As autumn blankets Waynesville in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, its the perfect time for leaf peeping. Discover our expert-curated list of prime spots for breathtaking views. Peak colors vary by elevation, so plan accordingly for the ultimate experience. Waterrock Knob Lace up your hiking boots for panoramic fall vistas at Waterrock Knob, the final trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway before Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the 16th highest peak in the Eastern U.S., it offers colors

Planning meals during your vacation can be challenging, especially when seeking healthy, varied options. For travelers to Haywood County in the NC Smokies, a innovative solution now supports both your taste buds and local farmers: Vacationer Supported Agriculture (VSA). NC State Extension recently expanded its VSA program from eastern North Carolina counties—where it was successfully piloted—to Haywood County. This initiative coordinates weekly produce bags for vacationers during the peak fall

Escape the ordinary and host your next corporate retreat, family reunion, or meeting in the stunning North Carolina Smokies. Haywood County boasts an impressive selection of event spaces surrounded by scenic mountain views and wide-open landscapes. Waynesville Inn & Golf Club For over 90 years, this historic mountain golf club has welcomed guests with its bar & grill, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and spacious rooms. Book now before spots fill up—theyre undergoing renovations by Bobby Weed Go

As temperatures drop in the Smoky Mountains, cozy sweaters and fuzzy socks are essentials. But Maggie Valley offers even more ways to embrace winter warmth. Discover inviting places to stay, comforting eats, and exhilarating activities that keep you toasty while exploring our vibrant mountain town. Heat Up at Home Experience genuine Southern hospitality in Maggie Valleys diverse accommodations. Settle into a rustic mountain cabin complete with a crackling fireplace, or choose charming hotels an

Après ski, anyone? This French term for after skiing is a beloved tradition among skiers and snowboarders. After conquering the slopes, gather with friends to share stories over craft drinks and delicious bites. With Cataloochee Ski Area right nearby, Waynesville offers the ideal après ski scene. Discover our curated list of must-visit spots for unforgettable post-slope celebrations. Sit Back and Sip The Classic Wineseller Savor a global selection of wines paired with a curated food menu. Check

Fun Things to Do, Golf, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Maggie Valley, Waynesville November 1, 2021 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Go for a Hike Discover the majesty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, encompassing over 500,000 acres of diverse wildlife and flora. Chase cascading waterfalls ideal for stunning photos, summit scenic peaks for panoramic views, and explore endless trails tailored to every adventurer. Peek at Our Wildlife Did you know Great Smoky Mountai

One of the most rewarding ways to experience Costa Rica is through volunteering. It sustainably supports local economies while offering profound, life-changing travel adventures. Costa Rica is a premier voluntourism destination, boasting diverse programs for every passion: wildlife enthusiasts can guide baby sea turtles to the ocean, conservationists can plant trees to restore forests, and agriculture lovers can master organic farming. Discover our top picks below. Teach English Your native Engl

In the tough 1990s, economic challenges made Cubans ecologists by necessity. Today, facing booming tourism and climate change, Cuba protects 10% of its land, proving its eco-commitments are genuine and robust. Venture beyond crowded tourist spots to these untouched havens of Cuban wilderness for authentic ecotourism experiences. Isla de la Juventud All underwater paths in Cuba lead to Punta Francés, a national marine park off Isla de la Juventud. Crystal-clear waters, protected corals, and

Photographer Dominic documented the Rarámuri Easter celebrations in Mexicos Sierra Tarahumara for Lonely Planet. Follow his journeys in Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled, now screening internationally on National Geographic. Discover his captivating images below. Known as Tarahumara to outsiders, the Rarámuri—meaning those who run fast in their language—hail from the Sierra Tarahumara. Captured here: a man dashing between homes as Good Friday festivities commence. On Good Friday midd

Have you heard of the island that mysteriously disappeared? Bermeja, a small uninhabited island northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula, appeared to vanish without a trace. Previously mapped at 22°33 N, 91°22 W in the Gulf of Mexico, it has puzzled maritime surveys and aerial reconnaissance. Mexicans are eager to uncover its fate. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Spanish explorers consistently depicted Bermeja on maps, sometimes as Vermeja, with minor location variations. From the 18th century onw

