Hearken to Our Tale
The Story of How We Came to Own The Axe Tavern
By Michelle & Trevor
Once upon a time, in a small mountain town not far from the clouds, two high school sweethearts—Michelle and Trevor—started writing their love story before they even realized it. Thirteen years later, through every high and low, every late-night drive and spontaneous adventure, they tied the knot in the most fitting way imaginable: a Halloween wedding in 2022. Costumes, candles, laughter, and love—it was perfectly them.
With rings on their fingers and dreams in their hearts, they decided it was time to build something even greater: a family. And in December of 2024, they welcomed their daughter, Aphelion, into the world—a beautiful, strong name for a girl destined to live an extraordinary life. Becoming parents changed everything. The world suddenly had more meaning, more urgency, more purpose. They didn’t just want to live life. They wanted to build one—one that Aphelion could grow up proud of.
That’s when it all began.
Scrolling through Facebook Marketplace one lazy evening, Michelle stumbled across a listing that seemed too wild, too cool, too them to ignore: Maggie Valley Axe Lounge — For Sale.
“Babe… what if?”
That was all it took.
At first, it was a dream—something they’d daydream about between feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights. But the more they talked, the more it became real. Plans turned into spreadsheets, spreadsheets turned into budgets, budgets turned into late-night planning sessions with coffee and baby bottles side by side on the table.
After months of careful consideration, support from friends and family, and one big leap of faith—they did it.
They bought the axe lounge.
Now, it’s not just a business. It’s a vision. A legacy. A place where people can come together, blow off steam, and have a damn good time. The Axe Tavern is becoming something bigger than either of them imagined.
They’ve got plans—big ones.
Interactive axe-throwing targets that light up, cheer, and challenge.
A full bar to celebrate victories (and cope with embarrassing throws).
Weekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions in a cozy corner built for epic storytelling.
Birthday parties for kids and adults alike—because who wouldn’t want to throw axes for their big day?
A kitchen to fuel it all with pub-style comfort food, made with heart.
And eventually… a rage room. Because hey, sometimes you just need to smash a printer in peace.
The Axe Tavern isn’t just a business. It’s a dream forged by two people who chose each other every day for over a decade. It's powered by love, grit, and the desire to give their daughter a life where anything feels possible.
So when you step through those doors—know this: you’re not just walking into a tavern. You’re stepping into a story.
And this is just the beginning..