10 (+ 1 Bonus) Instagrammable Places in Tryon, NC: Your Ultimate Photo Spot Guide

If you haven't noticed, Tryon is having a moment. This little mountain town is packed with charm, quirky photo ops, and the kind of spots that make you want to linger (not just snap and dash).

I teamed up with my friend Gabby from Back Alley Bud Bar and Boutique to put together this list of our favorite Instagrammable places around town. Whether you're here for the aesthetics, the vibes, or just want proof you visited one of the coolest small towns in North Carolina - we've got you covered.

Grab your phone (or your actual camera if you're fancy), bring a friend, and let's explore. Whether you're visiting Tryon for the first time or you're a local looking for the best places to take photos in downtown Tryon, this guide has you covered. Pro tip: Park on McCown Street and you'll be ready to walk around downtown and hit most of these spots!

1. Livery Pourhouse - Mini Balcony for Two 📍 60 Pacolet Street

This tiny balcony overlooks Depot Street and it's basically made for a cozy two-person photo op. Grab a drink, lean on the railing, and soak in that downtown Tryon energy. Bonus points if you catch golden hour lighting. Learn more about Livery Pourhouse

2. Valhalla 📍 90 Pacolet Street

This place has vibes. Whether you're posing inside with the eclectic decor or catching the exterior, Valhalla delivers that effortlessly cool aesthetic. It's artsy, it's moody, it's totally worth the stop. Check out Valhalla

3. Mirrorball Gallery - The Couch 📍 84 Pacolet Street

Yes, there's a couch. Yes, you need a photo on it. The Mirrorball Gallery is full of local art and this couch situation is the perfect blend of "I support the arts" and "I look good doing it." Don't overthink the pose - just sit and let the art do the work. And Wednesday-Saturdays there’s a LOUNGE! Explore Mirrorball Gallery

4. Train Tracks 📍 Along Trade Street (parking on McCown Street)

Classic for a reason. Tryon's train tracks offer that moody, nostalgic backdrop we all love. This is one of the most popular photo spots in Western North Carolina - you'll see why. Just remember: trains are real, schedules exist, and trespassing is not cute; luckily our tracks don’t have trains.  Tryon train history and look to the future with the Saluda Grade Trail.

With Gabby is her BFF-Mel, who recently (August 2025) became Tryon’s Dog Mayor. Mel was born deaf and is gradually losing his eyesight, so sometimes he wears a grate over his snout to make sure he doesn’t startle when meeting new people.

5. Tryon Co-op Coffee House - Outside Seating 📍 62 N Trade Street

The patio vibes here are chef's kiss. Great coffee, colorful chairs, mountain air - it's the perfect spot for a laid-back shot that says "I'm caffeinated and thriving." Plus, you can actually sit and enjoy your drink while you're at it. Visit Tryon Co-op

6. Morris the Horse 📍 Corner of Trade & Pacolet Streets (across from The Tryon Bottle at 15 S Trade Street)

You can't miss Morris - the iconic Tryon landmark and the perfect photo buddy. This beloved horse statue has been standing at the corner of Trade and Pacolet Streets since 1928...While you can’t climb on, you can strike a pose next to Morris or just admire his stoic presence. Either way, Morris makes everything better. Morris the Horse

7. Back Alley Bud Bar and Boutique 📍 226 S Trade Street

Of course we're including Gabby's spot! Back Alley is a dispensary and boutique with seriously good vibes - think locally made art, clothing, quality (legal) cannabis products, and that welcoming energy you can't fake. The mid-century modern building is something to behold itself. Downstairs you'll find the retail space and upstairs there's a members-only lounge (you can get a day pass) where you can actually relax and enjoy. It's quirky, it's local, and it's totally worth the visit. Bonus insider tip: If you spot Mel, Tryon's official Dog Mayor, while you're here - that's a double photo win. Shop Back Alley Bud Bar

8. All Good Things Bakery 📍 289 S Trade Street

This shop is packed with treasures, and the storefront alone is photo-worthy. Whether you're posing outside or capturing a shot of your latest find, All Good Things lives up to its name. It's quirky, curated, and totally Tryon. Discover All Good Things

9. Nina Simone Mural 📍 2960 Lynn Road/Corner of Lynn Road and Highway 108

This one's a must. The Nina Simone mural in Tryon honors the legendary jazz musician who was born right here in this mountain town. To get to this mural easily, park at the gas station. At the the left side of the parking lot there are steps leading down to the mural.

When you post, make sure to tag the Nina Simone Childhood Home Reuse Project (who's restoring her childhood home) and the artist who created this beautiful tribute-Scott Nurkin. It's not just Instagrammable - it's meaningful. Learn about Nina Simone's Tryon roots

10. Rogers Park - Take the Stage (or the Seats) 📍 55 W Howard Street

eel like a rockstar for a minute and get on stage at Rogers Park Amphitheater, one of Tryon's best outdoor attractions, or flip the perspective and shoot the empty seats from the performer's view. Either way, this spot gives you that "main character energy" we all need sometimes. And it’s so pretty there! Rogers Park

BONUS: 69 Pacolet Street - Home of The Fitzgerald 📍 69 Pacolet Street

And for the bonus round: 69 Pacolet Street, where The Fitzgerald resides. This spot has character, history, and that "if you know, you know" appeal. It's the perfect quirky addition to your Tryon photo collection. The Fitzgerald story

Planning Your Tryon Photo Tour

The best part about these photo spots? Most are within walking distance in downtown Tryon. Start at Morris the Horse, work your way down Trade and Pacolet Streets, and you'll hit 8 of the 11 locations in under an hour. Save the Nina Simone mural and Rogers Park for a separate stop if you're short on time.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or golden hour (about an hour before sunset) for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Ready to Explore Tryon, NC?

Tryon, NC is small, but it's mighty - and these Instagrammable spots are just the beginning. Whether you're planning a day trip to downtown Tryon or you're a local showing off your mountain town, we hope this Tryon travel guide gives you a reason to slow down, explore, and capture the magic. Looking for more things to do in Tryon? Check out the local shops, restaurants, and galleries while you're snapping pics!

While you're here: Check out Smithwick Communications for all your branding, social media, websites, and digital marketing needs (because your business deserves to look as good as your Tryon photos), and don't forget to stop by Back Alley Bud Bar and Boutique to say hi to Gabby (and maybe Mel).

Tag us in your photos! We can't wait to see where you end up.

• Follow @smithwickcommunications

• Follow @backalleyboutiqueandbudbar

Now get out there and make Tryon look good. 💚