Waynesville: Gateway to the Smokies

Undulating mountains surround the town of Waynesville, once billed as Gateway to the Smokies. These high ridges bring snow in the winter and cooler temperatures in the summer, and Haywood County boasts the highest average elevation of any county east of the Rockies.

Early doctors prescribed visits to the area for patients suffering from respiratory ailments — not an unpleasant prescription by any means — and hotels once welcomed those suffering from tuberculosis.

Along with these health-conscience tourists, the wealthy flocked from Charleston and Atlanta by train in the summer to escape the heat, with two trains a day unloading vacationers at the old train depot in what is now the Frog Level area. A horse and buggy would take visitors and their luggage three blocks to Main Street, which was lined with hotels and boarding houses.

The recently restored train district in Frog Level, has gained recognition as a National Historic District and is now home to a collection of small galleries and a coffee roastery, and a microbrewery is planning to open this summer.

Downtown is a pedestrian's dream with much to choose from including working art studios, fine restaurants, pubs, a local bookstore, a coffee roastery, cigar store, gift shops, a bakery and more. The first Friday of each month features a gallery stroll and artists are often on hand, and the event is almost like a street party due to the number of people who show up.

There also mountain street dances on several Friday nights during the summer beginning at 6:30 p.m. in front of the courthouse, a fun, free event where you can listen to live music and take part in the traditional dancing (June 24, July 8, July 27 and Aug. 5). No worries for those new to the art form as the caller takes his time and walks everyone through the steps.

Waynesville is also one of those mountain towns that provides a great jumping off point for a mountain vacation. It's close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah National Forest, Asheville, mountain biking trails and whitewater rafting rivers.

Attractions

• Blue Ridge Books and News – Great bookstore, coffee shop and news stand, with local, regional and national newspapers and free wi-fi. Great place to buy books, get local information or just hang out. Indoor and outdoor seating. 152 S. Main Street. 828.456.6000. blueridgebooksnc.com.

• 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 U.S. 276 out of Waynesville until you hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cold Mountain overlook is right at the U.S. 276-parkway intersection.

• Haywood County Courthouse — This historic courthouse was built in the neoclassical style during the Depression using the same stone that was used for the Washington Monument in D.C. Its lawn with its large trees make a great resting place.

• Hazelwood — On the west side of Waynesville is Hazelwood Village, which used to be home to up to four mills that provided jobs for thousands of workers. The town merged with Waynesville but has maintained its own identity and evolved into a revitalized retail district, including pottery studios, a coffee roastery and a business that makes homemade soaps and lotions (which make great gifts). Hazelwood also is home to the Folkmoot Friendship Center, which serves as the home for the two-week international dance festival in July.

• Lake Junaluska — This Methodist community is open to the public and features a 2.5-mile paved walking/jogging path around the lake. There are ducks, geese and swans to feed, benches, bridges, a dam, a butterfly garden and a rose walk along the path. A couple of good restaurants and the World Methodist Museum also are on the grounds, along with a native plant garden and meditation labyrinth. Paddleboats can be rented on the lake. There is also a pool and playground. The lake is just off U.S. 19 north of Waynesville and east of Maggie Valley.

• Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts — Located in the historic Shelton House and features 19th century crafts, including pottery, quilts, basket and woodworking. 828.452.1551. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Pigeon Street/U.S. 276 three blocks from Main Street in downtown Waynesville.

• Waynesville greenway and playground — Great playground for the kids, pubic tennis courts, walking trail along a creek that makes for good wading or fishing, and picnic tables. Good location to take children or have a picnic. There is also a dog park. On West Marshall Street just off Walnut Street. Ask any local in Waynesville for directions.

• Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort and Spa — This is a public country club with great rooms for overnight stays, 27 holes of golf, two restaurants, a bar, and newly opened spa. Beautiful architecture and some of the most scenic golf you'll play.

• Waynesville Recreation Center — Full-sized recreation/fitness center with indoor pool and water park. Daily memberships available. If you need a workout or want to get kids in the pool, this is the place. Also includes game room with video games and ping pong table. Disc golf course starts from here. 828.456.2030

• Smoky Mountain Jump House — Kids will have a blast jumping and bouncing in those giant, inflatable bouncing contraptions, including one of those super big bouncy slides. An inflatable barnyard is a safe bouncing area for toddlers. $5 per kid; parents jump for free. From Waynesville, head west on U.S. 23-74, turn right onto Balsam Ridge Road and make an immediate right into Muse Business Park and head up the hill. 828.734.8647.

