Embark on Waynesville’s Exciting Summer Photo Challenge
Welcome to the Sizzlin’ Summer Photo Challenge in Waynesville, North Carolina! Get ready to embark on an adventure like no other as we take you on a journey through the stunning beauty of this picturesque mountain town. With its vibrant culture, charming shops, and breathtaking landscapes, Waynesville offers the perfect backdrop for your summer photography escapades.
This summer, join us as we explore the town’s vibrant arts scene, sample its delicious cuisine, and take in the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned professional, this photo challenge will push you to explore the hidden gems and capture the essence of our charming mountain town in all its glory. So, grab your camera, pack your bags, and prepare for a summer adventure that will leave you breathless. The challenge awaits!
How it Works
This photo challenge aims to provide you and your loved ones the chance to show off your skills, discover new perspectives, and create memories that will last a lifetime. From outdoor adventures to art tours and historical landmarks to bustling street scenes, complete and capture the ten tasks outlined below in Waynesville, North Carolina to win yourself bragging rights!
Make sure to post your photos with the #WNCSizzlinSummerChallenge hashtag to participate. No cheating!
*Disclaimer: The hours of local shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities outlined in the following sections are subject to change. Please visit individual websites for details.*
Capture the Following to Complete the Photo Challenge
You and the Gateway to the Smokies
This first task is pretty easy, and a great way to introduce you to our side of the Smoky Mountains. All you have to do is find Waynesville’s Gateway to the Smoky Mountains arch and take a photo under it. This gorgeous “gateway” is actually a replica of the arch that once spanned Main Street in the mid-1930s through the 1970s and pays homage to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a wonderful reminder of the immense wilderness in Waynesville’s backyard. You can find it at 185 N. Main Street.
A Sunrise or Sunset Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
This next task is so easy that you technically don’t even have to leave your car to snap the picture, but we strongly recommend getting out for a pit stop to take in these breathtaking views. You’ll have to cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway either early in the morning or right before dusk to click a picture of our gorgeous mountain-scapes during sunrise or sunset. Trust us, you’ll be happy to have captured these painted skies to show your friends.
You or Your Four-Legged-Friend on One of Waynesville’s Trails
Waynesville is all about making memories with the entire family, and that includes your four-legged friends. Wander one of Waynesville’s many trails, like Looking Glass Falls, Cataloochee Valley, and Pisgah National Forest, and capture a picture of either yourself or your pup to complete this task. After all, 2023 was named North Carolina’s Year of the Trail.
Sniff Deer Fart
Yep, you heard us right, but you may have interpreted it wrong! We want you to visit The Modern Deer in downtown Waynesville. Their boutique shop carries an assortment of home accent pieces including wall décor, farmhouse décor, and numerous handmade and scented goods, one of which is their Deer Fart candle. We want a picture of you sniffing this specific candle. Don’t worry, it’s just strawberry banana scented. We promise, this deer fart smells delightful and is actually one of their bestsellers!
A Golf or Mini-Golf Excursion
Swing into this next task! We’re challenging you to a round of golf at one of Waynesville’s two local golf clubs, Laurel Ridge Country Club & Events Center and Waynesville Inn Golf Club. And as always, don’t forget to snap a picture of you playing!
A Sweet Treat from a Local Shop
Isn’t this challenge just delicious? Let’s take the sweetness up a notch! Head over to Dillsboro Chocolate Factory or Farm to Cake Bakery and treat yourself to a sweet treat. You know what comes next; snap that picture.
A Colorful Sushi Roll from Watami Sushi & Noodles
Nothing fishy here, other than Watami Sushi & Noodles sushi rolls! Go ahead and order a colorful roll and capture a photo of it to mark this item off of your task list.
Your Favorite Piece of Art in Waynesville
Get creative in capturing this one! We’re asking you to capture your favorite piece of art in all of Waynesville, North Carolina. This can be absolutely anything from mural to canvas to handmade mug. Looking for a convenient opportunity to find your favorite piece? Check out Art After Dark, our local gallery-hopping event held every first Friday of the month, May through December.
A New Piece of Apparel from One of Waynesville’s Local Shops
Waynesville is notorious for its local boutiques and clothiers that sell handmade jewelry, chic clothing, cool hats, and so much more. Don’t forget to stop in and pick up a new piece from shops like Flawsome Ladies New and Preloved, Tuskegee Fly Shop, Soul Sisters Depot, and others, so that you can take a picture of it for this task.
A Photo of You Participating in Waynesville’s Mid-Summer Street Dance
You’re getting close to completing the photo challenge, but you’re not quite there yet! Rock to the beat of Waynesville at their Mid-Summer Street Dances! We’ve captured some pretty awesome, candid photos here of families having immeasurable fun, and we know you will too! Visit our Events Page for dates and details.
Congratulations, You’ve Completed the Photo Challenge
Whether you embark on the full challenge or simply test out a few, the time you spend exploring and capturing memories in Waynesville this summer will last a lifetime. Be sure to add #WNCSizzlinSummerChallenge and tag @VisitNCSmokies in your post for a chance to be featured in our social media and marketing.
