Murphy is located in Cherokee County North Carolina. Murphy represents the Western most city in North Carolina over 550 miles from it's eastern most counterpart Nags Head on the Atlantic coast. The site of Murphy, along the Hiwassee River, was known to the Cherokee as Tlanusi. The translation is the "Leech Place", because of a legend about a giant leech named Tlanusi that lived in the river there.

The "Trading Path", later called the "Unicoi Turnpike" passed by the future site of Murphy, connecting the Cherokee lands east of the mountains with the Overhill Towns of Tennessee.

In 1836, during the Cherokee removal known as the "Trail of Tears", the United States army built Fort Butler in what is today Murphy. Fort Butler acted as the main collection point for Cherokee east of the mountains. From Fort Butler the Cherokee were taken over the mountains on the Unicoi Turnpike to the main internment camps at Fort Cass, today Charleston, Tennessee. Today the Unicoi Turnpike is known as Joe Brown Highway. The Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy provides information about the "Trail of Tears".

Murphy is mentioned extensively in "A Walk Across America" by Peter Jenkins, as the author spent several months living with a local family and working at a sawmill nearby. Today, Murphy is a thriving and growing community.


Things to Do:



Lake Hiwassee
Lake Hiwaseee is 22 miles long and covers approx. 6000 acres with 163 miles of shoreline and more than 200 ft deep in places. Lake Hiwassee is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.






Andrews-Murphy Airport
RHP, Andrews-Murphy, Andrews, NC.
Lat: N 3511.7, Long:  W 08351.8, Elev: 1697, Var: +04, Longest Runway: 5500
AWOS: 119.67, CTAF:  122.8
Runway & Approach Info:
Rwy: 08
Length:  5500 x 100
Land Dist Avail 5500'
Runway Weight Capacity: (lbs)
Runway ID: 08/26
Single Wheel: 25,000
Double Wheel: 45,000
www.fltplan.com/AirportInformation/RHP.htm



Nantahala Whitewater Rafting
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) guides 9 of the easts best rivers including the Chattooga River, Cheoah River, French Broad River, Nantahala River, Nolichucky River, Ocoee River, Gauley River, New River, and Pigeon River.  NOC was rated "#1 Vacation with a Splash" by Good Morning America and "One of the best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventures.
www.noc.com 




Harrahs Casino
777 Casino Drive
Cherokee, NC. 28719
828-497-7777
www.harrahscherokee.com


Golf (If you want to hit the linx check out)
Chatuge Shores Golf Course, 260 Golf Course Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904, (828)389-8940, Municipal, 18 hole, 6687 yds, Par 72, Course Rating -71.3
Cherokee Hills Country Club, Harshaw Road, Murphy, NC 28906, (828)837-5853, Public, 18 hole, 6324 yds, Par 72, Course Rating -70
Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Course , 6321 U S Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582, (706)379-9900, Public, 18 hole, 6,957 yds, Par 72, Course Rating-73.5


Calendar of Events: 
7/21/2010 - 7/31/2010 - 60th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Wednesday July 21st through Sunday July 31st time(TBA)
Description: Enjoy first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family. The Georgia Mountain Fair, is known as Georgia’s most “Unique Fair”. Those who visit the Fair will enjoy a flower show, Country Music, an Exhibit Hall, arts & crafts, and carnival rides. The pioneer village, a replica of just how the Ole Mountain towns used to be, it has demonstrations that will take you back in time such as soap and hominy making, moonshine, quilting, blacksmith shop and more.
Costs: $9 admission for all adults, children under 9 free and $2 parking fee.
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

7/24/2010 - 7/25/2010 - 12th Annual Butternut Creek Festival
Location: Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane, Blairsville, GA. on the South side of Hwy 76/515, just 0.7 miles west of the Hwy 19/129 traffic light.
Hours: July 24 & 25  from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact: High Country Artisans, Inc., P.O. Box 422, Blairsville, GA. 
Costs: FREE Admission &  Parking with shuttle service available from the parking areas to the Festival location. 
Description: Arts & Fine Crafts Show, 65-70 of the finest artists and craftsmen will be offering Woodwork, Fabric Art, Stained Glass, Jewelry, Pottery, and more. Live Demonstrations & Entertainment, Good Food & Fun!  Sponsored by the High Country Artisans, Inc.

