Take a trip to Cherokee, North
Carolina and enjoy all that the Smokies have to offer. Cherokee
offers beautiful drives, hikes, horseback riding, amusement
parks, casino and museums. Both the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park and Blue Ridge Parkway have entrances in Cherokee. Nearby
you can take a scenic train ride, visit the tallest dam in
the Eastern US or raft the popular Nantahala River.
Cherokee is the perfect great home base for your Smoky Mountain
vacation. It’s only one hour through
the National Park to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or one hour
East to Asheville and the Biltmore House and Garden.
Here are a few of the many fun things to see
and do while you stay in Cherokee — Each
website will open in a new window.
 Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway Association
P.O. Box 453
Asheville, NC 28802
The Blue Ridge
Parkway begins in Cherokee, just North of downtown on US 441, and
winds its way through North Carolina and Virginia. For a short
drive you can exit at Soco Gap (US 19 just East of Cherokee), or
Highway 74 near Waynesville. There are stunning, long range vistas
with plenty of places to pull over for photos and to enjoy the
view.
 Cherokee Bear Zoo & Exotic
Animals
1204 Tsalagi Rd. (US 19N)
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-4525
website
In addition
to the Smoky Mountains Black Bear, you will observe many different
exotic animals like tigers and monkeys. We also have grizzlies,
and during certain times of the year, baby wild animals. At the
Petting Zoo children actually hand feed some of our animals like
the baby goats. Mini Golf, Gift Shop and Ice Cream Shop. Open daily
March 1 – December 31. Open weekends in January-February (weather
permitting). $5 per person. Tour packages available.
 Cherokee
Helicopters
264 Casino Trail
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-5797 or 865-388-4324
website
Want to try something
out of this world? Fly with Cherokee Helicopters and see the beauty
of this wonderful area from above. Every flight takes off over
Thomas Peak where you will enjoy views of mountains in all directions.
Flights start as low as $15.00 per person with eight different
flights including a trip to the top of Clingmans Dome the second
highest peak in the eastern US. Call 828-497-5797 for reservations
or just stop by.
 Fontana Dam
Highway 28, West of Bryson City, NC
828-498-2234 (May – Sept) or
828-497-2251 (off season)
Fontana is the tallest
dam in the Eastern United States. It was constructed by the Tennessee
Valley Authority during the early 1940s to supply electricity for
the war effort during World War II. Free. Visitors Center open
May-Sept.
Fun Factory In The Smokies
1024 Georgia Road
 Franklin, NC 28734
828-349-8888
website
Located
in scenic Franklin, North Carolina, the Fun Factory in the Smokies
is Western North Carolina's award-winning destination for family
friendly entertainment - with games, mini-golf, bowling,
go-karts, laser tag, big screen TVs, party rooms, great restaurants
and more. Plus, there's even an area just for the little
kids. The Fun Factory is open Monday – Thursday
10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Friday – Saturday 10:00 am to midnight.
Attractions open at 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday.
 Ghost Town in the Sky
16 Fie Top Road
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
800-446-7886
website
Step back in time and enjoy the rides and spectacular views set in an authentic 1880’s western town. Hand-clapping fun awaits you with live music, dramatic performances, Can-Can shows and Indian dancing. Take a ride 3300 feet on the longest chairlift in North Carolina to the top of Buck Mountain were many other rides a-wait. A single admission price allows you to enjoy all the show, rides and history of the Wild West.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina Visitors Center & Mountain Farm Museum
 Oconaluftee Visitor Center
US Highway 441 North
Cherokee, NC
828-497-1900
Half of the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park is in North Carolina and the main
NC entrance in Cherokee, on US Hwy. 441N. The Visitor Center includes
nature exhibits, a bookstore, a
recreated Mountain Farm, and an easy walking trail along the river.
Close by are Mingus Mill and Smokemont horseback riding stables.
US 441 N. takes you to Clingman’s Dome and Gatlinburg/Pigeon
Forge, TN.
 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Depots in Bryson City & Dillsboro
800-872-4681 or 282-586-8811
website
Climb aboard for rail
adventure. You’ll
travel along cool rushing rivers, lush green valleys, rolling farmlands,
around a man-made lake and through historic tunnels and bridges.
Gourmet dining and mystery theatre dinner trains, train and raft
combos, Thomas The Tank Engine, The Little Engine That Could, and
The Polar Express.
