It’s true what they say about being in the right place making all the difference in success versus failure. We might be biased, but we think Haywood County’s Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains are the exact right place to relax, reset, and dial into what matters in 2026. Check out these top New Year’s resolutions for 2026 and set yourself up for success in the News Year, Haywood-style:
Spend more time with friends and family
This year, carve out time for those you the most! Bond over a fun craft, pick up a skill, or simply try something new with one of these “better with friends” activities:
- Get competitive at The Axe Tavern: What better way to bond with loved ones than with axes involved? Reserve a lane and enjoy a healthy axe-throwing competition between friends or family at The Axe Tavern in Maggie Valley.
- Take a Creation Class with the Haywood County Arts Council: Try your hand at a new skill at a Creation Class and you might just find your new favorite hobby! From hat burning to jewelry making, basketry, and more, bring along a couple of pals or a date for an evening of crafting.
- Join a Paint & Sip with WNC Paint Events or Waynesville Art School: Wrangle your buddies and follow a beginner-friendly tutorial at one of these laidback paint & sip classes.
- Take a turn around the rink at Smoky Mountain Sk8way & Fun Zone: Stress hates a moving target! Skate your troubles away beneath swirling lights at Waynesville’s very own roller-skating rink. Attend an adults-only skate on Thursdays, bring the little ones along for a family lesson, or head to the Fun Zone for classic arcade games & activities.
Eat Healthier
Since the beginning of time and for the foreseeable future, “eat healthier” has been one of the most common New Years resolutions. Well, Haywood’s bevy of local produce, meats, dairy products, and more couldn’t make it easier to commit to the change! Find wholesome foods and the growers behind them at our local farmers markets:
- Haywood Historic Farmers Market: Waynesville, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., April – December.
- Mill Town Farmers Market: Canton, Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., May – October.
Or, stock your pantry on your own time at brick & mortar produce stands like Christopher Farms, Owl Produce Market, Duckett’s Produce, The Old Gray Mare, and Presnell’s Produce.
Head to a farm-to-table restaurant for dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients:
- Switchback at Cataloochee Ranch: All beef served at Switchback is raised onsite by dedicated cattle ranchers.
- Singletree Heritage Kitchen: Upscale restaurant partnering with the Canton-based Two Trees Farm for special dishes featuring seasonal produce.
- Church Street Depot: One of the NC Mountains’ best burger spots, choose a locally sourced beef patty to support small farmers!
- The Chef’s Table: Meats and produce served at The Chef’s Table come from the owner’s own farm, or from other local vendors!
Invest in self-care
Keeping your life in tip-top shape requires keeping yourself in tip-top shape first. Slip into relaxation with a massage at Sundarah Wellness or Evenstar Yoga & Massage, find stability with a mindful yoga session at Axis Yoga, or sit a spell in the Waynesville Salt Room to reduce stress.
Get Outside More / Be More Frugal
This one’s a twofer! Enjoy the grounding fresh air without turning out your pockets with a hike up a trail in Haywood’s portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, or off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out the Haywood County Hiking Guide to choose your starting point!
Cut the legwork with a scenic drive along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (NC-215), US-276, or Haywood’s 46 breathtaking miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Ride the Western NC Mountains Map is a great starting point for planning your sight-seeing cruise!
Physical copies of both the Hiking Guide and Ride Map are available at the Visit Haywood Welcome Center.
Surrounded by ancient mountains and small-town charm, Haywood County and its five charming towns offer the best place to unwind and unplug. Start 2026 off with good intentions and a deeper sense of what matters most. Plan your visit to Haywood and make this year the best one yet!
