Things to do in Bryson City in October

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Overview

October is a great time to visit Bryson City. The weather is usually mildly cool and humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 47—69°F (8—21°C).

Bryson City has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Bryson City. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Bryson City in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Bryson City in October

Top experiences in October
We couldn't find any experiences in October
Holidays in Bryson City in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Bryson City in October

Temperatures on an average day in Bryson City in October

The average temperature in Bryson City in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 69°F (21°C) to a low of 47°F (8°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. humid but cool

For comparison, the hottest month in Bryson City, July, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 27°F (-3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Bryson City in October based on historical data.

Visiting Bryson City? See our Bryson City Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October
69°F
highs
47°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
24%
Chance of rain
0.137 in
Amount
9.7 mph
Wind speed
74%
Humidity
11.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:39 AM
Sunrise
6:58 PM
Sunset
61%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 69°F (21°C) and a low of 47°F (8°C), it generally feels mildly cool and humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Bryson City in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Bryson City has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Bryson City that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Bryson City for October.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
1. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
4.5
(8039)
Railroad company
Museums
Vintage steam trains with dining cars travel from a historic depot through scenic countryside.
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I recently had the chance to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and it was an experience I will never forget. One of the highlights was the Moonshine Tasting experience, which included eight different moonshine samples paired with a BBQ lunch. I was not expecting much from the BBQ plate, but it completely surprised me. The meat was tender, the flavors were spot on, and all of the sides were just as delicious. Our guide made the ride even better by keeping everyone entertained with jokes, fun facts, and plenty of energy throughout the trip. The train offers both enclosed and open-air cars. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend the open-air option since there is no window glare in your photos and you get to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Between the stunning scenery, great food, fun atmosphere, and wonderful staff, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is absolutely worth the trip. I would love to do it again in a heartbeat.
Our family took the Nantahala Excursion Steam Engine on Oct 3rd and it was amazing. We definitely recommend the open air car if the weather is nice, like it was when we went. The views were great and the overall ride was a good length. The website said 4.5 hours total but we arrived back at the station 5 hours after we departed. It gives you time to take plenty of pictures and videos as well as time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the views. During the layover, we opted to grab lunch from the food car and eat at the picnic tables by the river instead of attempting to get food at one of the restaurants at the NOC. It looked busy and an hour isnt enough time to make the walk, get your food, eat and be back on-board in time. We really enjoyed the ride and highly recommend it.
This was a great experience! We were in town for our anniversary and this was a perfect 1/2 day trip. We left at 1030 and saw some beautiful scenery along the way. Some interesting facts were shared with us such as the train wreck scene from The Fugitive was filmed on this rail line and we got to see the wrecked train, which is still there, along the way. We arrived in Dillsboro and had about 1.5 hours for lunch and looking around the small town. The ride back was fun because we saw things from a different perspective. Well worth the time investment! Highly recommend this if you like trains and wonderful mountain scenery!
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad scenic railroad located in Bryson City is a wonderful experience that should be recommended for anyone and everyone that appreciates the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Western North Carolina. A great ride for families, couples, individuals, and even large groups, age does not matter. Regardless of the time of year, you will have an opportunity to enjoy endless scenic views. The typical route will last roughly a total of four hours, and can be most enjoyed on an open air car, especially if you are able to secure seats on the south side of the train. This affords the better vantage point. Depending on your class of seats, light refreshments and snacks are available and sufficient for a picnic afternoon, but don’t expect to be wowed by food. The town of Bryson City is also an attraction in and of itself, and the railroad company has installed several attractions and shops for visitors, including a historic train museum. We selected the Nantahala Gorge route which afforded beautiful views of the Nantahala River, along with a great number of tributaries, lakes, and mountains. The one very glaring and very negative part of the experience is parking. Parking is an absolute nightmare, especially on days with more full trains. Despite an enormous staff on site to direct guests, there is either not enough parking to accommodate all visitors, or they have not efficiently crafted a method for directing traffic. We arrived on site 40 minutes prior to our schedule train ride (2 P.M.) and did not depart our car in a parking spot until after 2 P.M., despite having traveled less than 500 feet. Thankfully the train was held, but the delay was also unexpected and unnecessary. That would be the only variable preventing us from a second visit. Also, in case of inclement weather, there is no covered seating adjacent to the train station to accommodate visitors waiting to board the train.
We went on the Tuskegee River ride and we rode first class on 11/24/2025. The train was lovely, lunch was delicious and the views of the river were spectacular. Our guide Jacob was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the area. He took good care of us and kept our drinks refilled too! The town of Dillsboro was very cute and shops had lots of beautiful items from local artisans. The first class car was clean and comfortable. Train museum was free and we really enjoyed that too. All in all a great day!
