YOUR WAYNESVILLE NC TRAVEL GUIDE
The historic gateway to the Smokies
Small town, surprising soul
In downtown Waynesville, NC, wander art-filled streets and pause to browse hand-thrown mugs fresh from the kiln. In this little mountain town, you’ll discover a community warmth that welcomes strangers like old friends.
Find joy in the little things
Eat & Drink
Restaurants you’ll rave about
Park yourself at a cozy restaurant in Waynesville, NC and enjoy a farm-to-table feast, from pizza to hand-patted burgers. It’s guaranteed that the chef knows the farmer’s name, and the freshness echoes that.
Explore more mountain towns
Once you’ve explored Waynesville, Haywood’s largest town, venture beyond and discover four more Appalachian gems, each with its own rhythm, stories, and mountain charm.
Oct 11 → Nov 2Go With the Flow: Art ExhibitHaywood Handmade Gallery's "Go with the Flow" exhibit celebrates the beauty, power, and importance of Haywood County’s waterways. In partnership with Haywood Waterways, this exhibition invites artists to create works inspired by rivers, streams, and other bodies of water—both literally and metaphorically. From flowing currents to reflections on life’s journeys, the show highlights how waterways inspire creativity while raising awareness of the need to protect and conserve our local watershed. Pictured work is by Peter Brown.
Oct 14Fall Candle Class at Frog Level Brewing CompanyCraft a new signature scent for your space at Fire on the Mountain Candle Company’s fall-themed candle-making class, hosted at Frog Level Brewing Company! Sip on a craft brew while you customize a 10oz wood wick candle with your very own autumnal scent. The cost is $50/person. Reserve your spot at the linked page!
Oct 17 → Dec 5Haywood Historic Farmers MarketHaywood’s Historic Farmers Market invites everyone to experience local flavors and crafts every Saturday, April through December, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This producer-only market showcases a variety of products sourced from Haywood and nearby counties, including fresh produce, meats, fish, eggs, honey, dairy, flowers, nursery plants, baked goods, preserves, and heritage crafts. Leashed dogs are welcome. Come enjoy a top-notch community gathering to support local producers and stock up on the finest items Haywood has to offer!
Oct 1738th Apple Harvest FestivalHailed as one of the “10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation,” this annual street festival showcases the bounty of local apple growers whose mountain-grown apples offer a delicious way to embrace the fall season. Enjoy all manner of apple-inspired treats, from cider to cakes and pies. Wander along the historic Main Street, dotted with nearly 200 unique arts and crafts booths, concessions, cloggers, eclectic shops, and inviting restaurants. Don't miss out on this celebration of autumn in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains & Blue Ridge!
Oct 17Smoky Mountain Geek ExpoGet your geek on at this comic, anime, sci-fi, and pop culture event! Enjoy a wide variety of artists and vendors, comics, toys, video games, original artwork, collectible card gaming, anime, etc. Show off your best builds at cosplay contests and test your mettle in designated gaming areas! This is a family-friendly event. Entry is free for kids 12 & under, and $5 for all others.
WAYNESVILLE NC EVENTS
Never far from the action
Experience festivals, live music, craft traditions, and seasonal celebrations that showcase real Appalachian mountain culture.
