Home Care In Waynesville, NC

Construction along the busiest and most-traveled section of Russ Avenue in Waynesville, N.C., will soon get under way.

The work is slated to begin in January for phase two of the Russ Avenue project, which will extend the street from the Starbucks intersection, past the Ingles and Publix grocery stores, to the old Kmart plaza on the other side of the bypass interchange.

Waynesville is located in western North Carolina's Haywood County, southwest of Asheville.

For years, the town's residents knew the roadwork was coming. And while the Russ Avenue traffic congestion will be better once it is finished, everyone in the town needs to be prepared for some pain over the next 18 months, according to The Mountaineer, Haywood County's weekly news source.

"We are very conscious of the traffic out there and want to keep it as smooth as we can," said Scott Cook, who serves as the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) assistant resident engineer for the project.

The upcoming construction effort will be similar to the first phase of work along the less-traveled section of Russ Avenue, which The Mountaineer noted on Dec. 10 has been a driver training course of sorts ahead of the more congested phase two section. By now, nearly all motorists are adept at navigating the maze of orange construction barrels that denote the ever-shifting lane configurations, the newspaper said.

"It will be a lot of what they've already experienced on the section from Main Street to Howell Mill," Cook said.

The biggest problem will be a bottleneck resulting from fewer lanes. Instead of two lanes in each direction, at times there will only be one lane in a given direction.

An exact start date for the next round of construction has not been announced, but the Waynesville-based newspaper said phase two is likely to start after the first of the year and conclude by the fall of 2027.

NCDOT has awarded a $42.8 million construction contract to Buchanan and Sons Inc. of Whittier, N.C., to extend and expand Russ Avenue. The construction price tag does not include right-of-way property acquisition or engineering and design.

Waynesville Will Need to Brace for Roadway's Improvement

Although plans call for the new Russ Avenue to be built wider, it will still only have a pair of through-travel lanes in each direction, just as it currently does.

However, by removing the street's middle turn lane, traffic is likely to flow better. Drivers will need to make U-turns at intersections and double back to reach businesses on the other side. There also will be extra right-turn lanes added at some intersections to keep the through-travel lanes free of braking vehicles, which cause chain-reaction slowdowns.

The first order of business will be moving utilities out of the wider road footprint, Cook said. Water and sewer lines, fiber and phone lines and electrical lines will all have to be dug up and moved back as well.

"Some utilities will have to bore under Russ Avenue to get to the other side," he said.

The utility work will not be a soft launch when it comes to traffic impacts, according to The Mountaineer. Instead, lanes will be reduced soon after the start of construction to allow for utility work along the road's shoulders.

The lane work also will be carried out on one side of the road before switching to the other. Traffic will be shifted away from the side where work is being performed, which will ultimately result in fewer lanes. At times, there will only be one traffic lane in a given direction.

Which side will be done first, or exactly when the lane reductions are coming is not yet known.

"We are too early [in the process] to make that conclusion at this point," Cook said.

He added that no businesses will be blocked by the Russ Avenue construction. Wherever crews are working, orange barrels will create an access chute across the work zone into the entranceway of local businesses. Eventually, though, workers will need to cross those driveway thresholds to finish the project.

"In those situations, we would do half the driveway at a time," Cook said.

Complications could arise if there is just a single driveway entrance to a business along Russ Avenue as drivers entering and exiting an establishment would have to share one access lane.

If need be, "we could schedule to do that work at night when the business is closed," said the NCDOT engineer.

The Mountaineer noted, though, that things could get a bit dicey with the middle turning lane. It will periodically be claimed as a through-travel lane to help move the sheer volume of vehicles along Russ Avenue.

"Our goal is to maintain that access as much as we can, but there will be times when that middle turn lane is not accessible," Cook said, meaning that drivers wanting to turn left into a business from the other side of the road could hold up the vehicles behind them if they sit and wait for an opening in traffic.

However, he also said that it is possible there could be small sections of middle turn lanes here and there along the Russ Avenue corridor — that will certainly be the case at stoplights.

Meanwhile, contractors also will be wrapping up phase one work along the lower section of Russ Avenue, which has been under construction for the past 18 months.

The Mountaineer reported, though, that a missing link remains in a bridge being built within the first phase of the project. One side of the structure is not yet finished, and until then, traffic lanes are reduced to shift vehicles to one side.

Therefore, the possibility exists that phase two could commence before phase oene is entirely finished.

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Nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the eastern United States, the Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most inviting small towns, boasting awe-inspiring scenery. Travelers flock here year-round to experience the beauty of misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and endless trails winding through the lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

For many visiting North Carolina's Smokies, Asheville is a popular choice for those who want a mix of vibrant city atmosphere and easy access to outdoor adventures. In addition, like many adorable towns in North Carolina, Asheville has a bustling downtown with a thriving arts scene, local businesses, and historic architecture. Despite all these offers, Asheville’s popularity comes with a downside of crowds and soaring prices.