What a great time!! We decided to get tickets in an open air car so we can get better views and for the picture opportunities and it did not disappoint. The views are spectacular especially sitting on the station side of the train going to the NOC. The bridges and and the lake views almost are worth the ride alone. We will definitely be back for another ride.
We reserved the 9am ride and it was very cold. We brought blankets and hot coffee. Conductors were very informative. Scenery was absolutely breath taking. Extremely relaxing. 1 hour stop was along the tracks with not much to do with the time given. Lunch was rushed with a mediocre bbq sandwich which was overpriced at a food truck located along a park. We didn't purchase the bag lunches. Other than that, the trip was a great experience. We rode in the open air caboose which allowed for the best pictures.
Magical ride through the mountains! We took the Tuskegee Expedition on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and it was an unforgettable experience — especially with the beautiful Christmas decorations! From the moment we arrived, everything felt festive and well-organized. The staff was cheerful, helpful, and really added to the holiday spirit. 🎅🏼🎁 The train itself was cozy and clean, with twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas music playing softly in the background. The scenic ride through the Smokies was breathtaking — we even spotted some snow-dusted peaks! ❄️🚂 Snacks and drinks were a nice touch, and the narration about the area’s history made the trip even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect mix of holiday magic and mountain charm — great for couples, families, or anyone who loves a good Christmas experience. We’d absolutely do it again next year! 🌟❤️
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Retail Store & Train Museum
2. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Retail Store & Train Museum
4.6
(398)
Gift shop
Museums
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What a delightful surprise to enter this museum! They have two very large interactive displays that my family really enjoyed. To be honest, we spent the majority of our time checking out the displays and not really the walls of trains and other memorabilia. The first display that you see allows people to press buttons and control various scenes within the display. Our favorites were the tornado and football stadium! The second and largest display has an interactive scavenger hunt. It took us quite some time to find some of the hidden scenes—one being Big Foot! The gift shop has everything one could possibly need plus some, everything seemed to be very reasonably priced. The employee working was very kind and patient with my children making their souvenir decisions and even helped my son open his new pocket knife and showed him how the lock mechanism worked. If you are looking for an indoor activity or something to entertain your family—this is it! Admission was $9 per adult and $5 per child.
We did a last minute trip on saturday. We were able to get 2 last minute tickets 20 minutes before it left. We were on the Royal Palm car. Our guide was Jacob. He was amazing. He told us so many facts about the area, and pointed out all kinds of cool things. I highly recommend this trip. Jacob made sure we were taken care of on our beverages and was fun to talk to.
We came to this area to watch 1702 under steam and after chasing the train for an hour or so down the line, we came back to go through the museum. Wow!! The layouts are incredible! The biggest O Scale layout we’ve ever seen! The pre-war room with all the vintage trains is one area not to miss!
Great little stop if you’re passing through! The train museum has an awesome collection of model trains on display and many of them are actually for sale. It’s the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs, browse, and take in some railroad history. The staff are friendly and clearly passionate about trains, making it a fun and unexpected find on the road!
Fun museum with loads of model trains! Admission is free if you have a ticket for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad tour. Very nice gift shop, super nice employees. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy trains.
Listen. This place had better PR. You would be so busy prices would not have to be that high. It's the Smokey Mountain railroad. Why not have a mixture of natives utilized in the Soviet Empire? Their experience and surroundings should draw people in. Listen money is green and all cultures love a great train excursion. Make it a better experience please for the greater future of Smokey Mountain Railroad. Seriously do better 😒
The scenery was wonderful. The car surroundings brought a nice bit of realism to what train travels would have been like. The girl that worked in our car was great. She did well with what she had to work with. The gift shop was nice and had a wonderful selection. Overall, worth the time and money.
You get in free with a train ticket, this was such a fun surprise to me. They didnt hype up just how awesome it would be. Fun for adults and stuff for kids to do. I was amazed.
Nantahala Brewing
3. Nantahala Brewing
4.0
(595)
Permanently Closed
Restaurant
Food & Drink
This brewery provides tours & tastings, plus a rustic taproom with draft beers & regular live music.
