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Discover the Best of Canton: A Community Rebuilding and Welcoming Visitors & Locals
Canton and Haywood County, NC, are part of the resilient communities of Western North Carolina, a region that faced challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene. While some areas are still recovering, the people of Canton have come together to restore and rebuild, ensuring that the town continues to thrive. This guide serves as a reminder that Canton is open, welcoming residents and visitors alike, and working hard to preserve the beauty and charm that make it such a special destination.
Outdoor Adventures in Canton & Haywood County
Despite the impacts of Helene, many of Canton's outdoor attractions remain open and ready for exploration. Here’s where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the region:
Pigeon River Access at BearWaters Brewing – 101 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Enjoy tubing, kayaking, or fishing along the river with convenient brewery access.
Lake Logan – 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton, NC 28716 – A serene mountain lake perfect for kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Max Patch – Max Patch Road, Waynesville, NC 28785 – A beloved scenic hike with breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, great for picnics and stargazing.
Cataloochee Valley – Cataloochee Entrance Road, Waynesville, NC 28785 – A haven for wildlife lovers, where you can see elk grazing in open meadows.
Canton Recreation Park – 77 Penland Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A community space with walking trails, a seasonal swimming pool, picnic areas, and a playground.
Blue Ridge Parkway Access – Multiple entrances in Haywood County – One of America’s most scenic drives, offering spectacular overlooks and hiking trails.
Cataloochee Ski Area – 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – A top winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
While Chestnut Mountain Nature Park remains temporarily closed as it undergoes restoration, efforts are underway to bring it back better
Lake Logan – 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton, NC 28716 – A serene mountain lake perfect for kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Max Patch – Max Patch Road, Waynesville, NC 28785 – A beloved scenic hike with breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, great for picnics and stargazing.
Cataloochee Valley – Cataloochee Entrance Road, Waynesville, NC 28785 – A haven for wildlife lovers, where you can see elk grazing in open meadows.
Canton Recreation Park – 77 Penland Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A community space with walking trails, a seasonal swimming pool, picnic areas, and a playground.
Blue Ridge Parkway Access – Multiple entrances in Haywood County – One of America’s most scenic drives, offering spectacular overlooks and hiking trails.
Cataloochee Ski Area – 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – A top winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
While Chestnut Mountain Nature Park remains temporarily closed as it undergoes restoration, efforts are underway to bring it back better
than ever.
Local Shops in Canton, NC
Canton is home to a variety of locally owned shops that highlight the town’s rich history and craftsmanship. Sutton & Sons Antiques offers a treasure trove of vintage finds and collectibles, perfect for those who appreciate timeless pieces. Canton Market showcases handmade crafts, home décor, and specialty gifts that reflect the Appalachian spirit. If you’re looking for high-quality outdoor gear and locally made products, The Grit and Grace Market is a must-visit. Supporting these local businesses is a great way to experience the charm and creativity of Canton while helping the community thrive.
Canton and Haywood County’s food scene remains as vibrant as ever, with restaurants, breweries, and cafés welcoming diners from near and far.
Where to Eat & Drink in Canton & Haywood County
Canton and Haywood County’s food scene remains as vibrant as ever, with restaurants, breweries, and cafés welcoming diners from near and far.
Best Restaurants in Canton & Haywood County
Southern Porch – 117 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Known for shrimp & grits, fried green tomatoes, and pimento cheeseburgers.
JRO’s Burgers & Subs – 118 New Clyde Highway, Canton, NC 28716 – A casual eatery with juicy burgers, wings, and stacked subs.
Haywood 209 Café – 3280 Crabtree Road, Canton, NC 28716 – A classic country diner serving homemade biscuits & gravy, country-fried steak, and hearty breakfasts.
The Sweet Onion – 39 Miller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 – A refined yet casual spot offering fresh seafood, steaks, and signature onion soup.
Haywood Smokehouse – 79 Elysinia Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786 & 2914 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – Known for authentic Southern BBQ, brisket, and pulled pork.
Breweries & Bars
BearWaters Brewing Company – 101 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A must-visit for craft beer, pub food, and riverfront seating.
Boojum Brewing Company – 50 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 – A popular brewery featuring house-brewed beers and gastropub-style food.
The Imperial – 117 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A historic bar & grill offering craft cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
Coffee & Sweet Treats
Papertown Coffee – 119 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A welcoming café with locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries.
Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters – 444 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786 – A great spot for artisanal coffee and house-roasted beans.
