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Welcome to the Great Smokies Blog

Stories From The Smokies highlights interesting, out-of-the-ordinary aspects of life in the North Carolina mountains. We offer insider tips on things to do, places to go, and ways to make your Bryson City visit all the more memorable. Look for new posts in this space every few weeks. Or subscribe to receive updates by email.

The Fryemont Inn Turns 100

The Fryemont Inn Turns 100

The Quintessential Mountain Lodge In 1923, timber baron Amos Frye built a hotel on a hill above Bryson City — a rambling, rustic, 2-story mountain lodge with massive stone fireplaces in both the lobby and dining hall. It offered 62 guest rooms, built to accommodate...

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Books on Every Block

Books on Every Block

Enjoy books? Stroll through downtown Bryson City and you find books for sale on almost every block. These are not Barnes & Noble big box stores, but local retail stores with sections for readers young and old. Most offer selections reflecting the theme of the...

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Spooky Smoky Mountain Happenings

Spooky Smoky Mountain Happenings

Frightful storytelling by the bonfire. Shadowy figures rustling through a haunted cornfield. A bloodthirsty Count transforming into a bat. These are the terrifying experiences awaiting you at Bryson City / Cherokee’s Haunted October. The Cherokee Bonfire Hear amazing...

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Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show Spectacular

Drive-Thru Christmas Light Show Spectacular

Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular New for 2022, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular in Bryson City! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park sparkles with giant, LED displays of the 12 Days of Christmas with a comical spin on the traditional song. As...

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NOC – Making a 50-Year Splash in Bryson City

NOC – Making a 50-Year Splash in Bryson City

In September 2013, NOC was the center of the paddling universe when it hosted the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships. 200 athletes from 30 different countries competed for the title of Freestyle World Champion.Bryson City’s phenomenal growth as an outdoor...

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