Jonathan Creek is referred to from the locals as J-Creek; some will remember the area as Dellwood. This prime mountain land is one of the most scenic in Haywood County, whose many paths will lead you to some of our most spectacular wilderness areas, including Cataloochee Valley. The area is famous for its abundance of wildlife and plant life.

The elk were reintroduced to the area in the spring of 2001 and they are thriving well. Take a drive through the park into Cataloochee Valley, and you'll see them, grazing quietly along the roads and in the meadows. A male may sit in tall grasses, the spread of his antlers visible above the green, surrounded by cows and calves, with an occasional visit from a wild turkey.

Jonathan Creek is conveniently located between Waynesville and Maggie Valley, NC and joins Interstate-40 and the heart of Haywood County. Jonathan Creek is also home to a host of other attractions including The Swag, one of the nations’ most sought after resorts.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a paradise for photographers and artists. Leisurely drives in the spring are filled with wildflowers, Dogwoods and Rhododendron; fall with brilliant color from hundreds of species of trees and shrubs. Winter can be just as mystical as spring. Awe inspiring ice crystal formations appear from water dripping down rock walls that line much of the parkway. Cool summer rains leave fog drifting around the mountains. And the natural blue haze, which gives the mountain range its name, is almost always there for you to witness.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles along the crests of the Southern Appalachians and runs between two eastern national parks: Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. The parkway, originally called the “Appalachian Scenic Highway” was planned during the administration of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Encounter split rail fences, cabins and barns from a time long gone, and valleys filled with wildflowers. One of Haywood County’s most popular natural attractions is Waterrock Knob. Easily accessible from the Parkway, the Knob provides a breathtaking panoramic view and frames the phrase where the sun rises and sets on our North Carolina Mountains.

Each year, thousands of people call Lake Junaluska home. Lake Junaluska, a Conference and Retreat Center, is the Methodist Headquarters, and since 1913, offers many ministry programs and spiritual retreats.

Lake Junaluska is also open to the public and serves as an exceptional vacation destination. The center includes the Frances Asbury Trail, a 2.5-mile paved walking path, which centers you between thousands of species of roses and a beautiful view of the lake. A wooden foot bridge will halve your walk if you wish and take you to the youth center, where you will find various indoor activities and an outdoor aquatic center, with canoes, paddle boats and a swimming pool.

Some will say... Maggie Valley is the tourist destination for the North Carolina Mountains.  Unsurpassed for its beauty, Maggie Valley is in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.   This town, full of laughter and music is the gateway to Cherokee, the Smokies, and is home to Ghost Town in the Sky, a western themed amusement park. 

Other attractions include The Stompin’ Grounds,  the location of the world champion clogging competition, the Maggie Valley Opry House, featuring Bluegrass Hall of Fame member, Raymond Fairchild, and Eaglenest Entertainment. 

Waynesville, is the county seat for Haywood, and is a destination in itself. This unique town has brick lined sidewalks adorned with flowers, benches and local art. This main street contains is lined with art galleries, most of them artist owned with in house working studios. The buildings date back to the early 1900’s and are historically protected. As you walk through them, you will hear the pop and creak of the original wooden floors still in place.

Waynesville hosts many festivals and events during the summer months, including the Waynesville Street Dances (Square Dancing) and Block Parties. Folkmoot, an international folk festival, always starts with a parade down Main Street and the countries invited give everyone a glimpse of what is to come in a festive dance in front of the Historic Courthouse. There are many festivals and events throughout the year that keep Waynesville full of life. Festivals of Arts and Crafts, Fine Art and Artisans, Food, and Music are always just a few days apart.

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina and is expanding daily. Asheville is an extremely popular city, known for its art, music, and food. It continually gets national attention by finding itself on lists such as “The 50 Most Alive Places To Be”, “America’s Top 25 Arts Destinations”, “Best Places to Reinvent Your Life”, and many more.

Asheville has it all, from the Biltmore House – our nations largest private house to Bell Chere, the southeast’s largest street festival. The days are filled with people, bustling around shopping, dining and being entertained. The evenings are vibrant, the nightlife scene ranges from wine bars, and brewpubs to sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, street musicians and the popular long-running drum circle. Local playhouses present, dramas, musicals and comedies nightly.