In Waynesville, Balsam Mountain Inn, one of the jewels of the Blue Ridge, wears its 105 years well thanks to the loving attention of the innkeepers, Kim and Sharon Shailer. Southern Living magazine highlights the inn as one of their favorites.

What a great venue for Songwriter’s in the Round! We happened upon this fantastic dinner show quite by accident. One Saturday evening a month (except January), talented artists come from around the music world to entertain guests of the inn, locals and visitors to the area. Last May Benita Hill, Becky Hobbs and Chas Sanford treated dinner guests to a wealth of original sounds in the intimate setting of the Balsam’s lovely old dining room. We dined family style. Spending the night with guests of the Inn along with local residents, we had a stimulating evening of food, conversation, and spectacular music.

Each of the songwriters introduced their songs with extensive background and history. Songwriters in the Round allowed the listeners to feel up close and personal with the artists as they shared generously about the creative process-the successes and failures. I plan to make this an annual event when I stay at Mystic Mountain Cabin.

J. Arthur’s rustic charm outside duplicated inside with a massive stone fireplace in the main dining room reinforces the fact that you are on vacation in the Great Smokies.

The hungry souls lining up outside J. Arthur’s in Maggie Valley for the early bird specials are indicative of the great meal ahead. We certainly were not disappointed. Daily from 5pm to 6pm, the restaurant offers an early bird menu with your choice of beef, chicken and seafood entrees. The special includes soup or salad, main course, a choice of one vegetable, dessert and a beverage.

Although the salad was uninspired, the mixed lettuce was crisp, cold and fresh and was topped by a delicious locally grown tomato wedge. Since we are always partial to a honey mustard dressing, we did not try their signature Gorgonzola dressing. The London Broil priced at $12.99 arrived a delicate pink as requested with a lovely and light mushroom glace. The fresh mixed vegetables were perfectly crisp tender and delicious. The Prime Rib, the $16.99 main course, done to a light pink was melt in your mouth tender. The baked potato was fresh and tasty with the typical butter and sour cream on the side. A pineapple bread pudding topped off the traditional meal perfectly. Just sweet enough with the fresh whipped cream topping.

The main dining room was comfortable. The atmosphere was family friendly with an electric train running around the base of the vaulted ceilings trimmed in wood timbers. Our server was courteous, attentive, and efficient. J. Arthur’s Early Bird Special was a great deal and certainly will be added to our list of favorites in Haywood County.