Things To Do in
Waynesville & Maggie Valley

The Sweet Onion

Ranked among Waynesville's best, this New American kitchen at 39 Miller St blends Southern tradition with contemporary flair. Order the crab cakes with lemon basil aioli or the bubbling French onion soup - both are house-made and worth coming back for. One of the most reliably great dinner spots in town.

Haywood Smokehouse

Waynesville's #1-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor - and it earns it. All-natural meats, never frozen, slow-smoked daily over native hickory wood. The Texas-style brisket and ribs are legendary in this part of NC. Don't skip the house-made pecan pie. Serious BBQ, no frills, no shortcuts.

Boojum Brewing

Family-owned craft brewery right on Main Street with 16 rotating taps and solid pub fare. The Whistle Pigs (pretzels with pimento cheese and bacon) are a must. Head downstairs to The Gem - a separate bar and entertainment space with pool, darts, shuffleboard, and full liquor service. A Waynesville institution since 2014.

Panacea Coffee Co.

Hand-roasting coffee since 2002 in the historic Frog Level district, housed in a 1916 warehouse at 66 Commerce St. Grab an espresso and sit on the back deck overlooking Richland Creek. They also pour 21 taps of craft beer - one of Waynesville's most charming, multi-purpose spots. Open daily 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

Bogart's Restaurant & Tavern

A family-owned Waynesville staple at 303 S Main St known for flame-grilled steaks and house-made soups. Come on a Thursday for live bluegrass music - locals pack in for it. A genuine, unpretentious slice of downtown Waynesville that's been feeding the community for decades.

The Strand at 38 Main

A reimagined 1945 movie theater turned intimate listening venue and boutique cinema at 38 N Main St. Stop in for first-run films, live concerts, handcrafted ice cream, espresso, draft beer, and wine - all under one roof in a space that still honors its theatrical roots. A truly one-of-a-kind Waynesville night out.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Enter America's favorite scenic drive at Balsam Gap (Mile 443.1) - less than 15 minutes from Mojo Manor. Head to Cowee Overlook (Mile 430.7) for jaw-dropping sunset panoramas, or stop at Richland Balsam (Mile 431.4) - the Parkway's highest point at 6,053 ft - for a short loop trail through spruce-fir forest. Nearly 200 overlooks, all free.

Cataloochee Valley

Home to a wild elk herd of nearly 200 - reintroduced here in 2001 and thriving. Visit at dawn or dusk, and come in fall (Sept - Nov) to hear bull elk bugling across the meadow during mating season. The Rough Fork Trail is an easy 2-mile round-trip past historic pioneer structures and a cascading creek.

Max Patch

A bald mountain summit at 4,629 ft on the Appalachian Trail with 360-degree views of the Great Smokies, Black Mountains, and Bald Mountains. The most popular route is a 2.6-mile loop from the parking area - a rewarding climb to one of the finest panoramas in Western NC. Sunrise and sunset here are exceptional.

Waterrock Knob

At 6,292 feet, Waterrock Knob is the 16th highest peak in the Eastern United States - and remarkably accessible. Just 1.2 miles roundtrip with 50-mile views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a clear day. Located at Mile 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 30 minutes from Mojo Manor. One of the best sunset spots in all of WNC.

Sliding Rock

A 60-foot natural waterslide on Looking Glass Creek that empties into a deep mountain pool (8 - 10 ft). The water stays near 55°F year-round - cold, clear, and exhilarating. Lifeguards on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. $5/person, open 9 AM - 6 PM. In Pisgah National Forest. Bring water shoes and a towel.

Looking Glass Falls

A stunning 60-foot waterfall framed by a towering cliff face on US 276 in Pisgah National Forest - one of the most photographed in North Carolina. A short staircase leads right to the base where visitors can wade in the cool pool. Free, family-friendly, and just steps from the road. Pair it with Sliding Rock nearby.

Whitewater Rafting - Nantahala River

The Nantahala River Gorge (about 45 minutes away) offers Class II - III rapids in a stunning river gorge - thrilling but family-friendly. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the premier outfitter: a 500-acre campus in Bryson City with rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, dining, and lodging. Named "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure.

Cataloochee Ski Area

North Carolina's premier ski destination, nestled in the mountains of Maggie Valley just 15 minutes from Mojo Manor. With 18 slopes, 6 lifts, and a 740-ft vertical drop reaching 5,400 ft elevation, Cataloochee has something for every skill level - beginner greens to advanced blacks. 100% snowmaking coverage ensures one of the Southeast's longest seasons, averaging November through March. Ski lessons, full rentals, lodge dining, and a full-service bar on-site. Plan to arrive early on weekends.

Tube World - Snow Tubing

Right at the base of Cataloochee Ski Area, Tube World is Maggie Valley's dedicated snow tubing experience - and one of the most popular winter activities in WNC for families. Multiple lanes, tow ropes to carry you back up, and no experience needed. Open when there's natural or machine-made snow. All ages welcome - pure, simple winter fun. Check their website for hours and snow conditions before heading out.

