Haywood County Rises from Helene’s Floodwaters
Any time is a great time to be in Haywood County in beautiful western North Carolina, with the charming towns of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, and other small town gems. One of the most scenic parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through this area of North Carolina for great views and leaf peeping. Also, the southeastern part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, including the remote Cataloochee, Pisgah National Forest, and other natural treasures lie in this pristine area.
Much of this area was devastated by floods from Hurricane Helene in 2024, causing over $60 billion in damage and over 100 deaths. Two years later, most of the area has returned to normal. A few harder-hit roads and areas are still undergoing repair, but the vast majority has been restored through hard work, community efforts, and that great North Carolina spirit and pride.
Lake Junaluska Resort
The Society of American Travel Writers’ (SATW) Annual Conference was held at the beautiful Lake Junaluska Resort, where guests can relax and enjoy the lakeside hotels, vacation rentals, walking trails, gardens, lake cruises, wildlife viewing, panoramic vistas, golf course and more. With a hotel, historic inn, and multiple lodging options, Lake Junaluska offers a wide range of places to stay, eateries, and activities at the resort. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, kayak through the still waters, play pickleball or a round of golf, or just grab a rocker on the front porch and enjoy the views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Maggie’s Mountaineer Crafts
Maggie’s Mountaineer Crafts is a delightful shop in Maggie Valley that features everything from Shirts, Sweatshirts, Knives, Moccasins, Fudge, Jams, Sauces, Jewelry, Unique Gifts and more. Magggie’s has a wide selection of souvenirs, home decor, knick knacks, and snacks. Guests can also enjoy the park and gardens at the adjacent site where the owner of Maggie’s replaced trajedy with promise.
Owner Sue Pendley lost her home in the terrible floods of 2024. Located near the store on the river, the home was completely destroyed. Rather than attempt a costly rebuild, Sue and her son Brad cleared the property and converted the former homestead site into “Inspiration Park,” a community space dedicated to storm victims and local residents. Future plans call for the park to host activities such as live music, food trucks, and community events.
Wildrest Hotel
Our small group spent three nights in the wonderfully rustic Wildrest Hotel in Waynesville, just minutes from downtown. A short stroll takes guests into downtown Waynesville, where there can shop or grab a drink or bite at Frog Level Brewing, Boojum Brewery, or other great restaurants and shops in downtown Waynesville.
Built with old-world stone walls and timber beams, these sturdy lodgings in a forest setting feel isolated and secluded even though they are just a short walk from downtown. With several different buildings in the complex, my room in the Oak Terrace Lodge was very comfortable and quiet throughout the night. Recent renovations provide all the necessary modern conveniences, including an AC/Heating unit, refrigerator, flat-screen television, electronic entry, and modern shower. Large porches with rocking chairs and a picnic area with tables and chairs are a nice added touch at Wildrest Hotel.
Cataloochee Ranch
Cataloochee Ranch, perched on a mountaintop in Maggie Valley in the Smokies, has been serving ranch fun with exceptional accommodations and cuisine since being founded by the Alexander family in 1933. Located close to the ski areas of Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ranch is a popular place to stay and play during ski season as well as throughout the year. The ranch lies at an elevation of 4,800 feet along the border of the Great Smoky National Park. Current owners David and Annie Colquitt have made many improvements and enhancements over the years, and the ranch has been recognized as one of the top resorts in the South. Cataloochee Ranch is a member of Relais & Châteaux, certified as a DarkSky International Lodging property, and has been awarded two Michelin Keys.
The Switchback Restaurant is the on-site fine dining restaurant that serves local, open-flame Appalachian and Alpine-influenced cuisine featuring ranch-raised Cataloochee beef, garden produce, and house-made pastries. During our conference, we were served the authentic ranch feast at their BBQ buffet, with delicious locally sourced meats and house made sides. We were also treated to a fun performance by a bluegrass band and the J Creek Cloggers, a delightful group of local cloggers. J Creek Cloggers entertained us after dinner and invited volunteers to join them for some lively dances. The combination of great food, music, and dancing in a spectacular setting made our opening night at Cataloochee Ranch a smashing success.
Winchester Creek Farm with Alpacas and More
Who doesn’t love an alpaca? These docile, soft, warm, fluffy, and friendly critters greeted us at the adorable Winchester Creek Farm. Located in the outskirts of Waynesville near the Great Smoky Mountains, this well tended farm made for a delightful morning. In addition to alpacas, Winchester Creek Farm’s 20 acres are home to llamas, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, donkeys, and miniature horses. Guests are welcome to browse the gift shop with products made from alpaca fibers or join in on fun 45-minute educational walking tours, Alpaca Yoga, and seasonal holiday events.
Our group of four joined our two delightful guides to meet the alpacas we would be taking on a short stroll. We walked past the donkeys, Dolly and Norman, and Hercules, the Alpaca Alpha male of the herd. Then we came upon Penelope Pig, Elvis Pigsley, and Albert Swinestein. Next, we enjoyed watching some pygmy goats before arriving at the home of the stars of the show, the always amazing alpacas.
The ladies were all very docile, friendly, and very curious about this new herd of humans heading their way. We were all properly introduced to Cinderella, Baby Cakes, Noodle, Cocoa Kiss, Queen Francine, Rory and several other adorable alpacas. Our guides gently open the gates, put each one on a leash, and handed them off to their temporary human. My buddy for our outing was Rory, a calm, cool, cute tan youngster. She was very easy to walk, and mostly followed my lead. Rory seemed to enjoy being petted and walking with our group, and her hair/fiber/wool was very soft to the touch. At the end of the walk, she got excited about the expected treats, and she eagerly, but gently, devoured the food nuggets out of my hand.