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I consider myself a bit of an expert on baked pretzels and this is by far one of the best. Crunch on the outside and soft on the inside-can’t beat it. I hope this is how it always is prepared and mine wasn’t a one off. Beer, chicken tendies, outside ambiance all fit the bill. Highly recommend
My husband and I love to go to local breweries and try the beer they make & food whenever we are out of town! We came to this place when it was in the airplane hangar, while it seemed sort of bare bones it was really endearing, the staff was welcoming, the beer was good! We were excited to come back - but we’re left really disappointed. After looking at the beer menu and realizing they only had 4 of their own we went up to order a brew & some wings. They were out of the beer we were already settling for so we went with the amber ESB, not bad! The other options were a potter or a stout.. We got 10 wings, 1/2 one sauce and 1/2 the other, they came out mostly dry and all drums even though we didn’t specify one way or the other ~ we understand there has been a shortage and wings have been heavy hit but $15 for 10 drums barely sauced… 😬 We ordered a side of fries as well, they came out cold and it seemed like the bottom of the warm plate. While it was already a small portion, we couldn’t have even eaten half of it if we wanted to it was just crumbs. I understand how a review good or bad effects a place and I don’t like to leave bad ones but my husband and I both felt compelled after this experience..
I was visiting my daughter and decided to come here. It had a very nice vibe and crowd considering we were there late on the night before the 4th of July. The staff was very friendly. My daughter had already eaten and I wasn't very hungry, so we shared a pretzel and two beers. They have a stage for live bands and a patio out back, but it was raining so we stayed inside. The place isn't huge, and parking may become a challenge down the road when Western Carolina students return in the fall, but I think it will be a hit with most people and a great place for a bite and brew.
Had a blast here! The staff were super cool and funny, and our food and drinks were great! 👌 We ordered a lot, too - and all of it tasted great! The jalapeño/pineapple Margherita was on point! 😉
We came in the afternoon on a weekday, and it was not too busy. I got the chicken tenders, and they were so delicious. The breading was seasoned and they had a nice crunch to them. The chicken was juicy and tender, and went great with the ranch. The fries were crispy and nice. The service was excellent, and I really appreciated the nice cup of ice water. Unfortunately I didn’t know the name of the person who took our order, but he was amazing. He served us our food, was very friendly, and impressed me with how he was willing to go the extra mile to help us have a nice meal.
We decided to take a trip to Bryson City for a walkabout and came upon this brewing company. The beer was amazing & the scenic Smoky Mountains Railway train came right past us; the staff was very friendly & knowledgeable. It was clean with a long bar, a big inside dining room, & a massive outdoor seating area that is very dog friendly
Visited this fine brewery in their "off season" while I was staying in Pigeon Forge. While it was a little bit of a ride, my wife and I thought it was worth the trip (we love to check out local breweries). They are currently under renovations, but it looks awesome. The employees were very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed my flight and my wife loved the sour beer they were serving at the time. The negatives were the drive and lack of parking. Overall, I did enjoy my visit. Cheers!
We stopped in after a long day of tubing nearby. I had the BBQ plate and my wife had a cheese burger. The baked beans tasted like they were fresh out of a can and had to distinct flavor. Pulled pork was dry as can be, and the slaw was tasteless. It was the worst BBQ I have had in the last 10 years. The burger is just okay. It didn’t taste seasoned. Now the price was crazy high for such small amounts and low quality. Maybe their beer is way better. I would steer clear unless it’s the only place you can find a spot at. It was moderately busy when we went. You got to seat yourself but had to wait about 39 minutes for food.
Lakeview Dr E
4. Lakeview Dr E
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Cooper Creek Trout Farm
5. Cooper Creek Trout Farm
4.7
(285)
Fishing pond
Nature & Parks
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Grandson and I came to fish cherokee over spring break ,but tribal waters were closed. So on a whim went to check out Coopers. Wonderful place back in. People very friendly. Fished our equipment or they can provide some for use. Caught 5 very quickly on simple plastic baits. Fish averaged 2lb . Nice cooking size for us. Well worth the $8 per pound. Actually made 2 trips here this week. Brought the whole family , wife, 3 sons n spouses, and 9 grand kids. We all had a memorable time. The fish were flying!
Can get pricey, but overall my kids enjoyed fishing here and caught a lot of fish. Be prepared to drive down narrow, gravel roads to get here. I thought I was lost at first and had to call to check to make sure I was going the right way. But it was a pretty area to fish at and the employees were friendly and willing to answer any questions I had.
Great spot for beginner fishermen! Cooper will provide everything you need to catch delicious trout, and will also clean and fillet for a small fee. Poles, bucket, bait, etc. all included. We had a great experience and will be back again. Things to keep in mind: This road is long; looks like you’re driving through residential areas, but you will get there! No catch and release, you must pay for what you catch. Bring a towel and some wet wipes for the kids.
This definately is a great place to have fun fishing. Ed got us poles and a bucket and net. After about a half hour of trying to catch the fish, he came over and gave us some tips. After that we caught trout after trout. He was great. There is a $3 per person to fish. There is also a price per pound for fish. It is a catch and keep. They fillet your fish quickly. We caught 7 trout and our cost for the 2 of us fishing was $114. This will make 2 meals of delicious trout so we thought it was worth the money and the fun. We will definitely be back on our next trip.
