Though a visit to the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains of Haywood County, NC is a fantasy in and of itself, there’s nothing quite like sinking into the fantastical world of fiction. Luckily, plenty of dungeons and dragons lurk between Haywood’s soaring peaks and coursing rivers. Here are the must-stop spots to craft your geek-tastic Haywood County itinerary:
1. Geek Mountain
There's no greedy dragon slumbering inside Geek Mountain, just heaps of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture gold! If you're in the market for a novel gift, ask about their stock of authentic collectibles, like vintage Pokémon memorabilia shipped straight from Japan. Grab a niche tabletop game to flex your strategic prowess or a packet of mystery dice for your party’s dice goblin. Geek Mountain’s crown jewel, though, is its collection of prints, shirts, stickers, and more by local artists (including the shop owner himself)!
2. Mr. Robot Shop & Retro Video Game Museum
Home to Canton’s resident tech-wizard, there’s more to Mr. Robot Shop than computer repair. The second floor of this unique downtown shop is a nostalgic museum of vintage technology and retro video games. If you’re up for a challenge, try out the museum scavenger hunt. Look around retro computers, keyboards, gaming systems, and monitors displaying sentimental favorites like Atari. Enjoy a blast from the past as you track down all five items to win a commemorative prize. Scavenger hunt items rotate regularly, so stop by each time you’re in town for a whole new experience!
3. Katmandu Games
Jump straight into the action at a game night at Katmandu Games! Haywood’s very own friendly local game store, Katmandu hosts tabletop RPG nights across various systems each week. Join a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot, a Magic the Gathering Commander tournament, BattleTech showdown, or get back to basics on open board game night. Katmandu prides itself on being a family-friendly environment, so bring the little ones along for the D&D kids' campaign and nurture their inner nerd! No time to stay and play? No worries! Katmandu also has everything you need to build your dream TTRPG setup, from miniatures and dice towers to decks and more.
4. Smoky Mountain Geek Expo
There’s no better place to find your people than at the Smoky Mountain Geek Expo! This convention is the largest, most glorious geek get-together of the year, and not one to be missed. Shop diverse vendors and get to know voice actors, writers, and artists from iconic media like Aliens, Sailor Moon, X-Men '97, and DC Comics. Cosplayers are invited to enter their best builds into the family-friendly cosplay competition, and TTRPG warriors (or wizards, druids, bards, and every multiclassing combo in-between) can test their mettle in designated gaming areas. Held annually in October, the Smoky Mountain Geek Expo is the event of the year for purveyors of all things geek!
5. Sassafras on Main
For some more traditional fun, take a look around Sassafras on Main's top floor. This multifaceted shop in Downtown Waynesville is home to an extensive inventory of board games, card games, Legos, puzzles, and much more. Shop up top for toys and games galore, then head downstairs to visit their all-ages bookshop. Whether you’re in the mood for a suspenseful murder mystery, a protracted battle of strategy, or a laid-back run of cards, Sassafras truly has something to entertain even the pickiest of players.
6. Assembly on Main
With classic arcade games, a kids’ area, four axe throwing lanes, and a virtual reality gaming simulator, every night is game night at Assembly on Main. Order from their menu of delicious bites, choose from their selection of craft beverages on tap, and then turn loose in the gaming zone! Bring the whole family for an evening of great food and good-natured competition.
Whether you're hunting for rare comics, digging through vintage games, or simply immersing yourself in your favorite fandom, these local shops and experiences are the perfect playground for any fan who finds themselves in the Western NC Mountains. So, let your geek flag fly in Haywood County, NC, and unearth your newest obsession!
