Fryemont Inn, Bryson City, NC - July 18, 2013

The Fryemont Inn is one of the most famous historic landmarks in Bryson City. It was built in the 1920's by Amos Frye who made his money from timber. It remained in the same family for decades and was bought by the current owners in the 1980's. It is situated on a hill above the town of Bryson and is accessed by a tiny one lane, one way road. It looks quite unimpressive when you first round the curve that leads directly into the parking lot. It's not until you actually walk into the building that you have a chance to take in the ambiance and just plain coolness of the Inn. AND! I bet it's haunted... what you think?

The dining room is toward the right as you walk in the main door. It is a dark, dimly light room that is based around a massive rock fireplace. that could easily hold a whole 40" log. The tables are all covered with white tablecloths, with enough room between them to afford every table privacy. There is one wall of windows that overlooks the parking lot. These appear to be the original windows as they have the wavy glass you often see in antique windows. The room is done completely in the original wood. The floors are wavy and uneven, the walls are knotty pine and the ceiling is exposed massive log beams.

Lisa & Rosemary already checking out the bar scene

As you walk into the dining room, if you turn to the left inside the door, you will find a bar. Again, outfitted in the original wood walls. It does have a pool table as well as tables if you don't want to sit at the bar.

When you walk it the front door, there is a hallway where you can go left or right As stated above, the right leads to the dining room. The left leads to the guest rooms, lobby and upstairs. Framing both sides of the hallway are displays of historic significance. There are photos, letters, and documents pertaining to the history of the Inn and its owners and guests.

The hallway leading to the first floor of guest rooms and the Inn lobby are to the left of the main door. Stairs leading to the second floor are down the hallways. The rooms are nice with different sizes for different needs. I didn't see any without a bathroom in the room. They were basic, simple furnishings, but quite adequate for an old Inn. The doors all look alike, so you better remember where your room is. The hallways are quiet, and I have to say..... a bit spooky. We only saw one person the entire time we were walking the halls. 

The menu is also quite simple. Not a tons of selections, but some very good Trout choices.  I absolutely love the Trout Hugo. Greg ordered the Vegetarian Plate, which came with a fruit place. You can see the fruit plate included oranges, cantaloupe, and strawberries. 

Several of us ordered dinners that came with a salad. The garden salad is shown with a nice mixture of greens and veggies. The Inn makes their own dressings, which is a nice touch. 

They also make their own soups, which Greg ordered. The soup that night was Broccoli Cheese. There are a couple of choices each night. The soup was very tasty, creamy without being too stiff or too runny. Plenty of broccoli in the soup and not too salty. 

Pecan encrusted trout

Almond encrusted Trout

Cajun New York Strip

Trout Hugo - White Wine & Mushroom Sauce

Vegetarian Plate - Tomato braised White Beans, served over Cheddar Polenta with Walnuts

All of the meals at the Inn are served "Family Style," which means you order your main dish, and all the side dishes are served in big bowls. You just help yourself and if  you need more, they will bring more and refill your bowls. The sides vary each day, so you never know what you will be served. 

You may get Green Beans, Shrimp and Grits, Stewed Tomatoes, Potatoes, Etc. They are all served in enough quantity and are quite delish. Just good Southern cooking. 

There are a number of desserts to choose from to end your meal. A dessert comes with your meal, so do take advantage of this. There could be Bread Pudding, Pecan Pie, Blueberry Cake, and always Chocolate. They all look scrumptious, don't they! 

 After our meal, we took advantage of the Inn and walked the halls, entertaining ourselves with made up ghost stories. There are stories that this place is haunted, and if it is.. it would not surprise me. The Inn is supposed to have a resident ghost. She is a young lady, Eugenia, who happens to be Amos Fryes'  niece. Apparently, she was a sad, morose young artist, who was often found crying inconsolably by the housekeeping staff. There are paintings of Eugenia's hanging down the second floor hallway. Apparently, Eugenia is still around and often one can see her books fall to the floor, doors slam with great force. The staff do not pay much attention when these things do happen as they just feel Eugenia is going through another one of her depressed phases. 

The Inn is full of rustic charm. There are no TV's in the rooms. You will find one in the large lobby. But more then likely, you will not find anyone watching it. What you will see are folks sitting around reading, playing checkers, knitting, or just talking. There are probably going to be some rocking on the front porch enjoying the view. If you really want to relax on vacation or just need a nice weekend away, this is the place to go. You will get a great meal, good Southern hospitality, and good old fashioned charm. 

http://www.fryemontinn.com/theinn.htm