There’s something very special about Western North Carolina’s mountain towns. Some say it’s the majestic rolling mountains’ beckoning call to be explored, while others say it’s the down-home friendly folks who give groups the feeling they’ve known them for years.

Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops.

Maggie Valley has long been one of North Carolina’s most popular mountain destinations. Maggie Valley offers a dramatic change of scenery and a welcomed change of pace. Group-friendly attractions like Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cataloochee Ski Area and Cataloochee Ranch are sure to provide unexpected experiences and lasting memories.

Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County and a short drive from Asheville, North Carolina. Downtown Waynesville has a quaint, urban charm, perfect for walkable shopping in local boutiques and gift shops for artisan goods. Major attractions include the HART Theatre, Folkmoot USA and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.  

Lake Junaluska refers to both a conference and retreat center and the community that surrounds it. For more than 100 years, Lake Junaluska has been a place for people seeking relaxation, recreation and renewal.

Canton is located along the serene banks of the Pigeon River in the eastern region of the county, known for its rich culture and storied history. The Colonial Theatre opened in 1932; today, it serves as a fully equipped space for movies, theatrics, meetings and conferences.

Clyde is located just west of Canton and is home to several of the county’s most interesting historic sites. It also features the second-largest number of quilt blocks on the Haywood County Quilt Trail, an initiative that features quilt patterns throughout the county.

For more information about Haywood County, call 800-334-9036 or visit visitncsmokies.com.