For the last several years, the Swain County Chamber of Commerce has hosted a scarecrow contest in downtown Bryson City. Many businesses, churches, schools and residents are invited to create a scarecrow and enter the contest. The deadline for entering the contest was September 25th.All proceeds raised through entry fees go to the Swain County Public School Foundation, which awards scholarships to Swain County High School students and provides funds for teacher grants. Fall fun for a good cause. Many people have joined in the fun and made Bryson City a fall spectacle. From traditional garden scarecrows to pumpkin headed scarecrows, you can even find scarecrows riding bikes and dining out. So park the car and enjoy the autumn stroll around downtown Bryson! Don’t be a scaredy cat!
The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway winding through the mountains of the Nantahala National Forest. Dipping up and down through scenic ridges the elevation ranges from 900ft to 5400ft. Pull off at an overlook and enjoy beautiful vistas or stop for a short day hike. Spend the day enjoying the drive and the views. The skyway is just over 40 miles long. Take time to visit Walnut Grove Picnic Area. From there Bald River Falls can be seen from your vehicle. There are also several places to backpack and camp from this scenic byway. Maps are available online or you can pick up a map of the area at The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains, open Mon. – Sun. from 9 AM to 5 PM.
July 4th is quickly approaching on the calender, and if you are going to be in the Bryson City area around then that means gearing up for the largest street festival of the year! This festival is an all day long event filled with local music, artisan foods, hand-made crafts and jewelry, and much more. Bryson City shuts down the majority of Everett Street for the festival and the road is lined with tents full of fantastic items for the whole family. After the day has passed and the street vendors start to clear out a portion of the road stays closed until the fireworks show takes place around 10pm. There are many places around town that you can catch the fireworks from, but one of the best is right downtown from the Everett Street bridge.
Our annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K, and then continues with local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events including a watermelon eating contest and hula hoop off. Explore Kids’ Street where you’ll find a rock climbing wall, water slide, bouncy house & choo choo ride.
Even Fido is not forgotten – enter your best friend in the “Strut Your Mutt” event that awards ribbons for categories such as “Best Tail Wag” and “Looks Most Like Owner”.
Where else can you find “Elvis” as your emcee as well as performing some of his favorite songs? Actually there are 3 music stages – on the river, at the depot and on the bridge.
As the day wanes and the final band exits the stage, listen to The Star Spangled Banner as you view one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Smokies.
For more information about Freedom Fest call 828-488-3681 or toll-free 800-867-9246
We at Yellow Rose Realty would love to see you at our small town’s big celebration and if you are still looking for a place to stay we can help, just visit us a www.yellowroserealty.com or call (800)528-0760. See you soon!
Do you enjoy the crisp refreshing taste of a locally brewed craft beer? If you answered yes then Western North Carolina (WNC) is the place for you to visit during April! The biggest metropolis in WNC is Asheville and has been voted as “Beer City USA” for two consecutive years now! With 17 breweries west of Black Mountain, NC there will be plenty of options for the beer enthusiast who is looking to relax in the mountains of WNC.
NC Beer Month promises enough “beer moments” to fill a memory bank. Homegrown beer festivals survey the state’s craftsmanship and tap into local and regional scenes. Award-winning brewers create collaboration beers, a beer barbecue sauce and ale from a Revolutionary War hero’s handwritten recipe. Brewery events and beer tastings, food pairings and beer dinners, classes in cooking and beer-making, and dozens of other events inspire the moment for beer-loving travelers across North Carolina. – by www.ncbeermonth.com
Bryson City, North Carolina is a new city on the map that is boasting a craft brewery of its own now, the Nantahala Brewing Company is on the map and they are getting plenty of recognition, and recognition that is well deserved. Currently they have eight of their own beers on tap for guests to enjoy with other guest taps available. They will also be doing another release of their limited edition “Trail Magic” series on March 22nd and 23rd.
We here at Yellow Rose Realty have some great options for lodging when you are coming to WNC to enjoy the outdoors and great craft brew. Visit our website at www.yellowroserealty.com to find a cabin that is right for you and your friends and then either book online or call us (800-528-0760) for more information about the area or about our cabins. We have have a special Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd free going on for stays up until March 31st, so book you cabin with us!
Recently Added by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Here’s the “Taking Santa Back to the North Pole” train ride! Did you miss the Polar Express ride in November or December leading up to Christmas? You can still enjoy a magical trip with Santa on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad the week after Christmas.