The powdery sands and turquoise waters of Mexicos beaches have long captivated travelers. Yet, the southern Pacific Coast offers some of the countrys most tranquil seascapes. Here, visitors hammock between palm trees amid wild mango groves, wander uncrowded shores to the sound of crashing waves, and embrace a relaxed rhythm. This is a haven for unwinding—exploring secluded coves, learning to surf, or enjoying sunset dinners at candlelit seafood spots. Best of all, unlike Cancuns overdeveloped la

Bermuda has earned its infamous reputation as the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic, a treacherous paradise that once struck fear into sailors and their families with tales of peril and loss. Yet, this very danger transforms into an extraordinary opportunity for snorkelers and scuba divers, who travel from around the world to experience some of the planets premier wreck diving sites amid stunning turquoise waters. Bermudas strategic position in the Atlantic Ocean, directly in the path of the Gul

Travel is poised for a strong rebound in 2011 after quieter years, marking the years biggest trend. Here are 11 more specific trends to watch, curated by travel expert Robert Reid. Civil War Reenactments. Far more engaging than stereotypes suggest, 2011 kicks off the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War with four years of battle reenactments, period balls, and expert lectures. Check the U.S. National Park Services dedicated microsite for events. Highlight: Civil War-era baseball at Manassas (

Imagine the soothing rhythm of gentle waves and clinking glasses at sunset—thats Barbados. Drawing from Lonely Planet Magazine, this guide spotlights the islands highlights: must-see sights, delectable eats, and ideal accommodations amid its tropical allure. Barbados blends lush tropical landscapes with colonial legacies, including grand plantation homes, sugarcane fields, rum distilleries, and historic townships. Its beaches shine brightest: the Atlantic-pounded east coast draws surfers, while

The road is life, Jack Kerouac wrote in his 1950s classic On the Road, a phrase that perfectly encapsulates Cubas post-Special Period transportation landscape. Cubans get around in quirky, vintage vehicles ingeniously hybridized with remarkable creativity, offering an intimate glimpse into the resilient heart of daily island life. The Cold War on Wheels Thanks to masterful mechanics, Cuba serves as a living museum for pre-1959 American classics from Detroit. These streamlined icons evoke an era

Adrenaline enthusiasts, rejoice: Costa Rica offers far more than peaceful nature walks. This dynamic destination is a paradise for extreme sports, delivering heart-pounding adventures on land and sea—from soaring through rainforest canopies to conquering raging rivers. Canopy Tours (Ziplining) Experience the rainforest canopy like never before with zip-line tours in Monteverde. Strap into a harness and glide through the treetops at exhilarating speeds. Head north to Arenal for more high-flyi

Belizes forested highlands conceal Central Americas vastest cave network, featuring some of the Western Hemispheres largest underground passages and chambers. Sculpted from limestone by the Chiquibul River, these caves teem with unique troglobitic creatures and occasional submerged explorers. Mayan lore identifies the Chiquibul system as the gateway to Xibalba, the foreboding Maya underworld. The Place of Fright Xibalba, meaning the place of fright, housed the Maya Lords of Death and their malev

Slip on your headphones, queue up your favorite playlist, and embark on an extraordinary worldwide music journey. From classic rock n roll to the iconic Mersey Beat and provocative German cabaret, this itinerary will have you tapping your toes to diverse rhythms. April is ideal to start, aligning with key festivals along the way. (Explore our other dream trips for art, movie, food, and outdoor enthusiasts.) Memphis and the Mississippi Delta, USA Beyond the flashy sequined suits and oversized col

El Salvador boasts stunning diversity, from misty mountain cloud forests and active volcanoes to colonial towns, lush valleys, black-sand beaches, and world-class surf spots—often enjoyed in near solitude due to its under-the-radar status among travelers. Despite a history marked by civil war, natural disasters, and gang challenges, Salvadorans demonstrate remarkable resilience, warmth, and hospitality toward visitors. As a guest in this conservative culture, politeness and respect are key

Experience Caribbean paradise without breaking the bank. Nestled in the western Caribbean Sea, Central Americas idyllic island groups offer stunning, affordable escapes for adventurers. Our expert guide navigates this captivating region, drawing on years of travel insights. San Blas Islands, Panama Off Panamas remote southeastern coast, the pristine San Blas Islands fulfill every castaway fantasy. Administratively part of Panama, this stunning archipelago has been autonomously governed by t