Parker’s guidebook
Best of Bryson City
Carefully curated list of some of the best spots in and around Bryson City.
Bryson City Outdoors (BCO) is a great place to find cool outdoor gear, an amazing assortment of cool, creative, in house designed hats and t's, the coolest taproom in town and a very friendly, laid back atmosphere.
Not only does it offer everything mentioned above, it's also where some of the friendliest folks in town spend their time, either working or patronizing the business.
A great spot for food trucks too.
57 habitants recommandent
Bryson City Outdoors
169 Main StBryson City Outdoors (BCO) is a great place to find cool outdoor gear, an amazing assortment of cool, creative, in house designed hats and t's, the coolest taproom in town and a very friendly, laid back atmosphere.
Not only does it offer everything mentioned above, it's also where some of the friendliest folks in town spend their time, either working or patronizing the business.
A great spot for food trucks too.
By far the best food in the area. The Everett Bistro also offers fantastic service, a cozy atmosphere, delicious craft cocktails & wine list, and wonderful food in a historic downtown building (be sure to check out the vault in the main dining room).
95 habitants recommandent
The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
16 Everett StBy far the best food in the area. The Everett Bistro also offers fantastic service, a cozy atmosphere, delicious craft cocktails & wine list, and wonderful food in a historic downtown building (be sure to check out the vault in the main dining room).
A small, family owned resort overlooking Lake Fontana, Lakeview looks and feels like a small Mediterranean village has been placed on a hillside in WNC. Lakeview offers amazing opportunities for relaxation and self care.
The Treetop Soaking Cabana experience is like none I've seen elsewhere. If you're interested in taking relaxation and self care to a new level, all the while experience nature and stunning scenery, a treetop soak is what you never knew you were missing.
Lakeview at Fontana
171 Lakeview Lodge DrA small, family owned resort overlooking Lake Fontana, Lakeview looks and feels like a small Mediterranean village has been placed on a hillside in WNC. Lakeview offers amazing opportunities for relaxation and self care.
The Treetop Soaking Cabana experience is like none I've seen elsewhere. If you're interested in taking relaxation and self care to a new level, all the while experience nature and stunning scenery, a treetop soak is what you never knew you were missing.
Mountain Layers is the second local brewery to open in our tiny town. There's a small tasting room downstairs on street level, with a large room upstairs with high ceiling and tons of light, as well as a second story deck overlooking the Tuckaseegee River and Everett Street in Bryson City.
A great space that often has live music and a food truck.
61 habitants recommandent
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
90 Everett StMountain Layers is the second local brewery to open in our tiny town. There's a small tasting room downstairs on street level, with a large room upstairs with high ceiling and tons of light, as well as a second story deck overlooking the Tuckaseegee River and Everett Street in Bryson City.
A great space that often has live music and a food truck.
Madison's on Main
110 Main StA wonderful little boutique in downtown Bryson City.
One twenty main is a shop full of treasures. Step inside to check out local artist, Ashley Hackshaw's, unique original art and countless interesting gifts.
One Twenty Main
One twenty main is a shop full of treasures. Step inside to check out local artist, Ashley Hackshaw's, unique original art and countless interesting gifts.
One of the best breakfast and lunch spots in the area, Dolce never disappoints. In the heart of downtown, with indoor and outdoor seating.
29 habitants recommandent
La Dolce Vita Bakery
191 Everett StOne of the best breakfast and lunch spots in the area, Dolce never disappoints. In the heart of downtown, with indoor and outdoor seating.
A relatively new addition to great breakfast spots in downtown, you'll be blow away by the baked goods, fun space and cool shop attached. A wonderful spot to sit a while, pop in before a big adventure, or swing through for interesting and unique gifts, kids toys, and lifestyle outdoor wear.
Bryson.Bakery & MRKT on the Square
A relatively new addition to great breakfast spots in downtown, you'll be blow away by the baked goods, fun space and cool shop attached. A wonderful spot to sit a while, pop in before a big adventure, or swing through for interesting and unique gifts, kids toys, and lifestyle outdoor wear.
The smell of sweet treats envelopes you as soon as you open the door. Delicious handmade chocolates, and ice cream.
24 habitants recommandent
The Chocolate Shoppe
134 Everett StThe smell of sweet treats envelopes you as soon as you open the door. Delicious handmade chocolates, and ice cream.
