Quilt Trails 2026: Bus and Walking Tours Celebrate Local Quilt Blocks
Waynesville, NC — From playful pups to sisterly bonds, the region’s Quilt Blocks tell stories that are as colorful as they are meaningful. The Haywood County Arts Council invites the community to experience these local treasures on Saturday, April 18th during the second annual Quilt Trails Bus Tour and the brand-new Quilt Trails Walking Tour, both part of the Appalachian Heritage Festival.
After selling out last year, the bus tour returns with three time slots: 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM. Tickets are $45 each and include a refreshing Herbal RollUp Bar Mocktail. The tour begins and ends at the Shelton House, home of Haywood County’s first Quilt Block, which will also offer free self-guided tours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Along the 1.5-hour guided tour, narrators will highlight Quilt Blocks like the playful collection at Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital, featuring paw prints, pups at play, and cozy companions that celebrate both pets and community, while sharing the fascinating stories behind each piece.
New this year, the Quilt Trails Walking Tour takes place along Main Street at 10 AM, starting and ending at the Haywood Handmade Gallery at 86 N Main Street. Guests will see blocks like the Sisterly Love Quilt Block on the Affairs of the Heart building, honoring the bond between owner Patricia Miller and her sister, who worked alongside her for many years. This 45-minute walking tour also features public art pieces and stories about the history of some of Waynesville’s buildings. Tickets are $10 each.
“This tour is such a joy because it connects people with the artistry and stories woven into our community,” said Laura Jo Thompson, quilter and narrator for the tour. “Guests will leave not just with a sense of our history, but with an appreciation for the creativity and tradition that these Quilt Blocks represent.”
Both tours offer a unique way to explore local art, culture, and history while supporting the Haywood County Arts Council’s programs and initiatives.
Tickets are available now at haywoodarts.org.
Come see the Quilt Blocks, hear the stories, and celebrate the rich heritage of the region!