Had a blast catching and watching my boys catch a mess of trout. We just didn't want to stop. The owner is Great. I had a wonderful time getting to know each other while an employee cleaned our fish and also did a great job.
We took the three kids today and had the absolute best time. From 2 to 17, they had fun catching trout. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend going if in the area. They supply everything you need or you can bring your own. It is catch and keep so bring a cooler with ice or you can purchase them there.
This was an experience to say the least for my 12 year old autistic son. They were so nice and showed us where to take him to catch the most fish and he had so much fun. He barely cast his line and would catch a big, beautiful rainbow trout. You pay by the pound so we had to make ourselves stop before going broke, but we all had a blast! Definitely worth it just for the smile on my son's face!!!
My family and I had a great time. We caught 6 rainbow trout in about 1.5 hours. No catch and release, so you keep what you catch at just under $8 per pound. At 12 lbs of trout, fishing fees, fish cleaning fees, we spent around $124.80 cash. (There’s a 4% surcharge on debit/credit card processing fee.) Multiple ways to prepare and cook the trout. We rinsed ours thoroughly, heated a pan with a fair amount of butter, used blackened seasoning and pan seared both sides until done. They tasted awesome with no fishy taste whatsoever. We would recommend, it’s great family fun!
Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum
6. Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum
4.7
(317)
Visitor center
Museums
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Very nice little museum with some great artifacts. Super friendly staff who were very helpful and informative. Worth the time for a look around.
My kids have enjoyed the scavenger hunt two summers in a row. It can be challenging to get modern kids excited about a history museum but Swain County does an excellent job by making the exhibits interactive with their scavenger hunt and easy to self guide layout. Bonus-it’s free! Thanks for a relaxing way to sneak some education into a trip!
We would have never noticed this museum if it weren’t for the lady running the Hallmark store. I’m so glad we decided to check it out! There are so many fascinating items and photos on display along with detailed descriptions. It was the perfect place to get out of the heat for a bit while also learning about the history of the area. I especially liked the little log cabin that you “walk through“. And it was free! I wish I had taken some pictures to share. The museum is on the second floor, but there is an elevator if you are handicapped. The public bathroom in the ground floor visitors center is the cleanest public restrooms I’ve used in a long time. This is definitely a place to visit if you are in the area.
This is one of the nicest places to stop in Bryson City. The staff here are very sweet and have the best little scavenger hunt. The history of the museum is well displayed and thought out. I had kids ages 10-16 and even they enjoyed it. Great little gift shop too, with unique little gift items. Easy to access, and in the center of downtown. Love this place.
Truly a gem of Bryson City. Easy handicap ♿️ access and an elevator to the second floor. Downstairs is the welcome desk and gift shop. Any questions about our little town will be answered here by a very nice staff. My favorite is the upstairs. There you can learn all about the area and its past. Terrific genuine artifacts are on display here. So much to see and even touch. A small 'theater' gives you a guided tour with it's video. My favorite is the replica of the old cabin. With porch and rocking chairs. During the Christmas season they decorate the place. Sit in the rocking chair, the perfect picture for Facebook. Look around and you'll realize how much passion and love went into the decor. Step back into a time long gone. A place worth visiting.
For a small town, their Visitor Center is first rate. Very impressed with detail and historical material. Small but very interesting.
The Swain County Visitors Center is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of our community, offering an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Step into the Swain County Visitors Center, and you're instantly transported back in time. The museum boasts a captivating collection of local history, providing insight into the rich heritage and culture of the region. From exhibits detailing the indigenous peoples who once called this land home to the stories of early settlers and pioneers, the center offers a comprehensive overview of Swain County's What truly sets the Swain County Visitors Center apart is its family-friendly atmosphere. The museum is designed to engage and entertain visitors of all ages, with interactive displays and hands-on activities that spark curiosity and imagination. Kids, in particular, will delight in exploring the exhibits and discovering the fascinating stories that shaped the community we know today. Beyond its entertainment value, the Swain County Visitors Center serves as an invaluable educational resource. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the area's natural beauty, wildlife, and conservation efforts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations. The center also plays a vital role in fostering community engagement and pride. Through its exhibitions and programming, the Swain County Visitors Center celebrates the diverse tapestry of voices and experiences that make up our community, promoting understanding and unity among residents and visitors alike. In conclusion, the Swain County Visitors Center is more than just a museum—it's a gateway to the past, a catalyst for learning, and a hub of community activity. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing for the family, the Swain County Visitors Center is a must-visit destination. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and entertained as you embark on a journey through the storied landscapes and rich heritage of Swain County.
