Howells at the Moon Farm

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween and what a gorgeous fall we are having here in Waynesville, NC. I've added some photos for interest.

I also wanted to update our potential guests that we are pausing our Airbnb subscription for January through March 2027. Airbnb has become increasingly difficult for hosts to deal with; restricting us from taking care of our properties when asking guests to not leave food scraps or dishes in sinks or on decks because it invites black bears. There have been several very aggressive encounters here in the area, with one instance in Asheville where a bear actually entered the home to get the food lying out. We also ask our guests to pick up after their dogs outside and we even provide the p**p bags, but now Airbnb is telling us we can't do that now either. This is our property, not Airbnb's and we will continue to look after it as we see fit so our guests can enjoy the coziness, cleanliness and comfort it provides. NC law requires that we have guests sign rental agreements for their stay, and Airbnb has banned them. We must follow the law in our state. Many hosts have appealed, but so far Airbnb is not budging. Many hosts are also pausing or canceling their subscriptions on Airbnb's site as a result, and we are now joining them. If you'd like to rent our cabins, you can find us on VRBO or you can call me (828-506-5868) and book direct to avoid all the fees. Enjoy the fall!

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

https://www.visithaywood.com/planning/when-to-visit/fall

Unwind in the peaks this fall with a guide to fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains near Haywood County NC. Plan your leaf-peeping trip today.

09/14/2026

On October 17th in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains, the Apple Harvest Festival takes place in the mountain town of Waynesville, bringing a full day of fall fun to historic Main Street. The 38th annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to attend. You can enjoy mountain-grown apples, fresh c***r, apple fritters, pies, tarts, caramel apples, turnovers, and other seasonal treats, along with old-fashioned c***r pressing and hand-cranked ice cream. More than 180 vendors will line downtown with pottery, jewelry, artwork, textiles, yard décor, gifts, and other handmade goods. Festival rules require arts and crafts sold by vendors to be handmade or handcrafted by the seller, with mass-produced items not allowed. Live bluegrass, clogging, heritage dancing, and other regional performances add plenty of mountain flavor throughout the day. The event is traditionally held on the third Saturday in October, and downtown shops and restaurants stay right in the middle of the action. With colorful mountain scenery surrounding Waynesville, it makes for an easy fall day trip.

07/13/2026

https://visithaywood.com/

From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we’re your official guide to all that Western North Carolina has to offer. Come visit Haywood, NC!

07/12/2026

Haywood Wild is building a new way to explore Haywood County.

Through local stories, outdoor adventures, wildlife, food, makers, and the people who call these mountains home, our goal is to create a free resource that celebrates the very best of Haywood County.

One of the first sections we’re launching is Makers of Haywood—a showcase of local artists, craftspeople, growers, producers, and creators.

If that’s you, we’d love to hear your story.

Complete the form in the comments below to be considered for future features on Haywood Wild.

And if you know a talented maker who belongs here, please share this post with them.

07/12/2026

07/12/2026

How many places can say that all of our water in Haywood County originates from our mountains? Our well water is the most delicious water you will ever have the privilege to taste.

STORIES OF HAYWOOD | No. 003

Where Water Is Born

Every river has a beginning.

In Haywood County, that beginning is here.

Haywood County is North Carolina’s only true headwaters county. Unlike every other county in the state, no rivers or streams flow into it from elsewhere. Every creek, every stream, and every river begins here, born from mountain rainfall, natural springs, and the forests of the Blue Ridge before flowing outward to communities across North Carolina and Tennessee.

Long before maps traced these waters, the Cherokee understood their importance. Clear mountain streams provided food, fresh water, and pathways through the valleys, connecting people to one another and to the land itself.

Today, those same waters continue their journey. They carve our mountains, sustain native brook trout, nourish forests and farms, and become the rivers that millions of people downstream depend upon.

Every drop that leaves Haywood County begins with a single moment here.

A spring.

A stream.

A mountain.

And a place where water is born.

—

Stories of Haywood is an ongoing series from Haywood Wild exploring the people, places, wildlife, history, and traditions that make Haywood County unique.

Haywood Wild • Start Here • Go Anywhere

04/15/2026

Come visit Waynesville, voted the #2 Best Main Street in the US! Our cabins are 10 minutes from downtown, close enough to enjoy all the region has to offer, but out far enough to have your very own peaceful oasis. Come get refreshed in the Smokies.

Waynesville, NC is the largest town in Western North Carolina near the Smoky Mountains. Official guide to everything you need to know for your next visit!