Tryon, NC  Town Overview

The unique town of Tryon offers it all. Theatre, arts & crafts, terrific restaurants, antiques and more! A stroll down the sidewalks will lead you into one of a kind shops, many offering goods made from local craftspeople. Sit a spell in the Trade Street Gallery Coffee House where you can meet newcomers as well as local townsfolk and catch up on all the current events of the area. In the evening, stop by a gallery opening at The Upstairs Artspace or take in one of many plays throughout the year at the Tryon Little Theatre. Afterwards, you can relax with a nightcap at the historical Melrose Inn. For your craftier side, Tryon Arts and Crafts offers an array of classes ranging from jewelry making to throwing pots. For the outdoor enthusiasts there is hiking, tubing down the river, horseback riding, cycling and more—the possibilities are endless. Like the town motto states, they are “The Friendliest Town in the South” because you will never meet a stranger in Tryon!  

History:This town, laid out in the shape of a circle, was incorporated in the late 1800s as the Spartanburg and Asheville Railroad came to the area. Many of the historic buildings on Trade Street, as we know it today, were in place by 1900, including a general store, a pharmacy and a post office. Tryon quickly grew as a resort town, bringing tourists to the area to enjoy the mountain views and good climate. Many artists, writers and crafters chose to stay – at least for a while – including the stage actor William Gillette, most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The local equestrian community began with the help of Carter Brown, who organized the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club and the first Blockhouse Steeplechase in the 1940s. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Tryon was well known for its table and wine grapes. Due to prohibition, these family businesses dried up over time. Beginning in the early 1990s, this interesting part of Tryon's history was revived: the planting of grapes for winemaking. About a dozen vineyards now lie about 10 miles to the east in the Tryon foothills. This area, with its gentle, rolling hills and clay-loam soils, has proved to be an excellent spot for vinifera grapes. Two wineries welcome visitors, and more are in the planning stages.

Tryon Population: 1,799

Polk County Population:  19,226

Elevation: 1,145 ft.  

Median Home Price: 374,900

Airports: Greenville-Spartanburg Airport

Asheville Regional Airport

Resourceful Websites:

www.polkchamber.org  

www.firstpeaknc.com