Waynesville, North Carolina

Waynesville is a vibrant small town, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. With a population of 9,232, it is also the largest community in breathtaking Haywood County. City folks have long retreated to Waynesville for the great scenery, clean air, and ideal climate, with mild winters and summers. And the needs of these visitors are more than met by this friendly town's restaurants, and arts and recreational opportunities.

Although Waynesville's "golden age of development" took place in the first quarter of the 20th century, which endowed the Main Street with distinct historical buildings, the downtown is experiencing a revival. Waynesville currently hosts many art galleries, a theater with a full schedule, and year-round farmers' market.

And there are a full range of recreational opportunities, not the least of which is hiking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can also enjoy rafting, fishing, and skiing. And the mountains in the area, like Cold Mountain of best-selling book and movie fame, are stunning, whether admired from afar or while taking in a round of mountain golf.

In its tradition of celebrating the region's strong cultural identity, Waynesville also hosts the Parade of Nations as part of the annual Folkmoot festival, North Carolina's official international folk festival. The name Folkmoot is an Old English word meaning "meeting of the people," and in this spirit, diverse performers demonstrate their cultural heritages through authentic costume, dance, and music. The festival is more than 20 years old, and more than 200 groups from 100 different countries have attended. Festival performers from the United States have included Arthell "Doc" Watson, now one of the country's best-known bluegrass musicians.

As it looks forward to celebrating its bicentennial in 2009, Waynesville continues to be a place that draws residents and vacationers alike with its unbeatable setting and rich cultural activity.

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