05/27/2020
Pam Saunders
Welcome back! The state of North Carolina is entering Phase II today (Friday, May 22 at 5:00 PM) of the state’s reopening plan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This phase removes the “Stay Home” order for North Carolina, while encouraging “Safer at Home.” Phase II also allows more businesses to open. Please understand that business and attraction openings can change on a daily basis and it is always best to call ahead to get the most up-to-date information. Here is what is already open or will open today:
• Most lodging is now open. A few owners have opted to wait until sometime in June.
• Most restaurants are open. Some will open at 50% capacity for inside dining, while others have opted to continue with take-out, or delivery, and/or outside dining.
• Retailers have a 50% capacity limit in their stores. Therefore, you may have to occasionally wait to enter during busy times.
• We have one major grocery store in the Bryson City area, along with a smaller one in downtown. They are very limited in food and supplies, so we strongly encourage you to bring your own groceries and supplies with you.
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open, including some of your favorite wide open spaces and natural settings such as Deep Creek, the Road to Nowhere, Clingmans Dome, and trails along Newfound Gap Road. Visitor Centers and campgrounds within the Park are currently closed.
• Much of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open for driving in our area which is easily accessible near the Cherokee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trails are open. Closed on the Parkway: Restrooms and portable toilets, Visitor Centers, Picnic areas, Campgrounds and backcountry campsites.
• Many attractions such as whitewater rafting, tubing rentals, paddleboarding, kayak rentals and other outfitters are open. It is important that you check with outfitters before you head out to make sure they will be open when you arrive.
• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will start running passenger trains again on June 4; reservations must be made in advance; no walk-ups. It is best to call them in advance for information and reservations for your vacation dates: 1-800-872-4681 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST or email [email protected].
Here is what is CLOSED as part of Phase II:
• Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, bowling alleys, playgrounds, museums, gyms, fitness studios. This closure includes the Swain County Heritage Museum, Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, and the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium.
• Bryson City Outdoors Brew Pub is OPEN as well as Mountain Layers Brewing Company and Nantahala Brewing’s Taproom & Burger + Bar, all with limited capacity.
The most important considerations for visitors right now are to follow recommended COVID-19 prevention measures for your own safety and for that of our residents. Please continue to practice social distancing with limited gatherings of 10 people or less indoors, and 25 or less outdoors, stay at least 6 feet away from others, and wear a face mask in public. If you are sick, please stay home. Everyone is encouraged to follow the ‘Three W’s’: wear a cloth face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. Please follow guidelines that have been recommended by the CDC for your own safety: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Bryson City!
