The 'Friendliest Town In The South' Is A Charming Hidden Gem In The Carolinas

Tropes about southern charm and hospitality have shown up in pop culture for decades, from Golden Girls ("It would be unsouthern," Blanche once lamented about making a dinner guest uncomfortable) to ongoing modern reality TV. Many associate the American South with warmth, welcoming, and general friendliness: principles that many southerners, today, make efforts to put into practice.

Tryon, North Carolina, takes that responsibility so seriously that it has dubbed itself "The Friendliest Town in the South," boasting 125 years of amiability. It's still a place where one can genuinely discover southern hospitality and is also known for a particularly friendly climate, with numerous locals and city officials clamoring to advertise its mild winters, not-too-hot summers, and agreeable weather in between.

But there's more to Tryon than pleasant weather and even more pleasant attitudes. Its history is complex and still present in the town's landmarks today, right across from many of its main street businesses. For instance, visitors can see signage observing the 1767 Cherokee Boundary Treaty. Nearby, a giant wooden horse named "Morris" has stood in the town's center since the 1920s. Furthermore, the town was once home to F. Scott Fitzgerald and the birthplace of Nina Simone. Today, it still carries that tradition of art, literature, and culture, with sites dedicated to those who were here before — all nestled among a picturesque and, yes, friendly backdrop.

Most scenic mountain towns in North Carolina have a few things in common: a "downtown" main street lined with trees and quaint storefronts, a neighborhood pub or two, and a go-to local coffee shop. Tryon, of course, offers all of the above, but with a core undercurrent: the best and, arguably, quirkiest parts of its history run through many of these small-town standards. Take the idea of the neighborhood pub, for instance. Tryon's Livery Pourhouse is equestrian-themed: a nod to the equestrian culture that proliferated in the area in the 1920s and, yes, has something to do with the aforementioned statue of "Morris." But the latter is also a tribute to a nonprofit toy-making workshop (Tryon Toy Makers) run by Tryon settlers in the early 20th century.

Although the original Toy House is closed to the public, it's further evidence of the Tryon's art scene that still exists today. In the late 1800s, the area was taking shape as an artist colony of sorts, with visual and performing artists from the Northeast flocking there.  But one need not leave the limits of Tryon proper for a bustling arts scene. Nina Simone Plaza is an idyllic, tree-shrouded park honoring the late singer with sculptures, photos, placards, and more. Surrounding the plaza are multiple galleries and art markets within a five-minute walk of each other: an impressive density for a town that's only about two square miles. It even has its own fine arts center that offers regular film and concert series, as well as arts education programs for adults and children.

Tryon may boast a near-perfect climate year-round, but visitors should take heed of hot and humid summers, when highs come close to the 90s. While spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, they also bring rain. November-February seem to provide the driest months, though high temperatures rarely break the 50s. When to visit ultimately comes down to climate and activity preference, as certain seasons are more ideal than others for Tryon's outdoor recreation, like the nearby Woodland Park Trail Head hiking area.

Should you choose to visit during Tryon's cooler times of year, nearby lodging options offer a picture-perfect winter holiday vacation, especially during Winterfest: a multi-day holiday festival with light shows, ice skating, and more, hosted at Tryon International Resort in Mill Spring, NC (a 20-minute drive away). Accommodations are plentiful at this resort's Overmountain Lodge, cabins, and Stable House Inn. Additionally, special pricing is available for Winterfest stays, with rates historically starting at $189. Within Tryon proper, lodging options are limited, though its GreenLife Inn is highly rated and less than a five-minute drive from the town's center.

Reaching Tryon depends on your origin. Charlotte, NC, is one of the nearest major cities. From there, it generally takes about one hour and 45 minutes to reach Tryon by car. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, too, offers multiple domestic and international flights daily. Closer to Tryon is Asheville Regional Airport, which is about 30 minutes away and services flights on major carriers like Delta and American Airlines. Two Amtrak stations, Spartanburg and Greenville, are both around 30 miles from Tryon, also making it accessible by train.