Hike, Bike& Fish

Into the GreatWide Open

ARTS & CRAFTS | MUSIC | THE CHEROHALA SKYWAY

www.WNCTravel.com2

WNCTravel 2016 3

Since 1883, the Mast General Store has outfitted

its neighbors with everything they needed for life.

That tradition continues today with gear for a day in

the kitchen, a trek on a trail, or travels around the

world. You’ll even find a trip down Memory Lane

through a collection of 500 old-fashioned candies.

ADVENTURE& BEYOND

Gear up for

Asheville • Hendersonville • Waynesville • Valle Crucis • Boone • Winston-Salem, NCGreenville • Columbia, SC • Knoxville, TN • MastGeneralStore.com •

www.WNCTravel.com4

If you’ve picked up thispublication, then, by allaccounts, you’re in searchof outdoors adventure andcountless memorableexperiences in ourbackyard paradise that isWestern North Carolina.

As folks proud of our region, we also

take a lot of pride in making those who

visit feel as

welcomed and

embraced as

possible. Life is

about trying new

things and meeting

new people, and

what better place to

do so than with

Mother Nature’s

masterpiece of the

Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountain

ranges as the backdrop?

Take to the trail for a day-hike or

mountain bike ride, or to the river for

some vigorous kayaking or tranquil fly

fishing, or take to Main Street for an

afternoon of shopping, perhaps a farm-to-

table dinner or live bluegrass

performance. The beauty of Western

North Carolina resides in the mere notion

that everyday is a blank canvas by which

we have all the colors of possibility at our

disposal to paint with. Between our array

of weekend festivals and seasonal events,

the hardest part is simply figuring out

what to do. It’s all here, and more.

I’ve always believed the litmus test of

the strength of a place resides in how well

its community aims at bringing one and all

together. Give me a town where the

people really care, and are well vested in

the community and its potential, and I’ll

give you a location that is pulsating with

activity, with love and passion,

intellectuality and enthusiasm for the

unknowns of tomorrow — bring it on, y’all.

— Garret K. Woodward, Arts & Entertainment Editor

INSIDE:Food+DrinkHaywood’s best kept secret: —

Bosu’s Wine Shop opens new space. . . . . . . 19Franklin welcomes first craft brewery . . . . . . . 24

SELECTED RESTAURANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10FARMER’S & TAILGATE MARKETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20WNC BREWERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Outdoors+RecreationAllure of the Cherohala Skyway . . . . . . . . . . . 30Rivers of the Smokies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

PARKWAY STOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32MOUNTAIN BIKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34GOLF COURSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38DISC GOLF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Art+CultureAll in the family at Riverwood Pottery . . . . . . 40‘Songwriters in the Round’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Beloved theatre opens new stage . . . . . . . . . . 46

PERFORMANCE VENUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44THEATRES & PLAYHOUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47MUSEUMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

FYILocales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Editor/Publisher: Scott McLeod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.comAdvertising Director: Greg Boothroyd . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.comArt Director: Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.comComposition & Design: Travis Bumgardner . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.comEmily Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emily@smokymountainnews.com

Writing/Photography:Garret K. Woodward . . . garret@smokymountainnews.comAdvertising:Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.comWhitney Burton . . . . . . . whitney@smokymountainnews.comHylah Birenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.comDistribution:Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com

Bookkeeping:Amanda Singletary. . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com

If you’d like bulk copies of the WNC Travel Guide to distribute at your business, email your request to classads@smokymountainnews.com or call Distribution Manager Scott Collier at

828.452.4251. Contents ©2016/2017 The Smoky Mountain News. All rights reserved.

On the cover: A visitor relaxes on a hammock at The Swag Bed and Breakfast inHaywood County. photo by Steven Yocom, courtesy of Haywood County Tourism Development Authority

WNCTravel 2016 5

When it comes to beer, WNC beer lovers know where to find the best selection of

craft and local brews. Not to mention all your favorite domestic and imported

varieties. Ingles has been consistently voted one of the best places to buy beer in WNC. That's something Ingles is really proud of...

after all, Asheville is Beer City USA.Ingles... Low Prices...Love the Savings!

Visit www.ingles-markets.com to findyour neighborhood Ingles location!

www.WNCTravel.com6

WaynesvilleThe social hub of Haywood County,

Waynesville is a lively community, one that

embodies the culture and heritage of Western

North Carolina. The town is filled with art

galleries, cafés, farm-to-table and fine dining

restaurants, a classic cinema and four craft

breweries. Throughout the year, there are

numerous evening art strolls and Friday night

clogging on Main Street, with tens of

thousands flocking to the handful of annual

street festivals (Church Street Arts & Crafts

Show, Apple Harvest Festival). Adventurers

can access the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway

just outside of town. Waynesville is also home

to Folkmoot USA, the Official North Carolina

International Folk Festival, which each

summer brings together performance troupes

from around the world to share their rhythm

and dance styles.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

Maggie ValleyThe gateway to the picturesque

Cataloochee Valley section of the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park, Maggie

Valley offers 360-degree mountain views

amid a commercial strip of restaurants, hotels

and shops. Located at the center of the town,

the fairgrounds showcase several weekend

festivals, from motorcycle rallies to

celebrations of Southern Appalachian culture,

up-and-coming country music acts to the

rollicking Hillbilly Woodstock. Head over to

the Wheels Through Time museum, home to

one of the world’s rarest and most extensive

collections of vintage motorcycles and

antique automobiles. Hovering high above the

community is the Cataloochee Ski Area and

Cataloochee Guest Ranch, both longtime

icons of what it means to truly soak in the

essence of fun and family in the mountains.

www.maggievalley.org

Canton/ClydeThe face of blue-collar hard work and

southern grit, Canton is home to the

Evergreen Packaging paper mill, a renowned

company that is the heartbeat of the town and

an economic stronghold for Western North

Carolina. Heading into downtown, you’ll find

Welcome to theneighborhood

Western North Carolina is a region ofsmall, vibrant downtowns. Each has itsown personality and history, so takethe time to get out of your car andmeander, sit on a bench, and just enjoyyour time in these unique places.

Grab yourpartner and

enjoy a streetdance in

downtownWaynesville.

WNCTravel 2016 7

local businesses, restaurants and shops.

Southern Porch is a fine-dining establishment

on Main Street, where the social circles of

Canton converge. Around the corner is the

legendary Colonial Theatre, which presents

an annual Winter Concert Series featuring

hometown group Balsam Range, the 2014

International Bluegrass Music Association’s

“Entertainer of the Year.”

www.cantonnc.com

SylvaTake a stroll through downtown Sylva and

you’ll bear witness to a small mountain town

doing big things in Jackson County. From

cafes, restaurants and bookstores to brew-

eries, wine shops and artisan galleries, the

nightlife options of this community has made

it a hot spot for the curious and intrigued

“after 5” crowd. Situated on a high hill atop

Main Street in the history Jackson County

Courthouse and library, a societal centerpiece

with innumerable weekly programs, shows,

demonstrations, readings and children’s activ-

ities, all aimed at connecting the dots be-

tween neighbors, business owners and

visitors alike. Jackson County also is the loca-

tion of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing

Trail, the first of its kind in the country, featur-

ing 15 spots of big rivers, small streams, easy

access and backcountry hike-ins.

www.mountainlovers.com

DillsboroThe art and craft capital of Western North

Carolina, Dillsboro houses numerous gal-

leries, artist studios and collectives. Running

through the heart of the town is the Great

Smoky Mountain Railroad, which originates in

Bryson City and makes frequent stops in the

artisan community. Also alongside a handful

of downtown restaurants is the historic Jar-

rett House, an 1884 bed and breakfast inn

within walking distance of the craft busi-

nesses. A river park in the center of town of-

fers outdoor adventurers plenty of access for

whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking.

www.visitdillsboro.org

CashiersThe crossroads of U.S. 64 and N.C. 107,

Cashiers is a robust community of recre-

ational outfitters, antique shops, fine dining,

golf courses and country clubs. In the sum-

mer, folks take to the hiking trails, scenic wa-

terfalls and rock climbing locations, all within

vicinity of the Village Green, a town park of

greenery and art sculptures welcoming any

and all at the 64/207 intersection. In the

winter, Sapphire Valley Ski Area comes alive

as snow and adventure enthusiasts take to

the slopes.

www.cashiers411.com

Above: The historic Jackson County Courthouse overlooks downtown Sylva. Top right: Lights & Luminaries winter celebration draws after-hours visitorsto Dillsboro. Bottom right: Poolside at Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands. Margaret Hester photo • Jackson County TDA photo • Old Edwards Inn photo

www.WNCTravel.com8

CullowheeHome to Western Carolina University, a Di-

vision I school of 10,000 students, Cul-

lowhee is quickly growing not only

academically, but also commercially and so-

cially. Whether it’s weekly art exhibit open-

ings, guest lecturers or onstage

performances, the campus is filled with end-

less opportunities for the public to immerse

themselves in world culture. On the fall

weekends, throw down your tailgate and get

ready for a football game at the E.J. Whit-

mire Stadium. In recent years, a handful of

restaurants have kicked off the business re-

vitalization of Cullowhee, where live week-

end entertainment is now the norm. Want to

hit the outdoors? WCU also offers miles of

mountain biking and hiking trails bordering

the property, as well as ample fly fishing op-

portunities in the nearby Tuckasegee River.

www.wcu.edu

HighlandsHalfway between Cashiers and Franklin on

U.S. 64 is Highlands. Fine dining, art galleries,

antique shops and boutiques line the serene

downtown. In the center business corridor

are hotels, a brewery, playhouse and movie

theatre. Within a short drive, one can head

for the hills to tackle a hiking trail or spend an

afternoon beside a waterfall or tranquil lake.

In the summer, there is a weekly concert and

chamber music series, while during the fall

leaf peepers from near and far flock to see

the bright colors of the Western North

Carolina landscape.

www.highlandschamber.org

FranklinThe county seat of Macon, Franklin is your

All-American downtown, where neighbors

and visitors congregate in a local brewery,

café or restaurant, ready to take on the

nearby mountain trails or meander the muse-

ums and shops lining the charming, welcom-

ing streets. Down the road is the Smoky

Mountain Center for the Performing Arts,

where acclaimed national music and theatre

acts take the stage throughout the year.

Want some fresh air? Take a walk down the

scenic Little Tennessee River Greenway that

snakes through downtown.

www.franklin-chamber.com

Bryson CityKnown as last outpost of Western North

Carolina before you enter the Great Smoky

Mountains National Park, Bryson City is an

outdoor adventurer’s paradise. A small town

of around 1,400 residents, it’s downtown is

consists of galleries, cafes, restaurants and an

award-winning microbrewery. Only a few

miles from downtown, the Deep Creek en-

trance to the national park has river tubing,

horseback riding, hiking and waterfalls. It’s

also near the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a

world-class whitewater rafting and freestyle

kayaking facility, which has the Appalachian

Trail running through it. Just down the road

from Bryson City, on the border of Swain and

Graham counties, is the Tsali Recreation Area

on Fontana Lake, regarded as one of the finest

mountain biking trail systems in the country.

www.greatsmokies.com

Cherokee Home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee

Nation, the town hosts an array of yearly fes-

tivals and events that exemplifies the tradi-

tion, art, culture and deep history of the tribe.

Take a step into the Museum of the Cherokee

Indian with its extensive exhibits or peruse

the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, a Cherokee

collective with detailed displays showcasing

its dozens of artisan craft members. Visitors

can access the Great Smoky Mountains Na-

tional Park heading north out of Cherokee on

U.S. 441, a main route of travel in Southern

Appalachia, which you can also hop onto the

majestic Blue Ridge Parkway from. In recent

Welcome to the neighborhood

Rafting is a big part of the outdoor culture in Western North Carolina, with the Nantahala OutdoorCenter serving as a popular spot to hit the rapids. Left: The Western Carolina University Catamountstake the field. NOC photo • WCU photo

WNCTravel 2016 9

years, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has

become one of the largest employers and at-

tractions in Western North Carolina, with its

fine dining options, luxury amenities and

world-class live entertainment.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

RobbinsvilleThe entrance to the spectacular Cherohala

Skyway, a National Scenic Byway, Rob-

binsville plays host to a wide-spectrum of

outdoor desires. From its bustling downtown,

one can easily escape into the lush back-

woods of Western North Carolina. Just north

of Robbinsville is the town of Lake Santeetlah,

a water wonderland of camping, boating and

hiking surrounded by the Nantahala National

Forest, and only a short drive to the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park.

www.grahamcountytravel.com

Murphy/AndrewsThe halfway point between Asheville and

Chattanooga on U.S. 64, Murphy is the county

seat of Cherokee. Located at the confluence

of the Hiwassee and Valley rivers, the town

features plenty of opportunities for water

sports, with plenty of fishing and boating

activities on Hiwassee Lake. There are annual

festivals and fairs, and many outdoor

adventures at any of the nearby hiking trails.

Just down the road is Andrews, and up-and-

coming small mountain town that’s home to

two popular breweries and the Calaboose

Cellars winery.

www.cherokeecountychamber.com

Hayesville/BrasstownFilled with a plethora of mountain biking,

hiking and fishing spots, including boating on

the tranquil Lake Chatuge, Hayesville and

greater Clay County truly embodies the

phrase, “getting away from it all.” Downtown

contains museums, antique shops and

restaurants. The community holds a handful of

yearly celebrations, including the always-

popular Punkin Chunkin contest every

October, where folks use homemade

catapults to launch the orange squash high

into the Southern Appalachian sky. Of the

many points of interest in Brasstown, the

centerpiece in the John C. Campbell Folk

School, an organization offers innumerable

art classes, workshops, demonstrations and

live music performances.

www.ncmtnchamber.com

Above: The historic Clay County Courthouse indowntown Hayesville. Below: A scenic view fromthe Cherohala Skyway. Garret K. Woodward photos

www.WNCTravel.com10

Eats+Drinks

Savoring the Smokies

After a full day of hiking the moun-tains, biking the backcountry roads,cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway orswimming in a pristine lake, one cansure built up quite the appetite soak-ing in all that Western North Carolinahas to offer. To remedy that, our regionis home to some of the finest restau-rants in the Southeast. Whether spe-cializing in local farm-to-table items,southern “cosmopolitan country”dishes or intricate ethnic cuisines, anyflavor or style can be found, each ableto tantalize and capture any palate.

