Guidebook for Bryson City
Drinks & Nightlife
Mountain Layers has quickly turned into one of our most popular local watering holes in town. They have seasonal beers that are amazing!
61 locals recommend
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
90 Everett StMountain Layers has quickly turned into one of our most popular local watering holes in town. They have seasonal beers that are amazing!
The BCO Taproom is a really great option for locally crafted libations located in the heart of downtown Bryson City. You can often find a food truck conveniently located outside and most weekends during the summer season you can enjoy live music!
57 locals recommend
Bryson City Outdoors
169 Main StThe BCO Taproom is a really great option for locally crafted libations located in the heart of downtown Bryson City. You can often find a food truck conveniently located outside and most weekends during the summer season you can enjoy live music!
This is a really fun 'adult only' place to visit for some great wine and beautiful views! The Deep Creek winery is open for wine tastings, by the glass or bottle. They also have charcuterie boards of fresh Amish cheese and local Italian salami to go with your wines.
24 locals recommend
Deep Creek Winery
405 Johnathan WalkThis is a really fun 'adult only' place to visit for some great wine and beautiful views! The Deep Creek winery is open for wine tastings, by the glass or bottle. They also have charcuterie boards of fresh Amish cheese and local Italian salami to go with your wines.
This is a real hidden gem for some local libations and entertainment. Tucked away off the beaten path of Main Street in downtown Bryson City, this ‘private membership’ bar is a MUST SEE for awesome live music and great craft cocktails.
8 locals recommend
Unplugged Pub
25 Everett StreetThis is a real hidden gem for some local libations and entertainment. Tucked away off the beaten path of Main Street in downtown Bryson City, this ‘private membership’ bar is a MUST SEE for awesome live music and great craft cocktails.
Off the beaten path .. This is a great mixology bar and restaurant located in the heart of the Nantahala National Forrest! Enjoy great drinks and live music in a relaxed setting.
Tommy's Paradise
9405 U.S. Highway 19Off the beaten path .. This is a great mixology bar and restaurant located in the heart of the Nantahala National Forrest! Enjoy great drinks and live music in a relaxed setting.
Sightseeing
Located just a few short minutes from beautiful downtown Bryson City, Deep Creek is our closest entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for tubing, swimming, waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing, and more.. this definitely tops our list of recommendations for visitors coming to the area! The Deep Creek trail was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the National Park back in the early 1930's.
22 locals recommend
Deep Creek Trail
Deep Creek TrailLocated just a few short minutes from beautiful downtown Bryson City, Deep Creek is our closest entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for tubing, swimming, waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing, and more.. this definitely tops our list of recommendations for visitors coming to the area! The Deep Creek trail was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the National Park back in the early 1930's.
This historic mountain highway takes you six miles into the National Park and ends at the mouth of a really unique tunnel. The 'Road to Nowhere' provides beautiful scenic overlooks of Fontana Lake and has several different hiking trails that branch off into the park. Known to the locals as 'A Broken Promise', the Road to Nowhere has historical significance to many locals in the area.
26 locals recommend
Lakeview Drive East
Lakeview Drive EastThis historic mountain highway takes you six miles into the National Park and ends at the mouth of a really unique tunnel. The 'Road to Nowhere' provides beautiful scenic overlooks of Fontana Lake and has several different hiking trails that branch off into the park. Known to the locals as 'A Broken Promise', the Road to Nowhere has historical significance to many locals in the area.
Known as the 'best-kept secret in the mountains', Fontana Lake is a beautiful 29 mile long lake with more than 240 miles of shoreline. Its deep, cold waters provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of fish, including record size muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass! Whether your looking to fish, float, or swim, Fontana Lake is a must enjoy attraction for everyone visiting the area!
67 locals recommend
Fontana Lake
Known as the 'best-kept secret in the mountains', Fontana Lake is a beautiful 29 mile long lake with more than 240 miles of shoreline. Its deep, cold waters provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of fish, including record size muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass! Whether your looking to fish, float, or swim, Fontana Lake is a must enjoy attraction for everyone visiting the area!
This is the literal hub for our most adventurous outdoor activities! The Nantahala River that flows throughout the Gorge is definitely our most popular attraction, providing great whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and more! You can also find exciting zip line adventure courses throughout the Gorge, along with Jeep Tours and horseback rides that take you throughout the beautiful back country roads. The large Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a must visit hosting restaurants, shops, and during the spring/summer months, musical acts riverside.