Fun and informative place to learn about the history of Swain County, from lumber, rail roads, moonshine, and tourism. On the second floor and you can use the elevator. Free of charge. There are lots of antiques to support the history. I'm glad we spent the hour. Make sure you see the movie that explains the history of the area, the dam, and 1940 flood.
Pincu Pottery
7. Pincu Pottery
4.7
(12)
Permanently Closed
Pottery store
Museums
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A working studio with gallery space for 3 potters. Just purchased our Eclipse mugs and and 4 other pieces. Met the friendly and talented potters and wish I had more time here to be able to take lessons they offer. Make sure you stop by when you're visiting the Great Smokies!
We arrived at 3:30 on a Saturday and they were already closed. I agree with other reviewers that the store does not honor posted hours.
Beautiful pottery. Hand painted. Very unique and colorful. I loved the pottery chickens and salt shaker bears.
Nice and friendly little shop. Will definitely be back.
Extraordinary pottery. Beautiful and functional. A must see place. Don't miss it!!!!
The owners are so nice and thier work is simply amazing.
Still beautiful stuff. Visited last week.
They have some beautiful pottery.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
8. Mountain Layers Brewing Company
4.7
(518)
Brewery
Food & Drink
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Great spot. Can't recommend highly enough. We ended up here after hiking at Deep Creek b/c we wanted to eat Rice Wagon for lunch. What a pleasant surprise to find this brewery next door. The beers were delicious, and there's a great upstairs and a nice little downstairs. The bartender downstairs was new, and a manager was training her. He couldn't have been nicer and more professional. Really impressive operation. She was great as well. I also really appreciated that they had plenty of shade on the outdoor deck. Attached pic is of the charity system they do. Awesome stuff.
Great brewery in downtown Bryson City. Amazing location with amazing service on both levels. The rooftop bar is a must visit and the service was impeccable. The beers were probably our favorite of the trip. And the peach wine slushy was top tier. 10/10 would recommend. Visit here next time you're in the area
The secret to this place is they have small downstairs bar that is full with locals. Do not be discouraged. Walk past that. They have a larger and way cool bar upstairs. They have a rooftop view of downtown. Emily and John are friendly bartenders. Their food truck, The Rice Wagon is a very high rated food truck. Due to stairs, this place is not dog friendly. They do flights. They also do 5oz pours.
Great brewery in downtown Bryson City. The beer selection offers a variety of great choices, perfect for any beer lover. There are multiple seating areas, so finding a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy your drink is never a problem. Just outside the brewery, there’s a food truck serving up some delicious options making it an ideal stop for both drinks and a bite to eat.
Everytime we visit Bryson City we love coming here. Great beer selection and quite tasty, all kinds of styles for all palates. They even have wine, prosecco, NA drinks. There is a permanent food truck on site called the Rice Wagon, we ate there and the food was yummy. This place has a small bar downstairs with about 10 seats, but go upstairs and there is more bar seating and a patio that overlooks the Main Street, so fun people watching. One sad thing, last time we where here we could view the river, now someone has developed the property next door and blocked the view. Maybe someone could do a cool mural that would hide the plywood and create a nice vibe. John and Emily were the best, loved chatting with them and they gave us great recommendations for things to do and places to go. Live music, check their schedule for events.
Tasted one of their beers at the NOC, Hazel Creek Blone and really enjoyed it. Stopped in as we were staying in Bryson City. Tried a wheat beer Smoke Over Lublin which had a nice smoky flavor that I enjoyed. Also had Elk Watch a dry stout that was very good as well. Loved sitting in the rooftop patio. Had great weather and enjoyed watching the folks walk up and down the Main Street. Right next to the Rice Wagon which smelled great so plenty of food options near the brewery.
The lady behind the bar is awesome. The place doesn't serve food, so you can go to the back food truck and get food to bring in or eat out. As long as you stay in the gravel area, you may bring your beer out with you. Their hazy IPA is delicious. The food at the Hawaiian Rice Food Truck is amazing. I tried something that I didn't even understand all the ingredients, and I'm glad I did! It was a delicious breaded chicken over rice with a real nice sauce and a side of purple slaw. My husband and I enjoyed every bite and every sip!
★★★☆☆ – It’s Fine Tried the lager here—it’s… fine. Crisp and cold, which is nice on a hot day, but nothing that really stood out. Mild flavor, low bitterness, and a slightly watery finish. Not off-putting, just kind of forgettable. It does the job if you’re looking for something easy to drink, but don’t expect to be wowed. Good enough for one pint, probably wouldn’t go back just for this.