Andrews• Burger Basket

American – 828.321.3785• Hoppy Trout Brewing Company

American – 828.835.2111• Mi Pueblito

Mexican – 828.321.2220• Monte Alban

Mexican – 828.321.1802• Potter’s House

American – 828.321.1786

Bryson City• Anthony’s

Italian/American – 828.488.8898• Bar-B-Que Wagon

Southern/American – 828.488.9521• The Bryson City Cork & Bean

Southern/Gourmet – 828.488.1934• CJ’s Grille

American/Southern – 828.488.9880• Derailed Bar & Lounge

American – 828.488.8898• Filling Station Deli

American/Southern – 828.488.1919• Fryemont Inn

Southern/Steak/Seafood – 800.845.4879• Great Smoky Mountains Winery

American/Southern – 828.788.1346• Guayabitos

Mexican – 828.488.1336• Hemlock Inn

Southern/Gourmet – 828.488.2885• Jimmy Mac’s

American/Southern – 828.488.4700• La Taqueria

Mexican – 828.488.9162• Naber’s Drive-In

American/Southern – 828.488.2877• Nate & Nick’s Pizza

American/Southern – 828.588.0500• Pasqualino’s

Italian – 828.488.9555• Village Bistro

Southern/American – 828.488.9000• Water’s Edge

Seafood/Southern – 828.488.7977

Canton • Canelos

Mexican – 828.648.0303• China King Buffet

Chinese/Asian – 828.235.8815

RESTAURANTS

Canyon Kitchen atLonesome Valley.

Garret K. Woodward photo

WNCTravel 2016 11

• El ChapalaMexican – 828.235.9193

• El PobreMexican – 828.235.9311

• Southern Porch Kitchen & DrinkSouthern/Farm-to-Table – 828.492.8006

Cashiers• Carolina Smokehouse

Southern Barbecue – 828.743.3200• Chez Dupont & The Stone Soup Café

Southern/Farm-to-Table – 828.743.1960• Chile Loco

Mexican – 828.743.1160• Cornucopia Restaurant

Southern/American – 828.743.3750• El Manzanillo

Mexican – 828.743.5522• High Hampton Inn & Country Club

Steak/Seafood/Southern – 828.743.2411• Orchard

Southern/American – 828.743.7614• Randevu

Southern – 828.743.0190• Slab Town Pizza

American – 828.743.0020• Ugly Dog Pub

American/Southern – 828.743.3000• Winslow’s Hideaway

Steak/Seafood – 828.743.2226

Cherokee• Brio Tuscan Grille (Harrah’s)

Italian – 828.497.7777• Granny’s Kitchen

Southern/American – 828.497.5010• Lee Garden

Chinese – 828.497.4388• Little Princess

Southern/American – 828.497.9000

• New Happy GardenChinese – 828.497.4310

• Noodle Bar (Harrah’s)Asian – 828.497.7777

• Paul’s Diner American/Southern – 828.497.9012

• Rancho ViejoMexican – 828.497.0343

• Ruth’s Chris Streak House (Harrah’s)Steak/Seafood – 828.497.7777

• Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & CaféAmerican/Southern – 828.497.2539

• Selu Garden Café (Harrah’s)American/Southern – 828.497.7777

• Wise Guys PizzaAmerican – 828.497.2838

Cullowhee• Cullowings

American/Southern – 828.293.5800• Tuck’s Tap & Grille

American/Southern – 828.293.4688

Dillsboro • Coach’s Bistro

American/Southern – 828.586.0265• Country Traditions

American/Southern – 828.586.1600• Evolution Wine Kitchen

American/Southern – 828.631.0156• Haywood Smokehouse

Barbecue/Southern – 828.586.9556• Jarrett House

Southern – 828.586.0265• Kostas

Greek/Italian – 828.631.0777• Well House

American/Southern – 828.586.8588

Franklin• Boiler Room

Steak/Southern – 828.349.5555• Boone Thai

Thai – 828.524.1111• The Bowery

Southern – 828.369.3663• Caffé Rel

French – 828.369.9446• Chris & Charlie’s

Italian/American – 828.349.0900• City Restaurant

American – 828.524.4948• El Charro

Mexican – 828.369.9002• Gazebo Creekside Café

American/Southern – 828.524.8783• Kountry Kitchen

American – 828.524.6209• Las Barricas

Mexican – 828.349.4484• Lucio’s

Italian – 828.369.6670• Mi Casa

Mexican – 828.369.1580• Motor Company Grill

American/Southern – 828.524.0099• Mulligan’s Bar & Grill

American/Southern – 828.349.3183• Papa’s Pizza of Franklin

American – 828.369.9999• Post & Beam at Mill Creek

Southern/American – 828.349.0402• Sakura

Japanese – 828.349.8917• Thai Paradise

Thai – 828.349.0973• Tienda Mexicana La Guadalupana

Mexican – 828.349.0108• Vito’s Pizza

Italian/American – 828.369.9890• Willy’s Ribs & BBQ

Southern/American – 828.524.0414

Hayesville• Alazan

Mexican – 828.389.2727• Angelo’s Downtown Pizza

Italian/American – 828.389.2500• Chevelle’s 69

American – 828.389.6069• The Copper Door

Steak/Seafood/Southern – 828.237.4030• Mika’s Pizza

American – 828.389.6366• Rib Country BBQ

Barbecue/Southern – 828.389.9597

Frog’s Leap Public Housein Waynesville. FLPH photo

www.WNCTravel.com12

Highlands• Asia House

Asian – 828.787.1680• Bistro On Main

American – 828.526.2590• Brick Oven Pizza

American – 828.526.4121• Cyprus

International – 828.526.4429• El Azteca

South Pacific/Mexican – 828.526.2244• Highlands Smokehouse

Southern Barbecue – 828.526.1900• Lakeside

Seafood/Southern – 828.526.9419

• Madison’s Restaurant & Wine GardenSouthern/Farm-to-Table – 828.526.5477

• Main Street Inn BistroAmerican – 828.526.2590

• Meritage BistroAmerican – 828.526.1019

• On the Verandah Gourmet Fusion – 828.526.2338

• PescadosMexican – 828.526.9313

• Pizza Place of HighlandsAmerican – 828.526.5660

• Ristorante PaolettiNorthern Italian – 828.526.4906

• Ruka’s TableSouthern/Contemporary – 828.526.3636

• Rustico at the Log CabinNorthern Italian – 828.526.0999

• Ugly Dog PubAmerican/Southern – 828.526.8364

• Wild Thyme GourmetSouthern – 828.526.4035

• Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine BistroNew Orleans/Steak/Seafood 828.526.3807

Lake Toxaway• Brown Trout Mountain Grille

American/Southern – 828.877.3474

Maggie Valley • Andolini’s

Italian/American – 828.944.0770• Brew Cue & BBQ

Southern/American – 828.944.0259• Butts On The Creek

Barbecue/Southern – 828.926.7885• Cataloochee Guest Ranch

Southern/American – 800.868.1401 • Country Vineyard Café

Italian/American – 828.926.6557• Frankie’s Italian Trattoria

Italian – 828.926.6216• Garrett’s

Steakhouse – 828.926.1954• Guayabitos

Mexican – 828.926.7777• J. Arthur’s

Steakhouse/American – 828.926.1817• Moonshine Grille

Southern/American – 828.926.7440• Pin High Bar & Grille

American/Southern – 828.926.4848• Rendezvous

American/Southern – 828.926.2325• Salty Dog’s

Seafood/American – 828.926.9105• Snappy’s

Italian/American – 828.926.6126• Taqueria Guanajuato

Mexican – 828.926.3483

Murphy• Chevelle’s

American – 828.835.7001• Daily Grind & Wine

American/Coffeehouse – 828.835.7322• Downtown Bakery

American – 828.835.8986• Downtown Pizza Company

American – 828.837.0500• Doyle’s Cedar Hill

American – 828.837.3400

• El ManzanioMexican – 828.837.9624

• Mama Mia’sItalian – 828.557.5401

• Monte AlbanMexican – 828.835.9767

• Murphy’s ChophouseSouthern/Steak/Gourmet – 828.835.3287

• No Name DeliAmerican/Italian – 828.837.9138

• Rib Country BBQBarbecue/Southern – 828.837.4444

• ShoeBooties Café Southern/American – 828.837.4589

Robbinsville• Carolina Kitchen

Southern/American – 828.479.1500• Hub Of WNC

Barbecue/Southern – 828.479.0478• Lynn’s Place

American/Southern – 828.479.9777• Pacefeco

Mexican – 828.479.8448

Sapphire• Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley

Southern/Farm-to-Table828.743.7697

• Cork & Barrel LoungeAmerican/Southern – 828.743.7477

• Gamekeeper’s TavernAmerican – 828.743.4263

• Mica’sAmerican – 828.743.5740

• Osteria Del MonteMexican – 828.883.2551

• Sapphire Mountain Brewing CompanyAmerican – 828.743.0220

• Table 64American/Southern – 828.743.4135

Sylva• B & Al’s Grill

American – 828.586.5686• Balsam Mountain Inn

Southern/Farm-to-Table – 828.456.9498• Bogart’s

Steakhouse – 828.586.6532

Eats+DrinksRESTAURANTS

Old Edwards Inn inHighlands is home to

Madison’s Restaurant& Wine Garden.

Donated photo

WNCTravel 2016 13

The Women’s BoutiqueWhere the Focus is You!

121 N MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC(828) 452-3611

318 N MAIN ST. • HENDERSONVILLE, NC(828) 595-9753

Special Occasionsand everyday fashions.

1964-48

for All Generations

www.WNCTravel.com14

• City Lights Café

American/Southern – 828.587.2233• Colima

Mexican – 828.586.9999• Cosmic Carryout at Innovation Brewing

American/Farm-to-Table – 828.586.9678• Creekside Oyster House & Grill

Seafood/Southern – 828.586.1985• Cut Cocktail Lounge

Gastropub – 828.631.4795• El Patron

Mexican – 828.586.8805• Guadalupe Café

Caribbean Fusion – 828.586.9877• Half Past

American/Southern – 828.586.1212• Jade Dragon

Chinese – 828.586.6688• Lulu’s On Main

Southern/Farm-to-Table – 828.586.8989• Mad Batter Food & Film

American/Southern – 828.586.3555• No Name Sports Pub

American/Southern – 828.586.2750• O’Malley’s Sports Bar & Grill

American/Southern – 828.631.0554• Peking Gourmet II

Chinese – 828.586.9082• Robbie’s Char-Burger

American – 828.586.2723• Sazon

Mexican – 828.226.1950• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing

American – 828.586.6440• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro

Southern Fusion/American – 828.586.1717• South of Philly

American – 828.586.0550• Speedy’s Pizza

American – 828.586.3800

Waynesville• Ammon’s Drive-In & Dairy Bar

American/Southern – 828.926.0734• Angelo’s Family Pizza

American/Southern – 828.452.1886• Apple Creek Café

American/Southern – 828.456.9888• Blossom on Main

Thai Fusion – 828.454.5400• Bocelli’s Italian Eatery

Italian – 828.456.4900• Bogart’s

Steakhouse – 828.452.1313• Boojum Brewing

American/Southern – 828.944.0888• Bosu’s Wine Shop

Farm-to-Table – 828.452.0120

Top of the Mornin’ —Breakfast spots andcafés in the Smokies

Bryson City• Everett Street Diner – 828.488.0123• Iron Skillet – 828.488.4766• Mountain Perks Espresso Bar & Café

– 828.488.9561

Canton• Black Bear Café – 828.648.1003• Breaking Bread Café – 828.648.3838• Jukebox Junction – 828.648.4546 • Papertown Grill – 828.648.1455

Cashiers• Buck’s Coffee Café – 828.743.9997• Zookeeper Café – 828.743.7711

Cherokee• Chestnut Tree – 828.497.9181• Frontier Pancake House –

828.497.4718• Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles –

828.497.5116

Clyde• Coffee Cup Café – 828.627.8905 • Sherrill’s Pioneer – 828.627.9880

Cullowhee• Cullowhee Café – 828.293.3334

Franklin• City Restaurant – 828.524.4948• Hungry Bear – 828.369.2900 • Ms Lois’ – 828.369.8628• Normandie – 828.524.3118• Rathskeller Coffee Haus –

828.369.6796• Stamey’s Café – 828.524.8198 • Sunset – 828.524.4842

Highlands• Buck’s Coffee Café – 828.526.0020• Mountain Fresh Grocery –

828.526.2400

Maggie Valley• Country Vittles – 828.926.1820• Holiday Diner – 828.926.0820• Joey’s Pancake House – 828.926.0212 • Maggie Valley Restaurant –

828.926.0425 • Mountaineer – 828.926.1730

Murphy• Blue Mountain Coffee & Grill –

828.837.1362

Robbinsville• Stecoah Diner – 828.479.8430

Sylva• City Lights Café – 828.587.2233 • Coffee Shop – 828.586.2013• Signature Brew Coffee Company –

828.587.6300

Waynesville• Buttered Biscuit – 828.246.6446• City Bakery – 828.452.3881 • Clyde’s – 828.456.9135• Haywood 209 Café – 828.627.3331• J Creek Café – 828.926.7877• Kornerstone Kafé – 828.550.2265• Panacea Coffee House Café & Roast-

ery – 828.452.6200 • Waynesville Breakfast House –

828.246.9881

Eats+Drinks RESTAURANTS

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• Bourbon Barrel Beef & AleSouthern/American – 828.452.9191

• Captain’s BaySeafood/Steakhouse – 828.456.6761

• Chef’s TableItalian/Farm-to-Table – 828.452.6210

• Church Street DepotAmerican – 828.246.6505

• Classic WinesellerItalian/French/Southern – 828.452.6000

• Cork & Cleaver at The Waynesville InnSteak/Seafood – 828.456.3551

• El PobreMexican – 828.456.9557

• Frog’s Leap Public HouseFarm-to-Table/Southern – 828.456.1930

• Haywood SmokehouseBarbecue/Southern – 828.456.7275

• Kanini’sSouthern/Farm-to-Table – 828.452.5187

• Las Palmas Mexican – 828.456.4234

• Los AmigosMexican – 828.456.7870

• Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer GardenAmerican/Southern – 828.246.9249

• Maggie’s Gallery Seafood – 828.456.8945

• New Happy GardenAsian – 828.456.6988

• Pasquale’s Italian/Mediterranean – 828.454.5002

• Patio BistroSouthern/American – 828.454.0070

• Pub 319American/Southern – 828.456.3040

• Rob’s Hot Dog ShackAmerican – 828.456.8945

• Secret Wine Company Farm-to-Table – 828.452.0120

• Smoky Mountain Sub ShopAmerican – 828.456.3400

• SwagFarm-to-Table/Southern – 828.926.0430

• Sweet OnionSouthern/Farm-to-Table – 828.456.5559

• Tipping Point BrewingAmerican/Southern – 828.246.9230

• Water’n Hole Bar & GrillAmerican/Southern – 828.456.4750

• Waynesville Pizza CompanyAmerican/Italian – 828.246.0927

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WNCTravel 2016 19

Waynesville’s best kept secret: Bosu’s Wine Shopopens new space

With the quiet evening sun fad-ing behind the Great SmokyMountains on a late springevening, a single building

glowed bright at the bottom of Miller Streetin downtown Waynesville.

