Waynesville and Maggie Valley have a small mountain town vibe, but the area is full of unique offerings. And there are even more things to do in Asheville nearby. So, we brought these pages together with our personal favorite places to save you some search time – and show you things that most other guides don’t. That way, you can just get on with enjoying your visit!
Food Scene
Think classic Southern country style with some amazing ethnic and “foodie” options sprinkled in. These are our personal recommendations for unique restaurants. These are independently run establishments that serve up delicious food. Some of these places can get busy in season or have shorter hours off-season. Visit the websites or call ahead to check.
Beach Mountain Diner
Open for breakfast and lunch. Fresh and house-made Southern diner food with a mix of mountain and low-country delights. Always friendly and delicious! Beach Mountain website
Bizzarro Pasta & New York Pizza
Authentic New York style and a full Italian menu. If you want pizza, go here. Bizzarro Pizza website
Chef’s Table – Seasonal local food
Pairing exceptional recipes with wines from around the world. This is an intimate atmosphere with gourmet flavors.
The Cuban Guy – Real Taste of Cuba
Authentic and reasonably priced Cuban food. And, ironically the place is woman-owned. Cuban Guy Facebook
Haywood Smokehouse – Old School BBQ
High-quality, fresh meats are smoked in-house and served with amazing Southern sides! Haywood Smokehouse website
HomeCraft – Art of the Kitchen and Cocktails
Deliciously crafted food and cocktails with a speakeasy atmosphere in Maggie Valley. HomeCraft website
Joey’s Pancake House – since 1966
This is THE place for breakfast in Maggie Valley. Serving up all your traditional favorite breakfast foods (and pancakes, of course) – rated #1 in NC. Joey’s website
Maggie Valley Sandwich Shop
A great place for a quick bite. This is quality food done right with many options to choose from. MV Sandwich website
Sweet Onion – Restaurant, Wine, Cocktails, Beer
This place serves up “regional cuisine with a contemporary flair”. That’s one way of saying that this is some of the best food in Western NC. Don’t miss it! Sweet Onion website
Singletree – Heritage Kitchen
Bringing the heritage and tradition of the Carolinas to your table through sensibly sourced, handcrafted foods and inviting service. Singletree website
Fuego – Modern American Kitchen
Delicious ingredients and creative preparations put a new twist on some standard favorites. Family-friendly and affordable too. Fuego Facebook page
Beverage Scene
Yes, Asheville put the entire region on the map with it’s selection as “Beer City USA”. Now, points west are certainly not to be outdone! There are beers here that stand solidly on their own for quality craft. There are also a few unique spots for beverages other than beer. Here are our solid favorites to get you started. Of course, it’s not that far to drive if you want to explore the Asheville Beverage Scene too.
BearWaters Brewing Co.
Located in Maggie Valley, you can count on good beer and good food in a spacious, rustic atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. BearWaters website
Boojum Brewery – Taproom & Kitchen
This isn’t just on this list because it’s in Waynesville. This is legit one of the best breweries in Western NC! And they serve good food too in a lively atmosphere. Boojum Brewery website
Frog Level Brewing Co.
A great hang-out spot with amazing indoor and outdoor spaces in and around an historic building. You’ll find a vast selection of craft brew with food and live music too. Frog Level website
The Scotsman Public House
This traditional pub was created in homage to regional Scots-Irish heritage. Built in a 1927 Masonic Lodge, the drinks and food carry you back to the old world! The Scotsman website
Valley Cigar and Wine Co.
It’s locally crafted and curated. It’s nicely put together and run by kind folks. If you like wine or cigars, you will find something here you fancy. Valley Cigar and Wine website
Orchard Coffee
Award-winning coffee bar with breakfast foods and scratch-made baked goods. The art of coffee in a cool location. Orchard Coffee website
Shopping
Here we bring together the most unique local businesses that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. If you like shopping for things that you won’t find anywhere else, these are the places you shouldn’t miss. If you want to further expand your shopping horizons, check out our Asheville shopping recommendations.
Axe and Awl Leatherworks
Handmade durable leather goods and other unique curated items. This is an experiential store in a beautiful historic building that is sure to delight your senses! Axe and Awl website
High Country Furniture and Design
Handcrafted and one-of-a-kind home furniture and accessories along with exceptional brands curated for their unique “high country” look and feel. High Country website
Mast General Store – Downtown Waynesville
A Western NC institution since 1883. They offer quality outdoor gear, classic candy bins, locally themed goods, and more. This place is an experience. Mast General website
Mud Dabbers Pottery and Crafts
Functional and decorative stoneware pottery from unique local artisans. There is a fully functioning pottery studio on site. True Appalachian craft since 1988. Mud Dabbers website
Sutton and Sons Antique Mall
This is not a junk shop! It is rich with heritage and full of heirlooms, collectibles, and vintage decor. It is a true cultural experience. Sutton and Sons website
Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual – Cherokee
The nation’s oldest Native American cooperative established in 1946. Authentic Cherokee handcrafts made with techniques passed down through generations. Qualla website
Twigs and Leaves Gallery
“Where art dances with nature.” Nature-related art and fine crafts from more than 120 artists. Everything is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. Twigs and Leaves website
Experiences
Western North Carolina has always attracted travelers with its natural beauty. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spanning the border with Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Parkway winding through, there is no shortage of epic sightseeing to do here. It’s no surprise that most of the experiences here feature some element of outdoor splendor. If you’re searching for some urban adventures, check out our Experiences in Asheville. We’ve also partnered with some of the best activities in the area that you can Book Directly.
Blue Ridge Parkway
It’s 469 miles of scenic beauty that meanders between Cherokee, NC and Front Royal, VA. Access varies with the conditions so check the Blue Ridge Parkway website.
Cataloochee Ski Area
For wintertime fun, head over to NC’s first-ever ski and snowboard area. For a tamer outing, check out the adjacent Tube World park. Cataloochee website
Chestnut Mountain Park
A nature-based recreation park geared towards mountain biking but also suitable for trail running and hiking. There are over 15 miles of trail on 450 wooded acres. Chestnut Mountain website
Fontana Lake
For boating, swimming, fishing, paddling, and more, this is your destination. Surrounded by National Forest, there is abundant land-based recreation too. Fontana Lake info
Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower
Take the easy round trip (1.5 miles) or the alternate route (3.2) miles and climb the 70 ft historic fire tower – one of the tallest in Western NC. Frying Pan info
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Departing from Bryson City with multiple tour options, this historic railroad is a fantastic way to enjoy the area’s beauty! Best to book ahead. GSM Railroad website
Lake Junaluska
Many ways to enjoy this peaceful lake area… paddling, fishing, walking, playground, pool, and games. Visit the outfitter center for activity info and equipment rental. Lake Junaluska website
Mingo Falls
It’s an easy half-mile hike in for a big reward! This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region.
Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum
Home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique “one-off” automobiles. Wheels Through Time website