7/31/2010 - Georgia Green Bean Festival
Location: Downtown Blairsville "On the Square" 1 Town Square, Blairsville, GA. 
Hours: Saturday, July 31 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
Contact: Janet Hartman 706-994-4837
Description: Downtown Blairsville comes alive for the 1^st Annual Georgia Green Bean Festival. Learn everything there is to know about Green Beans, a staple in the North Georgia Mountains.Watch the Green Bean Pizza Eating Contest and see displays and demonstrations at the Mountain Life Museum just off Town Square.  Food and Crafts Vendors, Demonstrations. Quilt Show & Quilting Circle, Entertainment, Tractor Show, and a Farmer’s Market all on the Square in Downtown Blairsville.

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.

8/21/2010 - Annual Tomato Festival at Crane Creek Vineyard
Location: Crane Creek Vineyard, Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday August 21st Time(TBA)
Costs: Tickets sold at the door:adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free
Description:  Celebrate the fruit of the other vine with your friends and family at Crane Creek Vineyards! Local restaurants and food vendors will be out giving away samples of their cuisine. Chef David and his Culinary Team will be preparing lunch for everyone with all things tomato. This is a great day of food and wine! Ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.

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 - 9/5/2010 - Mountain Heritage Festival
Location:  Mountain Life Center, Cleveland St., Blairsville, GA 30512
When: Saturday September 4th through Sunday September 5th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Celebrating the rich Appalachian history and culture, the open-air market features: local handicrafts including handmade brooms, candles, soaps, wood carvings, pottery, honey and garden products. Performances by bluegrass musicians, gospel groups, and cloggers. Sample campfire cooking at the Civil War Camp. Native American demonstrations. "Old-ways" games and craft demonstrations of rail/shingle splitting, spinning, quilting.
Cost: FREE
Contact: For more information call 706-745-5493.

10/2/2010 - 10/3/2010 - 35th Annual Fall Festival at John C. Campbell Folk School
Location: John C. Campbell Folk School
When: Saturday October 2nd and Sunday October 3rd
Description: One of the largest and most popular events of its type in the region. The Fall Festival is a celebration of our rich Appalachian heritage. The festival  features  over 200 craftspeople, continuous live music and dance on two stages, craft demonstrations, food, kid's activities and much more. This is a must see.
Costs: Adults: $5.00 Kids 12-17: $3.00 Under 12: Free
Contact: For more information call The John C. Campbell Folk School.

10/9/2010 - 15th Cherokee County Annual Chilli Cookoff
Contact: For more information call 828-837-2242.

10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Friday October 8th through Sunday October 16th time(TBA)
Description: With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. This event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers' Convention. Music daily in The Anderson Music Hall, Flower Show, Arts and Crafts, Exhibit Hall. Demonstrations will take you back to the Old Ways’ as local folks show how Moonshine was made,along with Quilting, Soap and Hominy making, Blacksmith Shop and more. The Pioneer Village, is a replica of an era gone by.
Costs: $9 admission for all adults, children under 9 free  and $2 parking fee.
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

10/23/2010 - Annual Harvest Festival
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday October 23rd from 11:00 AM till 6:00 PM
Description: Come celebrate our Annual Harvest Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards.There is something here for everyone. Events include  Events include hayrides, grape stomping, tours of the winery, and even a kids tent. Your ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.
Costs: Tickets will be sold at the door: adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.

11/6/2010 - 2nd Annual Punkin Chunkin Fest
Location: Downtown Hayesville, NC on the Square
When: Saturday November 6th, Time(TBA)

11/19/2010 - 11/20/2010 - Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration
Location: Downtown Murphy, NC
When: Friday November 19th @ 6:00Pm and Saturday November 20th Beging in the morning.
Description: Friday starts with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony with music and local entertainment. Saturday shopping and a visit from Santa Claus.
Contact: Barbara Hughes 828-837-6821

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 

12/21/2010 - Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Tuesday December 21st from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM
Description:Come celebrate the longest night of the year at Crane Creek.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236 or go to: www.cranecreekvineyards.com  .

12/31/2010 - 16th Annual New Year's Eve Possum Drop
Location: Clay's Corner in Brasstown, NC. "Opossum Capital of the World"
Description: Come ring in the New Year with a Miss Possum Contest, bluegrass music, and the Little Brasstown Church Choir. Instead of watching a ball drop come watch the Possum drop.
Contact: For more information call 828-837-3797. 


Favorite Area Restaurants:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.

Where to Stay:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.

Real Estate Information:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.