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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.

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 NOTE: We will not have the drive-thru show in 2023. Please check back for 2024. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular in Bryson City! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park sparkles with giant, LED displays of the 12...

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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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Exploring Swain County Quilt by Quilt

Exploring Swain County Quilt by Quilt

On just about any drive through the North Carolina countryside, you may see a colorful painted quilt block pattern adorning a barn, public building, shop or private home. Such encounters are always a pleasant and unexpected surprise. They're all part of grassroots...

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Annual Christmas Parade in Bryson City NC

Annual Christmas Parade in Bryson City NC

49th Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade December 2, 2023, 2 pm “The Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies” is always held on the first Saturday in December at 2 pm in downtown Bryson City. It's a true community effort with local businesses, churches, and...

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Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713

Karen Proctor
Executive Director

828-488-3681

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