Shopping in Cherokee

Cherokee is an easy town to explore and a fun place to shop. Stores are sprinkled throughout town and there is plenty of parking. In fact, it’s a snap to meander from store to store taking it all in.

Of course, many stores carry Cherokee crafts such as Cherokee Indian pottery, baskets and beadwork; as well as other locally made gifts such as dream catchers, dolls and woodcrafts.
But you might be surprised to see the variety of home furnishings, hand-painted and rustic furniture, books, CDs, jewelry and unique gift items available throughout Cherokee.
Leather goods are also very popular in Cherokee. Many stores stock handbags, belts, backpacks, hats and wallets; as well as biker apparel such as vests, jackets and chaps.

Street chiefs and dancers perform on curb side stages outside retail shops and souvenir stores, entertaining crowds of shoppers. The shows, often featuring the traditional, ‘friendship dance’ (with audience participation, below), ‘eagle dance’ and ‘hoop dance’, are free; yet tipping is encouraged, particularly when the “chiefs” pose for photographs. It’s a tradition that began years ago with the late Chief Henry, who was once billed as “The World’s Most Photographed Indian.”