Bryson City is a small town located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The city was first called Charleston, but was changed in 1889 to honor Colonel Thaddeus Dillard Bryson, and because mail was being rerouted to Charleston, South Carolina. During the winter months, Bryson City is a quiet mountain town, but explodes with tourists during the summer months. People from all over the world vacation in Bryson City for the outdoor activities of white water rafting on the Nantahala River, watersports on Fontana Lake, and hiking the many trails of the Great Smoky Mountains. But that’s not all there is to do in the mountains. Below are a few other fun things to do in Bryson City. Come spend a day with us!
in Western North Carolina. It’s an easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, galleries with working artisans, family friendly museums, breweries, and surprising variety of restaurants.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
After you’ve gone on a white water rafting adventure with Carolina Outfitters, what else is there to do in Bryson City? A ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train is a great option for the next day. As the train chugs through the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll see stunning views of Fontana Lake from its historical trestle. As you travel through the Nantahala National Forest, you’ll get great views of the mountains and foliage (especially pretty during the fall season). You’ll ride along the Tuckasegee River or watch white water rafting on the Nantahala River. Granted, this attraction will take up most of your day, but you’ll still have a few hours to explore Bryson City. Be sure to stop by the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Free admission with any train ticket purchase!
Swain County Heritage Museum
After a train ride on the GSMR, grab some lunch (if you didn’t eat on the train), at one of Bryson City’s many restaurants or food trucks. A local favorite is the Everett Street Diner where you’ll get comfort food in a family friendly environment. Once you’ve filled your belly with great food, head on out to visit a museum. The Swain County Heritage Museum is a great place to start. Here you can explore the history of Swain County and get information on area attractions. Shop their gift shop for books and more related to the area’s rich history and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Other interesting museums to visit are the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians (for all you fishing enthusiasts out there), and the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium where you’ll see and learn about the many species of fish found in the Nantahala River, Fontana Lake, and other water tributaries in the area.
Darnell Farms
Have you ever wanted to see a working farm? Darnell Farms is the place to visit. Not only do they have a variety of homegrown food in a family friendly environment, there is always something going down on the farm. In the spring, they have a Saint Patrick’s Fest, Farmland Heritage Festival, Strawberry Jam, and more! During the summer they hold the Summer Splash and Sweet Corn Festival plus more. Fall brings out hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkins! Don’t leave without trying one of their Dream Whips in
a variety of seasonal flavors.
Supper Time!
Now that you’ve had a full day of fun in Bryson City, North Carolina, it’s time for a leisurely dining experience. You can choose a regular restaurant that serves Mexican food (at least four to choose from, Guayabitos to name one !) Pizza and more (Derailed Anthony’s Pizza), or steaks and burgers (Jimmy Mac’s). Or, perhaps, a brewery is more to your liking. Bryson City Brewing is a good choice.They offer a variety of food from local sourced burgers to salads and, of course, beer!
The truth is Bryson City in Swain County, NC packs a lot of fun things to do that you can’t get them all in one day. The above is a good start for a day trip or for the beginning of a week long vacation. For more adventures, check out the Bryson City Chamber of Commerce.
Image source for all pictures: Bryson City Chamber of Commerce