The usual joyous commotion at Bosu’sWine Shop wasn’t coming from their store.Rather, it was from a large wooden dooraround the side of the building and downthe alleyway. Welcome to The Secret WineCompany, where curiosity and culinary de-lights intersect.

“It’s that feeling of knowing a secret, that’snot exactly a secret, but the kind of secretyou want to telleveryone with-out having totell everyone,”said MaleahPusz, co-ownerof Bosu’s.

Alongside herbusiness partnerTony Gaddis,Pusz has taken the 23-year-old beloved shop(which they purchased in 2014) and addedanother layer of community spirit and collec-tive fun, all with wine glass in-hand.

“When Tony and I starting thinking aboutour vision for Bosu’s, we wanted to have atthat place, kind of like when you drive up tosomeone’s house, lights are blazing, and peo-ple have arrived for a dinner party,” Puszsaid. “And somehow this group of peopleshowed up know that this is the place, this iswhere to go — these are my people.”

With the cozy Bosu’s storefront as the orig-inal foundation of The Secret Wine Com-pany (the business umbrella which the shopsits under), Pusz and Gaddis overtook theempty building next door and began exten-sive renovations in recent months. A beauti-ful floor plan emerged, one which includes a39-seat event space (the main celebratoryroom and den library), professional kitchenand wine bar.

“At this point, it is an event space, with ca-sual dining to happen down the line,” Puszsaid. “By this summer, we will have a limitedsmall plate menu, a nice place to come for afirst course, a glass of wine or craft beer be-fore going out.”

And in terms of Bosu’s wine dinners andspecialty events, Bosu’s teamed up withJackie and Frank Blevins, who own PerfectlySeasoned, a longtimecatering service in Way-nesville. The partnershipallowed Chef Jackie tobring her professionalkitchen into Bosu’s andhave an entire space tocreate her culinarymagic, one that also al-lows Bosu’s the platformto flourish in their ownideas and endeavors.

“I hope to build the wine bar business upwith the help of my food,” Chef Jackie said.“It’s about using non-processed foods, allnatural, and as local as possible. We alsogrow a lot of our own herbs and vegetables,too. It’s about creativity and seeing peoplehappy — instant gratification is the nature ofthe job.”

And with an ever-evolving culinary scenein Waynesville and greater HaywoodCounty, Pusz looks at the big picture,

whereas to have this latest project comple-ment the other businesses, rather than takeaway from them.

“Waynesville’s culinary scene is exploding,and we’re really fortunate to have such greatworking relationships with a lot of the otherrestaurants and businesses,” she said. “Theculinary pie in Waynesville is getting bigger,not smaller. That, and Waynesville has never

been a ‘I want my slicealone’ kind of place.”

At their recent Ger-man/Austrian wine din-ner, which served as akind of “soft opening” forThe Secret Wine Com-pany, the packed housewas abuzz, with glassesheld high in celebrationof not only the eveningand those in attendance,

but also another night of pure fun and pas-sion in Western North Carolina.

“I’m not ashamed to admit I was teary-eyed a few times tonight,” Pusz said. “Be-cause the people were a beautiful blend offolks that had been here since day one, andalso people finally having an opportunity tocome here for the first time. For us, it’s hav-ing that ability to bring people togetherand share in an experience — it’s a dreamcome true.”

Eats+Drinks

The newly-opened Secret Wine Company, which is part of Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. Left: Chef Jackie Blevins (left) and Maleah Pusz. Donated photo • Garret K. Woodward photo

“Waynesville’s culinaryscene is exploding, andwe’re really fortunate tohave such great workingrelationships with a lotof the other restaurantsand businesses,”

— Maleah Pusz

Bryson City• Swain County Farmer’s Market

Organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail

and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. 9

a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays (May 6-Oct. 28), and also

from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays (June 14-Aug.

16). The Barn on Island Street in downtown.

828.488.3848 or www.greatsmokies.com.

Cashiers• Cashiers Tailgate Market

From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through

October at the United Community Bank on N.C.

107 South. 828.226.9988 or

blueridgefarmers@gmail.com.

Cherokee• Cherokee Farmer’s Tailgate Market

Fresh local, organic and heirloom produce. 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m. on Fridays through October. Acquoni

Road. 828.554.6931.

• Cherokee Farm StandLocally-grown agricultural produce. 11 a.m. to 1

p.m. on Thursdays through mid-October. 876 Ac-

quoni Road at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

828.359.6935.

Cullowhee• The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market

Locally grown vegetables, eggs, and more. 4 p.m.

until dusk Tuesdays through October. Corner of

North Country Club Drive and Stadium View

Drive. 828.476.0334 or www.facebook.com/cul-

lowheefarmersmarket.

Franklin• Cowee Farmer’s Market

Local produce, plants, herbs, honey, crafts, and

more. 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (May

10-Oct. 25). 51 Cowee School Drive.

828.524.8369 or

www.coweefarmersmarket.com.

• Franklin Farmer’s Tailgate MarketVariety of only homegrown products such as

cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8

a.m. to noon on Saturdays (April 2-Nov. 5). 200

East Palmer Street. 828.349.2049 or www.face-

book.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

Sylva• Jackson County Farmer’s Market

Plants, seeds, honey, breads, sweets and locally

made crafts, local meats. 9 a.m. to noon on Sat-

urdays (April 2-Oct.29). Railroad Avenue at the

Municipal Parking Lot near Bridge Park in

downtown. The winter market is from 10 a.m. to

1 p.m. on Saturdays (November through March)

across the bridge at the Community Table in

downtown. 828.399.0290 (summer) or

828.393.5236 (winter) or www.jacksoncounty-

farmersmarket.org.

Waynesville• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market

Fresh, local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods,

goat cheese, herbal products, meat, eggs, plants,

flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts.

Live music. 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and

Saturdays (April 16-Nov. 26), with a winter market

through mid-December. 250 Pigeon Street in the

parking lot of the HART Theatre. www.way-

nesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• Original Waynesville Tailgate MarketFruits, vegetables, black walnuts, organic food

and other homemade products. 8 a.m. to noon on

Wednesdays and Saturdays (May 14-Oct. 29). 171

Legion Drive at the American Legion in Way-

nesville behind Bogart’s restaurant.

828.456.1830.

www.WNCTravel.com20

Eats+DrinksFarmer’s & Tailgate Markets

The foundation of culture in Western NorthCarolina lies in a keen emphasis on things locallymade and grown. Whether it’s the porch sounds ofmountain music or stitching together one’s heritagewith an elaborate quilt, quality and one-of-a-kindare attributes to the many products offered in thisregion. And at the heart of these traditions is thefresh produce raised and harvested from the richsoil of Southern Appalachia.

There is a renewed vigor in the local farmer’s markets as new growersworking smaller farms have become the norm. From delicious fruits andcrisp vegetables, to sweet honey and fresh trout, there are innumerableunique items locals and visitors alike can purchase. Throughout the week,dozens of vendors in several towns gather to showcase and sell their goods.With organic products becoming more popular, these markets provide thecommunity with the perfect avenue for healthy options.

Andrews• Andrews Farmer’s Market

Live music and community produce. 8 a.m. to

noon on Saturdays (June 4-Oct. 22). First Street

at Hall Memorial Park in Andrews. 828.321.5960.

Brasstown• Brasstown Farmer’s Market

Local produce, organic chicken, eggs. Open 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays (April 13-Oct. 26)

on Old Highway 64. 828.360.2498.

Hayesville• Hayesville Evening Market

High quality, local produce and farm products. 4

p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays (May 1-Sept. 1).

828.389.8931 or www.southernappalachianfami-

lyfarms.com.

• Mountain Valley Farmer’s MarketLocal farmers and growers, homemade baked

goods and products. 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays

(May 7-Oct. 29). Old Courthouse Square.

863.287.4482.

Murphy• Cedar Valley Farmer’s Market

Fresh produce, meats and handmade products. 9

a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays (April 2-Oct. 29) in the old

L&N Depot in downtown.

www.doylescedarhill.com/farmers-market.

Robbinsville• Graham County Farmer’s Market

Local farmers, growers and harvesters. 8:30 a.m.

to noon on Saturdays (July 9-Oct. 1).

828.479.8788.

WNCTravel 2016 21

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www.WNCTravel.com22

SLEEP INN BRYSON CITY1/2 Mile to Bryson City Railroad Depot

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Guests enjoy free hot breakfast buffet, brand new 32” flat panel LCD televisions, free wireless internet,

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We also offer packages to ride the Great SmokyMountains Railroad, or to go rafting at Nantahala

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WNCTravel 2016 23

WNC BreweriesAndrews• Andrews Brewing

828.321.2006 • www.andrewsbrewing.com• Hoppy Trout Brewing

828.835.2111 • www.hoppytroutbrewing.com

Bryson City• Nantahala Brewing

828.488.2337 • www.nantahalabrewing.com

Franklin• Lazy Hiker Brewing

828.342.5133 • www.lazyhikerbrewing.com

Highlands• Satulah Mountain Brewing

828.482.9794 •www.satulahmountainbrewing.com

Sapphire• Sapphire Valley Brewing

828.743.0220 •www.sapphirebrewingcompany.com

Sylva• Heinzelmannchen Brewery

828.631.4466 •www.yourgnometownbrewery.com

• Innovation Brewing828.586.9678 • www.innovation-brewing.com

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing828.586.6440 • www.sneakesquirrel.com

Waynesville• BearWaters Brewing

828.246.0602 • www.bwbrewing.com• Boojum Brewing

828.944.0888 • www.boojumbrewing.com• Frog Level Brewing

828.454.5664 • www.froglevelbrewing.com • Tipping Point Brewing

828.246.9230 • www.tippingpointtavern.com

Over the rise appears a buildingilluminated, like a lighthouseon the high seas of a vast andunknown Southern Ap-

palachian night. It’s a building of peopleand purpose. You’re here. You’ve made it

to Franklin’s first craft brewery. What was once the old town hall, the

structure has been transformed into astate-of-the-art production facility and tap-room. The brewery is a frenzied space,where a warm ambiance of strangers andfriends alike is coupled with a curiosityand passion that is solely unique to thecraft beer industry.

“It’s something pretty special that nowyou can taste a fresh beer made inFranklin, and be confident that whatthey’re tasting is good,” said co-owner KenMurphy.

The idea for Lazy Hiker started brewingin the minds of Murphy, Tommy Jenkinsand Lenny Jordan. As the three main own-ers behind the project, they were lookingfor something that not only could be a suc-cessful business, but an entity that couldalso be a missing piece to the ever-growingpuzzle of Franklin’s economic and culturalfuture.

“We felt like we needed a double bottomline,” Jordan said. “We needed the brew-ery to be viable, and also be able to dosomething for the community, to add towhat makes this place special.”

Thus, the trio put their vision into mo-tion. They settled on the idea of renovatingthe old town hall, which opened in May2015. After a nationwide search, Brewmas-ter Noah McIntee was hired. Formerly thedirector of brewing operations at PearlStreet Grill & Brewery and Pan AmericanGrill & Brewery in Buffalo, New York,McIntee was eager to head his own project,with the Lazy Hiker the vehicle to do so.

“It has been the culmination of a lot ofwork at light speed to get the point ofopening day,” McIntee said. “Asheville hasan incredible scene, and it says somethingto come into this region with a well-knowncraft beer scene already — good craft beerleads to more good craft beer.”

The brewery runs on a two vessel 15-bar-rel system, one that includes three 30-bar-rel (and one 15-barrel) fermenters. WithAsheville, a worldwide recognized craftbeer mecca, an hour and a half down theroad, McIntee likes living, thriving and cre-ating in the small mountain town.

“Franklin is far enough away to where we

www.WNCTravel.com24

Eats+DrinksIf you build it, they will come (and drink);Franklin welcomes first craft brewery

Cruising through downtown Franklin, one begins towonder where exactly is the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company.You’ve been told it’s on Main Street, but where? And just asyou begin to debate whether to turn around and try again,your vehicle hits the crest of a steep downhill.

Innovation Brewing

WNCTravel 2016 25

can do our own thing, and yet, we’re closeenough to still be part of what’s going on inAsheville,” he said. “Craft beer is a produc-tion industry where you can see the immedi-ate results, and that’s something I like, whereI can make it and I can walk upstairs and seepeople drinking it.”

In their first seven months of operation,Lazy Hiker became a mainstay in six West-ern North Carolina counties (Macon, Swain,Jackson, Clay, Cherokee and Graham). Thatnumber will increase to 38 counties as theyrecently joined forces with Skyland Distrib-uting in Asheville.

Though just in the midst of celebratingtheir first year, Lazy Hiker points to comingout of the gate with a quality product, andalso immersing themselves within the region,as the keys to success, traits that ultimatelyled to Skyland knocking on their door.

“We’re one of the fastest growing brew-eries, if not the fastest, in Western NorthCarolina,” McIntee said. “And I think a lot ofthat comes to just being out there in thecommunities, shaking hands, talking to peo-ple, and providing them with great craftbeer.”

At the end of 2015, Lazy Hiker had brewed

over 500 barrels of beer, with projections todouble that come their one-year anniversaryin May 2016. And with an expanding market,McIntee is certain those expectations andproducts will only soar once orders roll infrom around their new jurisdiction.

“In a great environment like WesternNorth Carolina where craft is received andloved, being in this environment is one thingand being able to sell in this market is an-other thing,” he said. “I think we went intothe market with a fantastic product, and Ithink we’ve seen success because of that.”

Strolling the floor of the taproom, there’s abuzz in the air. Faces from down the street,around the county and across the region arecongregating. They hoist their pints up andin appreciation of this paradise we callWestern North Carolina.

“I enjoy seeing the people at our commu-nity table,” Jordan said. “People who mightnot know each other, but they’re sitting to-gether, enjoying craft beer together, talkingabout the products, enjoying their company.It’s what we wanted from the start, and nowit’s a reality.”

www.WNCTravel.com26

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The park has more than 100 species oftrees and 4,000 species of plants. Somepeople say if you throw a rock and thentrace its path, you’re likely to walk by at least30 different kinds of trees.

The Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark encompasses more than 500,000acres, making it the largest national park inthe East.

