Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains!
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. In short, each post suggests one more way to Have a Big Vacation in a Small Town.
Look for new posts in this space every few weeks. Or subscribe to receive updates by email.
Where to Drink Beer with Your Dog in Bryson City
A cold beer in one hand, your dog in another—now that’s a little slice of heaven. While North Carolina law prevents you from bringing your dog inside places serving food, four-legged friends are still welcome to join in on these patio spaces and dog-friendly places...
Beat the Heat Index: 10 Ways to Cool Off in the Smoky Mountains (And It’s Not All About Water)
If it’s hot where you are this summer, take a trip to Bryson City, where high elevations mean refreshing mountain breezes and plenty of opportunities to cool down. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our backyard, check out these ways to beat the heat!...
Autumn in Bryson City – the Spectacular Grand Finale of Summer Fun in the Smokies
Fall exploration will lead you to the Bryson City area of North Carolina, including “The Road to Nowhere.” Tucked in iconic mountains, Bryson City, NC has a vibrant fall leaf viewing season, which you can enjoy while hiking, fishing, biking or riding the...
These 10 Unique Places To Stay In Bryson City Are Perfect To Get Away From It All
Traveling is fun, but where you stay is just as important. In the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC, there are a few places to spend the night that really stand out. You can sleep in a vintage camper, or a yurt, a teardrop camper or tiny house on a creek. There...
There’s Much to Discover About One Bryson City Visitor Who Helped Create the National Park
Horace Kephart's grave. Photo: plugitinhikes. An icon of the Southern Appalachian region, Horace Kephart (1862-1931) is best known for his efforts to protect the Smoky Mountains as a national park. He was also vigilant in efforts to establish the Appalachian Trail...
In Bryson City, Three People Pushed a 177-ton Locomotive
At the end of many steam excursions on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, riders have the opportunity to participate in a unique railroad turntable experience. Volunteers are called upon to assist the crew in manually turning the 353,540 pound engine and...