Tryon, North Carolina

I had a difficult time researching information about this lovely small town, as it is not heavily promoted by locals. During my last trip to North Carolina, Tryon wasn’t even on my itinerary. However, I’m certainly pleased that I stumbled upon this small town, to share it with our viewers. Tryon is an attractive turn-of-last-century railroad town, although the track that parallels its main street has recently been abandoned. Hopefully one day this right-of-way can be converted into a rail-trail. This small town is named after William Tryon, Governor of North Carolina from 1765 to 1771. Each June, 20,000 hungry souls flock to Tryon for the Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival, the second largest cook-off in the eastern U.S. For 85 years, the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club has sponsored the Block House Steeplechase and Horse Shows.  Approximately 50% of the population of the county is retired, drawn to the beauty and tranquility of the rural countryside. With over 300 horse farms and equestrian businesses, the Tryon area attracts affluent property owners.

Note: There are several photos of the vintage Esso Silver Springs filling station on the 2 last pages of the Tryon photographs. This gas station is located on Route 176 between Tryon and Landrum.