Sightseeing
The GSMR is one of the main attractions in our area, particularly during the holidays when the Polar Express draws upward of 90,000 passengers to our town in approximately 6 weeks. Although it's not for everyone, for those who maybe can't get out and adventure as hard as some of their fellow travelers, or who find a themed ride that seems interesting, this can be a low key way to spend time during your stay.
306 habitants recommandent
Le chemin de fer de Great Smoky Mountains
18 Fry StThe GSMR is one of the main attractions in our area, particularly during the holidays when the Polar Express draws upward of 90,000 passengers to our town in approximately 6 weeks. Although it's not for everyone, for those who maybe can't get out and adventure as hard as some of their fellow travelers, or who find a themed ride that seems interesting, this can be a low key way to spend time during your stay.
Mark and his team are the go-to adventure guide service in the area. They offer a variety of local tours. From an area wide brewery tour to guided waterfall hikes in the Great Smokies, this is a great team to helping you make your time memorable.
8 habitants recommandent
Carolina Bound Adventures
35 Slope StMark and his team are the go-to adventure guide service in the area. They offer a variety of local tours. From an area wide brewery tour to guided waterfall hikes in the Great Smokies, this is a great team to helping you make your time memorable.
Great Outdoors
There is abundant beauty in nature in this area. In Swain County, roughly 85% of the land is either State or National Forest land, which means it is protected.
There are countless places that could be recommended, and this is by no means meant to be an exhaustive list - really, only just a beginning.
The most visited National Park in the country!
382 habitants recommandent
Grande chaîne de montagnes fumantes
The most visited National Park in the country!
The Road to Nowhere is an important part of the local history in Bryson City. It takes you just a few miles out of downtown along a beautiful road (to nowhere), where you can take a beautiful hike.
26 habitants recommandent
Lakeview Drive East
Lakeview Drive EastThe Road to Nowhere is an important part of the local history in Bryson City. It takes you just a few miles out of downtown along a beautiful road (to nowhere), where you can take a beautiful hike.
Joyce Kilmer is a true gem of this area. It is the only old growth forest on the east coast of the U.S. The giant, beautiful trees will take your breath away.
106 habitants recommandent
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
5410 Joyce Kilmer RdJoyce Kilmer is a true gem of this area. It is the only old growth forest on the east coast of the U.S. The giant, beautiful trees will take your breath away.
The best white water rafting and kayaking outpost in the gorge, Endless River Adventures is there to take care of all your white water needs.
15 habitants recommandent
Endless River Adventures
14157 W Hwy 19The best white water rafting and kayaking outpost in the gorge, Endless River Adventures is there to take care of all your white water needs.
Food scene
By far the best food in the area. The Everett Bistro also offers fantastic service, a cozy atmosphere, delicious craft cocktails & wine list, and wonderful food in a historic downtown building (be sure to check out the vault in the main dining room).
95 habitants recommandent
The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
16 Everett StBy far the best food in the area. The Everett Bistro also offers fantastic service, a cozy atmosphere, delicious craft cocktails & wine list, and wonderful food in a historic downtown building (be sure to check out the vault in the main dining room).
One of the best breakfast and lunch spots in the area, Dolce never disappoints. In the heart of downtown, with indoor and outdoor seating.
29 habitants recommandent
La Dolce Vita Bakery
191 Everett StOne of the best breakfast and lunch spots in the area, Dolce never disappoints. In the heart of downtown, with indoor and outdoor seating.
A relatively new addition to great breakfast spots in downtown, you'll be blow away by the baked goods, fun space and cool shop attached. A wonderful spot to sit a while, pop in before a big adventure, or swing through for interesting and unique gifts, kids toys, and lifestyle outdoor wear.
Bryson.Bakery & MRKT on the Square
A relatively new addition to great breakfast spots in downtown, you'll be blow away by the baked goods, fun space and cool shop attached. A wonderful spot to sit a while, pop in before a big adventure, or swing through for interesting and unique gifts, kids toys, and lifestyle outdoor wear.
One of the food trucks on rotation at Bryson City Outdoors, this is where you'll great food in a wonderful atmosphere. If you have a few people looking to share something, try the chicken nachos - they are out of this world, and a portion large enough for 2 or more. The covered, outdoor seating at BCO is a local and visitor favorite.
Big Laurel Food Truck
One of the food trucks on rotation at Bryson City Outdoors, this is where you'll great food in a wonderful atmosphere. If you have a few people looking to share something, try the chicken nachos - they are out of this world, and a portion large enough for 2 or more. The covered, outdoor seating at BCO is a local and visitor favorite.