Here are a few of the highlights on theNorth Carolina side of the GSMNP:

Oconaluftee Visitor CenterAlong with knowledgeable rangers who can

help you plan your time in the park, fabulous

exhibits will take you back in time among the

early settlers and Cherokee who called these

mountains home.

The visitor center chronicles the culture and

history of the Smokies, from exhibits on the

Civil War in the Smokies to moonshine making.

Located on U.S. 441 at the North Carolina

entrance to the park, north of Cherokee and

near the terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

828.497.1904.

Mountain Farm MuseumThis stroll through an historic Appalachian

farm offers a window on the ingenuity and

self-reliance of early mountain people and

Cherokee. A blacksmith shop to make every-

thing from barn door hinges to horseshoes, a

spring house to keep milk and butter cool, and

sundry buildings for storing the food they

raised, from corn cribs to apple houses to

smoke houses. The outhouse is a guaranteed

eye-opener for kids.

Located at the entrance to the park on U.S.

441 just north of Cherokee.

Deep Creek Enjoy a little of everything at Deep Creek.

Hiking to waterfalls, picnicking, mountain bik-

ing, camping and what Deep Creek is famous

for: tubing. Several outfitters rent inner tubes

for just a few dollars to float all day in the

creek. This is a fantastic place to visit for a few

hours because you can do so many different

activities without having to go to different

Outdoors+RecreationSeizing the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an amazing array of mini-ecosystemswithin its borders — from peaks over 6,000 feetto low valleys, from moist, densely forestedcoves to dry meadows. A walk from mountainbase to peak compares with traveling 1,250miles north. Several resident plants and animalslive only in the Smokies.

The future of wilderness camping, hikingand other sustainable outdoor recreationdepends on more people adopting what’sknown as Leave No Trace Principles.• Plan Ahead and Prepare• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces• Dispose of Waste Properly• Leave What You Find• Minimize Campfire Impacts• Respect Wildlife• Be Considerate of Other VisitorsFor more info, visit www.lnt.org.

WNCTravel 2016 29

places. If you are in the Bryson City area, treat

yourself to a visit.

Mingus MillThe rumble of mill stones, the whistle of

corn meal sliding down the wooden shoot, the

“slap-slap-slap” of water falling over the giant

paddle wheel. Explore this historic site just

one mile from the park entrance on U.S. 441

north of Cherokee.

Clingmans DomeA paved half-mile trail leads to a soaring

lookout tower atop the highest peak in the

Smokies. At 6,643 feet, the panoramic view

offers spectacular scenery and is one of the

best examples of the region’s famed blue

mountain ridges marching endlessly across

the horizon. The tower features a spiraling

375-foot ramp to the top.

Cataloochee ValleyHistory and nature intersect in this pictur-

esque meadow, a long, narrow valley cradled

by mountains on all sides. An elk herd has

been re-introduced into the park and calls the

valley home. Cataloochee Valley is also home

to a former mountain settlement, with intact

farm houses, churches, schoolhouse and

cemeteries that can be toured by car and

short walks. Pick up an interpretive brochure

at the campground on the left after you get

down to the valley floor that describes the

historic buildings.

Big CreekThis relatively isolated area is a favorite of

locals, with a campground, bathroom, picnic

area and jumping off point for some great

hikes into the Smokies, including the all-day

hike up to Mount Cammerer lookout tower.

One of the coldest, clearest swimming holes

in the Smokies — aptly named Midnight Hole

— is a short one-mile hike up the wide Big

Creek Trail.

hiking the

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The allure of the Cherohala Skyway

They say the easiestway to hide somethingis to place it right infront of someone.

Well, what would you say if I toldyou one of the most beautifulroads in America was right in your

backyard, and it’s something besides theBlue Ridge Parkway?

“I’ve lived in North Carolina my whole lifeand I never heard of the Cherohala Skyway,”said Phillip Davis. “It’s one of the most beau-tiful roads I’ve ever been on and I found itcompletely by accident.”

Standing next to his motorcycle, Davisscans the 360-degree mountain views froman outlook on the Cherohala Skyway Na-tional Scenic Byway, a 43-mile two-lanemountaintop road stretching from Rob-binsville to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. He

shakes his head when asked why more peo-ple aren’t aware of the Skyway.

“If you could compact the best parts of theBlue Ridge Parkway into 40 or so miles ofroad, it would be the Cherohala,” he said.“It’s a road everyone needs to do at leastonce in their lifetime.”

The Skyway emerged in 1958, when theoriginal route (which is now the Skyway) wasa covered wagon trail, which was only usedat the time as a novelty when the bookendcommunities would recreate the past on the“Wagon Train Road.” A buzz about maybesomeday putting a road “up there” to con-nect all of the small mountain towns on bothsides of the state line snowballed. By theearly 1960s, Congress allocated funds toconstruct the Skyway. Thirty years and $100million dollars later, the Skyway was offi-cially opened in October 1996 — a mesmer-izing piece of road meandering throughsome of the most desolate and mesmerizinglandscape this side of the Mississippi River.

Crossing into Graham County on N.C. 28,the road is filled with steep inclines, roller-coaster down hills and s-curves galore. Be-fore you know it, you’re in Robbinsville, an

outpost community, in the heart of thecounty. With the town being one end of theSkyway, Delphus and Cindy Lee just finishedthe riding the Skyway from west to east. Sit-ting on their motorcycle, the Kentucky cou-

ple makes a yearly trip along the Skyway.“If you love to ride, it’s one of the most ex-

hilarating roads you can get on,” Delphus said.“The scenery and the curves,” Cindy

smiled.Heading to the start of the Skyway down

N.C. 143 Thunder Mountain General Storesuddenly appears. “Last Stop For 50 Miles” asmall sign says in front of the building.

“1.3 million travelers go by our store everyyear,” said owner Ken Osburn. “Every cornerof the world comes here.”

Osburn and his family came from Franklin,Tennessee They purchased and opened thestore in January 2014 and are all smiles with

www.WNCTravel.com30

Info:The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in TellicoPlains has free maps, Skyway driving conditionsand local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tablesand restrooms are available. www.cherohala.org

Outdoors+Recreation

all of the unique people who wander intotheir business.

“[The Skyway] is Gatlinburg without all theriff raff,” he said. “It’s pure nature and beauty— you get to see where God showed off.”

Entering the Skyway, you’re immediatelythrust into the sheer majesty of these moun-tains as an endless array of mountain ridgeslook back at your from Santeelah Gap. Themultitude of ridges hypnotizes the viewer,almost as if they were ripples in some vast,mysterious ocean. Like a bottomless bowl ofHalloween candy, millions of trees still holdstrong to their leaves, with the foliage seasonfar from over.

The Skyway itself is a smooth road withtoo many notable viewing spots to count, somany in fact, you might want to tack on acouple more hours to the time estimation ofyour trip. After awhile you neck begins tohurt from turning left and right nonstop,eager to not miss an inch of this utterly cap-tivating landscape.

At a nearby outlook, Linda and MickeyArcher are standing in awe of their sur-roundings. Visiting from Pensacola, Florida,they’ve ventured up to the Skyway everyyear for the last 15.

“As Floridians, we don’t have mountains,”Linda chuckled. “The Skyway is just a won-derful experience, the people, the trees, theroad — everything.”

“The views knock your socks off,” Mickeyadded.

Drifting further along, the miles seamlesslytick away. Thoughts and memories, new andold, filter through your field of vision. A per-son can do a lot of thinking on the Skyway, asif to escape from the madness of a fast-pacedworld and get back to nature, back to silence,back to where you can hear the most impor-tant voice in your life — your own.

At another outlook, you find yourself star-ing off into the abyss of not only WesternNorth Carolina, but also your existence. It’s apretty amazing feeling to hear nothingaround you but your boots on the ground, theair in your lungs, and the occasional sound ofa bird in flight to destinations unknown.

Soon, a sleek 1988 Chevrolet Corvette rollsup. At the wheel is Frank Helwig from Brant-ford, Ontario. With a grin ear-to-ear, the mid-dle-aged man seems to have tapped into thefountain of youth cruising the Skyway.

“This car was made for this road,” helaughed. “This place is spectacular, it really is.That’s why I came — it’s a trip of a lifetime.”

WNCTravel 2016 31

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Blue Ridge Parkway serves up the best of the mountains

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway andAll-American Road that winds for 469 miles from thesouthern end of Shenandoah National Park’s SkylineDrive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the

Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.It’s hard to get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It only goes

in two directions — north or south. Short, wooden posts alongthe edge of the road mark off each mile — the entire 469-milelength of the Parkway — making it easy to know exactlywhere you are. The milemarker is listed for the recom-mended stops on the Parkway below, and should be easy tofind by watching the mileposts. (Hint: the numbers get biggeras you go south, so the end of the Parkway in Cherokee ismile 469.)

The Parkway boasts more than 200 overlooks and morethan 100 trails. The local section of the Parkway runs fromthe southern end in Oconaluftee to the Pisgah Inn on theHaywood Transylvania County line. Along this stretch of sce-nic road you’ll find highlights such as the Parkway’s highestelevation overlook at Richland Balsam (6,053 feet), views ofCold Mountain made famous by author Charles Frazier, Wa-terrock Knob and Oconaluftee Visitors Centers, and Devil’sCourthouse Trail.

The Parkway is made for exploring. Here are few suggestedhighlights in our region, but feel free to ignore them. It’s allabout the journey, not the destination.

www.WNCTravel.com32

Outdoors+Recreation

Waterrock Knob Visitors Center,milemarker 451A must for Parkway travelers. Stop

here to get recommendations from

park rangers on things to do and see,

plus pick up a free Parkway map and

browse the bookstore. Views are fab-

ulous if you are looking for a picnic

spot. Also, there is a one-mile hike to

the summit of Waterrock Knob. Inter-

esting fact: the visitor center is pow-

ered by solar panels.

Richland Balsam, milemarker 432The views are great all along the Park-

way, but there’s even a milestone

achievement available for those don’t

want to hike but prefer just getting

out of their car to take a picture, enjoy

the view, or have a picnic. Just about

halfway between the Balsam Gap

(U.S. 23-74) and N.C. 215 entrance to

the Parkway, near milepost 432, is the

Parkway’s highest point (6,053 feet),

which is marked with a large sign and

a great overlook. Just a mile away at

milepost 431 is the Richland-Balsam

Self-Guiding Trail, which is just one

mile long and meanders through a

spruce-fir forest. You’ll top out at an

elevation of 6,410 feet, the 10th high-

est peak in the Eastern U.S.

Devil’s Courthouse, milemarker 422 This one-mile round-trip trail leads to

the top of stunning rock formation, a

giant pedestal that seems to rise up

magically from the mountains around

it and makes you feel like you’re on

top of the world looking out. Despite

the sheer drop off all around you, rock

walls provide a sense of safety — just

don’t hop over them or let kids climb

on the edge. Ecologically, visitors

should stay off the cliff face, which is

home to peregrine falcons and endan-

gered rock-clinging lichens and plant

life. The trail is steep but paved, mak-

ing it accessible to anyone if you take

it slow and steady.

Sam’s Knob, milemarker 420 Stellar hiking trails lead into the Shin-

ing Rock Wilderness, passing over

grassy balds, rock outcrops, high ele-

vation streams and fir forests. The

area is riddled with trails, some of

which extend for miles into the Shining

Rock Wilderness, so if you don’t have a

map, watch the way you came care-

fully. To reach the parking area, turn

down a gravel forest service road.

Upper Falls at Graveyard Fields,milemarker 419 A high-elevation bowl is home to two

waterfalls, a swimming hole and crys-

tal clear rocky stream. Unlike the

dense forests that engulf most hiking

trails in the Smokies, this area is de-

fined by open meadows.

Mt. Pisgah (5,749 feet)Located near milepost 408, this

mountain with the Biblical name used

to be part of the George Vanderbilt

Estate (he’s the man who built Bilt-

more Estate). A parking area is well

marked, and the hike is only about a

mile but it is relatively strenuous to

the platform atop the mountain. Once

there, however, the 360-degree views

are fabulous. Nearby campground and

one of the only restaurants on the

Parkway at the Pisgah Inn.

STOPS

WNCTravel 2016 33

Mountain Biking

This is one of the fastest growingrecreational activities in the Smokies,one easily witnessed by all the vehi-cles with mountain bikes strapped tothe back or top. Pretty straightfor-ward as to why so may partake ofthis sport: the Smokies contain someof the best bike trails anywhere.Here are the popular spots:Tsali Recreation Area (Graham County)This is the granddaddy of Western North Carolina mountain

biking, boasting 40 miles of trails on four loops. Rated as one

of top 10 places to ride in the U.S. Fast, hard-packed single-

track, and you can’t go wrong with any of the loops. Off N.C. 28

past Bryson City, or if coming from Robbinsville N.C. 143 until

you reach N.C. 28, go east. Entrance on north side of N.C. 28,

well-marked.

www.WNCTravel.com34

Outdoors+Recreation

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Santeetlah Lake TrailA 15-mile trail open to mountain bikes, horses, and

hikers. The trail follows a number of open and gated

Forest Service roads with a short portion of single-

track. Large sections of the trail hug the shoreline of

Lake Santeetlah offering beautiful mountain lake

views. The primary trailhead is located at the inter-

section of N.C. 143 (N.C. 1127) and Snowbird Road.

Jackrabbit Mountain (Lake Chatuge)Located next to the huge Jackrabbit Campground at

Lake Chatuge, this 14-mile trail system is gaining

popularity fast. Mostly flat with rolling dips and

berms and just a few technical areas. At Lake

Chatuge get on N.C. 175, turn onto Jackrabbit Road,

signed parking area on left.

Western Carolina University Trail (Cullowhee)Recently opened 6.6 miles of singletrack across the

street from main WCU campus in Cullowhee. Chal-

lenging but relatively short. The trail system has two

trailheads. One is located near the softball field and

picnic area on WCU main campus, east of N.C. 107.

Trail users then travel through the pedestrian tunnel

under 107 and access the trail on NCCAT property.

The second trailhead is located at the parking lot of

the Health and Human Sciences building.

Bent Creek (Asheville)Located near where N.C. 191 intersects the Blue

Ridge Parkway and I-26, this favorite among

Asheville locals because of its proximity to this out-

doors-loving city. Lots of hardpacked singletrack

with very few technical sections, great place for be-

ginner to intermediate riders and for children.

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Dupont State Park (Brevard)This has become one of the premier destinations in

the region. 10,000 acres of trails, waterfalls, and

rivers. Great spot with numerous trailheads.

