Haywood County
Welcome to Haywood County "The Jewel of Western North Carolina" and the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our local towns include Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Lake Junaluska, Clyde and Canton. Get ready to explore!
Craft Breweries
There are many great microbreweries and craft beer spots to explore during your visit! Here`s the local scoop!
Dining
Historic Main Street is where most folks go first to enjoy tasty restaurants, Canton and Maggie Valley also feature numerous shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
History
Haywood County came into being over 200 years ago. The county officially separated from Buncombe County in 1808. Over 300 families were living in the territory between Buncombe County and the Tennessee line. Many of these families came to the area because their ancestors served in the American Revolution. These soldiers were introduced to the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, and many of them returned to settle the region after the war was over.
Medical & Healthcare
The Haywood Regional Medical Center is a Duke LifePoint Hospital. The hospital`s specialties include cancer care, heart care, gynecology, imaging, joint replacement and hospice care. In 2001, the 54,000 square foot Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center was constructed which has an indoor heated Olympic size pool, exercise rooms, saunas, steam showers, racquet ball courts and indoor track. Personal trainers and wellness classes are available at this affordable health club facility adjacent to the hospital. The Town of Waynesville also has a state of the art fitness center with many facilities available to the public.
Outdoor Adventures
Haywood County "The Jewel of Western North Carolina" has 19 mountain peaks 14 of which are the highest number of mountain peaks over 6,000 feet in any single county east of the Mississippi. . Three National Forests and one National Park; all contained within the heartland of the Blue Ridge Mountains, all merging here in North Carolina`s Haywood County. Haywood County is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway and to Cold Mountain, the basis for the award-winning, best-selling novel by Charles Frazier and the ensuing 2003 major motion picture.
Shopping
Big box stores such as Belk, Best Buy, Lowe`s Home Improvement and a super Wal-mart are located in the best mountain town of Waynesville. In the middle of town, the eclectic Hazelwood Village and Frog Level Art District are home to more shops, home decor stores and wellness boutiques. Explore art galleries on the historic Main Street and shop at the famous Mast General Store. The Waynesville Tailgate Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays providing locally grown fruit, flowers and vegetables. On the same day, the Historic Haywood Farmer`s Market sells that and more; homemade breads, jellies, cheeses and meats. Canton and Maggie Valley also feature numerous shops.