Haywood County -- April 2, 2026: t is no secret that Haywood County is special, but lately, the rest of the world is starting to realize what we’ve known all along. Between award-winning videos and a community-driven art scene, our five mountain towns—Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, and Lake Junaluska—are showing exactly why this is the place to be.
Put Your Stamp on Local Style
One of my favorite local traditions is back. Visit Haywood is currently holding its annual t-shirt design contest, and the talent this year is incredible. Instead of corporate logos, these designs come from the hearts of local artists who know what "Unfiltered" mountain life really looks like.
How to Vote: There are 12 designs to choose from in the first round. You can view them and cast your vote here: Visit Haywood T-Shirt Voting.
The Stakes: Voting for this round is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 29. The winning artist receives a $500 prize and the honor of seeing their shirt sold at the Mast General Store in downtown Waynesville and the Visit Haywood Welcome Center starting this July.
Shop Early: You don’t have to wait until July to show your pride. You can browse the current collection and support our local tourism efforts at the Visit Haywood Online Store.
Award-Winning Heart
If you haven't seen the new "multigenerational" tourism video created for the 2025 rebranding effort, you are missing out. It recently took home Gold and Best in Show at the American Advertising Awards.
This isn't just a commercial; it’s a tribute to the lifelong connections families have with this area. It highlights why people keep coming back decade after decade. It’s a beautiful piece of work, though I’ll warn you—my office felt a little "dusty" after I watched it! You can find the video featured on the Visit Haywood Homepage.
The Perfect Home Base
What makes us the "sweet spot" of Western North Carolina? It’s the convenience. We are perfectly positioned to give you the best of everything:
Asheville is just a short drive away, giving you easy access to the city while you stay in the quiet beauty of the mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through our backyard, offering some of the most stunning views in the entire country.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is our neighbor, meaning the elk in Cataloochee and the endless hiking trails are practically in our front yard.
Our Towns: Whether you want the historic vibes of Waynesville, the nostalgic fun of Maggie Valley, or the peaceful strolls around Lake Junaluska, there is a corner of Haywood for everyone.
Go vote, grab a shirt, and plan your next mountain adventure. There’s never been a better time to be in Haywood.