Canton & Clyde: Haywood's eastern economic engine
For true local charm, look no further than Canton and Clyde, the neighboring towns nestled in eastern Haywood County. They are situated around the Evergreen paper mill, which started life as Blue Ridge Paper Products and has been running steadily for more than 100 years.
Downtown Canton is a snapshot of a classic mill town, with many of the unique and beautiful bungalows and buildings once built for mill workers and managers still intact. The downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its crown jewel is the Imperial Hotel. Originally crafted as a stately home, it is currently being renovated to its former glory, to include a restaurant celebrating the town's history.
Historic murals also dot the downtown landscape, offering interesting viewing for a stroll down Main Street, while a stop into one of the street's barber shops or cafes will give you a chance to rub elbows with the locals.
Clyde, a hamlet that lies between Canton and Waynesville, can boast as its own the oldest structure in Haywood County. The Shook-Smathers House, home to the Shook Museum, was built around 1820, with additions and renovations made for decades producing the finished product we see today. The home's attic chapel played host to many storied circuit preachers over the years, many of whom have left their mark in the unique collection of signatures that decorate the chapel's walls.
The town is also home to 'The Big Gun,' a local landmark and war memorial that is the defining feature of the small downtown landscape. Another memorial, made from steel taken from the World Trade Center, is slated to open in Clyde in 2011, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Clyde was given two of only around 1,000 piece of steel salvaged from the site to be used in memorials.
Attractions
• Canton Area Historical Museum and Visitor Center — Step into the town's history, starting with its early settlement, and see what has shaped modern Canton at 36 Park St. 828.646.3412.
• Colonial Theater — The historic Colonial Theatre was built in 1932 and renovated in 1992 and again in 2006 giving the town a multi-use facility with state of the art film, video and sound equipment. Concerts are held most weekends. 828.648.2363.
• Cold Mountain — The mountain that Charles Frazier used to name his acclaimed novel, and the title of the subsequent movie is in Haywood County. Hiking the mountain requires a map and an entire day, but you can view it by following N.C. 110 out of Canton until it intersects with U.S. 276. Turn left on U.S. 276 until you hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cold Mountain overlook is right at the U.S. 276-Parkway intersection.
• Mt. Pisgah — This mountain is visible from the area around Canton. Located at Milepost 408.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a short, strenuous hike leads to a viewing platform with 360-degree views. Also a hotel, restaurant and campground located nearby.
• Old Pressley Sapphire Mine — Flume for sapphires and other gems. One of world's largest blue sapphires was discovered here, earning the mine a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Open seven days a week. Exit 33 off I-40. 240 Pressley Mine Rd. 828.648.6320.
• Pigeon River Scenic Walking Trail — A walking trail that covers a mile and a half of the scenic Pigeon River in Canton. Benches line the trail for those looking to relax and take in the native flora or feed local wildlife, while a boat ramp is available for fishing and canoeing.
• Shook Museum — The museum is located in the recently restored Shook-Smathers House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house includes antiques once used by its inhabitants and tours are given by appointment. Famed Methodist Francis Asbury is said to have stayed there in 1812. 178 Morgan Street in Clyde. 877.620.2300.
Dining & Nightlife
• Blue Rooster Southern Grill — Local, handmade Southern cuisine and more. 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997.
• El Chappala — Mexican restaurant. 124 Main St. in Canton. 828.235.9195.
• El Pobre — Mexican restaurant with a diverse menu featuring house specialties, lots of chorizo and spicy relleno peppers. Located outside of town at 6841 Cruso Rd. 828.235.9311.
• Jukebox Junction Soda Shoppe — Memorabilia covered walls served up with chili dogs, sandwiches and milkshakes. Located outside of town at 6306 Pigeon Rd. 828.648.4546.
• Sagebrush Steakhouse — Traditional steakhouse located just outside Canton proper. 53 Buckeye Cove Rd. 828.646.3750.
• Sherrill's Pioneer Restaurant — Honest, unadorned meat and vegetables diner with excellent homemade pies. 8363 Carolina Blvd. in Clyde. 828.627.9880.
Resources
• U.S. Post Office — 183 Park St. in Canton. 828.648.2634. 8639 Carolina Blvd. in Clyde. 828.627.2831.
• Haywood County Library — Public access to the Internet is available at all locations in one-hour time slots and on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon., Wed. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1:30 to 5 p.m. 11 Pennsylvania Ave. in Canton. 828.648.2924.
