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Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…

Bryson City’s attractions, activities and businesses are frequently featured in the media. Here are a few examples of what journalists are saying.

If you see something in the news that we don’t have noted here, we’d love to hear from you!

Media Reviews of Bryson City

SouthboundSouthbound Magazine – “Eight Great Mountain Escapes from the Appalachians to the Ozarks” features Bryson City’s low-key chill, and postcard-perfect downtown paired with high-key outdoor thrills; can’t miss attractions and shops, and watering holes. (Summer, 2025)

Southern Living LogoSouthern Living – “Find Your Next Getaway at this Gateway to the Smoky Mountains” features Bryson City, where “the busyness of a thriving, yet diminutive, downtown blends beautifully with the outdoors, making it an ideal place for all types of travelers.” (August, 2025) Read the article

NC Tripping logoNCTripping.com – “25+ Amazing Things to do in Bryson City NC.” (August, 2025) Read the article

NewsbreakNewsbreak – “20 Small Towns in America Where River Rafting and Kayaking Adventures Take Center Stage” features Bryson City’s access to thrilling whitewater adventures on the Nantahala River, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The river’s cool, clear waters flow through scenic gorges, providing both exciting rapids and gentle sections suitable for all skill levels. (Mar. 2025) Read the article

World Atlas logoWorld Atlas” – “11 Stunning Small Towns in North Carolina” features Bryson City as a utopia for adventure seekers and nature lovers. One of the biggest draws is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Back in town, Bryson City has an easygoing vibe with breweries and eateries. The Everett Hotel Bistro is a must-visit for modern American dishes.
(Mar. 2025) Read the article

USA Today LogoUSAToday.com – “Breweries Best in the US” features Western North Carolina with no shortage of brewerines and beers. Writers called Bryson City, which ranked at No. 7 in NC Best Beer Scenes, “the perfect destination for any outdoor-loving beer fan.” With hiking, rafting, tubing and exploring in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other outdoor areas, plus popular craft beer locations such as Mountain Layers Brewing Company and Bryson City Outdoors, it’s no wonder this WNC small town made the cut. (Mar. 2025) Read the article

MSNMSN – “A Scenic Town known as Smoky Mountain’s Adventure Capital is an Underrated Gateway to the Park” features Bryson City as well on its way to be coming a popular tourist destinations with unique adventures. (Jan. 2025) Read the article

Asheville Citizen TimesAsheville Citizen Times “5 ‘best main streets’ in North Carolina are in Western North Carolina” features Bryson City’s “warm-hearted walkability” and charm. (Dec. 2024) Read the article

Far And Wide logoFarAndWide.com – “50 Best Small Mountain Towns in the US.” (Dec, 2024) Read the article

WRALWRAL News – “Holiday roadtrip: These 8 enchanting NC Christmas Towns are like a storybook” features Bryson City’ magical Polar Express trip and decorations. (Dec. 2024) Read the article

Forbes logoForbes – “National Parks that Bring in the Most Money” features the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as #1. “…Bryson City on the North Carolina side is close to the park, but more known for being laid-back, drawing outdoorsy travelers who come to see the park and go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.” and Bryson City as a tranquil all-season town and much-loved holiday retreat. (Sept. 2024) Read the article

Southern Living LogoSouthern Living – “Our 20 Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina” (September, 2024) Read the article

World Atlas logoWorld Atlas – “12 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in North Carolina” features Bryson City as a tranquil all-season town and much-loved holiday retreat. (April 2024) Read the article

Travel & Leisure logoTravel and Leisure includes Bryson City experts on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – America’s most-visited Park. (March 2024) Read the article

Money Inc LogoMoneyInc.com – “The 20 Best Places to Visit in July in the US” – Bryson City is a beautiful place to visit in July. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the wildflowers bloom. (October, 2022) Read the article

USA Today LogoUSAToday.com – “10 Best – SE Mountain Towns Getaways” (September, 2022) Read the article

Yahoo logoFinance.Yahoo.com & AOL.Com – “10 Affordable and Remote Locations in the US That Could Be Worth a Visit This Summer – Bryson City Ranked #1.” (May, 2021) Read the article

Wiki.ezvid.com – “Unforgettable Places to Visit in North Carolina” (October, 2020) Read the article

Road Trippers logoRoadTrippers.com – “An Insider’s Guide to Hidden Gems in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” (June, 2020) Read the article

Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide – Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns.” (June, 2020)

Charlotte Parent magazine logoCarolina Parent and Charlotte Parent magazines. “Three Must-Visit North Carolina Mountain Towns” includes Bryson City. (January, 2020) Read the article

Trips With Pets logoTrips With Pets – “Top 5 Dog Friendly Mountain Getaways in North Carolina” (January, 2020. “For those looking for a truly dog friendly vacation, Bryson City welcomes pet parents and their pups.” Read the article

OnlyInYourState.com – To truly appreciate the beauty of North Carolina, lace up your hiking boots and hit one of the state’s many trails. The Deep Creek Loop Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains is one of our favorites. (September, 2019) Read the article

WFMY News logoWFMY News / CBS Greensboro  feature: “Yes, There Is A Real ‘Road To Nowhere’ In North Carolina And Its History Is A Real Saga.” (May, 2019) Read the article

Atlanta Magazine logoAtlanta Magazine & Southbound magazine. A great article about a road trip through Western North Carolina featuring Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and the Everett Hotel. (April, 2019) Read the article

Oprah Magazine logoOprah Magazine – “12 Most Scenic Train Rides in the US.” That’s well-deserved high praise. featured Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. (April, 2019) Read the article

BRO logoBlue Ridge Outdoors March 2019 issue features 8 favorite trout towns. Of Bryson City, the writer says, “In all of my wanderings throughout Western North Carolina, I’ve yet to find a community that more genuinely deserves the moniker of ‘Trout Town’ than Bryson City.” Read the article

Fodor's Travel logoFodors.com chose Bryson City as one of “America’s 15 Best Small Town Fourth of July Celebrations” (July, 2018). Read the article

USA Today logoUSA Today – Feature story of 10 surprising, spooky and inspiring American road trips (taken from The Road Trip Book: 1001 Drives of a Lifetime.) In this collection of 10, USA Today names The Dragon as ‘the best ride in North America.’ (March 2018) Read the article

Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 509
1191 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713

Hours 10am – 2pm
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

Ricky Sanford
Administrative Coordinator

828-488-3681

Visitor Guide pages

Order a free Visitor Guide featuring Bryson City and the North Carolina Smokies

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