Maggie Valley Bakery & Café – 3589 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – Serving homemade pastries, cakes, and fresh coffee.
Where to Stay in Canton, NC
JRO’s Burgers & Subs – 118 New Clyde Highway, Canton, NC 28716 – A casual eatery with juicy burgers, wings, and stacked subs.
Haywood 209 Café – 3280 Crabtree Road, Canton, NC 28716 – A classic country diner serving homemade biscuits & gravy, country-fried steak, and hearty breakfasts.
The Sweet Onion – 39 Miller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 – A refined yet casual spot offering fresh seafood, steaks, and signature onion soup.
Haywood Smokehouse – 79 Elysinia Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786 & 2914 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – Known for authentic Southern BBQ, brisket, and pulled pork.
Breweries & Bars
BearWaters Brewing Company – 101 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A must-visit for craft beer, pub food, and riverfront seating.
Boojum Brewing Company – 50 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 – A popular brewery featuring house-brewed beers and gastropub-style food.
The Imperial – 117 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A historic bar & grill offering craft cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
Coffee & Sweet Treats
Papertown Coffee – 119 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A welcoming café with locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries.
Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters – 444 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786 – A great spot for artisanal coffee and house-roasted beans.
Maggie Valley Bakery & Café – 3589 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – Serving homemade pastries, cakes, and fresh coffee.
Where to Stay in Canton, NC
Visitors to Canton have two excellent lodging options:
Quality Inn West of Asheville – 737 Champion Dr, Canton, NC 28716 – A comfortable and convenient hotel located off I-40, offering modern amenities such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool.
The Loralei Inn – 1042 Pigeon Ford Rd, Canton, NC 28716 – A charming bed and breakfast with beautifully decorated rooms, a peaceful atmosphere, and close proximity to downtown Canton and local attractions.
Entertainment & Events in Canton & Haywood County
The Loralei Inn – 1042 Pigeon Ford Rd, Canton, NC 28716 – A charming bed and breakfast with beautifully decorated rooms, a peaceful atmosphere, and close proximity to downtown Canton and local attractions.
Entertainment & Events in Canton & Haywood County
Canton continues to be a hub for community events and entertainment. While some venues are being repaired, others remain open and thriving.
Entertainment Venues
Colonial Theatre – 53 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Temporarily closed for restoration but will return with live music, movies, and performances.
BearWaters Brewing Company – 101 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Hosting live music, trivia nights, and special events.
The Milltown Place – 51 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A venue for private parties, receptions, and community gatherings.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds – 3374 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – Home to car shows, concerts, and motorcycle rallies.
Colonial Theatre – 53 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Temporarily closed for restoration but will return with live music, movies, and performances.
BearWaters Brewing Company – 101 Park Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Hosting live music, trivia nights, and special events.
The Milltown Place – 51 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716 – A venue for private parties, receptions, and community gatherings.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds – 3374 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 – Home to car shows, concerts, and motorcycle rallies.
Annual Events & Festivals
Canton Labor Day Festival – A historic event celebrating community spirit with live music, food trucks, and a parade.
Apple Harvest Festival (Waynesville) – A fall festival honoring local apple growers, crafts, and food vendors.
Canton Christmas Parade – A festive event featuring marching bands, decorated floats, and holiday cheer.
The Rink at Sorrells Street Park – 8 Sorrells Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Open December to March, offering ice skating fun for all ages.
Hillbilly Jam – Maggie Valley Festival Grounds – A festival with live mountain music, crafts, and great food.
Why Visit Canton & Haywood County in 2025?
Apple Harvest Festival (Waynesville) – A fall festival honoring local apple growers, crafts, and food vendors.
Canton Christmas Parade – A festive event featuring marching bands, decorated floats, and holiday cheer.
The Rink at Sorrells Street Park – 8 Sorrells Street, Canton, NC 28716 – Open December to March, offering ice skating fun for all ages.
Hillbilly Jam – Maggie Valley Festival Grounds – A festival with live mountain music, crafts, and great food.
Why Visit Canton & Haywood County in 2025?
Canton and Haywood County stand as a testament to resilience and community spirit. The people here have worked tirelessly to restore the town after the impact of Hurricane Helene, ensuring that it remains a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.
📍 And if you're looking to expand your trip, Waynesville and Maggie Valley offer even more dining, outdoor activities, and mountain culture. Plus, Asheville, NC, is just a short drive away, providing a vibrant mix of arts, music, and culinary experiences!
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes
