Celebrating Small Business Month in Western North Carolina

In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. In October 2024, during the height of leaf peeping season (aka tourist season) in the Smokies, Hurricane Helene tested the entire region’s infrastructure and spirits. There was a moment when the future of local tourism felt uncertain, an extremely unsettling moment for local business owners. For perspective, here at Axe and Awl, about 40% of the business we do through our brick and mortar is thanks to tourism.

One camp wanted to call off tourism to the region for the season, asking visitors to cancel their plans to visit the Smokies, siting unstable infrastructure and the need to rebuild. However, some parts of Western North Carolina experienced worse damage than others, and many small businesses in Haywood County needed less time to recover, knowing that if business didn’t continue as usual in the short-term, it was possible they could go under all together long-term.

Everyone did what they could to survive, the beauty in all of it was watching the community come together to help one another rebuild. Our local small businesses embody the resilience, craftsmanship, connection to the land and people of Western North Carolina. Here at Axe and Awl Leatherworks, we felt the love and support from near and far after Helene, and now during Small Business Month we want to pay it forward.

The Axe and Awl Team’s Favorite Local Small Businesses

The Blue Ridge Beer Hub

“It’s where we go after work to chill”, particularly recommended by leather crafters Travis and Dan because it’s, “not really a bar, there’s nothing rowdy” (but if you’re trying to get rowdy, try The Water’n Hole). Located just off Main Street, this small business sports a large selection of local craft beers, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Dan also mentioned that if you’re just missing the dog to accompany you, there were many displaced after Helene, and the Haywood County Animal Shelter is full of very good boys and girls. (Dan has 5 dogs, he says more is more).

Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery

After you stop for a treat for yourself at the Hub, walk your dog down the street to the newly redesigned Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery and Bar. This is our retail cat, Ivy’s, recommendation, there’s specialty treats made with human-grade ingredients for every type of pet in your life.

Kandi’s Bakery

More interested in treats for yourself? Bailey our fulfillment specialist says Kandi’s is where it’s at. Bailey, a baking aficionado himself, recognizes culinary talent when he tastes it but when asked what his favorite item at this small business is, he said it’s the people that run it that make it truly special to Waynesville. Stop by and grab your favorite pastry and meet some great locals.

KT’s Orchard and Apiary

Another recommendation based on the “badass” owners from Bailey, KT’s also boasts many online reviews raving about how the people who work there “love life” and will infect you with their WNC spirit as you pick your own produce. Bailey also said his brother gets all his bee supplies here for his local honey business, @beeandbarb

Farm to Cake Bakery

Finding yourself in charming ole Hazelwood? Our leathercrafter, Kathi, says Farm to Cake has perfected the croissant, offers many delicious gluten-free pastries, and their new lunch menu is worth the hype.

Within Reach Boutique

Technically a non-profit, Within Reach is a resale store and belongs on this list because they give back to the community in such a big way- profits help local women and children. It’s our painter/ digital marketer, Natalie’s, favorite spot to thrift clothes for herself and her kids, and favorite place to score knick-knacks and art supplies she never knew she needed. The perfect segue to a pleasant afternoon after a delicious lunch at the neighboring Farm to Cake Bakery.

828 Market on Main

Speaking of lunch, knick-knacks, and art- but make it handcrafted and uber local. Kathi and Travis recommend their extensive creative hot dog menu, but once again, we think it’s the people you can meet here that give it the edge. Sit at the bar and enjoy a little drink and charcuterie with the company of the friendly owners and staff, and meet the steady stream of locals dropping in while you shop wares from other local small businesses. This spot is particularly special to Kathi, who first met Courtney and Spencer (our fearless leaders) here by chance when she was new to town with prior leather crafting experience and looking for a job.

The Funky Fern

A one-of-a-kind experience in Waynesville, everyone in our shop loves this place. They just reopened their doors in their new Wall Street location post- Helene and are better and brighter than ever. Stop by and find treasure in the form of vintage pieces sourced from the best estate sales in Haywood County as well as a diverse selection of art and souvenirs from your new favorite WNC makers and small businesses. You won’t be able to leave this place without dopamine flooding your brain.

Dough Boys / Mad Anthony’s

The perfect combo under one roof- pizza and beer. Their whole menu is divine, even the salads, but our painter, Natalie, says the pizza of the week is always a work of art.

The Ten Acre Garden

Looking for a family-friendly afternoon activity? Courtney, our owner, recommends stopping by The Ten Acre Garden for a truly lovely WNC experience- they have it all, from the hospitality, to the views, the wood fired pizza, the hayrides, you-pick flowers, and live music… there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Soul Sister’s Depot

Want to dress like a local? No one needs to know you’re from Florida. Stop by Soul Sisters Depot and get that whimsical southern mountain woman look like our events manager, Ashley. And we would be remiss not to mention what good people these small business owners are, too.

Tuckasegee Fly Shop

Our content specialist/retail associate, Dirk, says this is the spot. Not only can the staff point you to the rainbow trout, they can equip you for the journey and outfit you in locally designed tees so you look cool doing it.

The Cataloochee Ranch

Sit atop a mountain at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and enjoy a world-class dining experience with a view at this breathtaking resort. This one comes recommended by our owners, Courtney and Spencer, and if you’re reading this you’re likely already a fan of their taste so you know it’s good.

Single Tree Heritage Kitchen

The place in town to celebrate. This is where we had our staff Christmas dinner, enough said.

We are Grateful for our WNC Community

Hopefully this list gives everyone thinking about visiting Haywood County some insight into Western North Carolina’s local lore.

Axe and Awl has plans of our own to bring everyone together even more very soon. If you didn’t know, our leather shop converts into Bevel Bar on Friday and Saturday nights serving up craft cocktails, draft beer, and charcuterie just off of Waynesville’s Main Street. It’s a farm to cocktail vibe that smells sweetly of leather and community. 

Bevel Bar has been on pause for a few months as we make structural changes to better accommodate our town. Renovations are underway with the return of Bevel Bar slated for later this summer.

Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with the renovation and return of this local favorite!