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Pisgah National Forest (Brevard)Hundreds of miles of trails for bikers, some of it

among the most technical in the region. For informa-

tion on specific trails and trailheads, visit www.mt-

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These rivers and their watersheds encom-pass the Nantahala National Forest and thetwo most visited units of the national parksystem, the Great Smoky Mountains Na-tional Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Allof these rivers have offer fishing, canoeingand kayaking, tubing, and a host of recre-ational opportunities. Check the countytravel and tourism websites for particulars ineach county.

OconalufteeThe Oconaluftee, considered “sacred wa-

ters” by the Cherokee, and known as the

“Luftee,” is a beautiful, freestone river that

drops 2,000 feet over 10 miles and flows

through Cherokee before joining the Little

Tennessee on the way to Lake Fontana. Wad-

ing, tubing and canoeing are all popular here.

However, the Luftee is most famous for its

abundant healthy rainbow, brook and brown

Trout.

Little TennesseeThe Little Tennessee and its immediate wa-

tershed comprise one of the richest archaeo-

logical areas in the Southeastern US. Known

to the avid fisherman for its small mouth bass,

this river is a popular spot for canoeing, fish-

ing and floating. Travelers and locals alike

enjoy the town of Franklin’s Little Tennessee

Greenway as it winds along the river.

Outdoors+Recreation

Blueway Trails of the North Carolina Smokies

Four rivers — the Little Tennessee,Nantahala, Oconaluftee andTuckaseegee — flow through the NCSmokies and into Fontana Lake at theedge of the Great Smoky Mountains,creating a spectacular “BluewaysTrail” throughout the region.

Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee.

The Tuckasegee River in Jackson County.

WNCTravel 2016 37

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NantahalaThe Nantahala offers river rafting and

kayaking through family-friendly rapids and is

a popular spot for the amateur as well as the

Olympic paddler. It features eight miles of

Class II rapids before splashing through the

exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala

Falls. It is also recognized as one of the area’s

premier trout streams. So good in fact, that

Trout Unlimited included it on their list of the

Top 100 Trout Streams in the U.S.

TuckasegeeThe Tuckasegee, known as the “Tuck,” origi-

nates In Jackson County and runs through

Cullowhee, Sylva, Dillsboro and Bryson City

on its way to Fontana Lake. A float trip on the

Tuck is an exhilarating way to experience fly

fishing in the southern Appalachians, and the

river is so popular for fishing the Jackson

County Chamber of Commerce has produced

its own WNC Fly Fishing Trail map for the

Tuck. The river has areas that are as wide as

many western rivers, offering plenty of room

for back casting. The Tuck is also a popular

river for tubing, floating and canoeing.

For more information about the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, visit flyfishingtrail.com.

Kayakers of all skill levels come to play in WesternNorth Carolina. Nantahala Outdoor Center photo

www.WNCTravel.com38

BeginnerCatamount Links, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee

It’s pretty impossible for one to lose their

disc on this course. Looping around the ath-

letic fields, there are wide-open spaces and

sparse tree lines. Though there are only 13

holes, many of them are extended in length,

and a real treat to be able to truly chuck your

disc without fear of it disappearing.

• Key hole: #1. Between the launch pad and

bucket is the WCU “Pride of the Mountains”

marching band practice field. Cool to watch

and play around, but be aware of your throw.

• Trouble hole: #4. With the bucket in front

of a pond, play it safe or else you’ll be fishing

out your disc.

IntermediateWaynesville Disc Golf Course, Waynesville Recreation Center

Though plenty of holes are very welcoming

for beginners, there are definitely some diffi-

cult ones. If you don’t know the 18-hole

course, which can be a little tricky to navigate,

ask the center for a complimentary map, or

simply ask around (lots of folks play this

course).

• Key hole: #14. Quite possibly one of the

nicest mountain viewpoints in town, the

launch pad is absolutely gorgeous to throw

from, especially nearing sunset.

• Trouble hole: #14. As pretty as it is, this

hole can also be a terror. Play it conserva-

tive if you’re not sure how to “attack” the

bucket. Throw it too hard to the left, you’re

in poison ivy. Too hard to the right and you’ll

have to ask the center to help get your disc

off their roof.

AdvancedHaywood Community College, Clyde

Tranquil, quiet course. Not too many folks

around. Holes meander into the woods, which

surround the school. Nice trails. The 18 holes

are somewhat challenging, but not too far out

of reach for intermediate players.

• Key hole: #16. Launch pad is situated right

in front of an apple tree grove. On a sunny

southern afternoon, there’s no place you’d

rather throw from.

• Trouble hole: #17. Your love of #16 can

quickly diminish if you throw your disc too

hard and it winds up in the nearby pond bor-

dering the bucket. Throw more to the right

and play it safe.

ExpertRichmond Hill, Asheville

Quite possibly the most beloved disc golf

course in the region, it’s 18 holes of utter

chaos looping around a wooded mountain

ridge. One hole you’re throwing way uphill,

the next it’s back down the other side. Very

challenging, but if played with respect and

caution (for intermediate players), one can

have the time of their lives out there.

• Key hole: #9. As rough and tough as this

hole is, aesthetically it’s the reason (and ulti-

mate goal) why we disc golf freaks play this

sport day in and day out.

• Trouble hole: #5. Simply put, you can’t see

the bucket over the hill from the launch pad.

With woods on both sides of the path, and

with a bad throw, you could spend awhile

tracking down your disc.

As well, there are also courses at Heritage

Park (18) in Andrews; Bethel Elementary (9);

Meadowbrook Elementary (9) in Canton; and

Bear Lake Reserve (9) and the Jackson

County Recreation Center (18), both in Cul-

lowhee. For more information on the sport of

disc golf and course locations, click on

www.pdga.org.

Outdoors+RecreationThrowing caution to the wind — WNC disc golf

Alongside trail running, hiking and mountainbiking, disc golf has become one of the mostpopular outdoor activities — it really is thatmuch fun. Western North Carolina is home toseveral fantastic disc golf courses. Here are ahandful of local favorites, for beginners all theway up to expert levels:

Bro

oke

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y ph

oto

WNCTravel 2016 39

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There’s nothing likeplaying a round of golfat high elevation toquicken the blood andmake you feel alive.Golf courses in West-ern North Carolinahave attitude as wellas altitude, challenginggolfers in the most gor-geous of settings.

In this mountain region, there are a handful

of top-notch public courses, including the Se-

quoyah National in Cherokee (designed by

Robert Trent Jones II) and the historic 27 holes

at Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort and Spa. In the

Cashiers area of Jackson County, the scenic

High Hampton Inn is regarded as one of the

most picturesque courses in the country.

Other public area golf courses include:

• Cherokee Hills Golf Club, Murphy828.837.5853

• Franklin Golf Course, Franklin828.524.2288 • www.franklingolfcourse.com

• The Golf Club at Mill Creek, Franklin828.524.4653 • www.thegolfclubatmillcreek.com

• High Hampton Inn & Country Club, Cashiers800.334.2551 • www.highhamptoninn.com

• Lake Junaluska Golf Course, Lake Junaluska800.222.4930 • www.lakejunaluska.com

• Maggie Valley Club & Resort, Maggie Valley 855.467.2430 • www.maggievalleyclub.com

• The Ridges Golf Club, Hayesville828.233.5273 • www.theridgesgolfclub.com

• Sequoyah National Golf Club, Whittier828.497.3000 • www.sequoyahnational.com

• Smoky Mountain Country Club, Whittier800.474.0070 • www.smokymountaincc.com.

• Springdale Country Club, Canton800.553.3027 • www.springdalegolf.com

• Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort and Spa, Waynesville800.627.6250 • www.wccinn.com

High Hampton Inn & Country Club.

www.WNCTravel.com40

All in the family at Riverwood Pottery

Standing in her Dillsboro studio, potter Zan Barnescan’t help but smile.

“If you told me in high school that this iswhat I’d be doing, I’d have laughed in yourface — absolutely not,” she said.

A second-generation potter, Barnes istucked away in her own little “Zen den.”Next to her at all times is Zelda, a rescuedGreat Dane as gentle as she is large. Thewooden structure is long and winding, witha low-hanging roof, where blocks of clay,buckets of water, countless shelves and fin-ished items reside — all under a grove oftrees, a stone’s thrown from the main houseof the Riverwood Shops along the Tuck-asegee River.

“The whole 9 to 5 thing never fulfilled mycreative juices, never clicked right for me,”Barnes said. “I’m able to thrive here, andalso make a reliable living.”

A few feet from her front door is River-

wood Pottery, a 41-year-old business that hasbeen owned by Barnes’ parents, Brant andKaren, for the last 21. It’s a space as familiarand comfortable to Zan as her childhoodhome was, where she spent the days of heryouth coming into the studio and simply let-ting her imagination run wild.

“Being in the studio all the time didn’tseem unusual to me because it was all Iknew,” Zan said. “I still have all these little

pinch pots and bowls I made when I wastiny, a picture of me at my father’s potterywheel with a lump of clay.”

With both studios under the same roof,the Barnes family is hard at work day in andday out, taking their ideas and molding theminto a physical product that, in turn, createsan emotional connection with those whopick up the pieces, ultimately bringing themhome.

“I love that pottery is functional,” Zan said.“It’s not something you’re just going to hangon the wall and leave, you’re going to touchit and use it everyday.”

And though she was surrounded by clayand possibility all through her early years,Zan wanted to do something else. She foundherself at Western Carolina University, usingher degree in costume design to pursue a ca-reer at the college in the theatre depart-ment. After a few years, she began to feelthat part of her soul was not getting the at-tention it deserved.

“So, I decided to go back to the studio full-time,” Zan said. “I missed being here, Imissed the rhythm of life. I realized that Inever stopped making pots. Even in my freetime, my open weekends, I was in the studiomaking pottery.”

After obtaining a master’s degree of finearts in ceramics from the University of NorthTexas, Zan came back to open up shop nextdoor to Brant and Karen. That action alonewas something near and dear to the heart of

Art+Culture

Potter Zan Barnes and her parents, Brant and Karen.

WNCTravel 2016 41

the lifelong potters.“We’ve seen a lot of multi-generational

potters learn from their parents and grand-parents, and yet they never seem to go be-yond that. Zan has really created her ownidentity,” Karen said. “With the three of usworking here, there’s always something goingon. None of us do anything the same, wherewe have this glow and energy sharing thismedium of art together.”

Wandering around the two studios, onefinds themselves fascinated by the endlesspieces adorning the walls and tables. Look-ing down at one of the floors, the name“Brant” is inscribed into the slab, markingwho poured the concrete for the originalowner 20 years before that name itself tookover the location.

“I’m a full time potter, going on 40 years,”Brant said. “I figure I’ll make pottery untilI’m 75, seeing as my dad made cabinets untilhe was that age. But, I won’t stop. They saypotters can’t retire, so I’ll probably just makesmaller and smaller pieces as time goesalong,” he grinned.

One continually picks up on the sincerelove and admiration permeating through theBarnes family. It’s a connection that itselfcan be felt in the air, and also in the pottery,where the fingerprints — literally and figura-tively — of the trio cover each piece.

“Pottery is a very intimate and immediateart form,” Zan said. “As humans, we’ve inter-acted and created pottery our entire exis-tence. It’s part of who we are as humanbeings — part of where we came from andwho we are today.”

On top of old Haywood.

They say these mountains are 250 million years old. Yet somehow, every morning, they always feel brand-new. Just call us at (828) 926-1401 or visit us at CataloocheeRanch.com to learn more about horseback riding, dining, lodging, special events and the mile-high hospitality of the Ranch. And see why, after all this time, the beauty of Haywood County never gets old.

{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

Smoky Mountain Living celebrates themountain region’s culture, music, art, and

special places. We tell our stories for thosewho are lucky enough to live here andthose who want to stay in touch with

where they love.

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Balsam Mountain Inn‘Songwriters in the Round’

Pulling off the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway onto the CabinFlats Road, within an earshotof Waynesville, the quiet roadsoon turns from pavement togravel to dirt.

And just as quickly the Balsam MountainInn appears, looming high above Cabin Flatslike a postcard of a forgotten era, perhapslost in the mailroom of time, a point in his-tory when style and class were synonymous.

Stepping onto the large porch, dusty mem-ories echo out of the creaking wood of this108-year-old building. Innumerable roomsand hallways are lit up, with the structureglowing like some lighthouse on the highseas of an ocean, one of mountain ridges

that ripple far and wide into the darkness ofSouthern Appalachia.

“It’s an interesting old building,” MerrilyTeasley chuckled. “It has a lot of interestingstories in it.”

Teasley has made it her life’s mission toensure the survival of the Balsam MountainInn. Through all of its ups and downs in re-cent decades, the longtime owner remainssteadfast in her quest to preserve the his-tory and continued legacy of this storiedproperty. 

“It just gives me lots of pleasure to seepeople enjoy the inn and what we’re tryingto do here,” Teasley modestly said. “It feelsgood to make people happy.”

And on a recent Saturday evening, therewere a handful of new entries added to theongoing book of tales at the Balsam Moun-tain Inn as the most recent installment oftheir “Songwriters in the Round” series tookplace. 

Modeled after the legendary perform-ances held at The Bluebird Café inNashville, the series brings together threeacclaimed singer-songwriters each month atthe inn. The musicians sit in a circle facing

each other, plucking away in a “round robin”fashion, sharing their melodies and the sto-ries behind each selection for the dozensupon dozens of curious faces surroundingthem. 

It’s an intimate setting. The musician iscompletely vulnerable, where the audiencecan witness the artist in their element.There are no distractions, just someone with

something to say and guitar in hand. The performers at the recent gathering at

the inn were songwriting colleagues SallyBarris, Henry Hipkens and Jim Photoglo.Each are all well known A-list wordsmiths inthe Nashville music circles, with many hitsgarnered between them. 

“As far as songwriting is concerned, placeslike the Balsam MountainInn provide a venue forsongwriters to be heard out-side of Nashville,” Hipkenssaid. “Such places also pro-vide a way for songwriters tocreate a real connection withlisteners. Most songwritersare not well known and soit’s difficult to attract an audi-ence based on name recog-nition alone.”

And yet, before even oneguitar note is played or lyricsung, the 118 folks in atten-dance illed the large diningroom, ready to indulge in notonly music, but also culinarydelights. Before each show,the inn cooks up a feast ofmammoth proportions. Lin-ing up at the buffet table, at-tendees pile their plates highwith prime rib, chicken andtrout offerings, which go

www.WNCTravel.com42

Art+Culture

Want to go?The “Songwriters in the Round” showcase is a

monthly series at the Balsam Mountain Inn.

