Cherokee, NC

Cherokee is located in Swain County. The Cherokee Indians were the first to experience the beauty of the mountians, flowing waters, and clear blue sky in what they refered to as "Land of the Blue Smoke, " or Smoky Mountians as we call them today.  Cherokee offers many activities such as the museums, amusement parks, casino, hiking, scenic drives, shopping, and some of the best trout fishing in the Eastern United States.

No one knows for sure how long the Cherokee have lived in Western North Carolina.  Artifacts that have been found indicate people lived here more than 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, and ancient Cherokee tales describe hunts of the mastodon that once foraged here. The Cherokees in Western North Carolina today are the descendants from those Cherokees who were able to hold on to land they owned, or hid out in the hills, or were able to return. Today, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians is a sovereign nation of 100 square miles.


Things to Do:




Harrah's Cherokee Casino
777 Casino Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-7777
www.harrahscherokee.com


Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
US Hwy 441 North
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-2111
www.cherokee-nc.com
Outdoor drama presenting the history of the Cherokee Indians since 1950 in beautiful mountainside theatre. Mid June thru late August.


Santa's Land
Hwy 19 North Soco Rd
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-9191

Oconaluftee Indian Village
US Hwy 441 North
Cherokee, NC 28719
866-554-4557



Mingo Falls
Located on the Cherokee Indian Resvoir
180 feet ascade
0.25 mile hike
Moderate difficulty
Directions:  From the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, proceed south on Newfound Gap Rd. approx. 1 mile.  Take a left onto Big Cove Rd. and proceed approx. 5 miles to the Big Cove Campground on the right.  Turn and proceed across the bridge and park in the designted parking area.


Cataloochee Ski Resort
Located in Maggie Valley, NC Cataloochee offers some really good snow skiing and snow tubing. Make sure you check this out next time your in the area. Before you visit make sure you check ski conditions, visit www.cataloochee.com .



Calendar of Events: 
8/13/2010 - 8/14/2010 - 2nd Annual Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival
Location: Franklin, NC
When: Friday August 13th through Saturday August 14th time(TBA)
Description: Come join us for the Second Annual Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival set in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Franklin, NC will host this two-day event featuring authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment, a crafters village, kids area and a tastin’ tent. Buckle up for some GREAT BBQ.......
Contact: For more information call the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at
828-524-3161.

8/14/2010 -
Ricky Skaggs
Location:
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday August 14th Time (TBA)
Description:
Sometimes in life, things come full circle. That's the story of Ricky Skaggs. By age 21, he was already considered a "recognized master" of one of America's most demanding art forms, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. Now the road has brought him back to where it all began - bluegrass music.
Costs: Tickets range from $35 to $45
Contact: For more information call 866-273-4615.

8/28/2010 - Diamond Rio
Location
: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday August 28th
Costs: Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Contact: For more information call
866-273-4615.

9/4/2010 - Labor Day Weekend Festival
Location:
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday September 4th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Description:
Featuring: Tim Surrett and Balsam Range, The Hayes Family, Jimmy Blackwood and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, The Singing Browns, The Rochesters, and The Inspirations.
Costs: TICKETS: $10-$20

9/5/2010 - Labor Day Weekend Festival
Location:
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Sunday September 5th from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Description:
Featuring: The Primitives, The McKameys and The Inspirations
Costs: TICKETS: $10-$20

10/9/2010 - Fall Harvest Craft Festival
Location:
The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441 a mile south of Cherokee,NC.
When: Saturday October 9th from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Description: Artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include, Cherokee stone carver, wood carvers, gourd artists, blacksmith, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors.
Contact: For more information call 
828-497-6536.

10/22/2010 - 10/23/2010 - 14th Annual Pumpkin Fest
Location: Downtown Franklin, NC
When: Friday October 22nd and Saturday October 23rd
Description: Come Join us for he 14th Annual Pumkin Fest. It's held in downtown Franklin along Main Street. The event features crafters, the famous pumpkin roll, live music all day, pie eating contest, games, costume contest and parade along with food. Fun for the entire family.
Contact: For more information call 828-524-2516  

12/17/2010 - Oak Ridge Boys
Location:
 
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Friday December 17th from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM and from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Description:
The Oak Ridge Boys, with that unmistakable four-part harmony, have produced dozens of hit songs - including "You're the One in a Million", "I'm Settin' Fancy Free", "Sail Away", and of course, "Elvira" - earned just about every industry accolade available, including Grammy, Dove, ACM, and CMA awards, and won millions of fans worldwide. Their newest albums, "The Boys are Back" and "The Oak Ridge Boys: A Gospel Journey" are now available.
Costs: TICKETS: $15-$18 

12/31/2010 - New Year's Eve Fireworks
Location:
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee, NC 28719
When: Friday December 31st     
Contact: For more information call Janice Wildcatt at 828-497-8122


Favorite Area Restaurants:
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Where to Stay:
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Real Estate Information:
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