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Everett Street Bryson CIty

Bryson City Shopping, Dining & Attractions

Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy town of 1,500 with more stop signs than stoplights. It’s an easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a historical museum, a fly fishing museum, an aquarium, an excursion train, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Map of downtown shops, eateries, attractions. Enjoy having your pet with you on vacation? You and your pet will love Island Park. Bryson City is dog friendly.

Sit a spell on a bench and look up at a clear blue sky and green mountains. People watch, enjoy a sweet treat, visit some shops, enjoy some music, drop a fishing line in the Tuckasegee River as it flows through town or explore it by kayak or paddle board. Stop by the Visitor Center, where you’ll find plenty of information on places to go and things to do.

Take a virtual tour of Bryson City with interior 360 visits to a number of our small businesses.

Four, Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations are located in the parking lot behind the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum. Pull-in free public parking, illuminated. Free charging available 24/7, however, no overnight parking. J1772 Chargers.

You will love Bryson City, where you can have a big vacation in a small town!

  • Bryson Village LLC

    Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury creekside cabins in town with all the amenities you're looking for; hot tubs, gas fireplaces, large decks with outdoor seating, gas grills, and high speed WIFI. Historic home on site for rental as well. With a total accommodation number of 78, Bryson Village is the perfect location for family reunions, weddings, and other events. Conveniently located in downtown Bryson City within a 5 minute walk of shopping, restaurants, and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
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  • Sleep Inn

    Newly remodeled 50-room CHOICE franchise hotel in Bryson City. Free continental breakfast, free local calls, free weekday newspaper, seasonal outdoor pool, free high speed wireless access, free coffee and tea 24 hours, business center. Open year round.
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  • Everett Hotel

    With picturesque views and easy accessibility to all of downtown Bryson City's fine dining and eclectic boutiques, this renovated historic landmark will help you unwind during your visit. The Everett offers ten rustic luxury guest rooms; and a full-service bar and mountain view rooftop terrace with a fire pit for guest use.. Take a virtual tour
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  • Fryemont Inn

    On the National Register of Historic Places, the Fryemont Inn has been a tradition in mountain hospitality since 1923. There are 32 rooms and suites in the Historic Lodge and 8 luxury cottage suites with fireplaces, and a 2 bedroom cabin adjacent to the swimming pool. The cabin is a pet-friendly accommodation. The Historic Lodge & Restaurant are open mid-April through Thanksgiving weekend. Rates during that time include a full breakfast and a 4 course dinner. The cabin and fireplace suites are open all year. Free Wi-Fi in lobby. Take a virtual tour
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  • Historic Calhoun Hotel

    Historic hotel within walking distance of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Fifteen rooms, most with private bath. Spacious front porch with rocking chairs, antiques, period furniture, and handmade quilts. Family style meals arranged in advance featuring authentic Appalachian foods such as teas, homemade jams, jellies, cobblers, sourwood honey and hot biscuits. V/MC/DS.
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  • Virginia’s Cottage

    Located within walking distance of downtown Bryson City, Virginia's Cottage is a truly unique find. This 100 year old restored cottage offers thoughtful touches throughout and features reclaimed wood and materials from the original structure. Enjoy the fire pit out back as you gaze at the Tuckaseegee River and the train as it comes back into town.
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  • Aloft in the Smokies

    "An elevated place to decelerate your pace." Four two bedroom, two bath loft apartments, loft retreats perched in Bryson City in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Each loft has dining and efficiency kitchen, full bath, and spacious open floor plans. Located downtown on the Tuckasegee River within walking distance to shops, activities and restaurants. If you're looking for total luxury in the mountains - look no further!
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  • Stonebrook Lodge of Bryson City

    Our beautiful property is conveniently located in Downtown Bryson City within easy walking distance of dining, shopping, and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Our rooms are tastefully decorated, spacious, and are available in the following types: 2 queen beds (with or without balcony), 1 king bed (with or without balcony), 1 king bed with jacuzzi and balcony, handicap-accessible king with balcony, and handicap-accessible with 2 queen beds and balcony. All rooms include mini-refrigerator, microwave, free wi-fi and a continental breakfast served in the lobby from 6:30 - 9:30 AM, and are non-smoking with no pets allowed. Indoor pool available onsite.
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  • McKinley Edwards Inn

    McKinley Edwards Inn offers upscale boutique hotel lodging in a historic Bryson City landmark only minutes from downtown Bryson City. We offer 13 large guest rooms plus a two-bedroom, one bath cottage with three queens, and hide-a-bed and full kitchen, and feature three pet friendly rooms. Guests receive  a continental breakfast in the main house, which has multiple common rooms for activities such as TV, movies, board games and visiting. There is a large public great room for events, workshops and small weddings. Take a virtual tour    
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  • See Bryson City in 30 Seconds

    IN OUR BLOG…

    Bryson City. A River Runs Through It.

    Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and some of the Tuckasegee’s best fishing in the downtown section

    Bryson City Artists Add Color and Creativity to Downtown

    Thanks to many talented artists, Bryson City has a walkable street art and mural trail in its downtown.

    Bryson City’s Hellbenders Are a Once in a Lifetime Experience

    Visit the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium

    On Weekends, Swain County’s Growers and Artisans Bring Their Goods to Town.

    Meet Swain County’s backyard growers and talented artisans

    Here’s What Writers Say About Bryson City

    Our State Magazine featured Bryson City in an 8-page human interest article in the November 2016 issue. The issue’s theme is Celebrating North Carolina Rivers, and the article focused on the Tuckasegee River that flows through downtown and its role bringing in vibrant new businesses to the community. Read

    “Check out vibrant, little downtown Bryson City for dining spots and shops busy with small town commerce.”

    — The Charlotte Observer

    “Vacationers seeking small-town atmosphere blended with the beauty of the wilderness will find refuge in Bryson City, NC, a gorgeous mountain town tucked away in the Smoky Mountains. The town features plenty of dining and shopping opportunities, lovely inns, and outdoor activities to choose from.

    — VisitSouth.com

    “Explore Bryson City’s fun mix of old and new. Without question, the natural playground of forests, rivers, and trails surrounding Bryson City, and even the Tuckasegee River that cuts through the center of town, maintain a strong pull, but the town holds its own charm — all two square miles of it.” 

    — WNC magazine

    ‘For kids, the small mountain town is a picturesque playground with plenty of places to have fun and burn off some energy.

    — EverydayLife.com

    “Here’s the thing about Bryson City. It’s a true getaway. You don’t have to worry about what to wear, how to fix your hair, putting on makeup, checking boxes on your touristy list or having concrete plans. You just go and do whatever and stare at the mountains and breathe easier.

    — Dana Miller, Housetweaking

    “But, most of all, skip the nearby over-developed region that is Gatlinburg and visit Bryson City on the North Carolina side of the park.  It is a beautiful small American town with great road-side inns, shops and family entertainment that takes you back to the America of the past, something you can not get much of these days.

    — LivePretty.com

    Bryson City - Swain County
    Chamber of Commerce

    P.O. Box 509
    Bryson City, NC 28713

    Karen Proctor
    Executive Director

    828-488-3681

    Visitor Guide pages

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