The best things to do in Bryson City NC 2022

Every year we try to go on a trip over the Holidays! Last year we went to Paris (which was amazing btw), but unfortunately due to covid we decided to keep it pretty low key this year. We wanted a change of scenery and to obviously go somewhere safe, so we rented a cabin in Bryson City North Carolina with another couple and still had a blast!

Bryson City is about a 10 hour drive from Florida, so we decided to stop in Savannah for the night along the way to break up the trip. Savannah is one of my favorite places to visit, and is especially so cute during the holidays. They had tons of holiday decorations and also had a Christmas market set up! Was the perfect pit stop!

The next day we hit the road in our mini van that we rented (ya we’re cool), and arrived in Bryson City North Carolina 6 hours later. It was such a pretty scenic drive along the way, and our cabin ended up being in the perfect location. It was about 20 mins to the nearest grocery store and downtown, but was also in a secluded area of the mountains that was very quaint and relaxing.

Sharing all of the details of our trip below including where to stay, things to do in Bryson City, our favorite restaurants, and more!

Even though covid is still very much a part of our lives, you can still find ways to stay safe while traveling! Charles and I are going to continue our road trips this year and can’t wait to share all of our adventures with you!

The Ultimate Travel Guide for Bryson City North Carolina:

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Bryson City cabin rentals

The cabin we stayed at wasn’t quite as cabin-y as I had hoped for, but it was still so cute and perfect for a party of four for a week long stay. This cabin was two bedroom/bathroom, had the coziest living room with a fireplace, a great deck with rocking chairs & a fire pit, and a hot tub! It is also only about 20 minutes from the grocery store and downtown too…which is so cute btw! More to come on that.

Due to the current situation with covid, we knew we would be mostly confined to the cabin throughout our stay, so we wanted to make sure we found a place that had all of the amenities we need. In addition to everything I listed above, the cabin had a fully stocked kitchen and gas stove, very comfy king size beds, a huge couch, and also had a hiking trail off the back yard. I also forgot to mention that it is pet friendly too!

Decor-wise it was a little more dated than other cabins I’ve stayed at, but it really did have everything we needed for the perfect holiday getaway. If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind with the prettiest view, than this is for you!

Things to do in Bryson City NC

There’s a lot to do in Bryson City, but due to covid most of our time spent was at the cabin where we cooked a lot of delicious meals, played games, and relaxed. It was honestly so nice to unplug and have some down time.

It was also pretty cold most days so being outside wasn’t always ideal, however we did venture into town one day and also did a few hikes. Sharing some of the things we did below and also providing a link for other fun things to do if you visit!

A day in downtown Bryson city

–La Dolce Vita Bakery: This was the cutest and coziest little spot for breakfast. They have a ton of different coffee options and full bakery with breakfast options.

–Mountain Layers Brewing Company: I was super impressed with all of the breweries in Bryson City. This brewery had the cutest rooftop bar area and all of their beers were so tasty! I ordered the small 5oz pours so I could try a bunch of different ones. The hazel creek blonde ale and goodday everyday light lager were my favorite!

–Nantahala Brewery: This was our next stop and it did not disappoint! This brewery had a really nice patio, is dog friendly, and also offers food (which is definitely a plus when you’re drinking). I had the dirty girl blonde and it was delish!

–Bar-b-que Wagon: We really wanted some delicious BBQ for lunch and happened to stumble upon this place. I got the pork sandwich with mac n cheese and mashed potatoes and it was so yummy. Gimme allll the sides! FYI-It’s cash only, so come prepared!

Hiking trails:

Bryson City has some of the prettiest scenic views, especially from the observation deck that we hiked up to. It’s also a really nice spot for a picnic might I add! The Wesser Bald Fire Tower Trail that we hiked was only about three miles round trip, but let me just tell you that it was tough. The view was well worth it tho!

You can check out more hiking trails in the area here.

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What to pack for North Carolina in the winter

We visited Bryson City over the holidays in December and it was COLD! When we arrived, there was even snow on the ground. Some of the most important things to pack for a trip to North Carolina are a good quality jacket, lots of layers, waterproof boots, and some cold-weather accessories.

Feel free to check out my full winter packing list post here if you need additional help!

For a trip into town:

These days, I’m all about comfort when I travel. Chunky sweaters and sneaks were definitely my go-to this trip. Some of my favorite places to shop for sweaters are Pink Lily, The Mint, and AE. All super affordable and so comfy! Sharing some cute options below!

For a cozy night in:

Quarantine has definitely made me appreciate cozy nights in. Give me a glass of wine, netflix, fireplace, and cozy loungewear set, and I’m one happy lady. Linking some of my favorite things to lounge around in below!

For a hike:

There are tons of trails and fun outdoorsy things to do in Bryson City, so make sure to pack some comfy clothing that is breathable, moisture wicking, and insulated. I would again also recommend investing in a good quality jacket and hiking boots. A lot of the trails are super steep and uneven, so you want to make sure you have a lot of ankle support when walking. Linking some options below!

For a road trip:

If you’re going to be stuck in the car for 10 hours, you definitely want to make sure you’re comfortable. My go-to travel outfit is always a comfy oversized sweater or sweatshirt, fuzzy socks, and leggings. Sharing some of my faves below!