Bryson City isn't where you'd expect to find Hawaiian fusion food, but that's just what the Rice Wagon has to offer. Permanently located behind Mountain Layers Brewing, stop by to try an amazing tuna dish, out of this world burgers or whatever other culinary delights they have twisted up with Hawaiian flare.
The Rice Wagon
Bryson City isn't where you'd expect to find Hawaiian fusion food, but that's just what the Rice Wagon has to offer. Permanently located behind Mountain Layers Brewing, stop by to try an amazing tuna dish, out of this world burgers or whatever other culinary delights they have twisted up with Hawaiian flare.
This cute coffee shop, breakfast and lunch spot has been a staple for over 2 decades. Located just across from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot, it's a perfect place to get something yummy to keep fuel your adventures. Bagels, bagel sandwiches, baked goods, delicious soups, salads and wraps. Highly recommend the greek wrap or salad!
36 habitants recommandent
Mountain Perks
9 Depot StThis cute coffee shop, breakfast and lunch spot has been a staple for over 2 decades. Located just across from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot, it's a perfect place to get something yummy to keep fuel your adventures. Bagels, bagel sandwiches, baked goods, delicious soups, salads and wraps. Highly recommend the greek wrap or salad!
Owned and operated by the legendary Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC to anyone who has been around this area much), this riverside spot is a great place to eat in, on their deck, or grab take out. If you have time, take your food across the bridge and sit a while, watching the river (and kayakers and rafters) roll by. Spending just an hour there will let you know why the Nantahala River has been one of the main attractions in our area for over 1/2 century.
48 habitants recommandent
River's End Restaurant
13077 US-19Owned and operated by the legendary Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC to anyone who has been around this area much), this riverside spot is a great place to eat in, on their deck, or grab take out. If you have time, take your food across the bridge and sit a while, watching the river (and kayakers and rafters) roll by. Spending just an hour there will let you know why the Nantahala River has been one of the main attractions in our area for over 1/2 century.
Conseils sur la ville
Réservez avant de partir
The Everett Bistro
It's best to make a reservation or at least call before you head over to see if they have availability.
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Hundreds of miles of hiking trails within a few miles.
If you like to walk in the woods, this is a great place to do it. Research for yourself, or stop by Bryson City Outdoors for advice on best trails for what you're looking for. They'll be happy to help.
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Mountain Bikers: don't miss Tsali & Fire Mountain trails
Tsali is just a short 6-10 minute drive from the house, and Fire Mountain is in Cherokee, but is well worth the drive. Tsali is for all levels of riders, while Fire Mountain is more advanced.
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Treetop Soaking Cabana at Lakeview at Fontana
The treetop soaking cabana is like no other experience. You'll feel like you've been transported some place far, far away while you take in the mountain and lake views. It's amazing - I promise. It's only a 10 minute drive from the house. www.lakeviewatfontana.com to see what I'm talking about.
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Bryson City Outdoors - Casual Outdoor Hang Time
Bryson City Outdoors has already been listed above, but it's such a fun spot to hang out when the weather is nice enough to be outside. They have a huge outdoor seating area, a quaint and cozy taproom with delicious brews and the best team around, awesome little gear shop with one of the best outdoor shoe selections you'll find in WNC, a zillion in house designed Richardson hats (best fitting). They also often have a food truck out front (seasonally - check with them directly to confirm before going). Best vibe in town. A great place to mix with local outdoor enthusiasts and visitors.
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Wesser Bald Fire Tower Hike
This is a great hike for people of all abilities and gets you to amazing long range views.
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The Road to Nowhere for a good walk in the woods
Interesting history there, a beautiful drive and gorgeous walk in the woods.
Voyage avec des enfants
Tubing at Deep Creek - Great Family Fun
A wonderful way to get out in the woods and on the water without breaking the bank. This is seasonal, of course, as the water is SUPER COLD.
Voyage avec des enfants
Whitewater rafting, ziplining and cool kids ropes course
What a wonderful way to create memories with your kids - get your kids off their devices & adventure with them with whitewater rafting, ziplining and/or a super cool ropes course. The NOC sits along the river and has all you'll need. Other wonderful outfitters to use are Wildwater and Endless River Adventures.
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Picnic by the river at the NOC
A favorite low key thing for both local outdoor enthusiasts and visitors alike is to pack snacks or a picnic (and adult beverages, if that's part of your thing) and head down to sit by the river at the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). Depending on the season, there may be lots of others around, but no matter what, it's a wonderful place to go and enjoy the river rushing by. They have tons of seating, with chairs and picnic tables all around. Good times there!