HART - Haywood Arts Theatre Catering to NC Mountain Communities

Folks that are culturally inspired looking for the ultimate spring break where fabulous off- Broadway shows mingle with the Great Smoky Mountains should consider a visit to the upbeat and historical town of Waynesville, North Carolina.  There are plenty of things to do in Waynesville NC which is only a short drive from the fabulous art town of Asheville.  Waynesville is the largest town in western North Carolina and is imbedded in the Great Smoky Mountain Park with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a 469-mile scenic road that winds through the mountains in tandem with the infamous Appalachian Trail.  It is here where the notable Haywood Arts Regional Theatre ( HART) can be found.  

The HART was established in 1984 by Rex and Elizabeth “Libba” Feichter who had the insight to create a space to encourage artistic expression and offer performances to stimulate both visitors and residents to visit this exquisite mountain refuge.  The complex sits on an eight acre National Historic site and features multiple venues for enjoying some incredible entertainment all within the confines of an awe-striking scenic mountain resort hidden within the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The theatre, located at 250 Pigeon Street downtown, underwent a significant expansion in 2003 and now houses multiple options to display some of the best local talent drawing tourists country-wide to visit this NC mountain community.  There is the James Auditorium (named after epic supporters Phil and Loraine James) which houses 255 seats at the Performing Arts Center located at the Shelton House. 

The Fangmeyer Theater  (a new expansion named after Daniel and Belle Fangmeyer) features a 140 seat auditorium as well as the Harmon’s Den Bistro that is open for exquisite regional dishes and drinks before and after the wide variety of shows that are featured here providing a great way to mingle with cast members and neighbors.  The Harmon’s Den is a tribute to supporters John and Susie Harmon and serves as the perfect complement  while enjoying the incredible performances that are offered at this highly acclaimed theater.   There is also the Feichter Studio Theatre named after the founders that offers an intimate 75 seat space where local actors perform some edgy and sometimes experimental works year round.   It’s no wonder Waynesville NC real estate is some of the most sought after in the country.  Even after just one visit, many home seekers have decided to call Waynesville home.  While visiting, take the time to visit some of the incredible NC mountain communities that grace this immaculate and captivating region.

There are some amazing shows planned for the 2017 season at HART and theater buffs should consider this worthwhile experience in one of the best kept secrets in western North Carolina.  This is the overview of the performances offered this year:

• A PICASSO-March 24, 25 at 7:30 pm, March 26 at 2:00 pm, Hold over/Snow dates March 31, April 1 & 2 this performance reflects an interrogation of Pablo Picasso about 3 paintings that were “confiscated” by the Nazis confirming his artwork as his own.  This cat-and-mouse drama raises issues about art, politics and truth with Miss Fischer who is investigating the case, a surprising climax adds an unforgettable ending to this show.  THE Feichter Studio
• THE LOVES OF ELAINE-April 7 & 8 at 7:30 pm and April 9 at 2:00 pm   Hold over/Snow dates April 14, 15, 16 When Elaine’s mom passes, a stash of love letters were uncovered revealing associations with some incredible men who were in love with her revealing a whole new side previously unrevealed.  The Feichter Studio
• CHARLOTTE’S WEB-Saturdays , March 25, and, April 1   at 10AM and 2PM This classic tail involves Wilbur the pig wanting to avoid the butcher while Fern can interpret the animals including Templeton and of course Charlotte who is determined to save Wilbur.  This show also offers a kid friendly lunch at Harmon’s Den Bistro.  PAC Main Stage
• THE NERD-April 28, 29, May5, 6, 11, 12, 13 at 7:30pm and April 30, May 7 & 14 at 2pm  This comedy features a young architect who encounters a man who claims to have saved his life in Vietnam.  “…a spring tonic of side-bruising laughter…” – The Milwaukee Tribune.  The Fangmeyer Theater
• THE GREAT GATSBY- May 19, 20, 26, 27, June 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30pm and May 21, 28, June 4 & 11 at 2pm is an adaptation of the novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald by Simon Levy presenting an incredibly creative interpretation of the 1925 novel depicting the Jazz Age.  PAC Main Stage
• PARALLEL LIVES-June 16, 17 at 7:30 and June 18 at 2pm (possible hold over June 23, 24, 25) this creative piece features two sadistic suburban housewives decorating a living room with a hysterical perspective on the universe while portraying themselves as supreme beings.  Feichter Studio
• THE FANTASTICKS Dinner Theatre- June 16, 17, 11, 12, 13, 29, 30 July 1 at  buffet begins at 6pm, show begins at 7:30 and June 18, 14 and July 2 buffet begins  at 12:30pm, show begins at 2pm Includes full buffet beginning 90 min before showtime with coffee or tea and desert at intermission. Wines available for purchase by the glass or bottle.  Considered the longest running show in American Theater History, this funny yet romantic musical tells the tale of 2 fathers trying to keep a boy and girl apart.  The narrator, El Gallo invites the audience to follow the magic of the performance by using their imagination.
• FIDDLER ON THE ROOF- July 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:30pm and July 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2pm This 9 Tony Award winning musical is reveals the struggle of Tevye the milkman and features some of the best musical scores of any Broadway piece.  This classic is a must see.
• MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM- August 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 7:30pm and August 6, 13 and 20 at 2pm- This classic masterpiece by William Shakespeare is being directed by Henry Williamson and is the perfect outingfor an evening of magic and mischief.
• UNNECESSARY FARCE- August 25, 26, September 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 7:30pm and August 27, September 3 and 10 at 2pm – This play involves 2 cops, 3 crooks and a mayor who is about to be busted on videotape in a cheap motel room, turns out to be a not-so- classic “who’s, who” story.  Great and intriguing play.  PAC Main Stage
• THE GLASS MENAGERIE- September 22, 23, 29, 30, October 5, 6, 7 at 7:30pm and September 24, and October 1 & 8 at 2pm – This Tennessee Williams classic is one of the best plays ever written featuring the story of Amanda Wingfield trying to keep her family together and a gentleman caller who throws a twist into the formula.  Fangmeyer Theater
• ZOMBIE PROM The musical - October 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30pm and October 15, 22 and 29 at 2pm- this musical is based on the 1950’s and features a love story about the class bad boy and a pretty senior who fall in love.  After a motorcycle ride to the nuclear waste dump, the glowing “bad boy” returns.  Lots of great music keeps this piece full of energy.  PAC Main Stage
• SHAKESPEARE AT HART SUMMER DRAMA CAMP-June 26 – 30, 2017 10am – 2pm $225 (including a daily box lunch) This workshop is geared to aspiring performers ages 10 and up. CALL THE HART BOX OFFICE at 828 456 6322 for more information or to register.

