Old Pressley Sapphire Mine Two miles off I40, Exit #33, Waynesville, NC 28786, Canton, 828-648-0620, One of the world's largest Blue Star sapphires were discovered at this mine where you can search for sapphires and other gems. A screen, bucket, and shovel are provided and hillside digging is permitted.

Oconaluftee Indian Village U.S. Highway 441 North; P.O. Box 398, Cherokee, NC 28719, Located 18 Miles West, 828-497-2111 or 828-497-2315, This replica of a 1750s Cherokee Village is open from May through October and features guided tours and numerous historic artifacts. One event for which the village is known for is the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills," which chronicles Cherokee history through the time of the infamous Trail of Tears.

Canton Area Historical Museum 36 Park Street, Waynesville, NC 28786, Adjacent to Canton City Hall, 828-646-3412, Displays about the settling of the Pigeon River area are displayed at this museum that contains an extensive artifact collection that includes records and pictures of the early times and the continual development of the areas along the Pigeon River. 

Haywood Arts Regional Theater 250 Pigeon Strret, Waynesville, NC 28786, P.O Box 1024, 828-456-6322, The region's award winning theater company, performing a year round schedule of plays and musicals from its home, the Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House in downtown Waynesville. This beautiful state of the art facility situated on an eight acre national historic site opened in 1997 and sits in the shadow of Cold Mountain. HART's productions have attracted audiences from throughout the region for more than two decades.  

Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts 307 Shelton Street, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828-452-1551, Located in the historic Shelton House which was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum features comprehensive exhibits of 19th century crafts and furniture, as well as Native American artifacts, unique pottery, quilts, baskets, sculptured porcelain, and dulcimers. 

Santa's Land Theme Park & Zoo Route 1 Box 134-A, Waynesville, NC 28719, Cherokee, 828-497-9191, You can enjoy live theatre, watch the baby bears being fed, ride the Famous Rudicoaster, pet the reindeer in the petting zoo, see exotic animals and birds, visit Santa and the Christmas shop, and ride a paddle boat to Monkey Island and see some of the largest golf fish in the country while visiting this very unique park and zoo. more...

Waynesville Recreation Park Marshall Street and Vance Street, 828-456-8577, A wide variety of sports and other activities are available at this scenic park that includes volleyball courts, tennis courts, a children's playground, picnic facilities, an outdoor pool, and a lighted track for jogging and walking.

Silohouse Vineyard and Winery 950 Walker Road, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828-456-5408, Situated on three acres on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains at an elevation of 3,200 feet, this winery specializes in Cabernet, Sauvignon, and Chardonnay varietal wines with wine tastings available.