Frog Level Brewing – Waynesville

After a 4.5 hr drive we were happy to be out of the car and ready for a beer! I took Pasha for a quick walk while Leandra scouted the brewery for seating options. She rejected the outdoor patio near the river because there was live music so that area was full and noisy, opting instead to seat us inside near the entrance. To drink, I chose the Berry sour, while Leandra tried the brown ale, and we split a brisket sandwich (ok, but a little bland).

Haywood 209 Cafe – Waynesville

The first of two breakfasts on this trip in cafés attached to a gas station, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but the biscuits were really good! Since it was so close to the house we stayed in we picked up biscuits to-go on our last morning in the mountains as well.

BearWaters Brewing – Canton

We arrived at BearWaters just moments before a downpour, and unfortunately, dogs were not allowed inside, so Leandra had to race back to the car with Pasha and got royally soaked in the process. Although the inside was crowded, we managed to snag an upstairs table to ourselves with a little more space (to dry off). I had the peach cobbler sour (ok, not too sour) and Leandra tried the smoked porter (very smokey and solid).

this pair loved the rain!

Haywood Smokehouse – Waynesville

After exploring the area for the better part of the day we decided to get takeout for dinner and eat back at the house. Last October we had visited the Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro, so we decided to order from the Waynesville location on this trip. They were rather busy so take-away was the right decision, and three of us split a 2 lb brisket, yum!

J Creek Cafe – Waynesville 

The other café attached to a gas station with unassuming decor, a really good, filling American breakfast and friendly waitstaff.

Chef’s Table – Waynesville

Leandra’s birthday was the week we were in the mountains so we made reservations to celebrate at Chef’s Table. This turned out to be a good decision as they were understaffed and turning away folks without one. I enjoyed the chicken and rabbit sausage fettucine, while Leandra ordered the imaginative deconstructed lasagna. They were out of the reasonably priced bubbles on the wine list, so we settled on a rosé instead.

Smoky Mountain Sub Shop by Sandwich Mama’s – Waynesville

Leandra stopped in here to order to-go sandwiches and while those were being made, retrieved my hat from the Chef’s Table where I had accidentally left it the day before. My Cuban was excellent, and so was the cheesesteak. And the best part is they were eaten at an overlook!

Pasha ‘helping’ Leandra get dinner organized