In addition to the impressive calendar of performances offered at the HART, the facility also hosts the annual world renowned Folkmoot USA festival, the Smoky Mountain Brass Band, Voices in the Laurel and the Haywood County Arts Council series of concerts including the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival.  The Rodwell Visual Arts Gallery is also offered to provide internships to young aspiring actors.

Besides the offering of first class cultural events, Waynesville offers a wide array of activities for both residents and visitors including mouth-watering eateries, exquisite boutiques, antique stores, local breweries and outdoor recreation in one of the most beautiful naturally preserved reserves in the continental United States.  Established in the early 1800’s, this historical town has become the “go-to” spot with brick lined streets and rustic architecture signature to times past.  Lake Junaluska provides the perfect backdrop for the year round festivities that keep this city hopping.  On the southeast side of Waynesville, Pisgah National Forest provides excellent hiking trails to observe the broad range of wildlife species that abounds here.  Cataloochee Valley offers great opportunities to witness elk inhabitation especially in the fall.  The Cataloochee Ski Area is one of the first resorts that opened on the east coast and has an impressive snow blowing system that covers its 16 slopes that grace the area.

In addition to HART, downtown Main Street offers a multitude of art galleries and the Frog Level Art District located at Richland Creek offers a large assortment of artsy shops, restaurants and antique stores for discerning collectors.  The Haywood County Arts Council coordinates a wide variety of art festivals, concerts and exhibits year round that add an extra boost to the energy created in this “one-of-a-kind” mountain town.  

For stimulating creativity for residents, the Haywood Community College offers art courses ranging from art history, poetry, wood carving and photography.  For Boomers, the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center offers classes for adults over 50 ranging from computer classes, music, art and wellness classes.  For active seniors and their families, the 54,000-square foot Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center offers an indoor heated Olympic size pool, exercise equipment, saunas, racquet ball courts, indoor track as well as private training and fitness classes.  Combine these perks with all the outdoor adventures Waynesville has to offer and home buyers come to realize that NC mountain communities offer a perfect place to retire. Sunset Falls at Bald Creek is one of those beautiful gated mountain communities. 

Foodies love the city of Waynesville for its amazing collection of culinary delights that range from regional “farm to table” food to sophisticated eateries that are designed to complement the captivating scenery signature to living in this preserved historical mountain retreat.  The dining options are endless but here are a few to checkout:

• Blossom on Main Thai Fusion
• Bocelli's Italian Eatery 
• Church Street Depot 
• Classic Wineseller 
• Cork & Cleaver 
• Frog's Leap Public House 
• Panacea Coffeehouse, Café & Roastery 
• The Patio Bistro 
• Smoky Mountain Sub 
• The Sweet Onion 

Here are a few more points of interest that residents enjoy while living in this incredible mountain community:

• Smoky Mountains Vista Birding Trails In the Mountains - Great bird watching sites in the mountains.
• Blue Ridge Parkway -a 469-mile recreational motor road connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. 
• North Carolina Arboretum - It's a 434-acre public garden in the Pisgah National Forest, located at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on Highway 191. 
• North Carolina Waterfalls - Waterfalls and many cascades are located in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Nantahala National Forest, around the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest and the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina, including the 411 feet Whitewater Falls which is the tallest series of falls east of the Mississippi.  
• Pisgah National Forest - This magnificent forest has 501,691 acres and stretches across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina's mountains. The Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls. 
• Smoky Mountain National Park - Camping, fishing, picnicking, nature viewing and horseback riding, or just viewing magnificent scenery and taking advantage of photographic opportunities are favorite past times.  View Video

Residents of Waynesville get to enjoy the “best of the best” of good ole fashioned mountain living with Southern hospitality.  Whether its fishing for mountain trout, golfing with a mountain view, or simply exploring the trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway while enjoying the vast array of wildlife and forestry that adorn the region, living in Waynesville is the ultimate place to imbibe the nature, enrich with the thriving culture and  simply enjoy the finer things that life has to offer in the beautiful town of Waynesville, North Carolina.  

So this spring, take the time to explore all the things to do in Waynesville NC and visit the NC mountain communities and discover that Waynesville real estate offers some of the most affordable, yet exciting options for living the American dream.

If you're exploring the area for the first time, ask for our complimentary Waynesville NC relocation information.