Our Favorite Local Eateries
& Hot Spots
Angelo’s Family Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Angelo’s Family Pizza & Italian Restaurant in Waynesville is a long-standing, family-owned spot serving classic Italian fare. The menu includes pizza, pasta, subs, wraps, and their popular garlic balls. A friendly atmosphere and indoor/outdoor seating make it great for families and groups. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays.
The Downtown Waynesville taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks. Savor seasonal pub fare, including delicious burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and steak. The taproom features 16 taps of fresh, ever-rotating Boojum Beer and wine and craft cocktails. You can cozy up inside or enjoy the mountain air on the back deck. Don’t miss their speakeasy-style Gem Bar, open for those 21 and over, just below the restaurant. (dog-friendly)
Crepe & Custard, in Lake Junaluska, is a charming café offering sweet and savory crepes and soft-serve custard in chocolate, vanilla, or swirl flavors. The café provides indoor and outdoor seating, boasting scenic lake views. It is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM and is known for its friendly service and excellent coffee. (dog-friendly)
Frog Level Brewing Company, located in Waynesville, is a microbrewery known for its laid-back vibe, riverside beer garden, and wide selection of craft beers on 21 taps. Established in 2011, it also serves as the test kitchen for 7 Clans Brewing. The brewery offers pub-style food, hosts live music at its adjacent venue, The Lineside, and is pet-friendly, making it a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike.
Fuego Modern American Cuisine in Waynesville offers innovative takes on classic dishes such as barbacoa quesadillas, duck wings, and lobster smash burgers. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and is closed from Sunday to Tuesday. (dog-friendly)
Haywood Smokehouse in Waynesville serves authentic Texas-style barbecue, with meats smoked daily over hickory wood. The menu features brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, classic Southern sides, and homemade desserts. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday and closed Sunday through Tuesday. (dog-friendly)
Haywood 209 Cafe in Waynesville is a cozy, family-friendly diner offering classic American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular dishes include ribeye steak, country-fried steak, seafood specials, and homemade desserts. The cafe features daily specials and serves locally roasted coffee. It has a dog-friendly outdoor seating area and is conveniently located off I-40 near Ironduff Road.
Presnell's Produce & More is a family-owned grocery store at 6209 Crabtree Road in Clyde. Established in 2016, it offers a variety of products, including home-grown meats, fresh produce, dairy items, and Amish goods. With over 25 years of experience, the Presnell family is dedicated to providing quality, locally sourced products to the community.
Sauced in Waynesville is a vibrant establishment that offers a diverse menu featuring pizza, tacos, wings, sandwiches, and more. Its relaxed atmosphere also provides a selection of craft beers and margaritas. Regular events make it a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors. (dog-friendly)
Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery, located in Waynesville, offers a variety of freshly baked dog treats, toys, collars, and pet accessories made from high-quality ingredients. It is recognized as one of the top 10 dog bakeries in the U.S. and also features the Smoky Mountain Dog Bar, where humans can enjoy drinks while their dogs indulge in “doggie beers.” The bakery is open daily.
Sightseeing | Hiking
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is America’s largest privately owned home, built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. This 250-room mansion features a bowling alley, indoor pool, and gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors can tour the estate, explore the gardens, visit the winery, and enjoy seasonal events like the Christmas display. Lodging options include a luxury inn, a village hotel, private cottages, and outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic highway that connects Virginia and North Carolina. Famous for its stunning mountain views and vibrant fall foliage, the Parkway offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and exploring historic sites. With no billboards or commercial traffic, it provides a peaceful drive through beautiful landscapes, earning it the nickname “America’s Favorite Drive.”
Cataloochee & Balsam Mountain Area
The Cataloochee and Balsam Mountain areas blend cultural history with natural beauty. Once an Appalachian community, Cataloochee Valley preserves historic churches, schools, and homes, offering a glimpse into 19th—and early 20th-century life. It is also known for its elk population, which was reintroduced in the early 2000s. Nearby, Balsam Mountain features cooler temperatures, scenic drives, wooded campgrounds, and hiking trails, making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation.
Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle Trails
The Craggy Gardens Trail is a scenic hiking path along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. It is renowned for its vibrant floral displays and panoramic mountain views. The trail stretches approximately 1.9 miles round trip and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a popular 1.4-mile round-trip hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 364.1, about 18 miles north of Asheville. This moderate trail features a 250-foot elevation gain, guiding hikers through rhododendron tunnels and northern hardwood forests to the summit at 5,892 feet. At the top, visitors can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including Mount Mitchell to the north and the Asheville watershed to the east.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a protected area located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern United States. It’s renowned for its diverse wildlife, ancient mountains, and lush forests, many cloaked in the park’s signature mist. As part of the Appalachian Mountains, the park offers scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views. It’s one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Lake Junaluska is a charming retreat center surrounding a 200-acre man-made lake, established in 1913 for the Methodist Episcopal Church. It offers visitors a peaceful getaway with activities like a 3.8-mile lakeside walking trail, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and an 18-hole golf course. Key landmarks include the historic Lambuth Inn and Shackford Hall, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its serene atmosphere and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Junaluska is an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation.
