What’s open and safe to do in Bryson City after Helene hit Western North Carolina?
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Parts of Western North Carolina welcome fall leaf visitors
Many Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.
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Bryson City, tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains in Swain County, was among the Western North Carolina spots spared from the worst of Hurricane Helene’s wrath. It is open for travelers looking for fall and winter getaways.
“Our downtown is ready to welcome you back. Our shops are open. All of our restaurants are open. The beautiful colors of fall are changing, and we are ready to welcome you to our mountain home for a little comfort and respite,” a representative shared via Instagram earlier this month.
Not only is Bryson City a hot spot for fall foliage viewing in October and early November, but it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, mountain bike and whitewater raft. As the holidays draw near, it’s also well known for its Polar Express train rides.
As we continue our series on post-hurricane traveling in Western North Carolina, you can browse our other guides here:
Here is what you need to know about traveling to Bryson City in the near future.
Is travel to Bryson City safe?
Yes. Although many roadways in and around Asheville are closed for repairs due to damage from Helene, travel to Bryson City is clear. Drivers are encouraged to check www.Drivenc.gov for the most recent information before heading out.
Bryson City’s Oct. 21 travel advisory notes grocery stores are open and stocked, and local gas stations are receiving regular fuel deliveries.
How to get to Bryson City
Travelers who plan to visit are encouraged to drive to Bryson City with caution and safety in mind, checking road advisories beforehand.
- From Charlotte, travel to Bryson City via I-85 South to U.S. 74 West to I-26 West and I-40, then U.S. 74 West again.
- From Raleigh or Durham, take I-40 West to U.S. 74 West.
Can I stay in Bryson City?
Bryson City lodging is open and available, with options including bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and glamping.
Location: 16 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713
The boutique Everett Hotel — placed in what began as the Bryson City Bank in 1908 — sets right near the town square. It’s got 10 luxury suites, a restaurant and a bar. Breakfast there is complimentary.
Location: 245 Fryemont St, Bryson City, NC 28713
The well-known Fryemont Inn, featured in Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, has been housing guests since 1923. Downtown Bryson City is nearby, and the staff will help you book activities.
Location: 9400 US-19 W, Bryson City NC 28713
Nantahala Village Resort has a main lodge with rooms and suites, plus nine treehouse cabins on the property. It includes a full-service bar and restaurant, plus a game room, fitness center and access to horseback riding overlooking Fontana Lake.
What restaurants are open in Bryson City?
Bryson City restaurants are ready to serve you, and Explore Bryson City offers a guide categorized by cuisine. Here are a few to check out:
Location: 236 US-19, Bryson City , NC
Guayabitos, with locations in Bryson City and Maggie Valley, is an affordable family-owned Mexican restaurant with an enormous menu to choose from. Weekday lunch specials range from $7 to $12, and dinner combos are $11.50 and under. (We’ll take the chile relleno and enchilada, with Mexican rice and refried beans, please.)
Location: 191 Everett St., Bryson City, NC 28713
La Dolce Vita Bakery and coffee shop can fuel you up for the day with a house-baked bagel and a latte, or provide a lunchtime stop for a quinoa salad. You can make reservations for an afternoon tea time, and if you fall in love with the spot, there’s even two suites above the cafe that you can book to stay in.
Location: 300 Woods Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733
Hazel’s is open for breakfast, serving upscale dishes from 7-10 a.m. such as Smoked Tomato Grits & Trout and Apple Pie French Toast. Dinner brings grilled pork chops with blackberry glaze, grilled vegetable pasta and pan-seared scallops. The restaurant is serving guests with Thanksgiving reservations, as well.
Information for visiting the Bryson City area
Some areas, roadways and trails remain closed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check advisories and plan out your trip before making a visit there.
Other points to consider:
- Nearby Cherokee is welcoming visitors.
The Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular drive-through show opens Nov. 7-Jan. 4, closing just a few select days in between.
The Nantahala National Forest is open.
The 500-acre Nantahala Outdoor Center is open for rafting, zip lining, restaurants and retail.
Resources to check before you go
Storm cleanup is underway in many parts of Western North Carolina. Make sure to get the most up-to-date information you can before you head out.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
