Are you planning a trip to or around Cherokee, North Carolina? Looking for some fun and awesome things to do? Look no further! Here are 9 of the BEST things to do while you’re visiting Cherokee!
9. VISIT CAROLE LILLY MASSAGE!
Traveling can be stressful and downright physically taxing. 99% of the time, when you’re planning a vacation or traveling, it’s a lot of work. Typically, the first thing you want to do when you get to your destination is RELAX and unwind. What better way to do that than visiting Carole Lilly Massage? Whether you want to relax or need pain relief from traveling, Carole Lilly’s highly skilled team listens to your goals and designs a customized session that you’ll love. Their variety of services is perfect for any person.
S.D. from Franklin, NC said, “I had my first massage here and it was phenomenal! The atmosphere is so relaxing, and the staff is great! My massage therapist was wonderful! If you book a massage here you will not be disappointed! I will definitely be returning!”
Schedule your massage with Carole Lilly and her team today!
Carole Lilly Massage
8. CASINO AT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE
While in Cherokee, don’t miss your chance to experience one of the finest casinos in the Southeast. Harrah’s features over 21 stories of four-star luxury hotel rooms along with fine dining and all of the gaming you can possibly play! Get your game face on! With live dealers and real chips, Cherokee’s ultra-modern tables keep all the fun of traditional table games and add the latest interactive technology. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to table games, every hand is a new opportunity to win!
7. SEQUOYAH NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
This par 72 championship course, measuring 6,600 yards, offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while providing ultimate playing conditions year-round. The golf shop offers a full range of men’s and women’s golf apparel. At Sequoyah National Golf Club, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch or afternoon beverage on the outdoor deck with 180 degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The surrounding community also provides golfers a welcoming environment that is rich with Native American culture, and exciting year-round attractions.
6. MUSEUM OF THE CHEROKEE INDIAN
Take a step back in time with a self-guided tour that combines computer-generated imagery and audio with an extensive artifact collection. This tour shares the culture and history of the Cherokee Indians, from the paleolithic period all the way up until modern day. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is one for the history books—and for the scrap books.
5. OCONALUFTEE INDIAN VILLAGE AND VISITOR CENTER
The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a replica of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community located in Cherokee, North Carolina, along the Oconaluftee River. Guides take visitors through the village explaining the history and culture of the Cherokee while demonstrating the making of such items as arrowheads, baskets, and blowguns.
Surrounded by lush mountain vegetation, your spirit will be calmed by the sound of the surrounding mountain streams. Guided tours will take you through craft demonstrations by award-winning artists who will explain unique Cherokee crafting techniques. Special shows are also offered throughout the season such as “Time of War” and traditional Cherokee dancing ceremonies. Sit, relax, and dine at the picnic tables with the Oconaluftee natives after you order from the concession area and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the gift shop to remember your visit to this Cherokee Indian village!
4. MINGO FALLS
Do you enjoy taking a hike through nature? Visit Mingo Falls, a 120 ft high waterfall located in the Qualla Boundary—a land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—near the town of Cherokee, Swain County, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the eastern United States. The waterfall is among the tallest in the southern Appalachians. The Pigeon Creek Trail leads to Mingo Falls. The trailhead can be accessed from the National Park Service’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center by driving south on US-441 toward the town of Cherokee, turning left at the second intersection onto Big Cove Road. Turn left again at the first stop sign and continue 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Mingo Falls Campground where the trail begins. The trail is 0.4 miles (0.64 km) long and is considered moderately difficult with lots of long stairs.
3. MOUNTAIN FARM MUSEUM
Mountain Farm Museum is a collection of old farm buildings that were taken from throughout the Smoky Mountains and preserved on one site. The buildings include a barn, a spring house, a smoke house, and an apple house. Mountain Farm Museum also demonstrates agricultural practices, such as gardening and caring for livestock, as they may have been 100 years ago. The Oconaluftee River Trail also begins here and follows the river 1.5 miles to Cherokee.
2. SMOKY MOUNATIN GOLD & RUBY MINE
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine allows visitors to find beautiful gems (emeralds, rubies, garnets, and more) in a large trough for sifting. These gems and stones can then be identified by one of the on-site experts. The stones can then go home in your bucket or in a setting chosen by you in the gift shop! This is a fun experience for both kids and adults.
1. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is absolutely beautiful, with deep green woods and moss covered rocky creeks. There are incredibly diverse plants and animals throughout these ancient mountains. Within the park there are extensive hiking trails, both easy and difficult. There are picnic spots and exhibits as well as streams and rivers to float on. It is a fantastic spot to hike for multiple days or just a day trip. The beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is astounding and you are sure to love it, no matter what activity you choose.
Whether you are young or old, visiting for business or pleasure, Cherokee is so diverse and has something for everyone! You will not be disappointed with all that this beautiful, historical place has to offer!
Information provided by Carole Lilly Massage in Sylva, North Carolina.
