Last Updated on June 2, 2023
In Western North Carolina, we’ve always been privileged to live in a region brimming with community spirit, support for small businesses, and friendly neighbors. We know it’s a special place to live. And we’ve always been quick to recognize that fact.
Even still, since the orders for social distancing were passed, we’ve all come to recognize many of the things in our lives that we previously took for granted. It’s been weeks now since we’ve seen our favorite baristas, took the family out for Taco Tuesday, or were able to get mountain bikes onto our favorite trails. It will be weeks still until businesses resume current operations and locals and visitors alike return to WNC’s main streets.
In the meantime, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to examine some of the facets of our community that we’ve always loved and now miss. Here are some of our favorite things about Waynesville.
Walking along Main Street
As you wind along Waynesville’s shop-lined streets, you’re greeted with virtually everything you could want. Historic buildings, relaxing benches, public art, and welcoming folks make Waynesville a thoroughly enjoyable place to live and visit. Fine shops, galleries, cafés, and independent restaurants are all within walking distance of Main Street. It makes for a wonderful day of strolling and engaging with smiling faces.
Dining at local restaurants
It’s easy to make a full day of eating in Waynesville’s many independent restaurants. And you could do it all again tomorrow (and the day after that, and the day after that…) without ever repeating yourself. It’s always fun to stop for an outdoor lunch at The Patio Bistro. Their sandwiches, melts, and wraps are scrumptious, and their patio is dog-friendly, too. The young (or young at heart) always love an old-fashioned ice cream cone from The Strand at 38 Main. And as dusk descends and you start to think about dinner, you have your choice of great meals at The Sweet Onion, Nick and Nate’s Pizza, or Bogart’s Restaurant and Tavern.
Shopping local
It’s always been easy to stock up on all of your domestic needs, including fishing gear, at Mast General Store. You can dazzle your lady with a piece of handcrafted jewelry from The Jeweler’s Workbench. And when you’re ready to redecorate, or just browsing for ideas, visit High Country Furniture & Design for upscale ranch-style furniture.
Attending community events
Coming to town has always been a treat. But on certain days, there are also unique festivals and events the entire family will enjoy. Meet local artists on the first Friday of each month during Art After Dark. Celebrate the world’s cultural heritage through folk music and dance during Folkmoot, USA‘s annual program. Let the picking of the banjo and fiddle carry you into the summer night at one of Waynesville’s numerous bluegrass music festivals and Friday night block parties. Warm your flushed cheeks with fresh, hot cider at the Apple Harvest Festival. And Christmas in Waynesville is magical with carolers entertaining all who shop along Main Street.
Getting outdoors
Incredible mountain views, pure streams, and cool summer weather make the forests surrounding Waynesville one of the few pristine places remaining in the Southeast. The town is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Pisgah National Forest. Hiking and mountain biking trails abound, as do whitewater rafting rivers. Even the city’s recreation department has a walking trail that meanders along the side of a rushing stream.
Never miss Waynesville again—Make it your home today!
Waynesville offers an engaging small-town atmosphere with all of the amenities of a larger city. The town recently garnered some national attention for its hometown appeal. Waynesville was voted “Best Mountain Town,” “Best Main Street Town,” “Best Small Town,” “Best Undiscovered Town,” and a “Low-Cost Eden,” in the third edition of America’s 100 Best Places to Retire, published by Where to Retire magazine.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Waynesville and the surrounding area offer a large variety of homes sure to please everyone. Find your dream home in Waynesville now!
