Canton’s Open for Business!

Since 2014, Canton has seen a surge in redevelopment as traffic has moved in from Buncombe County and Asheville. Visitors are drawn to the town’s historic downtown and recent business development, while new residents are attracted to the area’s affordability and quality of life.

Quick Link: Search for Homes and Land in Canton

Canton is a snapshot of a classic mill town evolving with the 21st century. The town’s charming downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but offers a fresh face to small-town living.

Downtown Businesses Cater to Eclectic Interests

Downtown Canton is centrally located and very walkable to local shops, restaurants, and breweries. Its crown jewel is arguably the Imperial Hotel, which officially predates the town. Built in 1876, the Queen Anne building began its life as a private home and now operates as The Southern Porch restaurant. Patrons can enjoy quality service and diverse Southern fare, from fried green tomatoes to shrimp and grits.

Built in 1932, the restored Colonial Theater features film festivals, stage productions, concerts, and community events throughout the year in its 300-seat auditorium. BearWaters Brewery is located a quick walk from the heart of downtown along the Pigeon River. Beer aficionados and families alike are invited to hang out on the patio overlooking the water, stay for trivia, and enjoy live music and events.

Main Street Canton also has a few surprises up its sleeve. Not So Old Toys and Comics carries comics and toys from the 1970s through today. Around the corner, check out the up-and-coming Tokyo Toybox for a wide range of anime plush, figurines, and collectibles. Just down the block, Home Computer Services houses a Video Game & Computer Museum, an extensive collection of vintage computer and video gaming systems.

Quality of Life is Key in Canton

The Town of Canton has invested in many recent improvements, from streetscaping to the general dynamic and look of the town. The result is a spirited community that has attracted many visitors and new residents in recent years.

Historic murals dot the downtown landscape, offering interesting viewing for a stroll down Main Street. A quick stop into one of the street's barber shops or cafes gives you a chance to rub elbows with the locals.

The Pigeon River Scenic Walking Trail connects downtown to the scenic Pigeon River. Benches line the 1.5-mile trail for those looking to relax and take in the native flora or feed local wildlife, while a boat ramp is available for fishing and canoeing. The park also includes tennis courts, a huge outdoor pool, and a picnic area with grills.

Community Events Round out the Season

On Friday nights throughout the summer, the City of Canton hosts Pickin’ in the Park. Grab a lawn chair and picnic blanket and head to the Canton Recreational Park to listen to live bluegrass and old-time bands. The Canton Labor Day Festival, which attracts record crowd from across the region, is the oldest festival of its kind in the Southeast!

Stop back through during the holidays for the Canton Festival of Lights. You’ll be awed by the glow of thousands of holiday lights in celebration of the season.

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CANTON

Canton is a charming, growing community. Read about recent news, events, and real estate market updates for the area on the Beverly-Hanks blog.