Waynesville Shopping & Dining

Waynesville

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Waynesville is the oldest town in Haywood County and a great place to shop and dine. Unique shops line the main street where the renowned Mast General Store offers fashions, comfortable footwear, outdoor and travel gear, rocking chairs, and over 500 old-fashioned candies. Waynesville offers arts and…

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Buttercup Haven During the Holidays

Christmas tree at Buttercup Haven

Margaret personally decorates Buttercup Haven for the holidays each year. In 2021, the home looked amazing and was really appreciated by her guests. In 2022, Buttercup Haven will be decorated in time for guests arriving at the beginning of November through early January 2023. Guests interested in staying at Buttercup Haven for the holidays should…

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Where Shadows Walk

Two-hour haunted history walking tours begin in late March and run through the end of the year. Tickets are $20 per person (admission is free to children six or under). Private tours and out-of-season tours are also offered. The Where Shadows Walk team has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Weird Travels” and has earned…

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Waterfalls

There are 16 scenic waterfalls in Southwestern North Carolina, including areas of the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We recommend taking a scenic drive from Buttercup Haven to Highlands via US Highway 64E. There are three falls along the way – Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and…

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Gem Mining

Franklin North Carolina is known as the “Gem Mining Capital Of The World” and it’s a great family activity and popular among children in particular. Most gem mines operate from early Spring through late Fall. Be sure to wear old clothes. For a list of locations and gem mining map, click here. Rose Creek Mine…

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Bicycling and Mountain Biking

Bring your own bike or rent one from Motion Makers Bike Shop in Sylva. A list of easy, intermediate, and difficult bike trails can be found on the Franklin Chamber website. The Tsali mountain bike trail system attracts thousands of biking enthusiasts to the area every year and offers four loops and 40 miles of nationally…

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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Two scenic railway excursions run from Bryson City through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, providing a day trip for all the family to enjoy. Select from one of two excursions from March to December. The Tuckasegee River excursion runs on Saturdays only in Jan & Feb. Nantahala Gorge is a 4.5-hour round trip into the Nantahala Gorge. It stops at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and…

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Biltmore Estate & House

George W. Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate includes: The 250-room Biltmore House 75 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens The nation’s most visited Antler Hill Village and Winery Shopping Dining (Several restaurants and outdoor eateries) Hiking/biking trails Seasonal events and activities. (E.g. Christmas is a great time to visit) Plan an entire day and check out the events…

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A Foodie Road Trip to Julep Farms

Julep Farms is one of our recommended road trips. Sitting on 22 acres of rolling pastures in Dillard, GA, it’s a 30-minute drive due south of Buttercup Haven. The restaurant is Julep Kitchen and it offers “New American cuisine with a Southern Twist” and seasonal cooking with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The Julep Market offers freshly…

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Buttercup Haven in the Summer

Franklin NC vacation rental

Buttercup Haven is perched on a ridge at an elevation of over 2800 feet with sweeping 270-degree views and cooling breezes. Summer temperatures are typically in the mid-80s with 14 hours or so of daylight. BestPlaces ranks Franklin’s climate as one of the most pleasant places in North Carolina. Most Summer visitors to Buttercup Haven arrive…

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