McKinley Edwards Inn

07/18/2026

Last night was one of those evenings we will remember for a very long time.
After months of planning and preparation, it was incredible to finally welcome Richard Smith to McKinley Edwards Inn. Richard performed flawlessly and was every bit as entertaining as he was talented. Between the music, stories, humor, and the way he connected with everyone in the room, he made the evening feel truly special.
We are especially proud of our staff. When unexpected challenges arose, everyone jumped in, worked together, and did whatever was needed to keep the evening running smoothly. Their teamwork, flexibility, and positive attitudes were a huge part of what made the event such a success.
Thank you to Richard for sharing his extraordinary talent with us, and thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a warm and memorable atmosphere. Hosting an artist of Richard’s caliber in such an intimate setting was an experience we will never forget.
What a night!
We will posting a small selection of videos from last night's performance on our new YouTube channel soon

07/15/2026

Every signature tells a story. ✍️
Our Travellers Ledger is filled with kind words, hometowns, memories and messages from guests who have made McKinley Edwards Inn part of their journey. We love looking back through these pages and seeing just how far people have traveled to visit our little corner of the Smoky Mountains. Guests from the U.K., Germany, Denmark, and Columbia all have created some special memories here plus many more from the U.S.
When you stay with us, be sure to leave a note of your own—you’ll become part of the story, too. ❤️

07/11/2026

What can you expect to hear at a Richard Smith house concert?
No two performances are exactly the same, and that's part of what makes them so special. Richard has an incredible repertoire that spans ragtime, country, classical, blues, gospel, traditional favorites, and his own award-winning original compositions.
A typical evening might include pieces such as:
🎵 Freight Train
🎵 Windy and Warm
🎵 Classical Gas
🎵 Cannonball Rag
🎵 Deep River Blues
🎵 Georgia on My Mind
🎵 The Entertainer
🎵 Amazing Grace
🎵 Somewhere Over the Rainbow
🎵 And, of course, a few surprises along the way!
This is just a sample of the music Richard may perform. Every concert is unique, with plenty of stories, humor, audience interaction, and breathtaking musicianship woven throughout the evening.
To get a taste of what's in store, check out Richard's incredible performance of the Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin in the YouTube video linked below. It's a perfect example of the astonishing technique and musicality that have earned him praise from legends like Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed.
🎸 Join us for an intimate evening of world-class acoustic guitar at McKinley Edwards Inn.
🍴 Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Prohibition Catering .
We can't wait to welcome everyone for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music!

https://youtu.be/HxlsOO1QzMI?is=EsLuFUMQK7Ety1RB

Call 828-488-9626 to get your tickets before the concert on July 17th at 7pm sells out!

07/10/2026

🏔️ One Perfect Smokies Getaway

STAY: Relax at McKinley Edwards Inn where historic charm, mountain hospitality, and a peaceful night's sleep set the stage for your adventure.

🐎 PLAY: Start your morning on horseback with
Smokemont Riding Stables, taking in breathtaking mountain views along scenic trails.

🌊 DISCOVER: In the afternoon, experience the Smokies from the water with Smoky Mountain River Adventures , where you'll paddle through some of Western North Carolina's most beautiful scenery.

🍫 INDULGE: End the day with handcrafted treats from Heavenly Fudge. From creamy fudge to sweet mountain favorites, it's the perfect reward after a day outdoors.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or your next mountain adventure, this itinerary is the perfect way to experience the Naturally Wild Side of the Smokies.

📍 Stay. Play. Discover. Indulge. Experience the Southern Smokies with Visit Smokies.

07/05/2026

🎸 Spend a Day with One of the World's Greatest Fingerstyle Guitarists! 🎸

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist, just starting out, or simply love incredible live music, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Join Richard Smith at McKinley Edwards Inn on July 17th for an unforgettable day featuring:
🎸 Hands-On Guitar Workshop (2:00–4:00 PM)
Learn techniques, tips, and musical insights from a true master.
⭐ VIP Meet & Greet (4:00–5:00 PM)
Enjoy an exclusive small-group session with Richard where you can ask questions, hear behind-the-scenes stories, take photos, have your favorite item signed, and receive reserved front-row seating for the evening concert!
🎶 Live Concert (7:00 PM)
Experience Richard's world-class musicianship up close in one of the most intimate concert venues in Western North Carolina.

Whether you join us for one event or make it a full-day experience, you'll leave inspired.

🎟 Workshop: $60
⭐ VIP Meet & Greet (includes front-row concert seating): $50
🎵 Concert: $30
📍 McKinley Edwards Inn
Bryson City, NC

📞 Reserve your spot today: 828-488-9626
⚠️ Workshop and VIP seating are intentionally limited to provide a personal experience, and VIP front-row seats are available only while supplies last. Reserve early!

A special thank you to Prohibition Catering for sponsoring this incredible event. We can't wait to welcome guitar enthusiasts from across the Smokies and beyond for a truly unforgettable day of music, learning, and inspiration.

Welcome to the McKinley Edwards Inn, your cozy mountain escape in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, our boutique bed and breakfast inn is the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and recharge.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from all of us at McKinley Edwards Inn! 🇺🇸
Today we celebrate the birth of our nation, the freedoms we cherish, and the countless individuals whose courage and sacrifice made those freedoms possible. Whether you're gathering with family, enjoying time with friends, or taking in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July.
"America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand." — Harry S. Truman
From our family at McKinley Edwards Inn to yours, Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

06/29/2026

🎬🔎 What a night!
Our very first Movie Murder Mystery Party was an incredible success, and it's all because of the amazing group of people who joined us.

Thank you to everyone who came ready to laugh, play your part, search for clues, and fully embrace the mystery. You made the evening unforgettable!

A very special thank you goes to Lyle DeRose aka Pookie, an actual film producer, for lending his talent, humor, and personality to our event. Having Pookie create the opening video and help bring the evening to life made the experience even more memorable. We truly appreciate your support and willingness to be part of something special here at McKinley Edwards Inn. Be sure to check out his new project "Petco Love presents A New Leash On Life - Pet Rescue Stories" coming out soon!

We'd also like to thank Prohibition Catering for the outstanding hors d'oeuvres. The lobster rolls and beef crostini were a huge hit!

This was our first Murder Mystery Party, but after such a fun evening, we certainly hope it won't be our last. 🕵️‍♀️🎥

Thank you again for making our first event such a fantastic success. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for the next adventure!

06/27/2026

Whether you're an experienced fingerstyle guitarist or just beginning your journey. Richard Smith's guitar workshop is designed to leave you inspired and with new skills you can immediately put to use.

During this intimate, hands-on workshop, Richard will cover: 🎸 Thumb independence and Travis picking 🎸 Fingerstyle techniques and right-hand coordination 🎸 Banjo-style rolls and melodic playing 🎸 Ear training and arranging songs 🎸 The CAGED system and fretboard knowledge 🎸 Tips, stories, and lessons learned from his incredible career alongside guitar legends like Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed.

One of the best parts? Richard personally sends workshop information and learning materials to attendees ahead of time, allowing you to arrive prepared and get the most out of your experience.

With only a limited number of participants, everyone will have opportunities to ask questions, receive personal instruction, and learn in a relaxed, encouraging environment.
Want an even more personal experience? Add our VIP Meet & Greet Session for $50 per person! Following the workshop, you'll enjoy an exclusive opportunity to spend time with Richard in a small group setting, ask additional questions, hear more stories from his remarkable career, take photos, and have an item signed.

Then, cap off the evening with Richard's live concert at McKinley Edwards Inn, where you'll hear these incredible techniques come to life from one of the world's premier fingerstyle guitarists.
🎶 Friday, July 17 🎸 Guitar Workshop (2:00–4:00 PM): $60 ⭐ VIP Meet & Greet (4:00–5:00 PM): $50 🎵 Live Concert (7:00 PM): $30
Space is extremely limited for the workshop and VIP session.

📞 Call 828-488-9626 to reserve your spot today!

McKinley Edwards Inn

06/20/2026

🎉 Our New Website Is Live! 🎉
We've been working behind the scenes on a fresh new online look for McKinley Edwards Inn, and we're excited to finally share it with you!

Take a look around and explore: 🏡 Our historic inn and beautiful grounds 🛏️ Guest rooms and cottage accommodations 🥞 Breakfast offerings and amenities 🚂 Local attractions and travel guides 🏔️ Everything that makes Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains such a special destination.

Whether you're planning your next mountain getaway, looking for a family-friendly retreat, or simply curious about what makes McKinley Edwards Inn unique, we'd love for you to visit our new site.

Visit us here: https://www.mckinleyedwardsinn.com

Thank you to all of our wonderful guests, friends, and supporters. We look forward to welcoming you to Bryson City and helping you create your own Smoky Mountain memories. ❤️

Prohibition Catering Carolina Bound Adventures Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground Wildwater Ltd

Our historic inn in Bryson City, NC features a complimentary breakfast each morning, family-friendly amenities, comfortable rooms, and proximity to attractions