Tryon NC “The Friendliest Town in the South”

Town of TryonTownshipNC
Having a whopping population of 1,500, Tryon, North Carolina is the largest town on the Western North Carolina Blue Ridge. Located on the ‘First Peak of the Blue Ridge’, Tryon is sure to grab your attention…and keep it! Whether you are looking for quiet escape from the real world, or trying to explore a diverse, sophisticated community, Tryon is the place for next get-away! Small town ambience fills the beautiful skies and echos through the mountains that surround this town. The village began as a thriving artisan village with a strong equestrian tradition that remains today. Tyron has developed a national reputation in the tourism industry. The town was frequented by authors F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Come out and experience the pristine natural beauty of the mountains that are filled with waterfalls and hiking trails! Visit the local history collection at the Polk County Historical Association Museum, that is filled with many rare and historical artifacts. Tryon is a mecca for any antique lover with its many antique shops that feature a range of American and European collectibles. Artisan crafts, theatre and music are also a huge part of the culture in this town. The town hosts many visual and performance arts events. Of course, various outdoor activities can be found in this area and hiking is a popular past time. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a nearby attraction, along with the Biltmore House & Garden. The town is also home to an eclectic range of restaurants, bars and wineries. No matter what you’re looking for in your next mountain retreat, Tryon is sure to satisfy anyone and everyone! 

 

 

History of Tryon North Carolina
Tryon was granted a charter from the State Legislature in 1885 and was later incorporated into Polk County. The City of Tryon was named for the Tryon Mountain. 

In 1920, a second charter was issued stating that the name of the town needed to be changed from City of Tryon to Town of Tryon, due to the fact that the population was, and continues to be, less than 10,000. 

Located almost on the South Carolina border, the town was developed here because construction of the railroad to Asheville stopped here for nearly two years. 

The town became popular with tourist and has seen its fair share for celebrities. In earlier years it was the training ground of the US Olympic equestrian teams. It is also the birthplace of Nina Simone, a destination point for First Ladies Harding, Coolidge and Roosevelt and inspiration for parts of the (General George) Marshall Plan. The town was also frequented by Maurice “Lefty” Flynn, David Niven, the Fitzgeralds, Lady Astor and much more. 

 

 

Tryon’s Fool’s Festival 
Every year Tryon, North Carolina gets together to celebrate April Fools Day! The festival will begin in downtown Tryon and will continue until Saturday with games and activities. Costumes, food, beverage, and music will fill the area for a fun weekend of foolery. An April Fools’ Parade will take place downtown, immediately followed by a fiercely competitive Outhouse Race. Saturday evening will feature a Masquerade Ball. This festival is no joke and is sure to have the whole family smiling like fools!  

Art & Garden Bazaar
Shoppers, art and garden enthusiasts are invited to come stroll this event! The event is free to the public and will feature vendors selling art, garden items and a variety of plants. Shoppers will be able to chat with growers and learn more about their plants. Fifteen percent of all sales will benefit the ArtScapes project for the Carolina foothills area. This event is creating quite a buzz around Western North Carolina! 

Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival 
Considered one of the most popular sanctioned barbecue competitions in the United States, this festival has something for every barbecue lover. All proceeds of this festival benefit the Chamber’s operating budget and help fund the Polk Chamber Foundation. The main event is a barbecue cook-off that draws teams from all around the country to compete for big prize money. Other than sampling delicious food, you can listen to live music and visit the crafts fair. There are also plenty of games and rides in the Kids Fun Park.