Dining & Night Life

• Balsam Mountain Inn — Fine dining and occasional live music. 68 Seven Springs Dr. 828.456.9498.

• Bourbon Barrel Beef and Ale — Hand-cut, all-natural steaks and other American cuisine. In Hazelwood section of Waynesville. 454 Hazelwood Ave. 828.452.9191.

• Bocelli's Italian Eatery — Pizza, pasta and more. Three flat screen TV's in bar area, large microbrew tap and wine selections. Outside patio is pet friendly. 319 N. Haywood St. 828.456.4900.

• Bogart's Restaurant and Tavern — Family dining with traditional American fare. 303 S. Main St. 828.452.1313.

• CAFÉ 50 — Open for breakfast and lunch. Fresh and local food. Located on Main Street. 828.246.9130.

• Chef's Table — Intimate gourmet dining. Also a Sunday brunch. 30 Church St. 828.452.6210.

• Classic Wineseller — Full menu with indoor dining and outdoor patio area with extra tables on the Church Street sidewalk. 20 Church St. 828.452.6000

• Cork and Cleaver — A la carte dining in a relaxed setting. Extensive menu. Full bar and wine cellar. 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 800.627.6250.

• Frogs Leap Public House — Unique, farm-fresh cuisine in a gorgeous setting, with a large bar area. 44 Church St. 828.456.1930.

• Grandview Lodge — Famous country buffet and Sunday gourmet meal. 4661 Lickstone Road, Waynesville. 828.456.5212.

• Laurel Ridge Country Club Restaurant — Indoor dining and outdoor pavilion/bar with live music. 788 Eagles Nest Rd. 828.456.2277.

• Los Amigos — Mexican food including house specials such as the buffalo chicken and gorgonzola quesadilla, vegetarian options, wraps, sandwiches, refreshing salsa and an outdoor dining area. 366 Russ Ave. 828.456.7870.

• Los Tamales — Traditional south of the border favorites including steak, chicken, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas and chile rellenos, all cooked in an authentic Mexican manner. 116 Waynesville Plaza. 828.456.4234.

• Maggie's Galley Oyster Bar — Seafood and American cuisine. 49 Howell Mill Rd. 828.456.8945.

• Nick and Nate's — Casual Italian, American standards and hot pizza on Main Street. Closed Tuesdays. 556 Main St. 828.452.0027.

• Old Stone Inn — Elegant dining, four-star menu. Reservations required, dress casual. 109 Dolan Rd. 828.456.3333.

• O'Malley's on Main— Irish pub and restaurant with TVs, occasional live music. 164 N. Main St. 828.246.0898.

• Panacea Coffee House Café and Roastery — Light menu including sandwiches, smoothies and a variety of coffee drinks and sweet treats. 66 Commerce St. 828.452.6200.

• Pasquale's Pizzeria — Family dining on one side, a bar with TVs for the news or that night's game on the other side. Tapas. 1863 S. Main St. 828.454.5002.

• Patio Bistro — Fresh sandwiches, salads, quiches, and more. Indoor and outdoor dining. 26 Church St. 828.454.0070.

• Smoky Mountain Café — Breakfast and lunch, locally roasted coffee drinks. 180 N. Main St. 828.452.3137.

• Sweet Onion — Southern meets Asian on this eclectic menu. 39 Miller St. 828.456.5559.

• Tap Room — Located at the Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort and Spa. American fare including burgers, pasta, steaks, trout. Full bar. Country Club Drive. 828.456.5988.

• Thai Spice — Traditional Thai food on Waynesville's Main Street.

• The Wine Bar — Underground cellar with best wine selection in Waynesville. Beer and wine served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas available Wed.-Sat., 4-9 p.m. 20 Church St. 828.452.6000.

• Tipping Point Tavern —Specializing in in-house smoked meats. BBQ pork, ribs, sausage, bacon, chicken wings. A relaxing, fun, family friendly neighborhood tavern with 5 large screen TVs, shuffle puck. 190 N Main St. 828.246,9230.

Visitor Center

• The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce visitor center is located at 591 N. Main St. in Waynesville. www.haywood-nc.com.

• The Downtown Waynesville Association is located at 84 N. Main St. in Waynesville. 828.456.3517.

• The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Visitor Center is located at 44 N. Main St. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. 828.452.0152.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 515 S. Haywood St. 828.456.9445

• 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. Wireless service is Open Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wed. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1:30 to 5 p.m. 678 S. Haywood St. 828.452.5169