For information on future showcases, visit

www.balsammountaininn.com, call 800.224.9498

or 828.456.9498 or email info@balsammountain-

inn.net. Tickets are $49 per person, which includes

a buffet dinner.

WNCTravel 2016 43

hand-in-hand with the decadent dessertsendlessly flowing from the nearby kitchen.

“The food complements the performers,”said Head Chef Clifford Reum. “And wewant to continue to build the reputation ofthis place, to have it grow. The more, themerrier. This place is magical, there are re-ally no other words to describe it.”

Head server Walter Davis is zoomingaround the numerous tables, making sureevery single detail is taken care of. It’s ascene that one can’t help but notice is a lostart when it comes to his professionalism inproviding you with the finest experiencepossible.

“I’m old school and was trained as a formalwaiter. It’s all about attention to the individ-ual,” he said. “There’s really nothing like theBalsam Mountain Inn on the easternseaboard. I love to serve and it’s an absolutepleasure to serve these people.”

After the plates are cleared off the tables,and wine glasses refilled, every chair getsturned toward the center of the dining room.The overhead lights are dimmed, with thebulbs above the microphones bright, as if il-luminating a bonfire of words and chordswe’re all huddling around to keep our heartsand souls warm.

Barris, Hipkens and Photoglo trade offmelodies, each as unique in tone and con-tent as the voices and notes radiating fromtheir acoustic guitars. Heads bob and feettap along to the selections that run thegamut of emotions. Love lost. Love found.Childhood nostalgia. Wonderment of whattomorrow will bring. And though you mightget caught in the time warp nature of songsimmortal, a couple hours have ticked awayon the clock.

The show must come to an end. The gui-tars packed up. Handshakes and hugs allaround between friends, new and old. Joy-ous faces make plans to attend next month’sshowcase — all with a song in their heart anda kick in their step.

Arts and Fine Crafts The Stecoah Artisans Gallery features the work of the area’s finest artists. An Appalachian Evening, our premier

summer concert series, showcases authentic Appalachian entertainment every Saturday night from the end of June through August. Enjoy an

authentic Appalachian Dinner before the concerts. The Schoolhouse Café offers tasty snacks, drinks and coffee, and free wi-fi. Our Textile Studio has hands-on exhibits. Year ‘round Classes include

culinary, textile and other art forms. Visit our Artisans Studios and galleries during our two open house drive-about tours in June and

November. And don’t forget our seasonal Arts and Crafts Shows and Festivals. For more information visit

StecoahValleyCenter.com or call 828-479-3364

Stecoah is about a half-hour west of Bryson City via US-74 West and NC-28 North. Reservations are recommended for classes. The Gallery is open 10 am – 5 pm, Monday thru Saturday, March thru October; and 10 am – 5 pm, Monday thru Friday, November and December. Closed January and February.

s and Fine Crafts The Stecoah Artisans Gallery featurl hi i

stecoah valley centerWhile in Western North Carolina visit the historic

blueroostersoutherngrill.com • 828.456.1997

———————————————————————————————————————————

Real Local Families,Real Local Farms,Real Local Food.

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207 Paragon ParkwayClyde, N.C.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, OPEN AT 11 A.M.

BON APPÉTIT Y’ALL

www.WNCTravel.com44

Andrews• Andrews Brewing

828.321.2006 • www.andrewsbrewing.com• Hoppy Trout Brewing Company

828.835.2111 • www.hoppytroutbrewing.com• Jimmy’s Pick-N-Grin

www.jimmyspickngrin.com

Brasstown• John C. Campbell Folk School

800.365.5724 or 828.837.2775www.folkschool.org

Bryson City• CJ’s Grille 828.488.9880• Derailed Bar & Lounge 828.488.8898 • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot

800.872.4681 • www.gsmr.com• Mickey’s Pub 828.488.9308• Nantahala Brewing

828.488.2337 • www.nantahalabrewing.com• Nantahala Outdoor Center

888.905.7238 • www.noc.com

Canton• Colonial Theatre

828.235.2760 • www.cantonnc.com• Southern Porch 828.492.8009

Cashiers• Ugly Dog Pub

828.743.3000 • www.theuglydogpub.com

Cherokee• Harrah’s Cherokee

828.497.7777 • www.harrahscherokee.com

Cullowhee• Tuck’s Tap & Grille

828.293.5400 • www.tuckstapgrille.com

Franklin• Lazy Hiker Brewing

828.342.5133 • www.lazyhikerbrewing.com• Mixers Bar and Nightclub

828.369.9211 • www.mixersbarandnightclub.com• Mulligan’s Bar & Grille

828.349.3183 • www.mulligans-bar.com• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

828.524.1598 • www.greatmountainmusic.com

Hayesville• Chevelle’s

828.835.7001 • www.chevellerestaurants.com• Peacock Performing Arts Center

828.389.2787 • www.peacockplayhouse.org

Highlands• Lost Hiker

828.526.8232 • www.thelosthikerbar.com• Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center

828.526.9047 • www.highlandspac.net • Satulah Mountain Brewing

828.482.9794 • www.satulahmountainbrewing.com• Ugly Dog Pub

828.526.8364 • www.theuglydogpub.com

Maggie Valley• Eaglenest 828.926.9658• Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

828.926.0866 • www.maggievalleyfestivalgrounds.org• Maggie Valley Opry House

828.648.7941 or 828.926.9336www.raymondfairchild.com

• Maggie Valley Rendezvous

828.926.0201 • www.maggievalleyhotel.com• Salty Dog’s Seafood and Grill 828.926.9105• Stompin’ Ground 828.926.1288

Murphy• Chevelle’s

828.389.6069 • www.chevellerestaurants.com

Robbinsville• Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center

828.479.3364 • www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

Sylva• Balsam Mountain Inn and Restaurant

800.224.9498 • www.balsammountaininn.net• City Lights Café

828.587.2233 • www.citylightscafe.com • Cut Cocktail Lounge

828.631.4795 • Evolution Wine Kitchen

828.631.9856www.evolutionwinekitchen.com

• Guadalupe Café

828.586.9877 • www.guadalupecafe.com• Heinzelmannchen Brewery

828.631.4466www.yourgnometownbrewery.com

• Innovation Brewing

828.586.9678 • www.innovation-brewing.com• Mad Batter Food & Film

828.586.3555 • www.madbatterfoodfilm.com • No Name Sports Pub

828.586.2750 • www.nonamesportspub.com• O’Malley’s Pub & Grill 828.631.0554 • Signature Brew Coffee Roasting Company

828.587.6300• Soul Infusion

828.586.1717 • www.soulinfusion.com• Sneak E Squirrel

828.586.6440 • www.sneakesquirrel.com

Waynesville• BearWaters Brewing

828.246.0602 • www.bwbrewing.com• Boojum Brewing

828.944.0888 • www.boojumbrewing.com• Classic Wineseller

828.452.6000 • www.classicwineseller.com• Frog Level Brewing

828.454.5664 • www.froglevelbrewing.com• Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden

828.246.9249 • www.madanthonys.bar• Smoky Mountain Roasters

828.452.1212www.fb.com/smokymountainroasters

• The Strand at 38 Main

828.283.0079 • www.38main.com• Tipping Point Brewing

828.246.9230 • www.tippingpointtavern.com• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill 828.456.4750

Arts+CulturePerformance Venues

Live music is an important part of the heritageof Western North Carolina. Here’s a listing ofvenues that regularly have bands in the region:

WNCTravel 2016 45

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www.WNCTravel.com46

HART enters second act:Beloved theatre opens new stage

Sitting on a bench one recent sunnyafternoon, Steven Lloyd gazes to hisright, a big smile immediatelyrolling across his face.

“When I look over there, I see potential —a lot of potential,” he said.

Executive director for the Haywood ArtsRegional Theatre in Waynesville, Lloyd is sit-uated underneath the large awning of the10,000-square-foot building. To his right, nu-merous construction workers are putting thefinal touches on the brand new second stagestructure, the Daniel & Belle FangmeyerTheatre, which sits proudly mere feet fromits older sibling. 

“It’s the potential for a lot of concertevents, theatre events, community events,outdoor events with people sitting on thehillside, and the restaurant, which will makeit possible for people to come and eat be-fore a show,” he said. “This new stage willcatapult our theatre into one of the best pro-duction companies in the Southeast.” 

The 9,000-square-foot second stage (witharound a 140 person capacity) has beenyears in the making. Breaking ground in2014, the building is expected to open to thepublic the weekend of June 25-26, with theproduction of “All My Sons” aiming for anAug. 5 opening. Of the $1.2 million price tag,HART was able to raise around $1 million ofthat through the generous support of manylongtime donors and supporters along with afew new ones. 

“The more people you have, the better offyou are,” Lloyd said. “The truth is that you’rebuilding a foundation of support. All ofthose people who have given thousands ofdollars all the way down to $10, whether it’slarge or small, are invested in what you’retrying to do, so you’ve got this army of peo-ple behind you.”

Lloyd pointed to the fact of how strong thefoundation of the theatre is — in its visionand its run of sold-out productions — whichgives supporters a piece of mind in knowingjust what their donations are going toward.

“People like giving to things that are sta-ble, and all along I’ve been clear that this ismy home and I don’t want to go anywhere

else,” he said.“You’re building alegacy and peoplehave faith in whatyou say, and knowyou’ll stick aroundto follow throughwith it.”

And stick aroundhe has. At 62, Lloydhas been executivedirector of the the-atre for the last 26years. As part of astatewide initiative(Edwin Gill TheatreProject) thatbrought plays andproductions toevery school dis-trict every year,Lloyd came toWestern North Car-

olina as a visiting artist at Haywood Com-munity College. At that time (1990), HARTwas being run out of The Strand in down-town Waynesville. 

“HART didn’t really have anybody runningit that knew how to run a theatre. They kind

of went from show to show without any realplanning,” Lloyd said. “We were in TheStrand until 1993, when the fire marshalkicked us out because the building was notup to code and we were just renting thespace. We moved to HCC and startedfundraising for the new building [which wasopened in 1997].” 

In the decades since the current buildingopened, HART has proven itself not only anartistic hub of Western North Carolina, butalso an economic driver for Waynesville andgreater Haywood County. With a $2.5 milliona year impact on the local economy, HARTcontinues to grow, physically and financially,which is due in no small part to Lloyd’s day-in-day-out vigor to put his theatre on the na-tional map. 

“In this day and age, the arts are beingchopped out of communities, out of class-rooms, and out of the national dialogue, andyet there’s still this many people that want tosupport HART,” Lloyd smiled. “We’ve grownin a very steady way, never putting anythingout there that was too outrageous to achieve.It’s been very slow, very consistent, andwe’ve proven that we’re good for the econ-omy of the community. We make money foreverybody. We have a lot of tourists thatcome here and are drawn to the theatre.They spend the night here, eat here, andspend a lot more money here — we’ve been

Arts+Culture

“You’re buildinga legacy andpeople havefaith in whatyou say, andknow you’llstick around tofollow throughwith it.”

— Steven Lloyd

With the original HART building (left) opened in 1997, the new second stage structure (right) isexpected to open in late June. Garret K. Woodward photo

WNCTravel 2016 47

Theaters & Playhouses• Colonial Theatre, Canton

828.235.2760 • www.cantonnc.com• Franklin High School Fine Arts Center

828.524.2787 • Haywood Arts Regional Theatre,

Waynesville828.456.6322 • www.harttheater.org

• Highlands Playhouse828.526.2695 • www.highlandsplayhouse.org

• John W. Bardo Fine & Performing ArtsCenter, Western Carolina University,Cullowhee828.227.2479 • www.wcu.edu/bardoartscenter

• Peacock Performing Arts Center, Hayesville828.389.2787 • www.peacockplayhouse.org

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin828.524.1598 • www.greatmountainmusic.com

• Smoky Mountain Community Theatre,Bryson City828.488.8227 • www.smctheatre.com

• Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center,Robbinsville828.479.3364 • www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

able to make the economic argument that the arts are good for business.”A top-notch theater, though, does not necessarily ensure financial viability.

Sure, you might have captivating productions hit the stage, but how do you getpeople in the door, how do you keep the books and costs balanced in order toensure a future?

“I’m a very good businessman. My grandfather owned a carnival, so I grew upin a carnival family,” Lloyd smiled. “I was kind of like ‘Toby Tyler’ as a kid grow-ing up, and that meant every night we were sitting down and counting money. Igrew up in the business side of show business. I also never got seduced into ex-pecting  a lot of grants and government support. I’ve always operated this the-ater by promoting ideas and productions that can pay for themselves. Anyproject we take on has to pay for itself, anything from the town and state isextra, but we’re not dependent on it, which helps us when cuts are made atthose government levels.” 

With the second stage just weeks away from opening, Lloyd is looking for-ward to the new space and what it will bring, in terms of productions and op-portunities, one of which being the creation of a youth drama program. Andyet, one wonders, after 26 years and counting at the helm, if Lloyd is gettingready to hand off the torch to the next generation of HART. He chuckled atthe query. 

“God willing, I expect I’ll still be doing this in 10 years. I have no desire to re-tire — this is what I love to do,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to getting abigger staff as we grow financially. I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I did-n’t have this place, and I think I’ll always feel that way.”

For more information on HART and showtimes, click on www.harttheatre.org or call 828.456.6322 or boxoffice@harttheatre.org.

www.WNCTravel.com48

• Andrews Art MuseumExhibits and galleries featuring local and

regional artists. Corner of Chestnut and Third

streets, Andrews.

828.360.5071 • www.andrewsvalleyarts.com • Canton Area Historical Museum

Displays focusing on the cultural history of

Canton and Haywood County. 36 Park Street,

Canton.

828.646.3412 • www.cantonnc.com • Cherokee County Historical Museum

Artifacts and exhibits showcasing the Cherokee

Indians, local history and artisans.

87 Peachtree Street, Murphy.

828.837.6792 • www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov

• Clay County Historical & Arts Council MuseumDisplays exhibiting the history, art and people of

the area. 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville.

828.389.6814 • www.clayhistoryarts.org • Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum

Extensive exhibits on the region’s gems and

minerals. 25 Phillips Street, Franklin.

828.369.7831 • www.fgmm.org • Graham County Museum

of Prehistoric RelicsA collection of prehistoric artifacts from North,

South and Central America. 3204 Fontana Road,

Fontana Dam.

828.479.3677 • www.thehikeinn.com

• Highlands Museum & Historical VillageA village composed of several restored buildings,

with historical exhibits in the museum.

524 North 4th Street, Highlands.

828.787.1050 • www.highlandshistory.com • Junaluska Memorial & Museum

Displays dedicated to preserving Cherokee Indian

history and culture. 1 Junaluska Drive, Robbinsville.

