Tour of Tryon, NC

Come along with Firefly Realty Broker Justin Grogan as he explores the highlights of Tryon, NC!

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Things To Do In Tryon, NC

On the southwestern border of North Carolina in Polk County, Tryon has a population of just over 1,500 (2020 Census). It is an affluent area centered around outdoor activities, equestrian culture, and fine arts. Check out our video tour of Tryon below, and explore everything this lovely enclave has to offer! For more on where to stay, eat, shop, and more, visit www.exploretryon.com

Downtown Tryon

Start your visit to downtown Tryon with a stop at the Tryon History Museum & Visitor Center - try to catch one of their "Tales of Tryon" events where guest speakers lead discussions and tell stories of various aspects of Tryon's history. 

If you happen to be in town on the 4th Friday of the  month, you're in luck - shops stay open later than usual, and many businesses and restaurants have specials, live music, refreshments, and more! Check out stops along the 4th Friday Art Walk and enjoy the local scene. 

Explore local art at the 80SIX Gallery or buy from local artists at the Nest Artisan MarketCatch a play or musical at the Tryon Little Theater, entertaining the town since 1948. 

Hungry? Tryon has plenty of restaurants, from coffee shops and bakeries to pizza, tapas, and Mexican fare - and of course, traditional southern food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eating in? Stop by Tryon Bottle for a unique selection of wine and beer. 

Looking for something special? Browse antique shops, bookstores, gift shops, and much more - whether you are looking for decor for your new mountain home, a gift for a loved one, or a souvenir to remember your visit by, you're sure to find the perfect thing in Tryon!

Tryon Arts & Crafts School

The Tryon Arts & Crafts School was established in 1960 when a group of locals pledged to support a new arts and crafts coop where members could create and sell their artwork in a shared space, and teach their own craft or learn from other artists. This center established Tryon as an artists colony. 

Now housed in a former middle school, TACS offers education and public programs with established artists visiting from across the United States, as well as ongoing opportunities with devoted regional instructors. In addition to an artist shop and multiple exhibition spaces, there are studios for fiber arts, glass, lapidary, ceramics, jewelry, and wood.

With free classes for locals on a lottery system, youth programs, 6-week classes, workshops, and studio time, there is something for anyone who wants to deepen their artistic curiosities!

Nina Simone's Birthplace

Soul music legend Nina Simone was born in Tryon in 1933. The Nina Simone Plaza located at 54 N. Trade Street in Tyron pays homage to the artist with a bronze statue. Her childhood home is still nearby, and in 2018, it was named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2020, in partnership with World Monuments Fund and Preservation North Carolina, a statewide historic preservation advocacy organization, the National Trust secured protection of Nina Simone's childhood home through a preservation easement held by Preservation North Carolina. The four artists who purchased the home in 2017 and gained its protected status have plans to preserve, restore, and ultimately rehabilitate the home so that it can support aspiring artists. 

Lanier Library

The Lanier Library is a community library association - one of only 17 solely membership libraries left in the country! Founded over tea by five women in 1889, it continues to be supported entirely by members' dues, gifts, donations, and by endowments. 

Tryon International Equestrian Center

Tryon International is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. They offer first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more make Tryon International an ideal destination, any time of year. 

In addition to 12 or more competitive equestrian events (mostly free to spectators), the center also hosts an annual Steeplechase race, Rodeos, a youth Hobby Horse series, and Saturday Night Lights - like a carnival with show jumping competitions!

In addition to horse-centered events, this world-class venue hosts musical performances throughout the year, and Winterfest, a dazzling drive-through light show from mid-November through January 1. 

Tryon Fine Arts Center

The Tryon Fine Arts Center was established in 1969 to foster the arts in Polk County and the surrounding areas. TFAC operates & programs a 315-seat auditorium, a 150-seat amphitheater, and a 2,100 square foot multi-use space with arts education, dance, live music, and youth arts. 

Morris The Horse

Morris the Horse is a well-loved landmark standing on the corner of Trade and Pacolet Streets. Morris has proudly represented Tryon since 1928. The toy itself dates back to 1917, sold by the Tryon Toy Makers. In 1928, a giant version of the toy was built for a parade held in conjunction with the Tryon Horse Show. Since then, the iconic toy horse has been the symbol for Tryon, and Morris' likeness can be seen around town in stores, books, historical markers, and more. 

Tryon Area Parks

Tryon has plentiful parks and other outdoor spaces folks can enjoy year round. 

Harmon Field has over 34 acres of ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, a playground, and a picnic shelter. It also has a 1/4 mile track. Harmon Field is also a historic landmark for Equestrian pursuits, and it is the home of the Tryon Arts & Crafts School. 

Roger's Park is located across from the Tryon Fire Department, and has an amphitheater that seats 200 people with reception and gathering areas. A small creek and short trails meander through the park. Includes rock walls and native plant landscaping. Roger’s Park is the home of SUMMER TRACKS, a free summer concert series.

Woodland Park offers 10 acres of hiking trails, and the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center is a perfect destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and gardeners. 384 acres of forest, meadow, and wetlands. 

Pearson's Falls and Glen is a unique botanical preserve is comprised of over 300 acres of rich cove forest, spring-fed streams, and a moderate 1/4-mile trail to a 90 ft. waterfall.