Waynesville NC, the bustling small town
Waynesville is a bustling little town 37 minutes west of Asheville, North Carolina. Waynesville has grown economically in the past few years. I had the privilege of hanging with one of my friends who is a local to Waynesville to get the inside scoop. From her perspective, Waynesville is a sweet retirement community. That is not to say it's a snowbird jungle because it does have friendly businesses open year-round.
Waynesville is the county seat of Haywood and one of the most significant towns west of Asheville. Waynesville was founded by a colonial war soldier named Robert Love in 1810. Waynesville was incorporated in 1871 and merged with Hazelwood in 1995. From 1884 to 1949, the railway system considerably grew the Waynesville community. Today, the population is around 10,000.
Waynesville is an excellent town to visit or live in if you are into the Blue Ridge and the Smoky Mountains, as you can explore both. Waynesville boasts a busy mountain town inside of pristine nature. Waynesville knows how to celebrate! Plan your visit around one of the town's lively festivals, such as the Folkmoot International Festival, which brings together cultures worldwide. The Apple Harvest Festival, the Church Street Art and Craft Show, and the vibrant Friday Night Street Dances are just a few examples of the festive spirit that permeates Waynesville.
One Magical thing to note is the opportunity to see the elk grazing at the Cataloochee divide. The best time to see the elk grazing in the pasture is near sunset or sunrise. You can also see the baby elk in late spring to early summer. Embark on scenic hikes, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and witness breathtaking views from Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is a dream drive, offering countless overlooks and vibrant fall foliage during autumn. In Waynesville, you can find many delicious restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and local shops like the charming Mast General Store, a century-old establishment that will transport you back in time. One restaurant in particular called Singletree Heritage Kitchen is my favorite to frequent while in Waynesville. Singletree restaurant is beautifully designed, and the food is farm-to-table, all at a great price.
I could go on and on about the culture and activities of Waynesville. If you are looking for a buzzing town in the southern Appalachian mountains with plenty to do and plenty of nature therapy, check out Waynesville. If you are interested in Learning more about Waynesville, check out https://www.waynesvillenc.gov/natural-beauty-wnc .
Downtown Waynesville
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