per person
$40 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free

 

Holiday Wreath Crafting

Celebrate the season with a festive wreath-making class. Surrounded by winter’s natural beauty, guests will craft their own custom wreaths using fresh evergreens, foraged accents, and elegant holiday touches. With guidance from our Ranch Arts team, enjoy a cozy, creative experience—and take home a one-of-a-kind wreath to adorn your door.

December 6 – 3 p.m.
$60 per person

 

Pie Making Class

Discover the art of pie in this hands-on pastry experience with our Executive Pastry Chef, Charley Scruggs. We’ll craft a delicate, flaky crust from scratch before filling individual pies with a fragrant American-style mince of regional fruits, nuts, and warm spices.

Explore elegant decorative techniques and creative finishes, then take your beautifully crafted pies home to enjoy.

December 11
Details coming soon!

Photo Credit: Cameron Wilder

Sommelier's Secrets: Dessert Wines

Indulge your sweet tooth with our curated selection of decadent dessert wines. From rich Ports to golden
Sauternes, discover the perfect luscious finale to any evening.

December 12 – 3 p.m.
$100 per person

 

Holiday Wreath Crafting

Celebrate the season with a festive wreath-making class. Surrounded by winter’s natural beauty, guests will craft their own custom wreaths using fresh evergreens, foraged accents, and elegant holiday touches. With guidance from our Ranch Arts team, enjoy a cozy, creative experience—and take home a one-of-a-kind wreath to adorn your door.

December 13 – 3 p.m.
$60 per person

 

Yule Log Decorating Class

Inspired by the centuries-old tradition and its transformation into a festive French pastry, our Yule Log, or bûche de Noël, brings a playful, modern touch to the classic.

We’ll decorate individual dark chocolate Yule Logs with an array of festive details, including delicate chocolate bark and whimsical piped meringue mushrooms. Under the guidance of our Executive Pastry Chef, Charley Scruggs, you’ll learn techniques for creating an elegant woodland-inspired finish while adding your own creative touches.

December 20
Details coming soon!

Holiday Breadmaking

Welcome the holiday season with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked brioche sticky buns. In this hands-on breadmaking experience, our Executive Pastry Chef, Charley Scruggs, will introduce you to the fundamentals of brioche, exploring how butter, eggs, and other enriching ingredients transform a simple dough into something wonderfully tender and rich. We’ll also discuss the role of mix-ins and how to build flavor and texture into an enriched bread. Enjoy your batch at home or share around the holiday table.

December 20
Details coming soon!

 

Stories and Caroling with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Just before their busiest night of the year, Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a magical stop at Cataloochee Ranch! Gather by the fire for heartwarming holiday stories, joyful caroling, and a touch of North Pole wonder. It’s a perfect way to welcome Christmas together.

December 24 – 2 to 4 p.m.
$50 per person
Children 2 and under are free

 

New Year's Eve

Join us for a memorable evening of connection and cuisine as we gather for an exquisite prix fixe five-course dinner on the final night of the year. Celebrate with friends, family, and community at our mountain table — surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies and the warmth of Cataloochee Ranch.
Please note our á la carte dinner menu will not be available this evening.

December 31 – Seatings Available from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$200 per person
$45 per child aged 3-11
Children 2 and under are free