In this day and age, when the world seems to be one chaotic situation after another, all while the incessant white noise and constant distraction in the digital age peels away our sanity, I find a genuine urge to head for the mountains and hit the trails. So, I do so, happily. 

A special stage production of “Peter & The Starcatcher” will be held on select dates and times through June 28.

This wildly inventive production explores the origins of some of literature’s most beloved characters in a fast-paced journey filled with magic, humor and heart. 

Celebrating the beauty, creativity and versatility of fiber art, “Threads,” the latest exhibition at the Haywood County Arts Council, will be on display through Aug. 3 at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. 

The annual QuickDraw art fundraiser will once again be held from 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.

The cocktail social will include an hour-long QuickDraw Challenge, live/silent auction, refreshments and dinner. Live artists will be working in the public eye, creating timed pieces, which will then be auctioned off. 

Create great memories for yourself, your family and friends this summer by joining the Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla at Lake Junaluska during its Independence Week Celebration, held June 28 through July 5. 

To the Editor:

Friends and wisitors to Haywood County, we count it as a privilege to volunteer with the anti-hunger program of Haywood Christian Ministry. We sort donated food and produce which is then distributed through the food pantry, food lockers or at feeding sites.  We began this work in late 2024, after Hurricane Helene devastated much of our region, leaving many in Haywood County homeless and without access to an adequate source of food.

After 60 years and just one ownership change eight years ago, Joey’s Pancake House is still thriving, with a healthy reputation that extends far beyond the mountains of Western North Carolina. 

Next week, the restaurant will celebrate its diamond anniversary with a special day of live music, food and events, including a pancake-eating contest.

A prominent regional storyteller, Davy Arch will join the “Conversations with Storytellers’ series at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.

Arch tells Cherokee stories and presents lectures on Cherokee history and culture. He also demonstrates carving, flint knapping and mask making. Using artwork from different mediums, he describes both Cherokee history and contemporary Cherokee life. 

A new flock is preparing to glide across the waters of Lake Junaluska this summer. Seven pedal-powered swan boats could arrive as early as Independence Day Weekend, bringing a new whimsical recreation experience to the 200-acre mountain lake.

Designed to look like oversized swans, the swan boats celebrate the lake’s actual swans, which were first introduced in the community in 1989. Crafted by Adventureglass, the 10-foot boats are large enough to accommodate up to five guests and have optional Bimini-style sunshade canopies.

The 2026 Smoky Mountain Yoga & Wellness Festival will be held June 19-21 on the Folkmoot Friendship Center Campus in Waynesville.

Celebrating whole-body wellness with 38 classes and workshops, this second-annual event has grown into a full weekend of yoga, but also sound and somatic therapy, kirtan, qigong, hooping, empowering workshops, hiking, forest bathing and more.