 Biltmore House and Gardens
Interstate 40, Exit 50
Asheville, NC
828-255-2700 or 800-543-2961
George Vanderbilt’s
mansion has been carefully restored. Tour the home, the gardens
and the winery and enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal or a sandwich
in one of several restaurants. Shopping on the grounds and in nearby
Biltmore Village.
 Harrah’s Cherokee
Casino
Casino Drive at Highway 19E
Cherokee, NC
800-427-7247 or 828-497-7777
With 3,000 of your favorite
video games, including Live Digital Blackjack, where real dealers
combine with video displays and digital cards to deliver real blackjack
action. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Drama Road at Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
Cherokee, NC
828-497-3481
Open since 1948, the
museum tells the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry
along with an extensive artifact collection. The museum is fun
for the entire family and an exciting, educational event. Open
daily at 9 am except closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New
Year’s
Day. Admission prices for adults and children, with children
under 6 free. Group rates are available, as well as discounts
for AARP or AAA members.
 Nantahala River Gorge
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
S. Highway 19/74,
West of Bryson City, NC
One of the most popular
whitewater rafting and kayaking venues in the nation. With Class
II and Class III rapids, the eight-mile course is popular with
beginners and Olympic-class kayakers alike.
 Oconaluftee Indian Village
Drama Road
Cherokee, NC
828-497-2111 or 828-497-2315
A live, authentic replica
of an 18th Century Cherokee community. Cherokee artisans and guides
demonstrate and explain the history and culture of their ancestors.
Typical Cherokee homes and Council House of 1750. Open daily from
9 am – 5:30
pm, mid-May thru October. Group discounts available.
 Oconaluftee Islands Park
Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
Cherokee, NC
As the beautiful Oconaluftee
River winds through downtown Cherokee, it creates two small islands
accessible by footbridges. The Park is a lovely place to relax,
take a leisurely stroll, listen to our talking trees, or enjoy
a picnic lunch. There are plenty of benches, picnic tables, grills
and covered shelters for your convenience.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual
 Drama Rd at Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
Cherokee, NC
828-497-3103
Established in 1946,
the co-op presents the work of more than 300 Cherokee artisans.
The facility has a large display area on historical baskets, masks,
pottery, fingerweaving, woodcarving and more. Open Daily
June thru August from 8 am – 8
pm; September thru October from 8 am to 6 pm; November
thru May 8 am – 4:30 pm. No admission fee.
Santa’s
Land
Family
Theme
Park and Zoo
 571
Wolf Town Rd (US 19E)
Cherokee, NC
828-497-9191
website
One admission price covers
all rides, zoo and entertainment. Over 60 things to see and do.
Ride the Rudicoaster, Santa’s
favorite ride. Paddle the lake and feed Santa’s fish, ducks
and monkeys. Enjoy the Magic Show in the Jingle Bell Theatre.
Watch the baby bears being fed. Bring your picnic. Visit with
Santa and his elves. There’s something for everyone.
 Smoky Mountain
Gold & Ruby
Mine
US 441 N – Downtown
Cherokee, NC
828-497-6574
website
Pan for gold and precious
gems including rubies, amethysts, emeralds, sapphires, garnets
and topaz. All equipment is furnished, and we have free gemstone
identification. Expert gem cutting and mountain are available.
Have your precious stone set in a ring or pendant. Fun for the
entire family. We even have special buckets for the kids. Mine
with us, you could strike it rich.
 Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
121 Schoolhouse Road
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-3364
website
An arts, crafts and educational center located in a restored schoolhouse in the tiny village of Stecoah, just a half-hour west of Bryson City on NC Hwy 28. Programs include the summer concert and dinner series, "An Appalachian Evening" and Folkmoot USA. The Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery offers a unique opportunity to buy original North Carolina arts and crafts.
 Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
Mountainside Theater
Cherokee, NC
Ticket Office: Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
866-554-4557
Live outdoor re-enactment
of the story behind the Cherokee “Trail
of Tears”.
Witness Cherokee at this spectacular production — from
the arrival of DeSoto around 1500 the story builds to a poignant
climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of the Cherokee
in 1838. Nightly, except Sundays, mid-June thru mid-August. Free
parking. General admission and reserved seating.
 Wildwater Jeep Tours
10345 Hwy 19
Bryson City, NC 28713
800-451-9972
website
Join our skilled and knowledgeable local guides by following in the steps of the early explorers, visiting the back roads of the region and learning more about this beautiful region directly from North Carolina natives. Choose from a two-hour mountain and waterfall tour in the Nantahala area; add a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to your jeep ride for a 7-hour adventure.
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