Thriving downtowns, arts and culture, friendly people, mountains and valleys for outdoor recreation, and a diversified economy that welcomes entrepreneurs all make Haywood County a great place to live.
Canton, Clyde, and Maggie Valley are smaller towns in the county—each offers unique business and lifestyle choices. Waynesville is the county seat and the largest town with a population of about 10,000. Full of interesting shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and art galleries, downtown Waynesville is upscale and friendly. A wonderful wine shop and an elegant members-only dinner club (link to Gateway Club, entrepreneur 2) offer refreshments and entertainment not usually found in small towns.
Educational assets
Haywood Community College is one of the top two-year institutions in the state; it offers more than 55 programs of study, including a robust continuing education program and a small business center. The Regional High Technology Center augments the college, offering training in machining and aeronautics. There are nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools in the county.
Outdoor activities
Hike, bike, fish, boat, ski, raft, canoe…get the idea? Outdoor sports are plentiful in Haywood. Shining Rock Wilderness area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forests, and Cataloochee Valley offer miles and miles of great outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the elk at Cataloochee Valley—these magnificent creatures were reintroduced a few years ago and are thriving in the valley. For ski buffs, Cataloochee Ski Area offers 14 slopes and a comfortable lodge for relaxing after skiing.
Visual and performing arts
More than 100 artisans live in the area, and arts and crafts are an important cultural asset in the county. Haywood Community College offers a creative arts program with an entrepreneur focus. An active studio gallery association sponsors Art after Dark events and studio strolls.
HART, the area theatre, offers impressive plays and music events. The international Folkmoot festival happens here, and the fall Apple Festival always draws crowds. On occasion you can watch traditional mountain dancing in front of the court house.
Explore unusual museums
Three museums in the county offer opportunities to explore the heritage of the area, including handicrafts, artifacts and records, and the development of Methodism in the area.
