About 25 miles from Asheville is the quaint town of Waynesville with many things to do. Its downtown has a surprising number of fine galleries and specialty shops. There are many things to do and special events to enjoy. Along with the popular Mast General Store, there are about a dozen galleries and a variety of antique shops, home furnishing centers and gift shops.
Waynesville is Haywood County's oldest town with over a century of experience as a quaint mountain retreat. Even before the railroad made it easy to get here, visitors flocked to Waynesville for the cool, clean air, clean water, outstanding scenery and an opportunity to escape sweltering cities. It's one of our Top 10 Civil War Sites.
Downtown Waynesville's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries, tempting foods and old-time general store will take you back to a more leisurely time. A time when people made you feel welcome and when you could slow down and really savor the present. When it's time to dine, there is everything from hearty country fare to the local specialty mountain trout, to fine international cuisine and high-end gourmet. The award-wining theatre features a full schedule of performances.
Nestled between Main Street and the Richardson River in Waynesville is the Historic Frog Level. With the still operating railroad depot and eleven historic buildings, get a look into what built this great town. Find a variety of shops, art galleries, antiques, and brewery.
Folkmoot U.S.A. attracts entertainers from all over the world and features two free events in downtown each July (See our Folkmoot Guide).
The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts is housed in the historic Shelton House. It showcases distinctive art, handicrafts, and furniture created by North Carolina artists, including intricate woodworking, weaving, quilting, pottery, dolls, a Native American room, and many other artifacts. The house, an excellent example of a typical Charleston-style farmhouse of the era, was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On four Friday nights in the summer, come down for the Mountain Street Dances. Put on your cloggin’ & square dancin’ shoes and enjoy an old-fashioned mountain hoe down in front of the Historic Courthouse.
To celebrate the Christmas season, Holly Days is the first weekend of December, starting with the Art After Dark on Friday evening and ending with the parade on Monday night. The second Saturday night of December is A Night Before Christmas, an old-fashioned celebration with caroling, wagon rides, Bethlehem market place and luminaries.
Waynesville B&Bs, Cabins & Hotels
Waynesville Top Events
Waynesville Craft Breweries
BearWaters Brewing is a microbrewery with a full service Tap Room with a very large selection of locally made craft beers. 130 Frazier Street Suite 7, Waynesville
Frog Level Brewing Company has some of the smoothest craft beer to touch your tongue, from the bite of their IPA to the smokiness of their Scotch Ale. 56 Commerce Street, Waynesville
See many more craft breweries on our Asheville Beer Guide.
First Fridays May-December: "ART after DARK" with galleries & studios open until 9 PM with special artists showings, displays, and refreshments. Look for the WGA group flag representing the Waynesville Gallery Association.
Directions to Waynesville from Asheville: Take I-40 West to exit 27 onto Hwy 74.