Fortunately, there are other mountain towns in North Carolina that are better than Asheville. And one gem in Haywood County offers an authentic escape in the Smokies with its rich Appalachian heritage, welcoming community, and natural beauty.

Waynesville Is A Quieter, Less Touristy Mountain Escape In North Carolina's Smokies

Waynesville is a beautiful town tucked between the rolling peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated about 32 miles west of Asheville, this charming town offers the same (if not better) breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures but without the hustle and bustle of a tourist-heavy city.

While Asheville has long been a magnet for artists, hikers, and craft beer enthusiasts, Waynesville provides a quieter, more authentic experience. With a population of just over 10,000, Waynesville retains a close-knit, small-town feel.

Waynesville is the perfect destination for travelers who crave both relaxation and adventure. With its proximity to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, this town is surrounded by an abundance of hiking trails, scenic drives, and waterfalls, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise.

America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which saw 13.3 million visits in 2023, is 18 miles away, accessed via the Cove Creek Road from Waynesville. In this magnificent natural area, travelers discover wildlife, history, and endless trails leading to panoramic vistas, cascading falls, and serene woodland escapes.

Meanwhile, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic highway in North Carolina, is right at Waynesville’s doorstep. About 7 miles south of Waynesville, travelers can explore the Parkway’s mileposts 421 and 423, offering access to scenic spots like Waterrock Knob, Black Balsam Knob, and Richland Balsam.

Why Should Tourists Visit Waynesville Instead Of Asheville?

Asheville’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, attracting flocks of tourists who come for its artsy vibe, thriving food scene, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, this has made Asheville great for vacations only and not retirement, due to increased tourism, which leads to a higher cost of living.

On the other hand, Waynesville offers a slower, more peaceful mountain escape without sacrificing the natural beauty, culture, or outdoor recreation that makes this region special. Here, travelers find quieter streets lined with locally-owned shops and restaurants and a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere.

Although the small-town charm is a major draw for most visitors, Waynesville’s proximity to the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a nature lover’s haven. With a less than 45-minute drive from town, adventurers can chase waterfalls or enjoy a scenic drive to an overlook for a sunset view at scenic spots like Richland Balsam Overlook.

Waynesville, one of the towns in North Carolina with the best quality of life in the Smokies, also provides a more budget-friendly alternative to Asheville. With affordable accommodations, reasonably priced restaurants, and free or low-cost outdoor activities, budget travelers can enjoy a mountain getaway without breaking the bank. Instead of big-chain hotels, visitors can stay in cozy mountain lodges, historic inns, or charming bed-and-breakfasts, all at a fraction of Asheville’s prices.

Exploring Waynesville's Downtown And Intriguing Attractions

Waynesville is one of the towns in North Carolina with the best Downtown Main Streets. This walkable, charming district is where history, creativity, and Southern hospitality come together. Waynesville’s downtown area invites visitors to take their time strolling past historic buildings, exploring locally-owned boutiques, and soaking in the town’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

One of the best ways to experience downtown is to start at Main Street, featuring a mix of art galleries, antique stores, and unique shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to Appalachian pottery.

Twigs and Leaves Gallery is a must-visit for those who appreciate local art and mountain-inspired crafts, while Wall Street Books offers a cozy spot for book lovers to browse rare and secondhand titles.

Waynesville also has a thriving food scene, and downtown is the perfect place to sample it. Travelers can stop by The Sweet Onion for elevated Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like Southern fried chicken and fresh mountain trout. Food lovers craving something casual head to the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop, which serves up hearty sandwiches perfect for a midday bite. And for dessert? A visit to Kilwins for handmade chocolates and ice cream is the ideal way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, the 20-acre Winchester Creek Farm offers visitors a unique chance to connect with nature, meet friendly alpacas, and experience farm life in a serene setting. This charming, family-owned farm is home to dozens of adorable alpacas, as well as other farm animals, including miniature donkeys and goats.

Visitors can book guided farm tours to learn about alpaca care, fiber production, and sustainable farming practices. The highlight of any visit is the chance to feed and interact with these gentle creatures, making it a perfect stop for families, couples, and animal lovers.

Whether traveling with kids or just want to relive the fun of a classic roller rink, Smoky Mountain Sk8way & Family Entertainment Center promises hours of fun. As the largest roller-skating facility in Western North Carolina, it features a spacious rink, arcade games, an obstacle course, and even party rooms for those planning special events like birthdays.

The rink hosts open skating sessions, themed skate nights, and even glow-in-the-dark skating, making it a hit with both locals and tourists. The entertainment center also has a café serving pizza, snacks, and drinks, ensuring visitors can refuel between activities.