Darnell Farms
9. Darnell Farms
4.8
(2059)
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
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We had a great time. Wonderfully, friendly staff. They have an awesome selection of produce, juices, butters, pickled things, and so much more. The Dreamwhips are so yummy. There are all sorts of things to do. Or you can just sit by the water and relax. Highly recommend.
Great fresh produce, jarred salsa, pickles, relishes, jams and jellies by Darnell Farms. There soft serve Dream Whip with toppings is delicious. They have bouncy houses, stage for live performances and a tented eating area to enjoy fresh cooked meat, etc. Stop by. You won't be disappointed. Free parking and restrooms.
I absolutely love this place. There is a special feel to this family farm. Anytime I venture to Bryson City, I make a special trip out there. The staff is friendly, informative and kind. Whether it’s a veggie run , vending or just need a little time to relax; this is a great place to be! Don’t forget to be kind, respectful and polite when you’re there. I love Captain Jer, Theo the cat and the Darnell family. When the world gets overwhelming..get off your phone and go touch the grass at Darnell Farms!
Wonderful place to visit, it's a must if you're in the area and looking for some time to kill, shopped here for fresh fruits and veggies to stock up our rental kitchen. We just had to order the hyped delicious dole whips and dubai strawberry cups. Kids got to run around and have fun on the plentiful playground equipment after eating. It is such chill spot right on the river to take in beautiful views and relax after shopping.
This farm was awesome. We usually go to a local farm (45min) which is ok. This was next level in terms of scenery, quality of pumpkins and other produce, and other amenities. Clean restrooms, friendly staff, and the corn maze was 10/10. Would love to come back next year!
This place is very cool and there is so much to see and do at the farm. There is so much amazing food and treats for everyone. Awesome family environment and you will enjoy the day, the Hayride and the entire fun experience. You can't go wrong checking this out.
We had so much fun! Plenty to do without spending any money but the little store was great and the pumpkin soft serve was amazing. Very toddler friendly and just overall a great time.
Darnell Farms is the place where you will find the locals shopping for the best fresh produce and canned goods. Today they are getting ready for the Christmas holidays and live Christmas trees are already on display. Live music, check their schedule for events. There is a lot to see and do here. Plan on spending at least an hour when you come out. Plenty of free parking.
Storytelling Center Of The Southern Appalachians
10. Storytelling Center Of The Southern Appalachians
4.3
(6)
Entertainer
Museums
The Cottage Craftsman
11. The Cottage Craftsman
4.7
(17)
Temporarily Closed
Art gallery
Museums
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Very nice store with great quality items. Helpful employee and a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Fantastic little shop! Wandered in looking for nice cheese for a picnic, and found all that and more. Lovely selection of cheese and wine, local honey, beautiful crafts and glass and wood pieces, and a charming downtown atmosphere. Great place to wander through, and more likely that not you'll find something to fall in love with. Great for a quick pre or post meal drop by.
What a beautiful store! They even have books by local authors. Beautiful jewelry, pottery, local art and fun things. Woman in the store was so sweet and nice to talk to. Visit this store, you’ll be glad you did!
The store is very nice but the guy and his dog that were there lied to us. We wanted to buy some cheese so we asked him what time he was closing and he said 5 so we told him we’d be back to get the cheese because it was warm outside and we didn’t want to ruin the cheese. We returned at 4:30 and the store was closed. We were sooo disappointed....the cheese looked really good. By the way we left the store at 3
Nice little shop with items from local artists and craftsmen. Don't believe what Google says they are only open until 4 on Sundays NOT 5! Fellow there was nice enough to let us in and shop anyway. Watch out for Miss Molly!
We were visiting from Florida and the owner was very friendly and easy to talk with. The store had a variety of neat things to look at. It is worth checking out while your in town!!
This is the best place to shop when you come to visit Bryson City! For unique gifts, Appalachian mountain arts, and a real taste of the culture of the mountains this is the place to visit.
Beautiful ! Love the coffee and art .always pick up coffee , and if you let her grind it , you’ll have the best smelling car all the way home !
Nantahala River Gem Mine
12. Nantahala River Gem Mine
4.6
(276)
Jewelry store
Sights & Landmarks
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We went on a family vacation this past Christmas and decided to take our kids to the gem mine. The man on duty there was very nice by showing us what kind of gems we wanted to find and keep or have them cut the stone into what we wanted for jewelry etc. while we were there I proposed to my now fiancé by pretending I found the ring while mining lol. But it was a great experience all the way around!
