Bryson City: At the center of outdoor adventure

Bryson City is an outdoorsman's dream. Whether you're a lover of the pristine trails and breathtaking vistas that draw hikers to these mountains, a kayaker eager to surf the whitewater waves or a trail chaser saddled on your trusty mountain bike, Bryson City and is nestled in the perfect spot.

Cradled by public forests and parkland, the town serves as a launchpad for those looking to experience the outdoors in style.

The nearby Tsali Recreation Center is a legendary mountain biking experience geared for both advanced trailblazers and more relaxed cyclists who prefer a milder ride. Meanwhile, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the nation's largest outdoor outfitter, is just up the street. Also on the town's doorstep is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most-visited national park and home to a smorgasbord of options for the outdoor adventurer. The park offers opportunities for cycling, camping, horseback riding and of course hiking — there are over 800 miles of maintained trails within its bounds.

As for the town itself, Bryson City is a bastion of small-town, Appalachian charm with a delightfully hip edge. In the summertime, the streets are dotted with people, checking out the offerings in Everett Street's many unique shops, where you can find everything from local crafts and handmade sweets to sweet summer dresses and state-of-the-art cycling gear, dipping into the town's galleries and antique shops, taking a mountain jaunt on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad or grabbing a salad and smoothie at Mountain Perks.

And for paddlers and peddlers looking to kick back after a day in the outdoors, the Nantahala Brewing Company recently threw open the doors to their tasting room, where their own offerings and other local mixes are all on tap. Right next door is the Tuckasegee Tavern, where karaoke, trivia and movie nights will make you feel like a local as soon as you step through the door. If beer isn't your beverage, head a few blocks down to the Cork and Bean, where wine lovers can unwind and uncork in a relaxing atmosphere.

So whether it's outdoor excitement you seek or relaxing escape, you'll find both in Bryson City, a retreat for the adventurer in you.

Attractions

• Deep Creek — This area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside Bryson City is a gorgeous, easily accessible area of the park. It consists of a series of a moist, beautiful, forested coves following a network of creeks. There are large picnic facilities, large restrooms and changing facilities for swimmers, a campground, short and long hikes and the popular pastime of tubing down the appropriately named Deep Creek. Hikes include a mix of waterfalls, wide gentle trails following former roadbeds connecting the early communities of the area and strenuous trails and climbs to challenge the most experienced hikers.

• Fontana Dam — The highest dam in eastern America, this 480 behemoth holds in pristine Fontana Lake. There are marinas and landings dotted around the lake for access, and tours of the dam itself are available from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 828.498.2226.

• Freymont Inn — A rustic inn overlooking the National Park, that has a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Its enormous stone fireplaces and hardwood floors recall historic Appalachia, and you can step back into history luxuriously in the full service dining or the cozy outside bar. 828.488.2159.

• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot — Located off Everett Street, the depot is the railroad's home base. As trains are waiting to leave, take a few minutes to speak to one of the conductors about life on a mountain railroad. Routes follow the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge and the Tuckasegee River, stopping in local depots along the way. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• Smoky Mountain Trains Scenic Model Railroad Museum — With its 7,000 engines, cars and accessories, this museum boasts the largest collection of Lionel trains in the Carolinas. Train collectors can purchase new gear or souvenirs here without admission to the museum. Located adjacent to the depot. 866.914.5200.

Dining & Nightlife

• Anthony's Italian Restaurant — Hand-tossed pizza, homemade dinners, subs and salads. 103 Depot St. 828.488.8898.

• BBQ Wagon — Hickory smoked pit BBQ made on the premises. 610 Main St. 828.488.9521.

• Cork and Bean — Organic, fair trade espresso and coffee, a select, eclectic list of wines, and locally prepared treats. Free wi-fi. 16 Everett St. 828.488.1934.

• Everett St. Diner — A traditional style breakfast and lunch as well as a variety of sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, and desserts that will satisfy the taste of any patron and is prepared by our chef and served Monday-Friday 7a.m. to 2 p.m. The diner's walls display works by local artists. 126 Everett St. 828.488.0123.

• Fryemont Inn — Hearty mountain breakfasts cooked to order. An excellent all inclusive dinner menu offers soup, house salad, choice of entree with three side dishes and homemade dessert. Entrees include fresh mountain trout, savory roast leg of lamb, and blackened prime rib. Full service fireside bar. 245 Fryemont St. 828.488.2159.

• Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant — Traditional Mexican food. 236 Highway 19 S. 828.488.1336.

• Hemlock Inn — Features home cooking from mid-April through October and on weekends in November through mid-December. Reservations are required. Galbraith Creek Rd. 828.488.2885.

• Jimmy Mac's — Offering both lunch and dinner in a casual and inviting atmosphere on Main Street, Jimmy Mac's features a full menu including soups, salads, appetizers, burgers, steak, seafood and more. 121 Main St. 828.488.4700.

• Mountain Perks Espresso Bar and Café — Custom roasted coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies and gourmet wraps and sandwiches. Free wi-fi. 9 Depot St. 828.488.9561.

• Nantahala Village Restaurant — Dine with a Smoky Mountain view in a family friendly atmosphere. Hearty breakfasts, rib-eye steak, mountain trout, salmon, pasta, vegetarian options, and a menu just for kids. Breakfast and dinner served daily (lunch seasonally), totally smoke free, inside and outside dining options. 9400 Hwy. 19 W. 828.488.2826.

• Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant — Classic Italian cuisine. 25 Everett St. 828.488.9555.

• Relia's Garden Restaurant — Overlooking a garden of flowers and fresh herbs, Relia's Garden Restaurant offers an unforgettable mountain dining experience. Enjoy fine dining on the deck with inspiring mountain views and the rushing sounds of the Nantahala River in the background. Live music at the Tote & Tarry, upstairs at Relia's Garden. 13077 Highway 19 W. 828.488.2175.

• River's End Restaurant — River's End is Nantahala Outdoor Center's original restaurant right on the banks of the Nantahala River. Homemade soups, breads, and famous chili to signature sandwiches, burgers and desserts. Highway 19/74 W. 828.488.2176.

• The Station Restaurant — Located in the renovated Bryson City Coal and Lumber Building, circa 1932. Rotisserie meats, homemade desserts, full bar. 225 D Everett St. 828.488.1532.

• Tuckasegee Tavern — Great food served daily, along with wide selection of local micro brews on tap. Free wi-fi. 103 Depot St. 828.488.9880.

Visitors' Center

• The visitors' center, operated by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, is located at 210 Main Street. 828.488.3681 or www.greatsmokies.com.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 130 Slope St. 828.488.3481.

• Marianna Black Library — Free Internet access is available on nine public access computers to all library visitors with a current photo ID. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 33 Freymont St. 828.488.3030.