10 Best Things To Do In Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville is just one of the many cozy mountain towns outside of Asheville, North Carolina that is worth visiting. The historic town of Waynesville is known for its fantastic mountain scenery, walkable downtown, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. After almost a decade of exploring the area, here’s my suggestions on the best things to do that you might not find in other corners of the internet. Consider this your alternative guide to Waynesville from a local!
First things first, let’s dive in to the general feel of Waynesville to decide if it’s worth visiting based on your travel goals and activity preferences.
Is Waynesville Worth Visiting?
Waynesville is certainly worth visiting if you’re looking for some of that small town Southern charm that draws people to western North Carolina. To it’s east is it’s funky cousin Asheville — my favorite city in the area — and to the west lies it’s cranky aunt Maggie Valley. Keep going and you’ll dip down into Sylva, another quirky mountain town worth exploring. Waynesville has a slower pace than Asheville, making it a perfect day trip or home base if you’re looking for leisurely activities and a chance to explore the surrounding nature.
Is Waynesville, NC Liberal or Conservative?
In part to its proximity to some very liberal towns — like Asheville and Sylva — it’s hard to pin down whether Waynesville is liberal or conservative. Stroll down Main Street and you’ll see a mix of both sides of the coin; small pride flags hang proudly in shop windows, as do American ones with conservative slogans. While some people would like to throw a blanket statement over it, Waynesville is getting more open-minded, inclusive, and progressive. (See for yourself in uplifting comments on my 2026 Pride on Main video!) To tap into that loving community you just have to know where to look, and that’s where this guide comes in.
Things To Do In Waynesville, North Carolina
1)Enjoy An Appalachian Mountain Hike
If you’re wondering where to hike in Waynesville look no further. Black Balsam Knob, Graveyard Fields, Barnett Knob fire tower, and Max Patch are just a few local favorites that take you out of downtown and into the wilds. You can get trail location, details, and descriptions here. Additionally, my Asheville Waterfalls Guide has some incredible trails for travelers looking to go off-the-beaten-path.st
2) Shop Local In Downtown Waynesville
There are many things to love about Waynesville, one being the opportunity to truly shop local. From the farmer’s market (details below) to cozy shops with deep roots, giving your money to small businesses who make our community stronger is an easy way to have a positive impact as a tourist.
My favorite businesses downtown are The Funky Fern Emporium (queer-positive, vintage and retro wear, local artisans), The 828 Market (local drinks & eats, gifts from locally-sourced vendors), and the HCM Community Thrift Store. Book lovers shouldn’t miss Blue Ridge Books and Wall Street Books (allows trades for store credit), two lovely independent bookstores.
As you wander downtown and notice the quaint shops, you’ll notice no shortage of art galleries, second-hand clothing and furniture shops, vintage collections, and more. Check out HayCo Pride’s Safe Spaces Directory for more businesses worth supporting in Waynesville.
3) Sip Local – Breweries & Coffee Shops
There are no shortage of watering holes in Waynesville. Two of the top breweries are Boojum Brewing Co, which has the most delicious plant-based burger and fries, as well as Frog Level Brewing Company, which also has a handful of plant-based food options on their menu. Boojum is easily accessed by foot for anyone already downtown, while Frog Level is just a few minutes away, their back patio overlooking the river.
For those in search of a caffeine fix, our favorite spots are Panacea Coffee Company and Orchard Coffee. Panacea is a go-to spot for anyone looking to spread out, work, and enjoy a peaceful spot to catch up on emails, read, or catch up with old friends. A neighbor to Frog Level Brewery, Panacea also offers a tranquil spot on the river and multiple plant-based items on their menu including bagles, smoothies, and other snacks. Their exposed brick walls vintage decorations create a rustic nostalgia, even if it’s your first visit. On the other hand, Orchard coffee is a stone’s throw away from Main Street in downtown, with new-age feels and specialty drinks. This small coffee shop offers no plant-based menu items but is a great place to power up as you explore the downtown area.
