Waynesville, NC
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General Information
The charismatic town of Waynesville is ideally located in a valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Situated at a height of 2750 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking scenic beauty all around, especially of the mountain peaks between which it is nestled. Most of these mountain ranges are about 6000 feet above sea level or more.
It is the largest town in the County of Haywood and lies in the western part of North Carolina. With a population of about 9800 people that are mostly involved in providing tourism activities, Waynesville has a certain old world charm that is difficult to match. Besides, the climate is conducive to visit any time of the year, with a minimum of 24°F and a maximum of about 83°F.
The Background
It was in 1810 when a soldier of the American Revolution was responsible for the founding of Waynesville, named after his previous commander, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. The battle of Waynesville during the American Revolution played a significant part in the town being established.
During the American Civil War in 1865, most of the houses and settlements were burned down by Union Colonel William. However, in 1871, the local residents got together and rebuilt their town. It was in 1971, when the neighboring town of Hazelwood combined with Waynesville and the population increased substantially. This laid the foundation for further growth.
The Main Street
Waynesville’s Main Street has a history of its own and all year ‘round it is dynamic and vibrant, made possible by the pleasant climate all year ‘round. There is a certain sense of closeness and warmth that is felt walking through Main Street.
Tourism, being an important part of the popularity of Waynesville, the local authorities ensure that performances and all other activities thrive on a regular basis. There are street dancers that perform on four Friday nights with mountain music and clogging. There is also a Block Party on Saturday evenings on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends with food and live music and a Main Street that is closed to traffic.
People who are fond of art, music, dance and culture come to Waynesville regularly. This is more-so for the Art After Dark gallery and studio that is held on the first Friday of every month. In addition, there are different kinds of activities that are planned throughout the year, to attract a steady flow of tourists.
The Main Street is home to all the major outlets of fashion, clothing, shoes, accessories, specialty restaurants, gift shops and more.
The Activities Offered
There are innumerable activities that Waynesville offers to tourists. Among the most preferred by common consensus are briefly mentioned here:
- The Haywood Arts Repertory Theatre: This is a semiprofessional community theatre which has won several awards over the years. There are performances all the year ‘round, especially from April to November. This is also known as the HART main stage. In December there are Christmas carols being presented, while the period from January to March offers different productions every two weeks by the Fletcher Studio Theatre. This is also referred to as the Performing Arts Centre and is based on an 8 acre plot with deep history attached to it and is just two blocks from the Waynesville Main Street.
- The Strand: located on 38 Main Street, in the heart of the town of Waynesville - this is a boutique cinema that shows classic movies that are changed out on a regular basis, along with other off-beat movies and live music performances.
- The Waynesville Recreation Centre - a great place to spend some quality time.
- The Queen’s Farm Stables: Offers horseback riding facilities with the option of taking riding lessons as well. Horses are also available on hire to discover the surrounding terrain.
- Lake Junaluska Golf Course: This is a fun golf course with some very interesting holes. The surrounding location is eye-catching and makes this a must-visit spot.
- Smoky Mountain Jumphouse: An interesting concept and a great place to visit.
- Friends of the Smokies: Offers guided tours and hikes in the Smoky Mountains National Park region. Full day hikes are offered and all the achievements that the Friends of the Smokies have attained are highlighted along the tour or hike. In order to support the Smokies Trails forever, nominal donations are required. Interestingly, non-members receive a one year’s complimentary membership and a free hike if they bring a friend along.
- In mid-October the Apple Harvest Festival takes place on Main Street
- October 31 is Halloween time and is celebrated with great fervor and zest all throughout Waynesville and the surrounding areas.
Shopping Facilities
Waynesville offers one of the most diverse shopping activities possible on account of it being a prominent tourist destination. Some of more important activities and their location are listed here:
- For antiques, reproductions and collectibles there is wide variety of shops to choose from. Most of them are located in downtown Waynesville. Prominent among them is the Cedar Hill Studio that displays paintings of more than 60 artists with the opportunity of interacting with many of them. This is a unique experience for most travelers. Then of course, there are shops that offer old handcrafted antiques, used designer clothing and other accessories, colonial furnishings and lots of Christmas decorations and gifts under one roof.
- There are several art galleries and framing services available throughout the Main Street of Waynesville.
- For bakery products, City Bakery is family-managed and one of the foremost in the business, again located on Main Street.
- For entertainment that includes wine and beer, the Classic Wineseller, located on Church Street, is a must visit. You can enjoy live music with great tapas-style food all through the year.
- All kinds of books, cards and stationary items are available at Blue Ridge Books on Main Street.
- As camping and hiking are important activities here, there are a few trusted retailers like the Friends of the Smokies that cater to all that are interested in these activities.
- For clothing, shoes and accessories, there are several shops on Main Street that offer a wide choice. All you have to do is to walk down the street and find what you are looking for or discover exciting new finds.
- Waynesville being a tourist spot, most people would like to buy some memoirs or gifts to share with near and dear ones back home. There is no better place than exploring Main Street. It is possible to find almost anything in the stores located here.
- For gourmet foods and desserts, there is a wide variety of specialty restaurants and epicurean stores.
- Health and Wellness is of great importance to a great many people. There are many health spas to choose from and enjoy.
- All in all, you can find almost any product or service that you may desire in Waynesville.
Lodging and Boarding
The variety of options that are available for your lodging and boarding requirements in Waynesville are second to none. There are several places that provide good rooms with breakfast included, for those travelling on a fixed budget. There are many bed & breakfasts, in fact, this Smoky Mountain town is known as the bed & breakfast capitol of North Carolina, and to substantiate this claim, there are tours conducted that feature the various bed & breakfast inns in the region. There are high-end hotels and resorts that can provide luxury to those who seek same. Some of them have exclusive golf courses, and spas to pamper your senses. There are log cabins available with spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. Many are fully equipped with a fireplace, Wi-Fi and other essentials.
The Importance of Health Insurance
Health insurance is an important element that must always be taken into account by tourists on vacation trips. However, it is equally important for the local people to benefit from the variety of health insurance plans. In the unfortunate event of a serious illness or an accident, health insurance takes care of you, and most premiums are affordable. WNC Health Insurance / The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina® Store agents are happy to provide free health insurance quotes for all individuals and businesses in Waynesville NC and throughout the State of North Carolina.
Waynesville is a lovely, charming, popular city. If you ever make plans to visit, you will not be disappointed.
