Location: Bryson City
Top Things to do in Bryson City
- 1. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
- 2. Nantahala Brewing Company
- 3. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- 4. Swain County Heritage Museum
- 5. Pincu Pottery
- 6. Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond
- 7. Mountain Layers Brewing Company
- 8. The Tunnel To Nowhere
- 9. The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians at Bryson City
- 10. The Charles Heath Gallery
Top 10 Things to do in Bryson City, United States
Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a small town with big outdoor possibilities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tubing, zip-lining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and scenic train rides. This laid-back, non-touristy spot is a true getaway for couples, friends and families alike. Bryson City is just one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.
Restaurants in Bryson City
1. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By Edna W - Smyrna, Georgia
You can walk through the train museum before and after your train ride. There are lots of displays for train enthusiasts and just a tourist along for a train ride. It was interesting, so you can make it as short or as long a look as you want. It was a good way to end a day devoted to the train trip and a fun time.
2. Nantahala Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Located in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala Brewing artfully brews award-winning craft beer made with fresh hops, whole grains and clean, crisp Great Smoky Mountain water, from one of the purest, protected watersheds on the planet. The brewery features a large Taproom with over 32 taps. Children (under adult supervision) and dogs (on a leash) are welcome. Our hours vary by season. For more details visit our website.
Reviewed By Schmichols - Gardiner, Montana
This is what I consider the perfect brewery. They always have a large selection of beers, including some new ones and innovative ones. It is really a tasting room. You can bring food in, if you want. We have friends with young kids, and we had a great time with them.
3. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
A 52-mile rail journey through valleys, inside winding tunnels and across spectacular gorges of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Reviewed By Melanie M
We pulled out of the station riding in 1st class. It was fancy with a beautiful ceiling and large windows. As we chugged off into the sunset different reps from the local brewing companies gave 3 different 4oz samples of local craft beer. I’m not a drinker so I can’t comment much about this but all others seemed to love it. You can order these by the bottle for a price. You can have all the soft drinks, coffee or tea you’d like. A meal was served of a BBQ sandwich, 2 pork country style ribs, a chicken leg, baked beans and slaw. Dessert was apple cobbler. The food was pretty good. The dessert wasn’t homemade but decent. This was a good experience and I would like to take a longer ride in the future. This lasted about 2 hours. The service was excellent and a history lesson was woven into this experience.
4. Swain County Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By LanSluderBelize - Asheville, North Carolina
This museum is on the second floor of the old Swain County Court House, now home to the local tourism promotion organization. A little of the museum, along with an info desk and small shop, is on the first floor. There are stairs and an elevator to the second level.
The museum isn't the Smithsonian, but it has an interesting collection of artifacts from Bryson City and Swain County's history, especially old farming and logging tools. It's well worth a visit when you're in Bryson City, one of the lesser known access points to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the headquarters of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. In a small way, the town is a jewel in the mountains.
5. Pincu Pottery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Browse the gallery and watch the potter at work. Handcrafted pottery available for sale. My pots are made for use as well as display. Dishwasher and oven safe.
Reviewed By LPB1209 - Bryson City, North Carolina
I have participated on three different occasions with a group of friends. This is such a fun way to enjoy ladies night out! We all had a blast and loved our projects. Highly recommend this shop to purchase a beautiful piece of pottery or to participate and make your own. Great for family event too!
6. Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By shsmith65 - Lake Charles, Louisiana
This a stocked pond absolutely loaded with rainbow trout. Expect to have a fish on the line in under 30 seconds. Don't plan on staying for long, you have to buy what you catch and there is no catch and release. Beautiful fish but not much of a challenge. Staff was super friendly
7. Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Our brewery and taproom feature two bars: one on the main level built around the brewhouse and another upstairs where you can drink on the outdoor deck overlooking downtown. The dream of opening a brewery comes after a 30 year career in public service so we are incorporating that background into this project through an Honor and Remember Wall, a tribute to our military veterans and first responder
Reviewed By Joe F - Atlanta, Georgia
We've been visiting Bryson City at least every quarter for the last 10 years - Mountain Layers is a great recent addition. Say "hello" and bypass the small downstairs bar and head up to the spacious 2nd floor - half inside and half rooftop. Couple of TVs tuned to sports. Parking on the street or behind the brewery. I tried the Pale Ale and the IPA - both tasty. You can bring food in or they have menus for a couple of restaurants that will deliver. We met the owner - Mark Pettit - friendly guy - we wish him well.
8. The Tunnel To Nowhere
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Susan B - Atlanta, Georgia
Visited on a rainy day. Didn’t get to hike around the area as much as we would have liked to. Bring a flashlight ? while walking in the tunnel.
9. The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians at Bryson City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Diane W - Broadway, North Carolina
The story teller, Tim Hall, is a treasure. He's an excellent entertainer and teacher of mountain history. My grandchildren, ages 5 and 9, and I made this our last stop of a busy day. After waking up early in the morning to travel to Bryson City, riding the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad until 6:30 in the evening, and listening to blue grass music at the Depot till 8:00, I thought the kids would be too tired to enjoy this. But the welcoming fire, the promise of roasted marshmallows, and the just-the-right-level-of- spooky stories kept them riveted. We heard something about the geological and cultural history of the area and learned the difference between haints, boogers, and witches. Tim's stories were perfect - entertaining for everyone present, including young children, teens, parents, and grandparents.
10. The Charles Heath Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Judy H
What a charming gallery! I decided to go in because of the. little Gnome doors that were in the front window! They have so many and I wanted to buy one for my emerging Fairy Garden. I ended up buying one that was painted on a rock! The paintings are beautiful as well as the colorful birdhouses. Pleas don't miss this gallery as you brouse the stores in the ADORABLE town of Bryson City, NC!
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