If you will be enjoying your Bryson City or Cherokee vacation cabin rental between December 26 and December 29, you will be in time to keep Santa company on his journey back to the North Pole. The train ride departs from Bryson City’s station, and includes a reading of The Polar Express, hot cocoa and lots of lively songs on its way to the North Pole.
Take Santa Claus back home to the North Pole excursions run daily December 26th-29th, at 5pm and 6:30pm. Tickets prices are $26 for kids, $38 for adults, and kids under 2 go free. First class upgrades are always available. Plus, Santa will visit with each child and give them a special gift of Christmas. There’s a reason why families return every year to ride the Polar Express, now you can experience the magic, too!
Bryson City teems with renewed energy and hiking season is in full swing. Want to get some exercise on a hot summer day and stay in the shade? Deep Creek is your perfect hiking destination. Deep Creek provides an amazing area for hikers of all extremes. Come out and enjoy the beautiful forest and fresh air. The trees and flowers provide the perfect sunblock and the creek is an all-natural air conditioner. Crystal clear water provides a platform for the tubers and swimmers. Hikers can enjoy the easy hike along the creek and visit many wonderful sites along the way. The waterfalls make for an excellent destination.
Signs mark the paths you can take, so you can always choose your destination with ease. Photographers are invited to hike and shoot everything caught in their lens. Waterfalls, scenery, and wildlife can give any photographer a cold chill. Benches and landmarks provide rest areas and the creek provides the perfect swimming hole. Is running more your style? The trail is a very wide and accommodating to all hikers, runners, tubers, and anyone enjoying the summer. Deep Creek is where all hikers should gather to celebrate this tradition and enjoy the great outdoors.
Find Things To Do In The Area in and Around the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina! This blog provides info on events, happenings, and things to experience with your family while on vacation in the Bryson City and Cherokee, NC areas. The locals always know best!
For the last several years, the Swain County Chamber of Commerce has hosted a scarecrow contest in downtown Bryson City. Many businesses, churches, schools and residents are invited to create a scarecrow and enter the contest. The deadline for entering the contest was September 25th.All proceeds raised through entry fees go to the Swain County Public School Foundation, which awards scholarships to Swain County High School students and provides funds for teacher grants. Fall fun for a good cause. Many people have joined in the fun and made Bryson City a fall spectacle. From traditional garden scarecrows to pumpkin headed scarecrows, you can even find scarecrows riding bikes and dining out. So park the car and enjoy the autumn stroll around downtown Bryson! Don’t be a scaredy cat!
The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway winding through the mountains of the Nantahala National Forest. Dipping up and down through scenic ridges the elevation ranges from 900ft to 5400ft. Pull off at an overlook and enjoy beautiful vistas or stop for a short day hike. Spend the day enjoying the drive and the views. The skyway is just over 40 miles long. Take time to visit Walnut Grove Picnic Area. From there Bald River Falls can be seen from your vehicle. There are also several places to backpack and camp from this scenic byway. Maps are available online or you can pick up a map of the area at The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains, open Mon. – Sun. from 9 AM to 5 PM.
July 4th is quickly approaching on the calender, and if you are going to be in the Bryson City area around then that means gearing up for the largest street festival of the year! This festival is an all day long event filled with local music, artisan foods, hand-made crafts and jewelry, and much more. Bryson City shuts down the majority of Everett Street for the festival and the road is lined with tents full of fantastic items for the whole family. After the day has passed and the street vendors start to clear out a portion of the road stays closed until the fireworks show takes place around 10pm. There are many places around town that you can catch the fireworks from, but one of the best is right downtown from the Everett Street bridge.
es enough “beer moments” to fill a memory bank. Homegrown beer festivals survey the state’s craftsmanship and tap into local and regional scenes. Award-winning brewers create collaboration beers, a beer barbecue sauce and ale from a Revolutionary War hero’s handwritten recipe. Brewery events and beer tastings, food pairings and beer dinners, classes in cooking and beer-making, and dozens of other events inspire the moment for beer-loving travelers across North Carolina. – by www.ncbeermonth.com
Recently Added by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Here’s the “Taking Santa Back to the North Pole” train ride! Did you miss the Polar Express ride in November or December leading up to Christmas? You can still enjoy a magical trip with Santa on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad the week after Christmas.
The December Polar Express Dates are as follows:
NC Smokies Things To Do 
