What a Town

Nested in the heart of western North Carolina, Bryson City has just a nice dose of most anything a tourist would like in a small town. Located only a mile or so from the Great Smokey Mountain National Park there are accomodations for both campers, RVers, and Motels as well. Town is only a few blocks in any direction so parking and walking is just the ticket to get around to different places. Bryson City is not yet gone totally tourist so yes we have small restuarants with great food and real stores that are locally owned as well as a working railroad. Although it seems alot like stepping out into a 21st century Mayberry, Bryson offers a very laid back lifestyle with some shops closing for fishing or rafting and others staying open just because of an event. For the most part there are a few art gallarys, exotic furniture stores, several variety shops and a couple of great pubs as well. Local music is heard at the local Pub Across the Trax and at the Rail Depot when times alot for it. Just ask around town for the times groups play. I am amazed that we get such international travelers as well as domestic ones in the Summer. Bryson City sits right in the middle of several excellent trout streems with several vendors of fishing things available on Everett Street.
Plan on an average meal costing between 6 and ten dollars a person. Motels cost between 50 and 140 a night depending on the vendor and the time of year. Campsites vary under fifty dollars depending on the amenities.
For those young in body or in mind Bryson is the key place to stay if you like white water rafting, mountain biking, backpacking, or day hiking. Numerous Trails and rivers with rapids dot the landscape as well as many trails and secondary roads for biking. The Great Smokey Mountain National Park does require hikers to camp in designated spots and also get permits from a ranger station prior to entering the park but for day hikes there is not a finer place to go explore nature at it's finest.
Ok so you read all the good things about here now here is the secret stuff. Across the Trax has some of the best fried shrimp and cold beer around. Jimmy Macs on Main street has good steaks and seafood as well. Pasqualinos has great Italian food but the service is a bit slow at times so make plans for it. Anthonys Piaza on Depot street is a great get a slice of pizza inside or outside.
My favorite motel is the Rosewood Inn on Main st. Its not fancy the rooms are reasonable and it is right in the smack middle of town. For a great bed and breakfast there is the Fryemont and the Charleston house and my best friend says that the staff at the Fryemont is excellent.
Fall is one of the most spectacular times in Bryson City for the foliage is in full bloom. Spring is to me just as beautiful with wildflowers blooming right up into the summer. Winter is a slow time with mostly locals around town and nice cozy times curled up at places like Mountain Perks Coffee Shop with a good book or tale and a cup of excellent coffee or pastry. Summer is for everyone and everyone seems to find Bryson at some time. The streets abound with tourists and the Train runs several times a day to the Nantahala Gorge or to Dillsboro. Contact The Great Smokey Mountain Railroad for times and fares.
At Christmas Bryson City becomes the beginning of the famed Polar Express where children and adults alike show up in pajamas and ride the train to Christmas town to meet with Saint Nick. It is a festive time and large crowds show up for the train rides.
Again Byrson City has a little something for everyone and if you run out of things to do stop in a Granpas Music on Depot street and see me Push. We always welcome folks to come in and grab a place on a bench and relax a bit.