4) Visit The Historic Haywood Farmer’s Market
The Haywood Historic Farmers Market has been around for 18 years; old enough to drive in human years, long enough to earn a sturdy reputation in market years. Established in 2008, this collective of local vendors shows up every Saturday, rain or shine, at 250 Pigeon Street from 9 AM – 12 PM. If you’re visiting Waynesville between April 4th and December 12th, be sure to stop by and support local vendors as they sell their seasonal produce, flowers, nursery plants, baked goods, heritage crafts, preserves, and more.
Located in the HART Theatre parking lot, this market is a great way to start an easy Saturday. Grab a warm drink, fresh flowers, local gifts, and dance or simply enjoy the music under the big tree that happily provides shade to sweaty children and visitors looking to pause and soak it all in.
5) See A Play At The Community Theatre
Speaking of the HART Theatre, this local gem is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon or evening immersed in creative storytelling, brought to you by talented local actors. The HART theatre is a sweet venue that offers a variety of shows; some are family-friendly while others are perfect for an adult night out. While well known shows often make their rounds, the HART offers a variety of smaller, more independent shows that will make you hoot and holler. Check their schedule here for upcoming shows and events at the HART Theatre in Waynesville.
6) Walk & Play At Lake Junaluska
Originally home to the Cherokee people, Lake Junaluska is now a 200 acre man-made lake surrounded by private residences and the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Open to the public year-round, visitors can view the old brick church, mindfully walking the meditation spiral while admiring the vibrant flora; rent a kayak, paddle board, or swan boat to take out on the water; play tennis or pickle ball on the public courts; walk the pet-friendly paved path around the lake (2.3 miles for the inner loop, 3.8 miles for the outer); take a dip at the Lakeside Pool in the summer heat ($10 per person); and enjoy a variety of dairy-free ice cream at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds.
Lake Junaluska is an ideal place for people of all ages and abilities to get outside and get active. There’s no need to reserve anything in advance. Just show up, choose your adventure, and enjoy the surrounding mountain views!
7) Participate In Pride On Main
For years Haywood Pride on Main has been an event that has brought inclusivity, color, and unbridled joy to Waynesville. Pride on Main states that they “Work towards a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights and access to safe spaces both virtually and physically.” They do this through their LGBTQIA+ Pride events and spaces that “inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse community in Haywood County.”
If you’re visiting Waynesville in June, be sure to check their website for upcoming events and festivities. They may include a Pride parade, drag show, silent disco, and more. If you’re looking for a quiet space to work, check out their Root & Rise Coworking and Resource Center in downtown Waynesville.
8) Shop, Sip & Stroll
Starting every first Friday in May through December, enjoy ‘Art After Dark’ while galleries and studios stay open until 9 PM with special artist features, live music, unique showings, and free refreshments thanks to the Haywood County Arts Council. (Look out for works by our favorite local artist, Jason Pierson!) Check the Art After Dark Facebook page for upcoming Art After Dark dates as well as other public events.
9) Visit Friendly Fields Farm
A trip to Waynesville isn’t complete without meeting some of its four-legged residents. Friendly Fields Farm Sanctuary is a local non-profit whose mission is “to provide rescue and sanctuary to animals coming from situations of slaughter, neglect and abuse.” With over 100 rescued residents, Friendly Fields is creating a kinder world for animals through education online and in-person.
From April through October travelers can visit the farm sanctuary by scheduling a tour in advance. Email friendlyfieldsfarm@gmail.com to arrange a date and time ($25 minimum donation recommended per person). For those who can’t visit, be sure to follow along with Friendly Fields online or make a donation to support their incredible work.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay? Check out this mountain cabin getaway on the sanctuary!
10) Enjoy Vegan Food
Asheville, North Carolina is known for endless vegan eats. Waynesville? Not so much. Still, if you’re in the area and have a hankering for pizza, burgers, ice-cream — you name it — you can probably find the plant-based version in Waynesville. Here to help you with that is our Waynesville Vegan Food Guide, coming soon. (For now you can explore vegan food options in Waynesville on HappyCow!)