The neighboring towns of Canton and Clyde are the bedrock of eastern Haywood County. They largely grew up out of service to the Blue Ridge Paper Products mill. When the paper mill’s former owner, Champion International, planned to close it down in 1998, the workers and union pooled together and bought the mill to keep it running. It was employee-owned for several years has been acquired by an international conglomerate headquartered in New Zealand.

Many of the homes in the area, particularly in downtown Canton, are architectural gems. The unique, well-designed buildings housed mill workers and managers. The town rose in the early 1900s and was the happening place in Haywood County.

The downtown buildings are an interesting mix of styles with notable structures such as the Imperial Hotel. Built soon after the railroad reached Canton around 1880 was originally a home. Over the years it was advertised as “one of the best commercial hotels of the $2 class in this state” and in 1918 was renovated to become separate offices, shops and residences. The town’s Main Street historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Clyde is a sprawling town with seemingly loosely defined borders as it is sandwiched between Waynesville and Canton. You’ll find Haywood Community College located here, with its renowned professional crafts program. The historic Shook Museum in the Shook-Smathers House on the west side of town was built around 1795. Bishop Francis Asbury, a famous Methodist traveling preacher, visited here in 1810. After floods swamped the downtown area in 2004, a just-finished renovation project has added brick pavers and a pleasant pedestrian area. Look for “The Big Gun” a local landmark and war memorial often used for giving directions — as “Turn before/after The Big Gun.”

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 10 — Junaluska Singers in concert at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. $14.50 adults, $6 children. 7:30 p.m.

November

• 10 — Veteran’s Day Tribute to Haywood County veterans, featuring Asheville Symphony Orchestra in Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska. 7 p.m. 828.452.6000.

December

• 4 — Annual night-time Christmas Parade

• 12 — Junaluska Singers in concert at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. $14.50 adults, $6 children. 7:30 p.m.

Attractions

• Canton Area Historical Museum — Displays on the town’s history, starting with its early settlement. The museum is in the Visitor’s Center at 36 Park St. 828.646.3412.

• Colonial Theater — The historic Colonial Theatre was built in 1932 and renovated in 1992 and again in 2006 giving the town a multi-use facility with state of the art film, video and sound equipment. Movies are often shown there, and community events held. 828.648.2363.

• Murals — Many downtown buildings in Canton have large murals, making a walking tour fun. The town’s bandits are still locked up in a small plaza located between Main and Bridge Streets.

• Old Pressley Sapphire Mine — Flume for sapphires and other gems. One of world’s largest blue sapphires was discovered here, earning the mine a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Open seven days a week. Exit 33 off I-40. 240 Pressley Mine Rd. 828.648.6320

• Pigeon River Scenic Walking Trail — This mile and a half walking trail is located along the beautiful Pigeon River in Canton. Along the length of the trail are benches to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery and wildlife. Further along downstream you’ll find a boat access ramp for those wishing to canoe or fish. Also a great place to feed ducks and geese.

• Shook Museum — The museum is located in the recently restored Shook-Smathers House, originally constructed in the federal and late Victorian periods and thought to be the oldest home in Haywood County. The house includes several antiques and a chapel on the third floor. 178 Morgan Street in Clyde. 877.620.2300.

Dining & Nightlife

• El Chappala — Mexican restaurant. 124 Main St. in Canton. 828.235.9195.

• El Pobre — Mexican restaurant with a diverse menu featuring house specialties, lots of chorizo and spicy relleno peppers. Located outside of town at 6841 Cruso Rd. 828.235.9311.

• Jukebox Junction Soda Shoppe — Memorabilia covered walls served up with chili dogs, sandwiches and milkshakes. Located outside of town at 6306 Pigeon Rd. 828.648.4546.

• Sagebrush Steakhouse — Traditional steakhouse located just outside Canton proper. 53 Buckeye Cove Rd. 828.646.3750.

• Sherrill’s Pioneer Restaurant — Honest, unadorned meat and vegetables diner with excellent homemade pies. 8363 Carolina Blvd. in Clyde. 828.627.9880.

• Skeeter’s Cold Mountain BBQ — Local, reliable barbecue. Located outside of town at 6147 Pigeon Rd. 828.648.6446.

Visitor Center

• The Town of Canton visitor’s center is located at 36 Park Street. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. 828.646.3412.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 183 Park St. in Canton. 828.648.2634. 8639 Carolina Blvd. in Clyde. 828.627.2831.

• Haywood County Library — Public access to the Internet is available at all locations in one-hour time slots and on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon., Wed. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1:30 to 5 p.m. 11 Pennsylvania Ave. in Canton. 828.648.2924.

• Urgent Care — There are two Urgent Care centers, one located behind Haywood Regional Hospital on Leroy George Drive in Clyde, which is open seven days a week, and a second at 556 Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville, which is open Monday through Friday. All patients are seen on a walk-in basis. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, call the Urgent Care Center at 828.452.8354 or Urgent Care West at 828.452.8890.