This Is The Most Hospitable Town In The United States
The beautiful town of Tryon at the foot of the Blue Ridge Escarpment in North Carolina’s Thermal Belt region is commonly called one of the friendliest Towns in the South. Many visitors who frequent Tryon agree that the town is not only the most hospitable in the Southern US, but also in the whole of America. After its inception as a railroad town in the 1800s, Tryon evolved into a resort community as more people stopped to enjoy this part of the South before continuing their journey into the mountainous regions. The town also gained recognition for its grapes, wines, and equestrian pursuits. Today, it is a stunning destination with some of the friendliest residents and is one of the most welcoming spaces you will find in the US.
Tryon’s Downtown Area
One of the most inviting parts of Tryon is its quaint downtown area. You will find yourself wanting to go inside every shop and art gallery, and if you give yourself a few hours, you can do exactly that. The best way to go about it is to pick one end of the town and work your way through to the other. If you are an art enthusiast, be sure not to miss out on 80SIX Gallery. Here, you will find 2D and 3D artwork that appeals to those who are "just browsing" and those who are looking to collect stunning pieces. At Carolina Confections, friendly staff await to assist you in choosing delicious candies and chocolates for that sweet tooth. You can also get solutions for chronic insomnia and stress reduction at the welcoming Hypnotic Massage and Sleep Boutique.
Other must-stops in downtown Tryon include The Book Shelf, where you will find both new and old books and gifts. At the Tryon Old Mill Market Square, you'll find everything from antiques to souvenirs, sold by more than 90 vendors. And, at Wild Petunias, you can drink a fancy tea while perusing the shop’s comprehensive range of toys and trinkets. If you plan to stay for a few days, you can watch a new-release movie at the Tryon Theater or attend a live performance at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Should you be in Tryon over New Year’s, you can enjoy the local ball drop at 10 pm and then party the night away at the town’s clock tower.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center
Tryon still leans heavily on its equestrian heritage and hosts several equestrian events each year. The Tryon International Equestrian Center features arenas and thousands of horse stables. You can watch international show jumping events here before shopping or dining at the on-site stores and restaurants. The area surrounding the Center is also appealing and perfect for an after-dinner walk. If you love horses and want to see them up close, this is the best place to be in Tryon.
Vineyards and Wineries Throughout Tryon
After fading a bit between the 1900s and the 1990s, the winery scene is back with a bang in Tryon. There are nearly twelve vineyards in this friendly town of 1,700 permanent residents, including Mountain Brook Vineyards and Overmountain Vineyards. Mountain Brook is a premium winery in the Tryon Foothills, and the family that owns it warmly welcomes each visitor to explore the tasting room and to become part of the wine club community. Overmountain is another family-run winery with a tasting room in a charming cottage overlooking the foothills.
Tryon Events
Tryon’s hospitality is at its most evident during the various events that take place in town throughout the year. For example, you can laugh and have fun with newfound friends at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March. This is one of the newer town events, focusing on fun for the whole community and its visitors. In April, it is time for the hugely popular Block House Steeple Chase event. The event features horse races, picnics, hat contests, and much more.
During the summer, you can catch free night summer concerts on Fridays at the Summer Tracks at Rogers Park event. Or you can visit at the end of the year for the Tryon International Film Festival, where nearly 100 films are shown across six venues over three days. In November, you can enjoy excellent German food as well as the best craft beers during the Annual Tryon Beer Fest. In December, Tryon sparkles with festive cheer as carolers take to the streets and Santa begins accepting gift requests.
Enjoying the Outdoors in Tryon and Surrounding Areas
It is not only the people who are friendly and hospitable in Tryon. You will find the outdoors just as warm and welcoming. The Vaughn Creek Greenway is a 0.75-mile walking and biking trail that curves along Vaughn Creek, and there are even small waterfalls to explore, including Siller’s Falls, which is located near the trailhead. At the local Harmon Field, there are more equestrian facilities as well as ball fields, a playground, a walking track, and a trail.
In nearby Saluda, you can try the Gorge Zipline, which descends more than 1,000 feet into a river gorge. Or, you can relax next to Lake Adger and soak up the atmosphere before casting a line into the water. Lake Lure is about 30 minutes away and features a public beach and boat access. If you want to tube or kayak, head to Headwaters Outfitters for fly-fishing, tubing, and paddling on the French Broad River or kayaking on the Pacolet River.
Exploring Nearby Towns After Leaving Tryon
The hospitality of Polk County does not end when you leave Tryon. Right next door, a mere 9-minute drive away, lies Columbus. The friendly residents here will point you to the historic downtown, where you can view one of the oldest courthouses in the state. They will also advise you on where to find the best food and accommodation in this tiny but stunning town. In Saluda, 700 friendly residents are eager to show you around their pride and joy and offer advice on where to shop, eat, and which landmarks to see first.
A Small Town That Immediately Impresses
Most towns in the US welcome you in almost a polite manner, and that is where it ends. Others, however, go out of their way to make visitors feel like they are part of the community. Tryon falls firmly into the second category. When you visit this town, you will find genuine warmth, friendliness, innate pride, and pure happiness. You may arrive expecting just the usual small-town charm, but you will leave with an appreciation for how real hospitality can make all the difference to a travel experience. Tryon will broaden your perspective on what you think small-town America is supposed to be like and compel you to return more than once.
