Got an insatiable sweet tooth? Haywood County has lots of ways to please your cravings! With several locally-owned bakeries, ice cream parlors, and chocolate shops, you know you’re going to get excellent service along with fresh, made-to-order treats. Keep reading to find your next favorite place to get something sweet in the Smokies!
Bakeries
Kandi’s Cakes & Bake Shop
You can find this gem right by the Oak Park Inn, just a short walk from Downtown Waynesville. Kandi’s decades of experience as a baker and exceptional customer care make this bake shop a must-see. Grab dinner at Mad Anthony’s or Bogart’s across the road, then head here for a cream horn to complete your meal!
Moo Mountain Bakery
This Maggie Valley favorite offers breakfast, lunch, and handmade baked goods. Not only is all their food made fresh daily, they’re constantly rotating new items onto their menu, so you have to keep coming back to try it all. And good luck eating just one cinnamon roll!
The Big Bun
The name says it all! The Big Bun Eatery in Clyde is much more your average bakery, offering plenty of savory items to go with their sweet Big Buns, apple bars, and muffins. Grab something to go, then check out Clyde’s Big Gun (hence the name), just a short walk away. Keep them in mind when you’re craving wings, too—their wing truck always has great deals. Check their Facebook page to see when they’re available.
Just Simply Delicious
This confectionary shop in Waynesville makes beautiful, delicately handcrafted cakes, and offers a selection of cheesecakes, pies, and pastries. Although they mostly sell their fresh-made goods at markets, you can still order custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and more. Showing up to work with a breakfast pastry tray will put you in good favor with everyone in the office.
Ice Cream Shops & Milkshakes
Jack the Dipper
Jack’s Waynesville location is a family favorite for a reason. Warm waffle cones and over 30 delicious flavors can make anyone’s day, no matter what the weather’s like outside! Located off of Russ Avenue, you can get some shopping done and grab a quick bite to eat before treating yourself.
Log Cabin Frozen Treats
Let these delicious treats swirl your world at Log Cabin! Their uniquely delicious frozen treats include soft custard, gelato, Italian ice, reduced fat ice cream, and froyo. This is the place to go if you want to cure your cabin fever!
Jelly Bellies Mountain Gift Shop
There are lots of one-of-a-kind stores in Maggie Valley’s Market Square, but none sweeter than Jelly Bellies. One side of the shop is designated to serving Blue Bell ice cream to complement their souvenirs, candies, and chocolates.
Jukebox Junction
The classic diner vibe in Jukebox Junction is worth experiencing, but their 12 delicious milkshake flavors should sweeten the deal. This place really has it all, so make plans to enjoy a full meal (we recommend the buffalo burger) and top it off with a creamy milkshake.
Haywood 209
This recently reopened traditional diner-style restaurant offer great takes on local cuisine. Their milkshakes are raved about and their dessert case is always stocked with freshly-baked goodies made in-house by their baker, Mamaw.
The Strand
Settle down for a movie at The Strand with your favorite theater snacks, plus a pint of beer and some local ice cream. With over a dozen ice cream flavors, don’t be surprised if your cone, cup, milkshake, float, or brownie sundae doesn’t make it through the previews!
Chocolate Shops
Jelly Bellies Mountain Gift Shop
Yes, they have so much to offer they’ve made the list twice! Try handmade chocolates and seasonal fudge while you’re here. As satisfying as it is to look at, you better take some home to share (or not—we’ll leave that up to you). Offerings change seasonally: stop by in the summer for Creamsicle fudge and in the fall for Pumpkin Pie Fudge.
The Chocolate Bear
The Chocolate Bear is perfectly placed in the heart of Downtown Waynesville, only a few doors down from Sunburst Market, so there’s no excuse not to drop in as you’re strolling through town. We’ve tested and can confirm their truffles pair well with any 6 pack from Boojum Brewing!
Steeplechase English Toffee
Though it’s not quite chocolate, the toffee at Steeplechase is worth branching out for. Their classic recipe uses only fresh ingredients and doesn’t include and preservatives. If you can’t make it to their location, you can also order their products online here. This shop is right by Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon, and makes for a great, freshly-sourced dessert.
It’s safe to say Haywood County’s a pretty sweet place to visit any time of year. If you visit any of these places on your next trip, we’d love to see your photos! Tag pictures of you and your favorite treats across social media using #HAYNOW.