The gem mine may not make you rich. It is enriching for the kids. The gentlemen working was informative and friendly. Unfortunately, my Geology skills took a hit after so many years out of college. The only rock I could identify was quartz. My teacher would be so disappointed. We went in the off seaosn and it was a Great experience and we enjoyed it. Thank you so much.
A great place to visit with the kids. Buckets are seeded with gemstones from around the world? The local sandy metamorphic schist is fun to sort through to find the gemstones. Beware a 5 gallon bucket of matrix (rocks, gems and sand) is $48.00 plus tax. I had fun sifting thru a scoop of local meta-sedimentary rounded rocks from the adjacent Wesser creek.
Bill was great and talked to us about all the gems and stones. Very helpful. My 11 and 13 yo boys loved it. One 5 gallon bucket ($46) took them about 30 or so minutes to sift through. Be prepared to get a little dirty, not a lot. Maybe more so with young children. 4 stars only because I hoped we would find a couple larger stones. Most were pretty small. Overall very happy we went!
After reading mixed reviews on this experience we decided to go for it anyways. My family loves rocks and I had a feeling it would be a hit. Initially the $45 cost of the bucket seemed like it was expensive. Really, the bucket is a 5 gallon bucket filled to the top with sand and gems. My family of 5 enjoyed slushing to find our treasures! There is an attached gift shop…which is very eclectic. The gentleman working was very kind and offered us suggestions for other things to do and see nearby. We are a “no plan” plan kind of family and tend to fly off the seat of our pants….we really enjoyed this experience and would definitely recommend it to families or rock enthusiasts alike!
I brought my son (2.5 years old) here a few days ago on a whim and we had a lot of fun! I was originally unsure about the price, but it's a huge bucket and there were more than enough gems inside. The owner is super nice and even stayed open late for us to finish up. He told us what each gem was and even separated them into different bags in case I later decide to have some made into jewelry. My little one LOVES his gems and they are proudly displayed in my living room.
This is was our 2nd time here and we will be back. The Guy running it is super helpful and took his time to tell the kids what they got along with tips on how to further clean up the Gem stones. Thank you for being kind and helpful.
Very good selection of precious and semiprecious stones per bucket of dirt. Reasonably priced for what is found if you take the time to go through it and know what you are looking for. Great for kids but also all ages. The gentleman that was working when we were in was very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to talk with. Would totally recommend to anyone in the area! A bucket keeps you busy for a little over an hour if it's one person looking.
Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine
13. Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine
4.3
(22)
Temporarily Closed
Store
Sights & Landmarks
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We had so much fun here, we came back a second time! We found a great assortment of gems and cool rocks in each bucket, including some very large gems! The young man working here was very helpful in reviewing and identifying our finds. $ 40 per bucket, the two of us were kept busy panning for more than an hour each time.
Previous experiences here years ago resulted with a much more exciting take home bag of gems and rocks. This go around out of 2 buckets @ $90 the girls left very disappointed. Only finding a few pieces between them. Doubt we will be back for any other buckets from this mine.
Terrific experience for families and bored couples! Staff was super helpful at identifying gems and setting the stage for fun. You'll find plenty of gems in every bucket. Your kids will love pulling chunks of quarts and emeralds out from the muck. It's great fun!
The kids had the best time here! Prices were fair and the staff was so kind and patient and knowledgeable. They have a silver bucket where they found three very old silver coins with true value as well as pieces of silver and copper. They found a sharks tooth and lots of large gemstone rocks. Silver ore, amethyst, flourite, quartz, etc. Highly recommend this place. It was not crowded and the facilities were great. We have done this type of activity many different places and this was definitely our favorite and it had the most keeper rocks/stones!
After going across many gem mines, this one was arguably my all-time favorite! The staff was wonderful, and very helpful in explaining the stones and usability. I found some wonderful Dalmatian Jasper (my second favorite gemstone!) and plenty of rubies, emeralds, amethysts, and even arrowheads! I highly recommend this place!
We have been visiting this place for years. Fun time sifting through the dirt for treasures and friendly people to help you sort and identify the discoveries. For us this is a must do when we visit Bryson City.
This place was so much fun. More than I even expected. Richard made absolutely sure that we all had good time from 5yo all the way to adult. Do not pass this place up.
Paid for the ultimate bucket and only found pebble gemstones and not a lot of them. Literally pebble size. Don't waste your money
Deep Creek Campground Kiosk
14. Deep Creek Campground Kiosk
4.5
(31)
Tourist information center
Sights & Landmarks
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My family didn't camp here, but we enjoyed the picnic area and playing in the water
The tent camping part of the campground has a parking lot and it is a short walk to sites. The closer you stay to the creek the less foot traffic you will have around you but instead you will be other campers foot traffic as you pass them to and from your car and to and from the bathroom. My husband and I stayed at site 29 with our daughter and her husband. There is little to no privacy between sites but it was still pleasant. Site 29 is close to creek on one side and on the edge on another side so less neighbors. Site 28 also looked good because it has a view of the creek. There is a bathroom with flushing toilets and running water and sinks, no showers. We think it would be a wonderful place to camp with family and friends because the sites are close and would be one big camp.
