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.
Spring Ephemerals Are The Big Kahuna of Smoky Mountains Wildflowers
White Fringed Phacelia and Creeping Phlox (Photos mid-April on the Oconaluftee River Trail) With more than 1500 native wildflower species, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is sometimes called “Wildflower National Park” thanks to the steady parade of wildflowers...
Bryson City Artists Add Color and Creativity to Downtown
Thanks to the work of our talented art community, Bryson City now has a walkable murals and street art trail. As you stroll around town, take a few moments to enjoy: Six colorful 4-foot quilt squares adorning a number of shops and businesses, a sampling from the...
A Guide to Social Distancing on the Smokies’ Trails and Waters
Here in the Smoky Mountains, we’re known for outdoor adventures. So with our “new normal,” how do we stay six feet apart from others on trails and while pursuing our favorite sports?
Culinary Secrets From Bryson City B&Bs and Country Inns
The one thing that sets bed & breakfasts and country inns apart from other lodging is the food. More than a mere amenity, inn dining can be the most memorable part of the lodging experience. So it's no surprise that innkeepers are often asked to share their secret...
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!...