30 locals recommend
Nantahala Gorge
This is the literal hub for our most adventurous outdoor activities! The Nantahala River that flows throughout the Gorge is definitely our most popular attraction, providing great whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and more! You can also find exciting zip line adventure courses throughout the Gorge, along with Jeep Tours and horseback rides that take you throughout the beautiful back country roads. The large Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a must visit hosting restaurants, shops, and during the spring/summer months, musical acts riverside.
No visit to the Smoky Mountains would be complete without a visit to Cherokee, where traditional arts and crafts, and Native American culture have been preserved for generations. The reservation has lots of really cool shops and museums along with a giant Harrah's Casino. Cherokee is also another gateway into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cruise by the Oconoluftee Visitors Center and do some super popular Elk watching, or take a drive over to the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill located just north of town. You can also access the popular Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Pigeon Forge, and the Blue Ridge Parkway attractions just a short drive away!
304 locals recommend
Cherokee
No visit to the Smoky Mountains would be complete without a visit to Cherokee, where traditional arts and crafts, and Native American culture have been preserved for generations. The reservation has lots of really cool shops and museums along with a giant Harrah's Casino. Cherokee is also another gateway into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cruise by the Oconoluftee Visitors Center and do some super popular Elk watching, or take a drive over to the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill located just north of town. You can also access the popular Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Pigeon Forge, and the Blue Ridge Parkway attractions just a short drive away!
One of the most popular area attractions in our area is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina. Ride with us into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of majestic mountains.
The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions
departing from Bryson City. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of fun and adventure.
306 locals recommend
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
18 Fry StOne of the most popular area attractions in our area is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina. Ride with us into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of majestic mountains.
The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions
departing from Bryson City. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of fun and adventure.
Adventure Excursions
If you ask us about our favorite things to do in Bryson City during the summertime... TUBING Deep Creek would be at the top of the list! Try it yourself for an exhilarating way to beat the summer heat and cool off in the heart of the GSMNP! Pro Tip : Stay in one of our Deep Creek area cabins and be just minutes away from this exciting attraction!
Deep Creek Creekside Tubing
1881 West Deep Creek RoadIf you ask us about our favorite things to do in Bryson City during the summertime... TUBING Deep Creek would be at the top of the list! Try it yourself for an exhilarating way to beat the summer heat and cool off in the heart of the GSMNP! Pro Tip : Stay in one of our Deep Creek area cabins and be just minutes away from this exciting attraction!
Just 20 minutes from Bryson City, the Oconaluftee River flows through downtown Cherokee. There you’ll find one of the purest rivers in the Mountains where you can enjoy a inner-tube ride that’s part rushing rapids, and part lazy ripples and swimming holes. The water ranges from ankle deep to chest high and flows over soft sand and flat, time-smoothed river rocks shed from the world’s oldest mountains.
8 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Tubing
1847 Tsali BlvdJust 20 minutes from Bryson City, the Oconaluftee River flows through downtown Cherokee. There you’ll find one of the purest rivers in the Mountains where you can enjoy a inner-tube ride that’s part rushing rapids, and part lazy ripples and swimming holes. The water ranges from ankle deep to chest high and flows over soft sand and flat, time-smoothed river rocks shed from the world’s oldest mountains.
The NOC is one of our favorite recommendations! They not only do world famous white-water rafting down the Nantahala, the Outdoor center is the perfect hub for hanging out riverside, with shops and restaurants to check out. During the Summer they also have LIVE MUSIC which is always a good time! Very Kid friendly - ziplines and treetop adventure net.
446 locals recommend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19The NOC is one of our favorite recommendations! They not only do world famous white-water rafting down the Nantahala, the Outdoor center is the perfect hub for hanging out riverside, with shops and restaurants to check out. During the Summer they also have LIVE MUSIC which is always a good time! Very Kid friendly - ziplines and treetop adventure net.
MOUNTAIN BIKING at the world-famous Tsali Recreation Area Trail System, located 15 miles west of Bryson City. Pronounced “SAH-lee” and named after the 19th century Cherokee Indian martyr, the 42-mile network of multi-use trails is consistently rated one of the top ten riding destinations in the United States. The ‘flowy’ four-loop system offers a variety of landscapes and trail types from single track to old logging roads. Hikers may use the trails any day of the week, but mountain bikers and horseback riders are kept separated by alternating use of the trails.
No bikes? No problem! Check out our friends over at Tsali Cycles, Tap and Yoga located in downtown Bryson City for some awesome rentals and trail advice!