Mingo Falls, near Cherokee in the Qualla Boundary of North Carolina, is a striking waterfall that falls about 120 feet, making it one of the tallest in the southern Appalachians. Located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is a popular spot for visitors looking to enjoy natural beauty and a moderate hike.
Mount Pisgah features stunning views, hiking trails, a picnic area, a campground, a lodge, a restaurant, and a country store, making it a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has long been a favored retreat for travelers, with the Pisgah Inn & Restaurant offering comfort. At the same time, many visitors explore the campground and trails to connect with nature.
Soco Falls is a picturesque double waterfall near Maggie Valley and Cherokee, North Carolina. It is easily accessible from U.S. Highway 19, with a short trail leading to a viewing platform. Visitors can take a steep trail equipped with ropes that descend to the base of the falls for a closer view. This beautiful spot is perfect for photos and makes a quick nature stop year-round.
Triple Falls in North Carolina’s DuPont State Recreational Forest is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall with a drop of about 120 feet. Visitors can access the falls via moderate hikes from Hooker Falls or High Falls, enjoying scenic views of the Little River. A staircase leads to a flat rock plateau between the cascades, offering excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation. The falls have also been featured in “The Hunger Games” and “The Last of the Mohicans,” making it a popular destination for nature lovers and movie fans.
Explore
Shopping | Dining
Asheville, North Carolina, is a lively mountain city in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is renowned for its arts scene, historic architecture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Biltmore Estate, enjoy local shops and farm-to-table restaurants downtown, or hike along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. With its Southern charm and bohemian spirit, Asheville is a unique getaway for all types of travelers.
Bryson City is a hidden gem and one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the Southeast. Nestled at the point where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Smokies, this scenic retreat is filled with adventure and natural beauty. “Often referred to as the “Outdoor Adventure Capital of” the Great Smoky Mountains,” Bryson City offers a charming, laid-back atmosphere with fresh mountain air, wide-open spaces, various shops, lodging options, and restaurants.
Nestled in North Carolina’s beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley is celebrated for its exceptional location and charming small-town atmosphere. When you visit Maggie Valley, you’re guaranteed to experience Southern hospitality in every corner, no matter what you do or where you go.
The Town of Waynesville is an excellent destination to visit year-round. Whether you’re interested in exploring the mountains during our mild summers, admiring the stunning fall foliage, or enjoying the snow-covered landscapes in winter, the town has something for everyone.
Lodging & Camping Accommodations
Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast
The Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast is a historic establishment located in Waynesville. Built in 1902, this charming inn combines traditional architecture with modern comforts. The property features large windows, high ceilings, and expansive oak hardwood floors, complemented by veranda porches offering picturesque mountain views.
Balsam Mountain Inn, located in Balsam, near Waynesville, is a historic retreat from 1908. It features 50 unique rooms with modern comforts and vintage charm. Guests can enjoy scenic views from the wraparound porch, home-style buffet dining, a cozy bar, and live music. Set on 21 acres near the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s perfect for relaxing getaways and special events.
Oak Park Inn in Waynesville is a vintage-style motor court on Main Street, steps from downtown shops and restaurants. It offers 37 comfortable rooms with amenities like Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and some with kitchens. Guests enjoy front porch rocking chairs and easy access to outdoor adventures in the Smokies.
The Swag is an all-inclusive luxury resort located in Waynesville, at nearly 5,000 feet in elevation. This secluded retreat offers guests stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. It provides a private entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, is a historic mountain resort in Waynesville. It features a renovated 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, updated rooms and cottages, on-site dining, a pool, a fitness center, and event spaces. It’s ideal for golfers and mountain getaways, just minutes from downtown and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Campgrounds
Creekwood Farm RV Park is at 4696 Jonathan Creek Rd, Waynesville. The park features spacious, level sites along Jonathan Creek. Amenities include a recreation hall, private bathrooms, and a gathering pavilion. Guests can select from shaded creekside sites, premium spots, and full hook-ups.
This pet-friendly campground is located at 50 Camp Adventure Drive in Waynesville and offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping areas, a log cabin, and apartments. Guests at the campground enjoy complimentary access to Lake Junaluska’s recreational facilities, which include a lakeside pool, tennis courts, and walking trails.
Moonshine Creek Campground is located at 2486 Dark Ridge Rd, Sylva, about 12 miles from Waynesville. The campground offers secluded sites along a rushing stream, with fire pits and picnic tables. Amenities include clean bathhouses, a laundry facility, and a camp store.
Pride RV Resort & Family Campground
Pride RV Resort, located at 4394 Jonathan Creek Rd, Waynesville, offers a variety of accommodations, including RV sites—some with concrete patios—cabins, park models, apartments, and campers available for rent. Nestled along Jonathan Creek, the resort provides a picturesque setting for all guests.
Located at 26 Winngray Ln, Waynesville, Winngray Campground is in Jonathan Valley and borders Jonathan Creek. It offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and a fenced dog park. The campground is open year-round and offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates.