Skip to main content
A simple black outline of a light bulb.
Waynesville, NC
828-452-3089
A simple black outline of a light bulb.
Panoramic view of rolling mountains under a clear blue sky.

Things to Do in Waynesville and Western North Carolina

The Inn is Centrally Located to Many Great Attractions and Experiences

Located in Haywood County, North Carolina, Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast is convenient to many great attractions, things to do, dining and entertainment in Western North Carolina. The inn is less than a mile from Waynesville’s historic and picturesque Main Street, with an abundance of great shopping and dining options.

Our bed and breakfast is only about 30 minutes away from the buzz and culture of Downtown Asheville and it’s also close to spectacular outdoor experiences like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The inn is a great home base for adventures, exploration, and good old-fashioned relaxation and rejuvenation in our Southern Appalachian paradise.

Keep reading to check out our list of things to do, places to see, and experiences to book on a trip to the charming town of Waynesville, NC.

Endless Spots to Tour & Explore

A winding path curves through a lush forest, with clouds and mountains visible in the background.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Learn More about the GSMNP

For years, Waynesville has been known as the “Gateway to the Smokies.” The Great Smoky Mountain National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and is America’s most visited National Park. The Park is renowned for its striking beauty, majestic mountain views, and diversity of plants and animals.

Lush green hills extend into the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Explore the Southern BRP

The stunning Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road through the Blue Ridge Mountains that links the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The inn is located just 7 miles from an entrance to the Parkway at Milepost 443 at the intersection with the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway. The Parkway is known for its stunning natural beauty and an abundance of options for sightseeing.

A grand mansion surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Downtown Asheville & the Biltmore Estate

Visit ExploreAsheville.com

Waynesville is only 30 miles west of the bustling city of Asheville, NC. Asheville is known for its vibrant cultural scene, thriving craft brewery scene, world-class restaurants and the largest privately-owned residence in the United States: the magnificent Biltmore Estate. Guests of Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast enjoy an exclusive discount on tickets to the Biltmore.

Main street lined with shops and decorated for the holidays, featuring parked cars and bare trees.

Main Street & Downtown Waynesville

Explore Main Street

Downtown Waynesville’s Historic District is the beating heart of our town. Only about 3/4 of a mile from the inn, Main Street is a vibrant area full of wonderful small businesses, including fabulous restaurants and bars, diverse shopping of all categories, and amazing views and atmosphere.

A scenic view of rolling green hills and a tall tree under a cloudy sky at sunrise.

Golf in the Mountains

Hit the links for spectacular mountain golf at some of the most beautiful courses in the region. Playing golf amid the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains is an incredible experience. Check your confirmation emails from the Inn as we have specials with some of these courses from time to time. See our list below for some of the courses we recommend in our area, all within a 30–45-minute drive.

Signage for the Museum of the Cherokee People set against a stone wall.

Cherokee

Right at the Eastern edge of the Smoky Mountains is the home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians on the Qualla Boundary. Cherokee, NC is a great place to visit to explore the fantastic natural wonders, popular cultural attractions and events and rich history and tradition. We recommend taking the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee for a spectacular day.

A black and white map showing roads and towns in the Great Smoky Mountains region.

Explore Unique Mountain Towns

Western North Carolina is proud to have so many unique and charming towns to visit. Spend a day exploring one or more of these amazing places, all full of charm, culture, history and unique Appalachian spirit.

Two deer grazing in a grassy area near a wooded backdrop.

Unforgettable Experiences

For those adventure seekers, our region is full of great opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime or unique vacation experiences. Here are some great ideas for things to consider booking to take your getaway to the next level:

A picturesque waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery.

Waterfalls, Rivers & Forests

Waynesville is surrounded by so many natural wonders other than the GSMNP and the BRP. Within a short drive, there are beautiful national and state forests, spectacular rivers and hundreds of gorgeous waterfalls. One of the best ways to spend the day in this area is to drive the waterfall loop through Sylva, Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Brevard and back to Waynesville on 276.

View of a calm lake from a wooden deck with benches, surrounded by mountains under a clear blue sky.

Other Local Favorites

And also consider some local favorite activities near the Inn. Here are some great options for a laid-back day in Haywood County: