The fly collector: Collection of 9,000 flies holds memories, knowledge for Bryson City angler

out fr“This is the ugliest fly I have,” says Mike Kesselring, pulling a battered-looking brown-bodied, black-feathered fly from a box marked “18. Antiques.”

The box is just one of the many filling the back of Kesselring’s red SUV, the fly just one the roughly 9,000 in his expansive collection. The flies run the gamut from the long, flowing streamers designed to resemble flashy-colored minnows to tiny but intricate creations mimicking the river’s smallest insect nymphs. Nearly all are prettier, more pristine than the 20-year-old thing Kesselring, 64, now holds up to the sunlight.

Steam engine project still on track

fr steamengineGreat Smoky Mountain Railroad officials say they will make their deadline for getting a steam engine back up and running in Bryson City.

Nantahala purchases new facility, expands production

art nantahalaIn a long-awaited strategic move, Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City will soon be putting the final touches on the purchase of a nearby bottling company.

Town deems temporary Fry Street closure a failure

fr frystreetWhile November is usually still a busy time for downtown Bryson City merchants, Paige Christie said her sales are down a third over last year.

Hawthorn Heights opens new Bryson City shelter

fr hawthorneWhile the former Hawthorn Heights teen shelter presented a number of challenges, the only challenge for teens moving into the new shelter will be calling dibs on their favorite room.

Bryson City mayor keeps his seat; board of aldermen welcomes one new member

election timeAs the municipal elections were coming to a close last Tuesday night, it became clear that the race in Bryson City would be too close to call. 

Bryson City election may be too close to call

election timeBryson City’s town election may be too close to call given that there were eight provisionary ballots left to count on election night.

A Unique Touch: Pincu Pottery combines nature, art

art frAbout halfway between Bryson City and the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a small, unassuming building sits alongside the road. The structure is only a stone’s throw from the bustling intersection of U.S. 64 and N.C. 28, and inside Elise Willa Pincu Delfield is at her potter’s wheel, silently spinning magic.

Candidates answer call for change in Bryson

swainThe five newcomers running for the Bryson City Board of Aldermen and mayor have made it clear they want to see some new faces on the board and some much-needed change to the town.

Monica Brown, Fryemont Inn

wib fryemontMonica Brown, Innkeeper — Fryemont Inn, Bryson City. Chairperson – Smoky Mountain Host. Board Member – Swain County Tourist Development Authority. www.fryemontinn.com

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