828.479.4727• Macon County Historical Society & Museum

Antiques and artifacts showcasing the history

of Macon and Western North Carolina.

36 West Main Street, Franklin.

828.524.9758 • www.maconnchistorical.org • Mountain Farm Museum

Collection of historical log buildings and artifacts.

150 U.S. 441 North, Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

423.436.1200 • www.nps.gov/grsm• Mountain Heritage Center

Extensive displays of Western North Carolina and

Southern Appalachian history. 150 H.F. Robinson

Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee.

828.227.7129 • www.wcu.edu • Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass

Exhibits presenting one of the finest

collections of its kind in the world.

472 Chestnut Street, Highlands.

828.526.3415 • www.ashevilleguidebook.com • Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Large exhibits showcasing the extensive and

intricate tribe history. 589 Tsali Boulevard,

Cherokee.

828.497.3481 • www.cherokeemuseum.org • Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts

Featuring unique works from some of the

state’s most acclaimed artisans.

49 Shelton Street, Waynesville.

828.452.1551 • www.sheltonhouse.org • Ruby City Gems Museum

Thousands of gem and mineral specimens on

display. 131 East Main Street, Franklin.

828.524.3967 • www.rubycity.com • Scottish Tartans Museum

Exhibit on Scottish history and culture abroad

and in Western North Carolina.

86 East Main Street, Franklin.

828.524.7472 • www.scottishtartans.org • Wheels Through Time Museum

Rare and extensive collection of vintage motorcy-

cles and classic automobiles.

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley

828.926.6266 • www.wheelsthroughtime.com • World Methodist Museum

Artifacts and memorabilia celebrating founder

John Wesley and the worldwide religion. 575

Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska.

828.456.9432 • www.worldmethodistcouncil.org

Arts+CultureWNC Museums

Although the rich history and culture of West-ern North Carolina is alive and thriving throughthe hands of our local artisans and performers,there are also numerous museums here preserv-ing and perpetuating the heritage of SouthernAppalachia. These buildings each pay homageto the crafts, sounds, and deeply held traditionsof these ancient mountains and its people.

The Wheels Through TimeMuseum in Maggie Valley.

WNCTravel 2016 49

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We have Native and Enriched Gemstonesbuckets. We also have Gold Panning. New and

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Located on highway 441, 6 miles north ofFranklin, NC.. Open most of the year. Call

for Hours. Tour buses group ratesavailable. Bring your rough stones in for

a free inspection and cuttingfrom our professional team in

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Home of the1061 Carat

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9410 Sylva Rd. • Highway 441 N, Franklin, NC800.713.7767 or 828.369.3905 www.GoldCityAmusement.com

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581 W. MAIN ST. · DOWNTOWN SYLVA · 828.586.3600

The Fun Place to Shop!

Over 12,000 Square Feet to Explore!

www.WNCTravel.com50

Ongoing• First/Third Thursdays — Community music jam,

Bryson City. www.fontanalib.org

• First Friday of the Month — Art After Dark,

Waynesville. Evening stroll of galleries, restau-

rants and breweries in downtown. www.down-

townwaynesville.com

• First Friday of the Month — Art Walk, Murphy.

Stroll downtown art galleries, restaurants and

shops. www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Late May to Labor Day — Music on the River,

Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Memorial Day to Labor Day — Concerts on the

Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com

• Memorial Day to Mid-October — Pickin’ on the

Square, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Memorial Day to September — Groovin’ on the

Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• Memorial Day to Early September — Concerts

on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org

• Early June to Labor Day — Pickin’ in the Park,

Canton. www.cantonnc.com

• Early June to Late October — Bryson City Train

Depot concert series. www.greatsmokies.com

• Early June to Late July — Movies on Everett,

Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com

• Mid-June to October — Friday Night Live, High-

lands. www.highlandschamber.org

• Late June to Labor Day — Saturdays on Pine

concert series, Highlands. www.highlandscham-

ber.org

• May 27-Oct. 1 — Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling

(Fridays/Saturdays) www.visitcherokeenc.com

June• June 2-4 — Cherokee Bluegrass Festival.

www.adamsbluegrass.com

• June 3 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.way-

nesvillegalleryassociation.com

• June 3 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecoun-

tychamber.com

• June 3 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• June 3 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• June 3 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 3 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• June 3 — Movies on Everett, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 4 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• June 4 — Quick Draw Art Benefit, Waynesville.

wncquickdraw.com

• June 4 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 4 — 6th annual Art, River & Music Festival,

Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• June 4 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• June 4-5 — Ole Smokey Tractor Farm Fest, Lake

Junaluska. www.olesmokytractorclub.com

• Early June — Car-B-Que, Hayesville. www.ncmt-

nchamber.com

• June 9-12 — Highlands Motoring Festival.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 10 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• June 10 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• June 10 — Movies on Everett, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 10 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 10-12 — Victory Slingshot Rally in the

Smokies, Maggie Valley. www.maggieval-

leyrallys.com

• June 11 — 6th annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebra-

tion, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com

• June 11 — Cherokee Voices Festival. www.vis-

itcherokeenc.com

• June 11 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• June 11 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 11 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 17 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• June 17 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• June 17 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• June 17 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• June 17 — Movies on Everett, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 17-July 3 — Vanya and Sonia and Masha

and Spike (Weekends), Waynesville.

www.harttheatre.com

• June 17 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 18 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 18 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 18 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• June 18 — Front Street Arts & Crafts, Dillsboro.

www.mountainlovers.com

• June 18 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• June 18-19 — Plottfest, Waynesville . www.plot-

tfest.org

• June 18-19 — Highlands Village Square Arts &

Crafts Show. www.highlandschamber.org

• June 19 — Haywood Community Band Concert,

Maggie Valley. www.haywoodcommunityband.org

• June 19 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• Mid-June — Taste of Scotland Weekend,

Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• June 21-25 — Cherokee Summer Carnival.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• June 24 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• June 24 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• June 24 — Lake Junaluska Singers Premiere

Concert. www.lakejunaluska.com

• June 24 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• June 24 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• June 24 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 24 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• June 24 — Movies on Everett, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 24-25 — Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 24-25 — Tri-Five Reunion, Maggie Valley.

www.surfboardpromotion.com

• June 24-26 —Maggie Valley Swap Meet & Car

Show. www.surfboardpromotion.com

• June 25 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• June 25 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• June 25 — Singing in the Field, Waynesville.

www.mountainjoyministries.com

• June 25 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• June 25- 26 — Sapphire Valley Summer Arts &

Crafts Show. www.mountainlovers.com

• June 25-26 — Summertime Arts & Craft Show,

Cullowhee. www.mountainlovers.com

• June 26 — Champagne & Chopin Concert, High-

lands. www.highlandschamber.org

Upcoming Events

• June 29 — Picnic Concert, Highlands. www.high-

landschamber.org

July• July 1-3 — 4th of July Powwow, Cherokee.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• July 1-4 — Independence Day Celebrations, Lake

Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com

• July 1-4 — Singing in the Smokies, Bryson City.

www.theinspirations.com

• July 1 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.way-

nesvillegalleryassociation.com

• July 1 — Art Walk, Murphy.

www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• July 1 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• July 1 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• July 1 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• July 1 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Fes-

tival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 1 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• July 1 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.high-

landschamber.org

• July 2 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 2-3 — NOC’s Sizzlin’ 4th of July, Bryson

City. www.noc.com

• July 2 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• July 2 — Balsam Range in Concert, Lake Ju-

naluska. www.lakejunaluska.com

• July 2 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• July 2 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Chero-

kee. www.greatsmokies.com

• July 3-4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Fontana

Village. www.fontanavillage.com

• July 3 — Fourth of July Celebration, Glenville.

• July 3 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 4 — Stars & Strips Celebration, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• July 4 — Red White & Boom, Maggie Valley.

www.maggievalley.org

• July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Cashiers.

www.cashiers411.com

• July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Andrews.

www.visitcherokeecountync.com

• July 4 — Independence Day Celebration, High-

lands. www.highlandsinfo.com

• July 4 — Independence Day Fireworks, Murphy.

www.visitcherokeecountync.com

• July 4 — Independence Day Parade/Celebration,

Hayesville. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• July 4 — 4th of July Parade/Fireworks Celebra-

tion, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• July 4 — 4th of July Fireworks Show, Cherokee.

www.nc-cherokee.com

• July 4 — Sapphire Valley Yankee Doodle Dandy

Day. www.sapphirevalley.com

• July 4 — Freedom Fest, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• July 4 — Rotary Club BBQ, Highlands. www.high-

landschamber.org

• July 5 — Canton Fourth of July Celebration.

www.cantonnc.com

• July 8 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• July 8 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• July 8 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• July 8 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• July 8 — Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Fes-

tival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 8-31 — Jesus Christ Superstar (weekends),

Waynesville. www.harttheatre.com

• July 8 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.high-

landschamber.org

• July 9 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands .

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 9-10 — Maggie Valley Summer Arts & Crafts

Show. www.maggievalley.org

• July 9 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• July 9 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• July 10 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 10 — Bubbles & BBQ, Highlands. www.high-

landschamber.org

• July 12-16 — Cashiers Plein Air Festival.

www.cashiers411.com

• Mid-July — Festival on the Square, Hayesville.

www.ncmtnchamber.com

• July 15— Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• July 15 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• July 15 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• July 15 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 15-16 — C-10 Nationals Chevy/GMC Truck

Show, Maggie Valley.

www.surfboardpromotion.com

• July 15-16 — Southeastern Gas & Petroleum

Expo, Maggie Valley.

www.surfboardpromotion.com

• July 15-16 — Hillbilly Rods, Maggie Valley.

www.surfboardpromotion.com

• July 15 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 16 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 16 — Appalachian Heritage Festival, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• July 16 — Heritage Arts Summer Festival, Bryson

City. ncheritageartsfestival.wordpress.com

• July 16 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• July 16 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• July 16 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• July 17 — Haywood Community Band Concert,

Maggie Valley. www.haywoodcommunityband.org

• July 17 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 21-31 — North Carolina International Folk

Festival, “Folkmoot USA”. www.folkmootusa.org

• July 22 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

WNCTravel 2016 51

Balsam Range performing at theStecoah Valley Center.

• July 22 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• July 22 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• July 22 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• July 22 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• July 22 – Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 22 — Folkmoot Parade of Nations, Way-

nesville. www.folkmootusa.org

• July 22-23 — WNC BBQ Festival/Smokin’ in the

Valley, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalley.org

• July 22 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 23 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 23 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• July 23 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• July 24 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 27-31 — Highlands Road Gem Show,

Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• July 28-31 — 51st annual Macon County Gem-

boree, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• July 29 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• July 29 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• July 29 — Pickin’ In the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• July 29 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 29 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• July 29 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• July 29-30 — Hillbilly Jam, Maggie Valley.

www.hillbillywoodstock.com

• July 30 — International Festival Day, Way-

nesville. www.folkmootusa.org

• July 30 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• July 30 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• July 31 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

August• Aug. 5 — Art After Dark,

Waynesville.

www.waynesvillegalleyassociation.com

• Aug. 5 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecoun-

tychamber.com

• Aug. 5— Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Aug. 5 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• Aug. 5 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 5 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• Aug. 5 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Aug. 5 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• Aug. 5-21 — All My Sons (weekends), Way-

nesville. www.harttheatre.org

• Aug. 5-6 — Lake Junaluska Singers in Concert.

www.lakejunaluska.com

• Aug. 5 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 6 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 6 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Aug. 6 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Aug. 6 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Aug. 6 — Downtown Dog Walk, Waynesville.

www.sargeandfriends.org

• Aug. 6-7 — Lake Logan Multisport Festival.

www.gloryhoundevents.com

• Early-Mid August — Sapphire Valley Fine Art

Show. www.sapphirevalley.com

• Aug. 12 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Aug. 12 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• Aug. 12 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• Aug. 12-13 — 8th annual Mountain High BBQ

Festival, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Aug. 12 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 13 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 13-18 — Cashiers Designer Showhouse.

www.cashiers411.com

• Aug. 13 — Blueberry Festival, Cherokee.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Aug. 13 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Aug. 13 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Aug. 19 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Aug. 19 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• Aug. 19 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton.

www.cantonnc.com

• Aug. 19 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• Aug. 19-21 — Maggie Valley Summer Rally.

www.maggievalley.org

• Aug. 19 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 20 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 20 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Aug. 20 — Arts and Crafts Market, Dillsboro.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Aug. 20 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Aug. 20 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

www.WNCTravel.com52

CALENDAR

Blue Ridge Breakaway.Donated photo

Franklinwww.franklin-chamber.com

WNCTravel 2016 53

Robert C Carpenter Community Building1288 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC

July 28-31• Thurs-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-4

51st Annual Macon County

Gold, Silver, Gem Stones,Minerals & More

Gold, Silver, Gem Stones,Minerals & More

Robert C Carpenter Community Building1288 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC

Oct. 14-16• Fri-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-4

Gold, Silver, Gem Stones, Minerals & More

6961 Upper Burningtown Rd., Franklin

828.369.9742 MasonsMine.com

Franklin’s Original Native Dig-Your-Own Gem MineWe have primitive camping and multi-day passes available. Now offering enriched buckets.

