Waynesville, Haywood County's biggest town with about 10,000 residents, has been a favorite North Carolina mountain retreat since the early 1800s. The reasons for its popularity back then – cool, clean air and water and spectacular scenery – still exist today, but add to its modern allure a quaint, urban charm, a walkable shopping district, a vibrant farm-to-table restaurant and craft beer scene, and amazing proximity to exhilarating outdoor activities.
Waynesville sits about 25 miles west of Asheville, off of I-40, between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town of Waynesville was founded in 1810 by Colonel Robert Love, a Revolutionary War soldier. He donated land for the courthouse, jail and public square, and named the town after his former commander in the war, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Waynesville boasts a number of historic places, including the Boone-Withers House, the Haywood County Courthouse, the Dr. J. Howell Way House and the Masonic Hall, among many others.
Home styles in Waynesville run the gamut, from rustic log cabins to majestic mansions to compact townhomes. Many properties come with plenty of acreage ideal for spreading out and soaking in the beauty of Waynesville’s natural surroundings. Waynesville is part of the Haywood County Schools system. Residents also have access to a handful of private parochial schools.
Downtown destinations
Downtown Waynesville's restored historic buildings and brick sidewalks are the perfect backdrop for browsing the town’s many specialty stores, galleries and antique shops. And when you’re ready for a bite (or a beverage), there is no shortage of restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. There is plenty of free parking along Wall Street (parallel to Main Street).
Waynesville is home to a number of annual festivals: Folkmoot U.S.A. (July) is a 10-day celebration of world dance and music with performers from around the globe. Church Street Art & Craft Show (October), a popular juried art show, also features mountain music, clogging, entertainment and food. Apple Harvest Festival (October) celebrates all things apple – think cider, fried pies and donuts – and showcases mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths.
Nearby outdoor adventures
Maggie Valley, just 8 miles from Waynesville, is home to lots of fun winter destinations, including Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World. Lake Junaluska, just 3 miles away, offers the perfect spot to spend a Saturday. There are 13 peaks above 6,000 feet in Haywood County, including the famed Cold Mountain. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to waterfalls, hikes and camping destinations. The Pigeon River section of the Great Smoky Mountains is home to plenty of outdoor adventures, including ziplining and whitewater rafting.
Waynesville NC real estate
For these many reasons, you can see how Waynesville makes for a lovely place to live. For more information about real estate in Waynesville, or anywhere in the Asheville area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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