Finding Your Appalachian True - Downtown Waynesville, NC

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When you think of the mountains of North Carolina, places like Asheville or Boone may be the first names that come to mind. Beautiful places, each in their own way. But what if you wanted to find the hidden gems, the cities that hold so much character but rarely get featured in guides and magazines? It's time to venture off the beaten path to find your next adventure.

Welcome to Waynesville, North Carolina.

If the name rings a bell or if you've found your way here at one point, you are one of the chosen few. This little town in the mountains is typically known to the more adventurous traveler. However, from our deeply rooted connection to the natural landscape, Appalachian culture, and community, Waynesville is for everyone.

Waynesville is a true, small Appalachian town. Regardless of whether you found your way here by plan or by accident, the sentiment of visitors is the same: they love it here. With a thriving downtown where visitors can shop, dine, and play, we are extremely lucky to welcome visitors into our historic home.

The Gateway to the Smokies as it is called, Waynesville is perfectly situated for those seeking the awe-inspiring. In the span of a few miles, you can hike to cascading waterfalls and find "oh my" overlooks. But the centerpiece of it all is the downtown itself. Quaint. Charming. Grab a thesaurus and you'll still run out of words to describe its appeal.

Shops line the street. But not like the ones in other mountain towns. There are galleries where you can actually watch artists paint, sculpt, and carve their ideas to life. Jewelers bend silver spoons into bracelets. 250-year old cedar trees are turned into benches that make the perfect conversation pieces for your dining room table. Mountain traditions are alive and well and on full display. Locals take pride in their work and are usually happy to share a story behind the pieces you're buying.

Restaurants and bars are usually buzzing. Mythical mountain creatures come to life in craft beer form. Travelers find a drink in the back of a neon sign shop. Meals bring sweet garden flavors. Sweet Onion Pot Roast today and then Chicken Fried Steak with pepper gravy tomorrow. Each dish served with a genuine smile and made from traditions, not recipes.

Waynesville offers an authentic mountain experience. You can take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can watch an 1,100 pound lumbering bull elk stop traffic in the Cataloochee Valley. You can browse shops that keep traditions alive by nourishing the craftsmanship, patience, and dedication of local artists. You can dine at restaurants that believe a good meal should be a conversation starter. If the adventurous traveler in you says "yes" to all these things, Waynesville is your Appalachian True. Find your way there soon.