Expedia lists Tryon as an escape destination 

TRYON – Tryon is now listed as the “Best Place to Escape” in North Carolina. A blurb on the list found at viewfinder.expedia.com describes Tryon as, “Historic, artsy, and rural enough to offer sanctuary from the pressures of everyday life . . .” 

The list just came out on January 3. Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples hadn’t yet heard the news, but said, “We [Tryon residents] knew it all along.” 

Peoples said the news didn’t surprise him adding that the recognition is a result of all the hard work put in by the citizens, the businesses, the elected officials, the Tryon Downtown Development Association and the Tryon Tourism Development Authority. 

“The people of Tryon have worked hard to get us to this place and now it’s paying off,” he said. “This is the result of everybody pitching in together.” 

The Expedia list includes many other small towns across the country, many of which are not well known or famous, such as Blue Ridge, Ga. or Ft. Payne, Ala. Some of the better known destinations include Monument Valley in Arizona, Palm Springs, Calif., Pompano Beach, Fla. and Amish Country in Ohio.  

One famous location is Mackinac Island, Mich. which was featured in the Christopher Reeves film, “Somewhere in Time.” 

The viewfinder web site states that the locations, “. . . made the list for being ideal for a relaxing getaway where you can recharge, take a breather and revel in serene solitude.” The Tryon listing mentions Morris the Horse, FENCE’s moonlight rides, Mountain Brook Vineyards and Pearson’s Falls. 

Owners of local bed and breakfasts in the area agree with Peoples that the listing is simply voicing what the locals have known all along.  

“We’ve been a stepchild to Asheville and Hendersonville,” said Sarah Huff, owner of the Butterfly Inn. “But we have lots of things the larger cities have, such as wineries, theater and the arts scene.” Huff added that, though the Tryon International Equestrian Center does attract a lot of attention to the area it’s only spotlighting what was already here. 

Marc Blazar, co–owner of the Orchard Inn, said he has to agree with the listing. “Tyron, and Saluda, are wonderful to escape to for the serenity and the surroundings,” he said. “Most of our guests come here for natural beauty, serenity and friendliness.” 

Blazer added that Expedia has millions of followers. “It will be nice to get the word out of what a wonderful place we have here. I think Polk County in general provides the type of experience overnight guests of small intimate inns are looking for. They get a high quality experience when they come here.”