Tsali Road
Tsali RoadMOUNTAIN BIKING at the world-famous Tsali Recreation Area Trail System, located 15 miles west of Bryson City. Pronounced “SAH-lee” and named after the 19th century Cherokee Indian martyr, the 42-mile network of multi-use trails is consistently rated one of the top ten riding destinations in the United States. The ‘flowy’ four-loop system offers a variety of landscapes and trail types from single track to old logging roads. Hikers may use the trails any day of the week, but mountain bikers and horseback riders are kept separated by alternating use of the trails.
No bikes? No problem! Check out our friends over at Tsali Cycles, Tap and Yoga located in downtown Bryson City for some awesome rentals and trail advice!
FLYFISHING - This area is acclaimed as the Fly Fishing Capital of the World! And out friends over at Tuckaseegee Fly Shop know their stuff! Bryson City only full service fly shop, They are your headquarters for local fly patterns, fly fishing gear, GUIDED TRIPS, and fly fishing advice!
7 locals recommend
Tuckaseegee Fly Shop
3 Depot StFLYFISHING - This area is acclaimed as the Fly Fishing Capital of the World! And out friends over at Tuckaseegee Fly Shop know their stuff! Bryson City only full service fly shop, They are your headquarters for local fly patterns, fly fishing gear, GUIDED TRIPS, and fly fishing advice!
Food scene
This is our staple small town diner located on the main drag of Everett Street in beautiful downtown Bryson City. Definitely loved by locals and visitors alike, you will most likely see many familiar faces of the locals here at the diner as you enjoy classic country breakfast and lunch options daily.
67 locals recommend
Everett Street Diner
126 Everett StThis is our staple small town diner located on the main drag of Everett Street in beautiful downtown Bryson City. Definitely loved by locals and visitors alike, you will most likely see many familiar faces of the locals here at the diner as you enjoy classic country breakfast and lunch options daily.
Located across from the GSMRailroad depot, this adorable little cafe offers custom roasted coffee and espresso drinks, along with smoothies and blended teas. They have a great selection of bagels, croissants, and muffins, along with assorted wraps, salads, and our personal recommendation, their quiches! This is a great breakfast and lunch choice to check out!
36 locals recommend
Mountain Perks
9 Depot StLocated across from the GSMRailroad depot, this adorable little cafe offers custom roasted coffee and espresso drinks, along with smoothies and blended teas. They have a great selection of bagels, croissants, and muffins, along with assorted wraps, salads, and our personal recommendation, their quiches! This is a great breakfast and lunch choice to check out!
A charming farm to table dessert bakery that specializes in custom order cakes and cupcakes made from the best local ingredients. They will have a variety of desserts and specialty desserts available daily. Now serving fresh Italian gelato daily! *Pet Friendly*
29 locals recommend
La Dolce Vita Bakery
191 Everett StA charming farm to table dessert bakery that specializes in custom order cakes and cupcakes made from the best local ingredients. They will have a variety of desserts and specialty desserts available daily. Now serving fresh Italian gelato daily! *Pet Friendly*
Everyone agrees that the Filling Station should be at the top of your list for lunch! A delicious deli offering tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads ... and with a super convenient location about a block away from our office, you can find our staff ordering from here several times throughout the week! Pro tip : don't leave without one of their homemade ice cream sandwiches!
63 locals recommend
High Test Deli
145 Everett StEveryone agrees that the Filling Station should be at the top of your list for lunch! A delicious deli offering tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads ... and with a super convenient location about a block away from our office, you can find our staff ordering from here several times throughout the week! Pro tip : don't leave without one of their homemade ice cream sandwiches!
With a charming rustic atmosphere, The Bistro is a super popular dinner spot that we can't recommend enough! They use locally sourced ingredients with a focus on organic and local sustainability as their chef artfully creates his twist on traditional southern cuisine. On weekend, they have a great brunch that we recommend checking out too! This place packs quickly, so we recommend making reservations if you plan on trying to dine at The Bistro.
95 locals recommend
The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
16 Everett StWith a charming rustic atmosphere, The Bistro is a super popular dinner spot that we can't recommend enough! They use locally sourced ingredients with a focus on organic and local sustainability as their chef artfully creates his twist on traditional southern cuisine. On weekend, they have a great brunch that we recommend checking out too! This place packs quickly, so we recommend making reservations if you plan on trying to dine at The Bistro.