Open 9-5, March 1–Oct. 31,

except Easter

Pro & Backyard Cooking Competition

828-524-3161 • 888-368-2328MountainHighBBQFestival.com

August 12 & 13, 2016WAYNE PROFFITT AGRICULTURAL CENTERUS 441 South • Home of Macon County Fair Grounds

FRI. & SAT. GRILLING DEMOSFRI. EVE & SAT. CAR SHOW

Adult Admission $5 • Children Under 12 Free • 2 Day Adult Admission $8

Great Tasting BBQ • Vendors • Crafters • Entertainment

Fri. 11am-9pm Sat. 10am-5pm

• Aug. 20 — Blue Ridge Breakaway.

www.blueridgebreakaway.com

• Aug. 20 — Waynesville Beer Fair. www.way-

nesvillebeer.com

• Aug. 20 — 12th annual Franklin Area Folk Festival.

www.franklinfolkfestival.com

• Aug. 20-21 — Highlands Village Square Arts &

Crafts Show. www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 21 — Main Street Mile, Waynesville.

www.waynesvillemainstreetmile.com

• Aug. 21 — Haywood Community Band Concert,

Maggie Valley. www.haywoodcommunityband.org

• Aug. 25-30 — Haywood County Fair, Lake Ju-

naluska. www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org

• Aug. 26 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Aug. 26 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• Aug. 26-Sept. 11 — One Slight Hitch (weekends),

Waynesville. www.harttheatre.org

• Aug. 26 — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• Aug. 26 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• Aug. 26 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 27 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Aug. 27 — Qualla Arts & Crafts Open Air Indian

Market, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Aug. 27 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Aug. 27 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

September• Sept. 2 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville.

www.cccra-nc.org

• Sept. 2-3 — 46th annual Smoky Mountain Folk

Festival, Lake Junaluska. www.smokymountain-

folkfestival.com

• Sept. 2-3 — Seven Clans Rodeo, Cherokee.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Sept. 2-5 — Labor Day Weekend Celebration,

Fontana Village. www.fontanavillage.com

• Sept. 2 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.way-

nesvillegalleyassociation.com

• Sept. 2 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecoun-

tychamber.com

• Sept. 2 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Sept. 2 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers.

www.visitcashiersvalley.com

• Sept. 2 — Pickin’ In the Park, Canton. www.can-

tonnc.com

• Sept. 2 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 3 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 3 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Sept. 3 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Sept. 3 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Sept. 3-4 — Labor Day Craft Show, Maggie Val-

ley. www.maggievalley.org

• Sept. 3-5 — 110th annual Canton Labor Day Fes-

tival. www.cantonlaborday.com

• Labor Day Weekend — Cashiers Valley Arts &

Crafts Show. www.cashiersrotary.org

• Sept. 5 — 110th annual Canton Labor Day Parade.

• Sept. 5 — Cashiers Rotary Arts & Crafts Festival.

www.cashiers411.com

• Early September — Cherokee BBQ & Bluegrass

Throwdown. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Sept. 9 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 10 — Dazzling Dahlia Festival, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 10 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Sept. 10 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

www.WNCTravel.com54

CALENDAR

1941 Champion Dr. • Canton828-646-3750

Daily Drink Specials at Both Locations All You Can Eat Ribs Every Thursday

Live Music in Canton on Tuesdays from 7-9 PM

BOTH LOCATIONS: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. • Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

895 Russ Ave. • Waynesville828-452-5822

CateringCateringPrivate

Party RoomsAvailable

Private Party Rooms

Available

• Sept. 14-17 — Macon County Fair, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• Sept. 16 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 16-Oct. 15 —Into the Woods (weekends).

www.harttheatre.com

• Sept. 16-17 — VW’s in the Valley, Maggie Valley.

www.vwaircooledassociation.com

• Sept. 17 — Block Party. Waynesville. www.down-

townwaynesville.com

• Sept. 17 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Sept. 17 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Sept. 17 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Sept. 17 — Jackson County Green Energy Park

Youth Arts Festival, Dillsboro. www.jcgep.org

• Sept. 18 — Haywood Community Band Concert,

Maggie Valley. www.haywoodcommunityband.org

• Sept. 23 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 23-24 — NOC Guest Appreciation Festival,

Bryson City. www.noc.com

• Sept. 23-25 — Maggie Valley Swap Meet & Car

Show. www.surfboardpromotion.com

• Sept. 23-25 — Southeastern Gas & Petroleum

Expo, Maggie Valley. www.surfboardpromotion.com

• Sept. 23-25 — Moonshine Valley F100, Maggie

Valley. www.surfboardpromotion.com

• Sept. 24 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Sept. 24 — Mountain Heritage Day, Cullowhee.

www.wcu.edu

• Sept. 24 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Sept. 30 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 — Lake Junaluska Singers in

Concert. www.lakejunaluska.com

• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 — Cherokee Harvest Half

Marathon & 5K. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Sept. 30-Oct. 2 —Harvest Festival, Lake Ju-

naluska. www.lakejunaluska.com

October• Oct. 1-2 — Fall Festival, Brasstown.

www.folkschool.org

• Oct. 1 — Colorfest, Dillsboro. www.moun-

tainlovers.com

• Oct. 1 — Taste of Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com

• Oct. 1 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 1 — 43rd annual Shelby/Mustang Ford Meet,

Maggie Valley. www.negeorgiamustangclub.org

• Oct. 1 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Oct. 1 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Chero-

kee. www.greatsmokies.com

WNCTravel 2016 55

THE FOLK SCHOOL CHANGES YOU.

Engaging hands and hearts since 1925. Come enjoy making crafts and good friends on 300 natural,

scenic acres in western North Carolina.

JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOLfolkschool.org 1-800-FOLK-SCH

BRASSTOWN NORTH CAROLINA

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Festival Director: Joe Sam Queen | 828-452-1688

www.smokymountainfolkfestival.com

Sept. 2-3, 2016Open Tent Show

5-6:30 p.m.Main Stage Indoor Show

6:30-11 p.m.

46thAnnual

Paid for in part by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

1-800-334-9036 • www.visitncsmokies.com

• Oct. 2-3 — Oktoberfest, Maggie Valley.

www.maggievalleyoktoberfest.com

• Oct. 4-8 — Cherokee Indian Fair. www.vis-

itcherokeenc.com

• Early October — Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts

Show. www.sapphirevalley.com

• Early October — Fall Festival, Brasstown.

www.folkschool.org

• Oct 6-8 — High Country Quilt Show, Maggie Val-

ley. www.maggievalley.org

• Oct. 6-8 — Autumn Leaves Craft Show, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• Oct. 7 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.way-

nesvillegalleryassociation.com

• Oct. 7 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecoun-

tychamber.com

• Oct. 7 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.high-

landschamber.org

• Oct. 7-9 — Cashiers Leaf Festival.

www.cashiers411.com

• Oct. 8 — 2nd annual Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing

Festival, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 8 — Highlands Own Arts & Crafts Show.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Oct. 8 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 8 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Oct. 8 — Bethel 1/2 Marathon & 5K, Canton.

www.bethelrural.org

• Oct. 8 — 33rd Church Street Art & Craft Show,

Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Oct. 8 — Fall Festival at Mason Mountain Mine,

Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Oct. 8-9 — BRACA Autumn Leaves Craft Show,

Lake Junaluska. www.bracaorg.com

• Oct. 14 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Oct. 14-15 — Harvest Festival, Robbinsville.

www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

• Oct. 14-16 — Leaf Lookers Gemboree, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• Oct. 15 — 27th Annual Apple Harvest Festival,

Waynesville. www.haywoodapplefest.com

• Oct. 15 — Harvest Festival, Robbinsville.

www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

• Oct. 15 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 15 — Anything Pumpkin Celebration, Mur-

phy. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• Oct. 15 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 15 — 26th annual Chili Cook Off & Fall Festi-

val, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 15 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin.

www.franklinnc.com

• Oct. 15-16 — Punkin Chunkin Celebration, Mur-

phy. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• Oct. 15-16 — BRACA Autumn Leaves Craft Show,

Lake Junaluska. www.bracaorg.com

• Oct. 15-16 —Maggie Valley Annual Fall Arts &

Craft Show. www.maggievalley.org

• Oct. 15-16 — Cherokee County Mountain Crafters

Festival, Murphy.

www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Oct. 16 — Haywood Community Band Concert,

Maggie Valley. www.haywoodcommunityband.org

• Oct. 16-17 — Lake Junaluska Singers Fall Con-

cert. www.lakejunaluska.com/singers

• Oct. 21 — Friday Night Live, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Oct. 21-23 — Cherokee County Fair, Murphy.

www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Oct. 21-30 — The Mystery of Irma Vep (Week-

ends), Waynesville. www.harttheatre.org

• Oct. 22 — 20th annual PumpkinFest, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• Oct. 22 — NOCtoberfest, Bryson City.

www.noc.com

• Oct. 22 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 29 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Oct. 31 — Treats on the Street, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Oct. 31 — All Hallows Eve Celebration, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Oct. 31 — Trunk or Treat, Lake Junaluska.

www.haywoodfairgrounds.org

• Oct. 31 — Downtown Trick or Treat, Bryson City.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Late October — Catch the Spirit of Appalachia:

Celebration of the Arts, Bryson City. www.moun-

tainlovers.com

• Late October — Fall Festival, Highlands-Cashiers

Hospital. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Late October — Hauntober Weekend, Fontana

Village Resort. www.fontanavillage.com

• Late October — Hiker Jam Octoberfest,

Cashiers. www.hikerjam.ticketleap.com

November• Early November — Cheoah Storytelling

Festival, Robbinsville.

www.townofrobbinsville.com

• Early November — Mountain Shapes & Colors,

Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com

• Nov. 4-5 — Cruise The Smokies Rod Run, Chero-

kee. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Nov. 4 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.way-

nesvillegalleryassociation.com

• Nov. 5 — WNC Pottery Festival, Dillsboro.

www.wncpotteryfestival.com

www.WNCTravel.com56

CALENDAR

WNC Pottery Festival.

• Nov. 10-13 — 10th annual Culinary Weekend,

Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org

• Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Parade, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Day Celebration, Cherokee.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Nov. 19 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Nov. 25-26 — Stecoah Artisans Drive About

Tour, Robbinsville. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

• Nov. 25-26 — Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts

Show, Cullowhee. www.mountainlovers.com

• Nov. 26 — Bryson City Spirit of Christmas.

www.greatsmokies.com

• Nov. 26 — Winter Wonderland Celebration,

Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Nov. 26 — Tree Lighting Ceremony, Highlands.

www.highlandschamber.org

• Nov. 27 — Christmas Parade, Franklin.

www.franklin-chamber.com

• Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve — Winter Fest,

Robbinsville. www.townofrobbinsville.com

• Thanksgiving to New Year’s — Cashiers Festi-

val of Trees. www.cashiers411.com

December• Month of December — Christmas in the Smok-

ies, Fontana Village Resort.

www.fontanavillage.com

• Early December — Christmas Parade,

Brasstown. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• Early December — Cherokee Christmas Bazaars.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Early December — Lighting of the Square,

Hayesville. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• Dec. 1-31 —All through the Town, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Dec. 1 — Canton Christmas Parade. cantonnc.com

• Dec. 2 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.way-

nesvillegalleryassociation.com

• Dec. 2 — Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebra-

tion. www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Dec. 2-3 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christ-

mas. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Dec. 2-5 — Holly Days, Waynesville. www.down-

townwaynesville.com

• Dec. 3 — Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, Rob-

binsville. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

• Dec. 3 — Murphy Hometown Christmas Parade.

www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Dec. 3 — Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, High-

lands. www.highlandschamber.org

• Dec. 3 — Winter Wonderland Celebration,

Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Dec. 3 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Chero-

kee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Dec. 3 — Sylva Christmas Parade. www.moun-

tainlovers.com

• Dec. 3 — 42nd annual Bryson City Christmas Pa-

rade. www.greatsmokies.com

• Dec. 4-5 — Lights & Luminaries, Dillsboro.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Dec. 5 — Waynesville Christmas Parade.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Dec. 9-10 — Lake Junaluska Singers in Concert.

www.lakejunaluska.com

• Dec. 9-10 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christ-

mas. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Dec. 9-11 — Appalachian Christmas, Lake Ju-

naluska. www.lakejunaluska.com

• Dec. 10 — Cherokee Christmas Parade. www.vis-

itcherokeenc.com

• Dec. 10 — A Night Before Christmas, Waynesville.

www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Dec. 10 — 42nd annual Cashiers Christmas Pa-

rade. www.cashiers411.com

• Dec. 11-12 — Lights & Luminaries, Dillsboro.

www.mountainlovers.com

• Dec. 13-24 —Twelve Days of

Christmas, Waynesville. www.downtownway-

nesville.com

• Dec. 16-17 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christ-

mas. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Dec. 17 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam,

Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com

• Dec. 30-31 — Cherokee Lights & Legends

Christmas. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Dec. 31 — 23rd annual Possum Drop, Brasstown.

www.ncmtnchamber.com

• Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Cherokee.

www.visitcherokeenc.com

• Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Reception & Gala,

Bryson City. www.gsmr.com

WNCTravel 2016 57

For more information aboutWNC, these websites and organizations will have themost up-to-date information:

• Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

828.258.6101 • www.ashevillechamber.org

• Cashiers Chamber of Commerce

202 Highway 64 West, Cashiers, NC 28717

828.743.5191 • www.cashiersareachamber.com

• Cherokee Chamber of Commerce

516 Tsali Road (US Hwy 441), Cherokee, NC

28719, 877.433.6700

www.cherokeesmokies.com

• Cherokee Visitor Center

PO Box 460, Cherokee, NC 28719

828.497.9195 • www.cherokee-nc.com

• Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

805 Highway 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906

828.837.2242

www.cherokeecountychamber.com

• Clay County Chamber of Commerce

388 Highway 64 Business, Hayesville, NC 28904

828.389.3704

www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com

• Downtown Waynesville Association

PO Box 1409, Waynesville, NC 28786

828.456.3517 • www.downtownwaynesville.com

• Franklin Chamber of Commerce

425 Porter St., Franklin, NC 28734

828.524.3161 • www.franklin-chamber.com

• Graham County Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 1206, Robbinsville, NC 28771

828.479.3790 • www.grahamchamber.com

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

107 Park Headquarters Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738

865.436.1200 • www.nps/gov.grsm

• Haywood County Chamber of Commerce

28 Walnut St., Waynesville, NC 28786

828.456.3021 • www.haywood-nc.com

• Haywood County Tourism

Development Authority

1110 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751

828.944.0761 • www.visitncsmokies.com

• Highlands Chamber of Commerce

& Visitors Center

269 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.2112 • www.highlandschamber.org

• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

773 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779

828.586.2155 • www.mountainlovers.com

• Maggie Valley Area Visitors Bureau

PO Box 279, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

828.926.1686 • www.maggievalley.org

• Swain County Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 509, Bryson City, NC 28713

828.488.3681 • www.greatsmokies.com

Additional Resources

www.WNCTravel.com58

W

WNCTravel 2016 59

Exit 100 off 74 82 Locust Drive, Waynesville NC

828.452.7276View our current inventory at www.smsh.co

WE SERVICE ALL MOTORCYCLESCall for an appointment

We carry a full line of apparel, accessories, and bike parts

Scan QR code for GPS location

www.WNCTravel.com60

Gems Minerals

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130 East Main Street Franklin

At the top of Town Hill in downtown

Tues-Sat 10-5

Closed Sun & Mon

Largest & Finest Jewelry, Gem & Mineral shop in the Southeast!

World Class Museum

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Cutting, mounting, setting sizing, and repair on site.

Children’s jewelry by Kiddie KraftTM as well as a full line of birthstone rings earrings & pendant sets.

Healing stones and rare & collector gems, available in rough, polished, and set in designer jewelry.

Franklin's only authorized Endless Jewelry store dealer.

www.RubyCity.com