Smoky Mountain Majesty

Founded in 1810 by Colonel Robert Love, a Revolutionary War soldier, Waynesville is named for General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who was Love’s commander. He must have made quite an impression on Col. Love with his daring military exploits and fiery demeanor. The town of Waynesville is just the opposite. Quiet and unassuming, it is home to many artists, who draw inspiration from the high peaks of the mountains that ripple off in the distance.

Since the middle 1880s, travelers have made their way to this broad valley surrounded on all sides by mountains approaching 6,000 feet. You might recognize one of those – Cold Mountain – made famous by the Civil War-era novel by Charles Frazier. Ironically enough, the last shots of the Civil War east of the Mississippi were fired right here.

As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was dedicated in 1940, Waynesville touted itself as the Gateway to the Smokies. By then, the building that is now the Mast Store, then known as The Toggery, was serving residents and visitors to town with quality clothing at reasonable prices. We hope you’ll find the same service and an even wider selection of goods today.

Parking

Parking is free on-street, in surface lots, and in the parking deck behind the Haywood County Courthouse (access the entrance off Branner Avenue). A small number of spots are available behind the Mast Store just off Montgomery Street. If you have questions about parking, the number to the Town of Waynesville is 828-452-2491.

For information about parking motorcoaches and RVs, please call Haywood County Tourism at 828-944-0761.

Get Directions

Plan Your Visit

Waynesville is located at the Gateway to the Smokies. From hiking and enjoying the
outdoors to a stroll down Main Street to visit with local artists, there is much to see and do.

Hart Theatre

The Shelton House

Visit Haywood

Area Events

JUNE 26, 2026

Mountain Street Dances

Downtown Waynesville • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

LEARN MORE

Weekly on Saturday

Haywood Historic Farmers Market

Hart Theatre • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

LEARN MORE

Local Flavor

The Story Behind the Store

This building, located on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville, was built in the 1930s and was called the Toggery. This fine clothier was similar to a Belk's or an Efird's.

The floor layout was similar to what you find now at the Mast Store. As you walk in the front door from Main Street, The Toggery had its men's and ladies' departments, along with the shoe department, on the main floor. Where the present day outdoor department is, on the mezzanine, was used as storage.

Downtown Waynesville in the late 1930s/early 1940s

Image courtesy of Haywood County Library Collection

The offices were located where the current offices are, in the front of the building. To easily exchange information from the office and the sales floor, a pulley system was used to request change, etc.

Waynesville Mast Store

The Mast Store in Downtown Waynesville circa today.

The Mast Store in Waynesville was the first location outside of the High Country. The building stood empty before it was purchased and opened in 1991 as a Mast Store.

Community Partners

In a time when general stores dotted the landscape, business was a mutually beneficial agreement, and it was done with a handshake. That could easily describe our relationship with our Community Partners. The Mast Store supports many groups in its local areas that help meet human needs, champion the arts, promote conservation, and contribute to moving the community forward. These are just a few of the organizations we support locally.

Folkmoot

Friends of the Smokies

Manna Foodbank

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy