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COMMUNITIES
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Welcome to Waynesville
Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County; it is also the largest town west of Asheville in North Carolina. With it being only a half hour drive to Asheville, this town is perfect if you're seeking "small town" life outside of the big city. With a population just over 10,000, Waynesville satisfies the itch for hustle and bustle as well as serenity. The median age of this peaceful town is 49, and the average household income is $64,600, which makes it perfect for retirees. For families, children receive a personal education with small class sizes at Waynesville's public schools.
Waynesville offers all four seasons, with high temps of around 81 and low temps around 23. You'll see snow, falling leaves, and sunny days. It's also situated right between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, so it makes for some awesome views in any weather! However, outdoor activities aren't the only thing Waynesville has to offer. Keep reading below to find out more!
Downtown Scene
Downtown Waynesville is the perfect little "Main Street USA." Local shops and eateries line the clean streets. Enjoy art galleries, a farm to table meal, or some of the local brews. Some of our favorite Waynesville restaurants include Boojum Brewing Company, Frogs Leap Public House, Haywood Smokehouse, Orchard Coffee, and, held every October, the Apple Harvest Festival.
The Downtown Waynesville Assosciation helps to keep Downtown preserved, and are constantly putting on events for residents and visitors. Downtown Waynesville is perfect for a quick stroll, a day out with family, or a fun-filled day during festival seasons.
Arts and Leisure
The Haywood County Arts Council promotes artists, art education, and innovations in art, so it's no surprise that Waynesville has quite the art scene. There are multiple art galleries to access in the historic buildings of Downtown Waynesville, such as Twigs & Leaves Gallery and T Pennington Art Gallery. You can also find the Haywood Arts Regional Theater, an award-winning theater, in Waynesville. Inside the Shelton House, a historic representation of Haywood County's 19th-century agrarian prosperity, you will discover The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. And, if you want to get in touch with your inner artist, you can enroll in Waynesville Art School. The art school enrolls children, teens, and adults - regardless of skill level. No matter the person, the art scene in Waynesville has something for everyone.
Annual Folkmoot Festival
Folkmoot is a performance center that hosts concerts all year long in Waynesville. It is also a center for the arts, an educational facility that welcomes and advocates diversity, a host of friendship dinners, and a place to take children for kid-friendly fun. The annual Folkmoot Festival begins on the third Thursday each July and operates through the last Sunday of the month. The festival invites performers from international countries, as well as local Cherokee and Appalachian performers. There are two weekends for the event. During weekend one, there is a Gala for Friends of Folkmoot, a Camp Folkmoot for youth, a Parade of Nations, Many Cultures Day, and a Sunday Soiree. During weekend two, there is an International Festival Day, and several special events including a Candlelight Closing at Lake Junaluska. The audience of the festival can expect to share culture through music and dance. The festival almost always takes place in Haywood County, and is a great time for residents of Waynesville and visitors alike; people come from all around to attend Folkmoot.