Town of Tryon

Tryon Celebrates The Best of Past and Present

Put the headaches of urban life in your rear view mirror, and discover Tryon, North Carolina, “the friendliest town in the south.” The mild climate, known officially as the Isothermal Belt, has been drawing residents and visitors alike for more than a century. Coupled with cultural activities and of course, the horses, the little Polk County village woven into the southern slopes of the Blue Ridge foothills is the perfect place to call home. Tryon’s laid back attitude and gracious charm have made it a favorite retreat to generations of writers, poets, artists, world travelers and even a few celebrities.

Long noted for its active arts and cultural scene, Tryon is home to the Tryon Fine Arts Center, a 350-seat auditorium hosting plays, concerts and other cultural events. The Lanier Library, founded in 1890 and named for resident poet Sydney Lanier, is one of 18 member-only libraries in the Untied States and Tryon’s oldest continuously operating organization.

Follow the winding roads past the white fenced Tryon horse farms of historic Hunt Country for a taste of what Tryon was like in its early days as the playground of the rich. The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), the area’s center of equestrian activity, is home to the long-running Block House Steeplechase, as well as the host of recognized horse shows almost every weekend.

If what you seek includes excellent public schools, a community rich in civic participation, friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to bustling nearby western Carolina cities, then this mountain gem fits the bill.