Like most things in life right now, working from home is weird. We can roll out of bed just in time for that daily all-hands-on-deck conference call, and no one will ever know—as long as our cameras are off. But, the challenge of adjusting to this unusual routine presents a few advantages. One of the biggest perks is that you can accomplish your remote work from basically any place that has internet. Any place at all—like a vacation rental in Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, or Lake Junaluska.
Haywood is considered the quiet side of the NC Smokies. It’s easy to focus and find the inspiration you need to crush your workday, but you’ll also find ways to stay entertained after you close your laptop. If you’ve been looking for a sign to change your location, here it is: you should swap your virtual mountain backdrop for the real deal and embrace this unusual phase of life in our mountain towns.
We’ve got strong Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi here will help you slash through your to-do list, with the added bonus of a fresh, energizing environment. Translation: your Zoom meeting won’t cut off mid-pitch, and you won’t catch yourself losing focus at 2:00 pm again. For exact internet speeds, check out this resource.
We’re affordable
The lodging options here are incredibly budget-friendly and wide-ranging. There are hotels and motels if you just need to switch up your remote “office.” We also have cabins and vacation homes if you’re looking to bring the whole family. If you’re not sure where to start looking, check out all of our accommodations, or call our Visitor Center for a hand.
We’re chock-full of inspiration
Feeling that writer’s block especially hard today, or maybe all those spreadsheet numbers are blurring together? Sounds like you need a change of scenery to jumpstart things. Here, spending 15 minutes soaking in nature’s sights and sounds can cure almost anything…freeing you up to attack that stubborn task with a new perspective.
We’ve got your new gym routine
If staying active is important to you, you’re in luck: the NC Smokies has a whole lineup of adventurous activities waiting right outside your door—no membership required. How about a morning hike to get the creative juices flowing? Or a lunchtime picnic with the elk? Maybe a remote riverside brainstorm at BearWaters Brewing with a Sliding Rock draft in hand?
We’ve got lots of room
Nothing says “socially distant” like the 520,000 square acres of natural beauty you’ll find in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And with 150 hiking trails, you can see darn near every square inch of it, if you want.
We’re a culinary hub
Point blank, the food here is outstanding, but the range of offerings might be even more impressive. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, there are several local restaurants you should check out. If you’re craving Italian comfort food, you’re in luck. Diners? Yep. Farm-to-table? You bet. You can also find lots of great options for takeout, and you can use your go-to delivery apps for fast, delicious service.
We’re close to everything
Weekends are a blast when you’re in the heart of the Smokies. All the regional attractions are nearby, meaning you can do and see so much in a day trip. The Biltmore is only 30 minutes east. Gatlinburg, TN is only about 90 minutes from our side of the Smokies. And you can find plenty of outdoor adventures right here.
So far, this year has been so incredibly far from usual. We’ve had to adjust, adapt, and overcome. But, hey—when life gets a little funky, grab it by the antlers and live a little with us in the NC Smokies!
