Location: Bryson City
Top Things to do in Bryson City
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What to do and see in Bryson City, North Carolina (NC): The Best Museums
Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a small town with big outdoor possibilities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tubing, zip-lining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and scenic train rides. This laid-back, non-touristy spot is a true getaway for couples, friends and families alike. Bryson City is just one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.
Restaurants in Bryson City
1. The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians at Bryson City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
2. Elizabeth Ellison Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Original paintings, giclee prints and cards by owner/operator. Open studio. Happy to have visitors and to answer questions
Reviewed By Swampgal123 - Sandston, United States
My husband and I were delighted to spend time with Elizabeth and George, as we are huge fans of their iconic work highlighting the magic of the Smokies. We made a visit to the gallery a priority, and we’re greatky rewarded.
3. The Cottage Craftsman
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
4. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
Reviewed By 511ellat
The place is filled with model trains the work was neatly done and walking in the gift shop and looking at the trains was heaven love Andy highly reccomend it!
5. The Charles Heath Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By burgshine
My wife and I visited Bryson City and made our way down to Charles Heath's gallery. We enjoyed his work, and also his personality. I highly suggest stopping by.
6. Swain County Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By soccermomnomore - Kernersville, United States
Enjoyed our visit to the museum above the welcome center. Recognized several things from our childhood. They even had a scavenger hunt for kids.
7. Sawmill Creek Pottery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
Watch the artisans make pottery and browse their gallery to purchase their handcrafted functional and sculptural pottery.
Reviewed By mtnw2018
To be honest you see pottery everywhere. Utilitarian, whimsical, pretty and sometimes downright useless. I think more than most craft/art forms you are buying the artists enthusiasm, knowledge and presentation when looking at ceramic arts. Ed and Kari, the owners of the pottery shop, were terrific! Kari was so nice and explained what they have for sale in the shop with great detail and Ed wowed us with his enthusiastic knowledge of ceramics and how pottery goes from a slab of clay to a finished piece of artwork. Some of technical details were lost on us but we were impressed. Again, if you are not enthusiastic about your art it is hard to get a buyer very interested in spending their money. We picked up three VERY UNIQUE and special gifts from the shop for dear friends and family and will definitely be back before late fall for Christmas gifts (we make our way through the Bryson City area 2 times a year). It means so much to hear how something is made, in person and actually from the artist. I think next time we are purchasing something there I may ask them if they can write a couple words on how the piece was made to include with the gift for the recipient to know how it was made. One of my best stops in the Smoky Mountains this summer!