I am only giving a 4 out of the 5 it deserves for two reasons... 1. There is no control over the noise at night. It lasted until the wee hours in the morning during the weekend nights. If quiet time starts at 10, then it would help of someone could help the rest of us get some rest. 2. Until we got there we had no idea that dogs were not allowed on the trails. We had already brought her, so had nowhere to put her so we could enjoy the trails. If the NPS website would have stated that from the beginning we would have never brought her in the first place. But the place was beautiful and the campground was nice. River sites and all. We will return without the dog sometime soon. 😊
We made reservations to bring our camper. We reserved 2 tent sites and one camper. Asked specific questions like what is the size of the pad for the camper. The first campsite had such an incline we couldn't level the camper at all. The 2nd one was an admin site that we were allowed to stay on for the rest of that night but had to move the next morning. The office could not find us another site and didn't want to refund our money. The reservation department sucks!!!! We tried calling them to try and work something else out but could not reach anyone. We wound up having to leave family at the park and find another campsite. Not happy with company at all.
Great campground with an automatic booking machine which is convenient. Went here during peak leaf season and it wasn't too crowded.
We come to Deep Creek Campround once or twice a year. The people tend to be friendly and check in is super convenient and automated. The primative tent pads dont have water or power but they also have RV slots for all the glampers out there.
Checking in and out of Deep Creek Campground couldn't be easier. On your way into the park, just stop by the kiosk to fill out a form and deposit your payment. You really can't go wrong at Deep Creek. This is the best vacation destination in the Smokies!
Lack of customer service, and process fraudulent charges on the customer. I was charged $28 for camping when I didn't camp there and I asked fora refund. Lila Floyd refused to give me a refund. This business is being reported to the better business bureau.
Charles Heath Studios
15. Charles Heath Studios
5.0
(2)
Artist
Museums
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A great gallery to visit... local art as well as unique pieces of art for all.
Deep Creek Winery
16. Deep Creek Winery
4.4
(222)
Winery
Food & Drink
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We went to visit this winery for the first time yesterday. Imagine a slow Sunday afternoon sitting on a deck with a view of the sleepy Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance sipping a glass of smooth red wine with music playing softly. What a perfect day. We sampled seven wines and all were good. This is in the middle of nowhere but you will be glad you took the time to find it. Our favorite wine was Fireside Red. Go. You won’t be sorry. We only live 30 minutes away and we are already making plans to go back.
The atmosphere was perfect. They checked all the boxes: the view, good wine, personable hosts, and most importantly Ben and Rue (their very sweet pups) making their rounds. 100% would recommend for a peaceful date. They close at 6 and list places to go to dinner in the area for after you leave… with a couple of bottles to go of course
What a beautiful place only made better by the breathtaking views of the mountains. You can truly sit back and relax in this hidden little spot. The dogs came out to say hello. It's so quiet and peaceful. They have cheese and Crackers available for purchase. We did a tasting and we both loved the Southern Hospitality wine. We are definitely taking some back to Tennessee with us. We will add this to the places we come on every trip. Just so you know, this is 21 and up so not a good spot if you have small children, only because they are trying to keep it peaceful and serene.
Fantastic views, good wine and the owners are the ultimate host! Well worth the trip!
Wine was really good, view was amazing, and they have 2 really cute dogs
Love Deep Creek Winery! They have a fantastic selection of wines and the view is 10/10. It’s a great little casual setting. Personally I love the Happy Hiker wine for summer and Fireside Red for winter ! They do sell cheese/crackers and salami - tho the price of the food is fairly steep. The wine tasting is priced budget friendly at 12.00 for 5. And their bottles are also reasonably priced if you find some you want to take home!
This is a very nice, unique Winery. The mountain views are awesome! The wines are very good. The tasting experience is the best we have experienced based on numerous states. Please give them a try. You will not be disappointed.
Lovely family-owned winery with a beautiful mountain valley view! We enjoyed every wine that we tasted! They also offer exceptional Amish cheeses and crackers to pair with a glass of wine if you desire. The ambiance is very relaxing and is the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine and enjoy the mountain views. The owners are also very friendly. Don't worry about the single lane road entering the property; there is a separate road for exiting (we were concerned as we were driving in but realized later that there is an exit road). Definitely worth the drive... we would love to come back when we are in the area!

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