If you ask your reservationist at check in for a restaurant recommendation, Pasqualino's will be at the top of their list! Enjoy classic Italian favorites served in a rustic yet refined atmosphere.
74 locals recommend
Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant
25 Everett StIf you ask your reservationist at check in for a restaurant recommendation, Pasqualino's will be at the top of their list! Enjoy classic Italian favorites served in a rustic yet refined atmosphere.
Conveniently located across from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City, Boxcar Cafe & Cones offers a varied breakfast and lunch menu including burgers, wraps, wings, and more. *Pet Friendly*
10 locals recommend
Boxcar Cafe and Cones, Inc.
26 Fry StConveniently located across from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City, Boxcar Cafe & Cones offers a varied breakfast and lunch menu including burgers, wraps, wings, and more. *Pet Friendly*
Family friendly restaurant with full bar, pet friendly outdoor covered deck, and pool tables and games conveniently located just across from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in the heart of downtown Bryson City. Daily food and drink specials, weekend live entertainment, and NFL Ticket for those fall football weekends. *Pet Friendly*
19 locals recommend
CJ's Grille
47 Depot StFamily friendly restaurant with full bar, pet friendly outdoor covered deck, and pool tables and games conveniently located just across from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in the heart of downtown Bryson City. Daily food and drink specials, weekend live entertainment, and NFL Ticket for those fall football weekends. *Pet Friendly*
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with a full bar in a super casual atmosphere.
31 locals recommend
Guayabitos Restaurant
236 US-19Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with a full bar in a super casual atmosphere.
Only open Tuesday through Saturdays, 11am-8pm during the Spring and Summer seasons. You will enjoy hickory smoked BBQ pit made right on premise. This restaurant is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along as you enjoy this tasty BBQ wagon. *Pet Friendly*
21 locals recommend
Bar-B-Que Wagon
610 Main StOnly open Tuesday through Saturdays, 11am-8pm during the Spring and Summer seasons. You will enjoy hickory smoked BBQ pit made right on premise. This restaurant is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along as you enjoy this tasty BBQ wagon. *Pet Friendly*
The Nantahala Outdoor Center has TWO riverside dining options : Big Wesser and The River's End restaurants with menus boasting a little something for everyone. Whether your craving a burger, Mexican cuisine, or some signature Sherpa Rice, you will surely enjoy your meal when every seat is a riverfront seat out at the NOC! *Pet Friendly*
7 locals recommend
Big Wesser
13077 W Hwy 19The Nantahala Outdoor Center has TWO riverside dining options : Big Wesser and The River's End restaurants with menus boasting a little something for everyone. Whether your craving a burger, Mexican cuisine, or some signature Sherpa Rice, you will surely enjoy your meal when every seat is a riverfront seat out at the NOC! *Pet Friendly*
Okay, so this one isn't technically in Bryson City ... but it is some of the BEST BBQ you will find and totally worth the drive over to Dillsboro. 10/10 we HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
191 locals recommend
Haywood Smokehouse
79 Elysinia AveOkay, so this one isn't technically in Bryson City ... but it is some of the BEST BBQ you will find and totally worth the drive over to Dillsboro. 10/10 we HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is a new addition to our area and quickly climbed to one of our favorite recommendations! Conveniently located just outside the Deep Creek entrance into the GSMNP, be sure to stop by for some killer burgers and shakes!
Moon Goddess Burgers & Shakes
1881 West Deep Creek RoadThis is a new addition to our area and quickly climbed to one of our favorite recommendations! Conveniently located just outside the Deep Creek entrance into the GSMNP, be sure to stop by for some killer burgers and shakes!
Definitely stop by this adorable locally owned coffee and sweet shop located in the heart of downtown Bryson City! Most widely known for their fried pies ... but all of their baked goods are favorites.
MRKT on the Square & Sandra D's
164 Main StreetDefinitely stop by this adorable locally owned coffee and sweet shop located in the heart of downtown Bryson City! Most widely known for their fried pies ... but all of their baked goods are favorites.
Pet Friendly and Kid Friendly with a large fenced in yard, the Bryson City Brewing has a broad selection of food locally sourced Burgers, specialty sandwiches, barbecue, chicken, wings, and chicken tenders. Their salads are also locally renowned.
Bryson City Brewing
Pet Friendly and Kid Friendly with a large fenced in yard, the Bryson City Brewing has a broad selection of food locally sourced Burgers, specialty sandwiches, barbecue, chicken, wings, and chicken tenders. Their salads are also locally renowned.