Just a short drive from downtown Waynesville, Lake Junaluska is a serene retreat renowned for its scenic beauty. This 200-acre lake is surrounded by rolling hills and framed by the majestic Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a tranquil and picturesque spot for outdoor recreation.

Lake Junaluska is also a hub for seasonal events and festivals, including fall foliage celebrations, holiday light displays, and summer concerts by the lake.

Visitors can enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the 3.8-mile loop trail, which offers stunning lake views, charming footbridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens. For those who love water activities, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available, providing a peaceful way to explore the lake’s tranquil waters.

Fall is one of the best times to visit Waynesville, as the crisp mountain air, comfortable temperatures, and spectacular foliage take over. Visitors can explore scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway for an immersive fall experience. Hikes like the Waterrock Knob and Purchase Knob offer panoramic views of the autumn landscape.

In addition to the scenery, Waynesville hosts fall festivals, such as the Church Street Art & Craft Show and the Apple Harvest Festival. These events allow visitors to enjoy live music, shop for local crafts, and sample seasonal treats like apple cider and fresh mountain apples.

As winter sets in, Waynesville transforms into a scenic mountain retreat, with snow-dusted peaks, twinkling holiday lights, and cozy fireside settings creating a magical atmosphere. The town comes alive with festive events, including the Waynesville Christmas Parade, featuring twinkling floats and Santa Claus himself.

The Night Before Christmas Waynesville celebration turns downtown into a winter wonderland, with luminaries lighting the streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and carolers spreading holiday cheer.

As the snow melts and the mountains awaken, Waynesville bursts to life with blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, and endless outdoor adventures. Spring is an especially picturesque time to visit, as dogwoods, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels add pops of color to the landscape.

Hiking trails like Purchase Knob Trail come alive with fresh greenery, while the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning springtime views with fewer visitors than in peak summer and fall.

Summer in Waynesville is all about festivals, outdoor activities, and warm mountain breezes. Travelers can kayak or paddleboard on Lake Junaluska or explore the waterfalls of Pisgah National Forest.

Waynesville may not have the same recognition as Asheville, but it is worth a visit for its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. This underrated town delivers an authentic experience with its abundant outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains and quaint downtown filled with local shops and Appalachian flavors.

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A group of Western North Carolina women tells News 13 that our region is about to get a little more glamorous.

The women have launched a new magazine called Stylish Magazine. They say that it started with a vision of a few women wanting to elevate regional living.

"From the first thought, I was definitely thinking about all of WNC and then beyond, because there are (instances) where people come here from they have second homes. They retire here, so lets let them know what’s here before they get here,” said Carla Myron, the CEO and publisher of Stylish Magazine.

Myron lives in Waynesville and explains how she realized there wasn’t a local place for all the information that goes into looking and feeling great for women.

Myron was in the middle of a workout when the thought occurred to create their own. That’s when she reached out to other local women who were all excited and ready for the challenge.

“They used the word needed, this is needed, so before it had a name, it was a collaboration,” Myron said.

The women behind the pages say it’s not just about looking fabulous - it’s also about feeling fabulous. The idea was built out of the small mountain town of Waynesville.

Myron said it’s about thinking of the women here locally and beyond that. She said many have second homes or retire in the mountains, and she wants them to know what this region has to offer before they get here.

They believe that WNC has a lot to offer and their magazine is about creating a platform that celebrates the region's sophistication and experiences.

And it offers more than just fashion, they said. When flipping through Stylish Magazine, readers can expect to read reviews of fine dining, highlights of vineyards and wine shops to explore, as well as top picks for beauty, health and lifestyle.

One aspect that Myron said readers can always count on is a best furry friend being included. She explained that when they do a profile on a woman, they always include her dog, and that the dog will always be on the last page.

Brittani Summey, associate publisher, said that it’s about being informative and letting people know they’re here.

They want the magazine to be the go-to resource for women seeking luxury services, high-end shopping, and exceptional experiences throughout WNC.

Laura Ellis, contributor, said everything is in there for the visitor and for the local.

“It’s not just beauty and fashion; there are health tips and it addresses the entire person,” Ellis said.

Myron said the magazine was in the works before Helene.

She explained how it became very important to them to showcase businesses affected by Helene, but to focus on what the business is about, not what happened to them.

“If we can give them a little help, a little exposure, we’ll continue to do that cause we’re here, we were all impacted,” she said.

They’re all proud to see their vision become reality.

To keep their costs down in 2026, there will be one issue released for the spring and summer and then another for the fall and winter.

They plan to go quarterly in 2027.

The first issue, Fall/Holiday 2025, is out now everywhere you buy magazines