Celebrate the traditions of Appalachia with a weekend full of culture, crafts, and music!Main Street will be closed to traffic, creating a festival atmosphere featuring:
Award-Winning Appalachian Music Concert: Kick off the weekend with a Friday night concert on Main Street showcasing the region’s finest musicians.
Hands-on demonstrations: basketry, spinning, quilt block painting, blacksmithing, and more.
Art vendors and live music throughout the event.
A True Crime Trail, uncovering intriguing stories from local history.
Tours of the historic Shelton House, complete with unique exhibits and live craft demonstrations.
The Quilt Trails Bus Tour, offering a scenic journey to explore local quilt blocks, learn regional history, and enjoy a glass of wine on the ride.
Presented by the Downtown Waynesville Commission, Shelton House, and Haywood County Arts Council, this celebration is made possible by the Haywood County TDA and Visit Haywood. Join us May 2-3 for an authentic Appalachian experience filled with heritage, creativity, and community spirit!
Part of the Appalachian True Heritage Festival, the Quilt Trails Bus Tour offers an enriching way to celebrate the culture and creativity of Haywood County. On May 3rd, Main Street will be alive with activity, featuring artist vendors, hands-on demonstrations, a True Crime Trail, and food vendors. The Shelton House will host craft demonstrations and free home tours, adding even more to the day’s festivities.
As part of our Appalachian True Heritage Weekend, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Haywood County with the Quilt Trails Bus Tour! This engaging 1.5-hour journey is perfect for quilt enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about the vibrant stories woven into our community’s landscape.
Relaxing Refreshments: Guests may enjoy a beverage of their choice, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, as they travel and take in the stories and sights.
Historic Significance: The Shelton House is home to the first quilt block in Haywood County, making it a fitting starting point for our journey.
Free Shelton House Tours: On May 3rd, enjoy complimentary tours of the Shelton House, an iconic museum of Appalachian culture.
Local Narration: Enjoy captivating tales from our knowledgeable local guide, who will share the history and significance of the quilt blocks displayed throughout the county. Each block tells a unique story that reflects the heritage, traditions, and creativity of our Appalachian community.
Scenic Landmarks: Travel through picturesque landscapes as we visit iconic quilt block locations and local landmarks. Discover how these symbols of artistry and craftsmanship connect to the people and places of Haywood County.
The Quilt Trails Bus Tour was created to offer a unique and immersive way to explore the beauty and history of our spread-out community landscape. Driving through the picturesque roads of Haywood County can be a challenge for visitors unfamiliar with the area, but this guided bus tour provides a relaxing and enriching alternative. With a local narrator sharing the captivating stories behind each quilt block and landmark, the experience becomes nothing short of magical.
As stewards of the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, the Haywood County Arts Council oversees the creation and placement of quilt blocks throughout the region. We also take custom orders for these cherished symbols of Appalachian culture. The bus tour allows us to merge the artistic traditions of quilt-making with the rich local history of our area, creating a memorable experience that celebrates the spirit of our community.
Date: May 3rd
Time: Tours begin at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM
Capacity: Each van accommodates 13 guests, there will be two vans
Ticket Price: $45 per person, plus NC Sales Tax
Tickets are available below. Early registration is recommended, as spaces fill quickly. Group discounts are available; please contact us for more information.
The Quilt Trails Bus Tour offers a unique way to explore the artistry and heritage of Appalachia. Learn about the traditions behind the quilt blocks and their deep connections to the region’s history. This tour is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit of Haywood County.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the stories behind the quilts. Book your seat today and join us in celebrating the Appalachian heritage that makes our community so special!
To best accommodate your party preference, please select a time and bus (A, B, C, D, E, or F), and be sure you select the same bus to be seated together. There are two buses per departure time of 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. The tour’s duration is approximately one and a half hours.
Remember, the tour begins and ends at The Shelton House, (49 Shelton Street, Waynesville, NC 28786).
Please fill out this vendor form for the Appalachian True Heritage Festival, Downtown Waynesville, May 2-3, 2025.
Discover the wonders of Haywood County, NC. Come stay in exceptional accommodations, indulge in delectable dining, shop to your heart’s content, embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, immerse yourself in the arts scene, and so much more!
To promote artists, art education, and innovation in art.
Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sundays: 11 am – 4 pm
