Welcome to North Carolina’s Horse Country!

Calling itself “The Friendliest Town in the South,” Tryon is currently home to about 1,600 residents. However, that number is expected to change dramatically over the next few years. Tryon has become newly discovered by people flocking to the area for its equestrian events and facilities. In fact, Tryon has been one of the South’s top equestrian destinations for more than 100 years.

Quick Link: Search for Homes and Land in Tryon

Tryon’s long and storied equestrian history started in 1917 with the Pine Crest Inn, a renowned spot where northerners could come and ride their horses during the winter. The Tryon Horse Show began in 1929 (the third oldest of its kind in the country) and the Block House Steeplechase in 1934. In 1956, the US Equestrian Team trained in Tryon for the Olympics.

Tryon still offers world-class equine veterinary, boarding, and training facilities, as well as more than 100 miles of private trail systems. The town has probably been best known for its Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), a 390-acre educational and recreational center that provides programs in nature study, outdoor recreation, and equestrian competition. The facility includes five miles of trails, suitable for hiking or riding, and a nature pond with a boardwalk. The center also features three lighted show rings, spectacular seating, and stables for more than 200 horses.

Opened in 2014, the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) effectively established the next chapter in a town where history and horses intersect. The $100 million, 1,450-acre, state-of-the-art facility takes a love for horses to the next level. Here, any and all can come and enjoy the beauty of the sport and its incredibly gifted animals. TIEC features 10 riding arenas, over 1,000 permanent stalls, elevated and shaded viewing decks, restaurants, family activities, boutiques, and more. Its size and breadth has made the center a must-see location for spectators and competitors alike. In fact, Tryon is now mentioned in the same breath as sacred equestrian towns like Lexington and Saratoga. TIEC was chosen as the host of the 2018 World Equine Games.

More Activities in and around Tryon, NC

Every June, the Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival held at Harmon Field attracts thousands of visitors from around the country. The festival is the largest in Polk County and was named by the Travel Channel among their Top 5 World's Best Barbecue Contests. The highlight of the festival is the barbeque contact, which awards $20,000 in prize money. Beyond barbecue, the two-day festival includes artisans, live music, and a variety of food.

Located in North Carolina’s thermal belt, Tryon enjoys a milder climate than surrounding areas of elevation. The town is conveniently located a short drive from many of the Southeast’s top cities and destinations. In addition to being just a short drive from Asheville and Hendersonville, the town is less than an hour from the Greenville-Spartanburg region of South Carolina. Charlotte, Columbia, and Atlanta are just a few hours away.

Explore Tryon, NC a little more at the town's website. To develop a broader understanding of Tryon and the county in which it is located, visit the Polk County community profile.

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TRYON

Tryon is a small, but vibrant community. Read about recent news, events, and real estate market updates for the area on the Beverly-Hanks blog.