Adrian Berlutti
Tryon may be small in size, but its overflowing character and natural grace linger in your mind. With a past rich in music, literature, and horsemanship, it seamlessly weaves culture into its surroundings at every turn. Keep reading to discover ten beautiful experiences that make Tryon a must-visit destination in western North Carolina.
Harmon Field
Once gifted by industrialist Ernest Harmon, Harmon Field covers over 45 acres of green space along the Pacolet River. It offers walking trails and stonework structures built by the WPA. The field is also a local favorite for festivals and picnics, and is just two blocks from downtown Tryon’s shops and cafes.
Tryon Fine Arts Center
The Tryon Fine Arts Center was established in 1969, serving as a cultural landmark featuring music, visual arts, and theater. Its programming includes national performances and regional showcases, often spotlighting Appalachian and folk traditions. The center’s 315-seat auditorium is located at 34 Melrose Avenue, adjacent to the town’s historic arts corridor.
Nina Simone’s Birthplace
Civil rights icon and music legend Nina Simone was born in Tryon in 1933. Her modest childhood home still stands and has been preserved thanks to efforts from visual artists and preservationists. Located on Livingston Street, the house is a key stop on Tryon’s self-guided African American Heritage Trail.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center
This sprawling, world-class facility draws elite riders and spectators from across the globe. Opened in 2014, it features Olympic-caliber arenas, luxury lodging, and year-round competitions. It is only 15 to 20 minutes from downtown and hosted the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, placing Tryon firmly on the global equestrian map.
Morris The Horse
Morris the Horse is a wooden statue and the unofficial mascot of Tryon, erected in 1928. Initially a parade float, it now stands proudly on Trade Street, right in the center of town. Regular photo ops and seasonal decorations have made Morris an iconic symbol of community identity.
Downtown Tryon
Anchored by historic architecture and locally owned shops, downtown Tryon exudes small-town charm with cultural depth. Art galleries and cafes line Trade Street, while hand-painted horse statues celebrate the town’s equestrian roots. The Tryon Theatre, opened in 1938, continues to show films today, with its retro neon marquee glowing nightly.
Pearson’s Falls And Glen
Pearson’s Falls and Glen is a 90-foot waterfall found in a lush, 268-acre botanical preserve. It has been managed by the Tryon Garden Club since 1931. The half-mile trail to the falls winds through a glen rich in ferns and rare wildflowers. Found off Highway 176 between Tryon and Saluda, it’s open seasonally to visitors.
Saluda Grade
Once the steepest standard-gauge mainline railroad grade in the U.S., the Saluda Grade is an engineering marvel tied closely to Tryon’s history. Built in the late 1870s, it connected Tryon to Asheville and beyond, supporting commerce and tourism. Visible remnants remain near Melrose Avenue, and there are plans to convert it into a rail trail.
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
This federally designated trail traces the route of the Patriot militia during the Revolutionary War and passes near Tryon. It spans 330 miles across four states: Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Although still under development, the trail honors the 1780 march to the Battle of Kings Mountain and offers scenic hiking opportunities.
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE)
FENCE spans 384 acres of preserved land with nature trails, a wildlife overlook, and equestrian arenas. It hosts birdwatching walks and music events throughout the year. Located just west of Tryon, FENCE’s scenic Bluebird Trail offers views of both the Southern Appalachians and the rolling Piedmont terrain.