I highly recommend spending a few hours at the fabulous Winchester Creek Farm. The setting, the fresh air, the mountain views, the friendly staff, and the incredibly cute animals make it a day to remember.
Oh ya, there are also delicious fresh-baked goodies from the Mountain Girl Bakery for tasty treats!
Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley
Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique American automobiles. Located just five miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, this motorcycle museum houses a collection of over 400 rare machines. We spent a good two hours walking through the exhibits and could easily have spent another hour or two.
I’m not necessarily a motorcycle or car enthusiast, but I was drawn to the machines, the technology, the history, and the human stories on display in this remarkable museum. In addition to being one of the nation’s top motorcycle museums, Wheels Through Time has a very popular Motorcycle Raffle, where the grand prize each year is a coveted American restored classic. Another favorite feature is Dale’s YouTube Channel, which has over 400 shows about the history, restorations, and rebuilds that take place at the Wheels Through Time Museum.
Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s Most Scenic Drive
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often referred to as one of most picturesque drives in America. This 469-mile scenic route reveals sweeping vistas, vibrant wildflowers, fall foliage, and rich cultural stops. The western North Carolina section of about 250 miles features Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Eastern United States, and Linville Gorge, the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon.
The Shelton House – The Museum of North Carolina Craft and History
The Shelton House is an 1875 historic home and heritage museum located at 49 Shelton St, Waynesville, NC. Built by Stephen Jehu Shelton and his wife, Mahala, the stately home currently houses the Museum of North Carolina Craft and History. William Taylor Shelton, the second oldest son of Stephen and Mahala, bought the home and moved there after living in New Mexico for 25 years.
Durijng William’s years in New Mexico, he collected Native American artwork and items that he brought with him to Waynesville. Many of these items can be seen in the home and in the showroom in the nearby barn. In 1977, Mary Cornwell bought the home and established the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, highlighting traditional crafts. I was amazed at the impressive range of items displayed, including wood carvings, woven pieces, artwork, and pottery.
Willow Hill Soap Company in Canton
Willow Hill Soap Company, located in Canton, North Carolina, is owned by Ben and Alison McDowell. The company was started by Alison’s mother, who sold homemade soaps under the name “Carolina Lily Naturals.” Ben and Allison, along with daughter Carley, have moved the company forward since taking over, rebranding the name to Willow Hill and adding many items to the product line.
Our small group attended a fun candle making workshop, led by Ben and Alison’s delightful daughter, Carley. After an informative introduction and demonstration of the candle making process, each of us picked a fragrance to use in our candles. I chose the Willow Winter from among the Wildflower Bergamot, Frasier Fir, Vanilla & Merlot, and several other tantalizing scents. Carley patiently demonstrated the process and helped guide us in making our own aromatic soy candles.
Willow Hill makes a wonderful assortment of natural Bath and Shower, Body Care, and Home Products. In addition to the aromatic candles, Carley described some of the natural beauty products, like the pure tallow moisturizer, a smooth pristine white moisturizer lotion.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cataloochee Valley)
The far north and northwestern portions of Haywood County lie inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, and other areas of Haywood County are ideal places to base yourself to include a visit to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. These North Carolina towns are gateways to the Smoky Mountain National Park, conveniently nestled in this beautiful area of western North Carolina. Take a scenic drive, go for a hike, search for elk, black bears, eagles, and other wildlife. The Cataloochee section of the park has a herd of wild elk, where we were enthralled to see these magnificent creatures up close.
The Ten Acre Gardens in Canton
Ten Acre Garden in Canton is a family owned U-Pick Farm, offering fresh vegetables, berries, flowers, and farm-fresh eggs – and fresh baked pizza! Guests can also take classes on topics ranging from gardening to crafting, creating a space where everyone can learn and grow. Owners Mark and Morgan Davies, along with Morgan’s mother Cynthia Goff, bought Ten Acre Garden in 2024 and have continued the long-standing traditions of home, family, hard work, and respect for the land.
I was impressed with the flower garden, where giant Dahlia’s bloomed in reds, yellows, pinks, and other bright colors. With picnic tables covered with umbrellas in a bucolic setting on the grounds, we enjoyed our lunch of fresh baked pizzas on the peaceful grounds. We loved the Apple Candy Roaster pizza made with candy roaster squash sauce, roasted apples, bacon, carmelized onions, brie, fresh mozzarella, pecorino, finished with fresh sage and balsamic glaze. The Sausage and Peppers was also delicious!
So Many Fun Things to Do in Haywood County, NC
So, what will it be? Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Get up close and personal with delightful alpacas, llamas, miniature horses, and other fun critters. Browse through over 400 vintage motorcycles. Explore handicrafts of local craftsmen. Make a candle with your favorite scent. Take a casual stroll or a more challenging hike with spectacular views of lakes, mountains, and wildlife. Bring a colorful dahlia home.
Take your pick. Choose one of these and so many more great activities in Haywood County in beautiful western North Carolina. For more information about outdoor adventures and food and drink in Haywood County, check out PlayStayEat articles Best Haywood Restaurants in Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Canton and Haywood County, NC: Golf, Hiking, Elk, and Sunrise Yoga.
Thanks to Haywood County for hosting us. All opinions are my own.