Maggie Valley - The Winter Base

Beyond skiing and tubing, Maggie Valley is a year-round mountain town with restaurants, shops, mini golf, and live music venues. In winter it buzzes with visitors making their way to Cataloochee. Grab lunch at one of the classic diners along the main corridor, or pick up hot chocolate and gear at the mountain shops. A perfect companion day trip from Mojo Manor any time of year.

Biltmore Estate

America's largest private home - George Vanderbilt's 250-room French Renaissance chateau built in 1895 on 8,000 mountain acres. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the landscape architect behind Central Park). Admission includes the mansion tour, 75 acres of formal gardens, and a complimentary tasting at America's most-visited winery. Book online 7+ days ahead for a $10 discount.

River Arts District

Over 700 working artists in converted historic warehouses and mills along the French Broad River - studios open so you can watch potters, glassblowers, welders, and painters at work. Browse The Marquee, a 50,000 sq ft converted warehouse packed with vintage crafts and eclectic vendors. Best visited Wednesday - Saturday. Grab a pint at Wedge Brewing between studios.

Downtown Asheville

One of the South's most celebrated food cities - home to multiple James Beard Award winners including Chai Pani (Most Outstanding Restaurant) and Curate (Best Hospitality). Beyond the culinary scene, Asheville's downtown has live music venues, craft cocktail bars, boutique shops, and electric late-night energy. Park once and walk everywhere.

New Belgium Brewing

Fat Tire's home away from home - a massive riverside brewery at 21 Craven St in the River Arts District with a cantilevered deck perched directly over the French Broad River. Excellent craft beers, 90-minute brewery tours (book in advance), and one of the best outdoor patios in Asheville. Open Mon - Sat 11 AM - 8 PM, Sun noon - 8 PM.

Gem Mining - Attractions of the Smokies

Western NC sits atop some of the richest gem deposits in North America - rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and garnets have all been found here. Gem mining flumes are a beloved regional tradition: you buy a bucket of native gem dirt, sluice it in running water, and keep everything you find. Multiple outfitters operate within 30 - 45 minutes of Mojo Manor, including Gem Mountain in Spruce Pine and Thermal City Gold Mine. Great for kids and surprisingly addictive for adults.

Maggie Valley Mini Golf & Attractions

Maggie Valley's main corridor is lined with classic mountain vacation attractions - mini golf courses, go-karts, arcades, and family entertainment spots. It's old-school vacation fun in a beautiful mountain setting. Perfect for kids who need a break from hiking, or for evening entertainment after a day on the slopes at Cataloochee. Just 15 minutes from Mojo Manor.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

The largest hotel in North Carolina - 1,833 rooms, a 150,000 sq ft gaming floor with 3,000+ machines and 100+ live table games, and a 3,000-seat event center (past performers: Dolly Parton, Alicia Keys, Chris Rock). Dine at Gordon Ramsay Food Market or Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen + Bar. About 50 minutes from Mojo Manor at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Folkmoot USA

The State International Festival of North Carolina - held every July since 1984, making it one of the longest-running international dance and music festivals in the world. Over 40 years, 8,000+ performers from roughly 200 countries have taken the stage in Waynesville. International Festival Day transforms downtown into a global bazaar with food, crafts, and performances from around the world. If your trip overlaps with July, don't miss it.

Downtown Waynesville Main Street

Less than a mile from Mojo Manor, Waynesville's walkable downtown is anchored by the iconic "Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains" arch spanning Main Street — the town's beloved symbol, restored in 2024 after a 50-year absence. Stroll beneath it to find independent boutiques, working artist studios, wine bars, and coffee shops. Friday evenings are the social epicenter: live music spills from doorways, and locals linger on the sidewalks. Worth at least one evening stroll, even if you're just grabbing ice cream.

HART — Haywood Arts Regional Theatre

Waynesville's community performing arts anchor — a regional theater that has produced professional-caliber musicals, dramas, and concerts for over four decades. HART stages multiple productions per year at the historic Performing Arts Center on Pigeon Street, drawing talent from across Western NC. Check the current season lineup; a live show here is a genuine surprise for guests who expect nothing but hiking and skiing in a mountain town.

Haywood County Arts Council

The arts hub of downtown Waynesville - rotating gallery exhibitions, studio classes, and community events throughout the year. The Council supports dozens of local artists and hosts First Friday gallery walks the first Friday of each month, when downtown galleries open their doors for a free self-guided art walk. A good way to spend a relaxed evening and discover work from WNC's thriving artist community.

Fall Foliage Season

Mid-September through November, the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains turn spectacular shades of orange, red, and gold. Waynesville is one of the best base camps in WNC for foliage - the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cataloochee Valley, and Max Patch are all within easy reach. Book well in advance: fall is the most popular (and most booked) season of the year in Western NC.