Are there any two lovelier words than Spring Break? Whether you are looking to kick back and relax after a long winter or seek out a fair-weather adventure, Haywood has you covered. We’ve put together this family-friendly guide to help alleviate the stress of planning a vacation so you can make the most of your time during Spring break in the North Carolina mountains.
Stay With Us
Make visiting the Western North Carolina mountains seamless when you consult our extensive database of Haywood County’s modern hotels, cozy cabins, elegant estates, and more! Here are some of our recommendations:
Accommodating Hotels
If you’d rather not spend time trip cooking or cleaning up on your trip—Haywood County is rife with hotel options! Take a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a tranquil stay at one of Lake Junaluska‘s hotels, the Terrace Hotel and the Lambuth Inn. Slip into comfort mode when you book a stay at one of our local motels, like Route 19 Inn, which blends retro design with modern amenities. Enjoy the rustic charm of Smoky Falls Lodge, the convenience of nearby Main Street at Oak Park Inn, or stick with a familiar name like Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn.
Cozy Cabins & Charming Inns
You’re going to need plenty of room if you’re bringing the whole family along. There are dozens of Vacation Homes scattered throughout the mountains of Haywood County, so explore directly from the convenience of our site.
Looking to tap into the charm of Smoky Mountain living? Check into one of our full-service B&Bs! Soak in the elevated comfort of Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast or the sprawling mountain views of Creekside Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Let’s Take a Hike
A scenic hike in the Smokies is a fantastic way to start your day. America’s favorite hiking trails surround us, so you’re sure to find something just for you. We recommend these trails:
Black Balsam Knob
For another easy climb that’s not lacking scenery or adventure, check out Black Balsam Knob. Head for the treeless bald that awaits at 6,000+ feet up, and you’ll be greeted with spectacular panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Want something a little more challenging? Try the 5-mile loop that connects to the dog-friendly Art Loeb Trail.
Soco Falls
Two is better than one! Visit these gorgeous double waterfalls located just a short walk from the road. Very Instagramable.
Our Local Schools Get High Marks
No need to stress, we’re not talking about that kind of school! We’re just bragging about some of our finest freshwater trout. You can pick up a three-day fishing license (Inland, Short Term) from ncwildlife.org. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced fisherman or just getting your feet wet; you’ll enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at both of these spots:
Ferguson’s Trout Pond
Rainbow trout flourish at Ferguson’s, and this pond is an excellent spot for camping, too.
Mountain Heritage Trout Waters
Thanks to the NC Wildlife Resource Commission’s heritage program, fishing spots can be found scattered throughout the county. Find them all in Waynesville and Maggie Valley!
Explore Mother Nature
The wilderness comes to life again in the Springtime, and you can take it all in here in the NC Smokies! While you’re visiting, don’t miss out on some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful spectacles.
Bird Watching
Peregrine Falcons, Alder Flycatchers, and Northern Saw-Whet Owls – these are just some of the rare and stunning species you can see while high-elevation birding. Bring along your binoculars!
Elk Calving
Have you ever laid eyes on a baby elk? It’s an absolute wonder! In late Spring, elk cows hide their calves in the high grass in the valleys around these parts. Be safe though, and keep your distance—cows can be aggressive in protecting their young. Get a full guide on elk-watching safety here.
Wildflowers
Springtime is positively blooming with wildflowers of all varieties: Daffodil, Dogwood, Painted Trillium, Phacelia, Pink Lady Slipper, Yellow Lady Slipper, Pinkshell Azalea, Redbud, and Tulips are showing off their true colors.
Take Your Pick
The fertile soil in Haywood County has helped position us as a local leader in growing fresh, delicious produce, which is why you’ll find so many wonderful farm-to-table restaurants in North Carolina’s Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. Take home Haywood’s finest from these produce hotspots:
Ten Acre Garden
This family-run farm is locally famous for their u-pick flowers and strawberries, and for their brick-oven fired pizza available on Saturdays. Make sure to keep an eye on the events calendar for the Garden’s latest classes, outdoor movie nights, and more.
Haywood Historic Farmers Market
The Haywood Historic Farmers Market is chock-full of locally-grown produce, fresh farmed meat and dairy products, and unique craft items made by Haywood producers.
Mill Town Farmers Market
Held Thursday evenings from May to October, Mill Town Farmers Market fills Canton’s Sorrells Street Park with lines of local growers, crafters, food trucks, and more. Keep an eye on the events calendar for this season’s opening date!
Shop ’til You Drop
Haywood County is filled with unique shops. From those front-and-center on Main Street to the ones tucked into hidden alcoves, Haywood’s catalogue of shopping opportunities is sure to hit your niche! Check out the full shopping directory to find your must-visit stops.
Clementines Boutique
Clementines Boutique is sure to tempt purveyors of boho chic. Their stock of brands like Magnolia Pearl and Tempo Paris is all you need to prepare for your free-flowing Haywood County adventure!
Minted Mercantile
This Downtown Waynesville shop boasts two floors of everything you didn’t know you needed. From Blue Ridge Mountain swag to off-the-wall snacks, every member of your entourage will walk away with something new.
Axe and Awl Leatherworks
Axe and Awl Leatherworks draws on the history of tanneries in Haywood County to produce mindfully-crafted, small batch leather goods that will stand the test of time. The shop also transforms into an entertainment space, with craft cocktails served up from the in-house Bevel Bar and live music in the back garden. Check their social medial pages for the latest lineup!
Dive into Haywood’s Culinary Scene
Coffee Cup Cafe
The perfect spot to grab a cup of joe after a morning stroll along Dahlia Ridge Trail. Coffee Cup Cafe’s blended fraps, lattes, and no-mess breakfast menu of melts and wraps will turn your sluggish morning into a lively afternoon.
Sauced
If there was ever a time to go all-out on a pizza and beer combo, it would be on Spring Break. Sauced’s menu is made up of easy-eating fare with a twist, like chips with roasted tomatillo queso, honey sriracha chicken pizza, quesadillas, wings, and local brews on tap.
Southern Porch
Tuck into a plate of Southern classics done right at Southern Porch. Order a steaming bowl of shrimp and grits, a fresh fried green tomato sandwich, and sip on a refreshing lemonade cocktail on the patio, or sit inside the historic dining area.
Explore Our Unique Experiences
Wheels Through Time
Motorcycle lovers, you won’t want to miss this high-octane blast from the past. Wheels Through Time exhibits America’s most beloved classic motorcycles in their Maggie Valley-based museum. Their season kicks off on April 1st (no foolin’) with a huge celebration and the museum is open most days throughout the week until October.
Winchester Creek Farm
Seriously, who would pass up the chance to pet alpacas and mini farm animals? Book a farm tour at this family-owned farm and get to know the adorable animals (including farm representative and longtime presidential candidate, Teddy the alpaca), then pick up some souvenirs in Granny’s House Grits Gift Shop.
Maggie Valley Rock Shop & Gem Mine
Sluice for gems at Maggie Valley Rock Shop (or just pick them out inside, but trust us, the sluicing experience is too fun to pass up)! From curious little tykes to crystal-collecting adults, the satisfaction of mining your own gems is unmatched.
A Spring break trip to Haywood County is easy to plan, full of fun, and affordable for every budget. Call or stop by our Visitor Center for sample itineraries and recommended things to do in the Western NC Mountains! We can’t wait to welcome you.
