Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Haywood County, NC, is made up of five quintessential mountain towns: Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde. A weekend spent here is guaranteed to be full of outdoor adventures, delicious food, and sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The itinerary below is based on a recent trip to this gorgeous pocket of Western North Carolina, filled with activities, gorgeous views, and great food.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Before embarking on your adventures, check in to Route 19 Inn to drop off your bags and unwind. Located in Maggie Valley, the 30-room retro motor lodge has been meticulously restored to offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern amenities.
If you have time, take a few minutes to stroll the grounds. From the classic neon sign out front to the babbling creeks, full-sized teepee, and 1951 Kaiser Deluxe, there are plenty of photo ops throughout the inn.
If you need a late lunch, head to Main Street Diner in Downtown Waynesville. Standout menu items include the Main Street Club (ham, turkey, bacon, mayonnaise, cheese, and BBQ sauce on grilled sourdough bread) and The Junkyard (a steak burger topped with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, and a house-made onion ring).
Across the street from Main Street Diner is a Mast General Store. A beloved Southern staple, the shelves are filled with everything from outdoor gear to home decor and delicious preserves. Plus, don’t miss the rows of barrels filled with old-fashioned candy downstairs!
Further down the street, Twig & Leaves Gallery is a popular shop offering a variety of art pieces crafted by local artisans. Meanwhile, The Modern Deer offers sweet-smelling homemade candles and soaps.
Just off the main drag is Axe & Awl Leatherworks, which offers everything from belts to wallets and bags. It’s also known to turn into a cozy speakeasy at night!
FRIDAY EVENING
For dinner, book a table at Cataloochee Ranch’s Switchback restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy fine Southern cuisine and craft cocktails alongside some of the best views of the Smokies. With Chef Jeb Aldrich at the helm, the menu includes a variety of Appalachian favorites. Entrées are known to change with the seasons, but you’re likely to find a variety of wood-fired pizzas, steak, and fish.
SATURDAY MORNING
You’ll need lots of energy for a full day in Haywood County, so we recommend fueling up at Joey’s Pancake House. Just a quick drive from Route 19 Inn, the restaurant has been a local staple since 1966. In addition to specialty pancakes, you’ll also find a variety of Belgian waffles and omelets.
SB Tip: Joey’s Pancake House is known to get quite busy — especially on weekend mornings. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to arrive early!
After breakfast, it’s time to start exploring! And what better way to kick off your day than with alpaca yoga at Winchester Creek Farm? During this beginner-based class, you can interact with free-roaming alpacas as you relax and take in sweeping mountain views. Plus, you’ll be given a cup of food to feed the alpacas when class is done!
You can also explore the farm further by taking a 45-minute guided tour after your yoga class. As you walk through the 20 acres, you’ll encounter a variety of animals, including mini donkeys, highland cows, goats, and even more alpacas.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
When you’re ready, head to Canton for lunch at Southern Porch. Located inside what was once known as the Imperial Hotel, the eatery offers popular menu items like chicken wings, shrimp and grits, sirloin tips, and the Brunch BLT.
For your afternoon activities, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure! You can walk further down Main Street to Cold Mountain Art Collective and take a pottery workshop. A popular option is the studio’s “Critter Class,” where you’ll learn how to craft an animal from clay.
If you’d prefer to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are many hiking opportunities. The 2.5-mile loop along the Flat Laurel Creek Trail in the Pisgah National Forest is a popular and relatively easy trek. As you hike through the forest, you’ll see a variety of wildflowers and trees. Want an even longer trail? It’s popular to add part of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail to Flat Laurel Creek trail to create an 8.7-mile loop. See All Trails here for a complete map.
You can also enlist professional help from The Appalachian Adventure Company for outdoor excursions. Led by nature enthusiast and explorer Steven Reinhold, you can enjoy everything from a forest bathing experience to a private hike.
SATURDAY EVENING
For your final dinner in Haywood County, reserve a table at Singletree Heritage Kitchen. The menu prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, and you’ll find dishes like green curry tofu, house-made linguine, and almond-crusted sunburst trout.
Before retreating to the hotel for the night, treat yourself to a nightcap — Singletree’s cocktail menu is not to be missed! Specialties include the Brambling Lady (gin, blackberry, mint, a cucumber ribbon, and lime) and Jitterbug (tequila, espresso, Kahlua, and demerara syrup).
SUNDAY
Before heading home, grab brunch at the Rocky Face Tavern, located at Springdale Resort. The resort offers vacation rentals and an 18-hole golf course, so be sure to snag a seat on the outdoor patio to enjoy views of the surrounding golf course and mountains. The brunch menu includes everything from omelets to eggs Benedict and a fried chicken biscuit.
If you have extra time, stop by Ten Acre Garden to take home a few goodies to remember your time in Haywood County. The garden invites you to pick your own fruits, veggies, and flowers. Be sure to visit their on-site store to peruse everything from locally crafted candles to jewelry, tea, and honey.
If you visit after August 1, be sure to stop by Barber Orchard Fruit Stand. Some on the StyleBlueprint team attest that this is where you will find the best apple cake and apple pie – ever!
Enjoy your mountain adventures!
**********
Want to explore more exciting stays throughout the South? Check out all of our travel guides!
