Visiting the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee NC

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

On our latest Great Smoky Mountains camping trip, the Cherokee NC attraction I most looked forward to visiting was the Museum of the Cherokee People (formerly known as the Museum of the Cherokee Indian).   I hoped the museum would give me some good background on the Cherokee people. It did not disappoint, and proved to … Read more

The 10 Best Cherokee NC Campgrounds to Visit

Deep Creek Campground in Bryson City NC by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

There are many fine Cherokee NC campgrounds that make a fantastic hub for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway is at the national park’s entrance, just 3.5 miles north of Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary. Other awesome attractions in … Read more

The 20 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary

The Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary

[Updated May 9, 2023] Cherokee, North Carolina is not like any other town we’ve ever visited during our extensive explorations of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  That’s partly because most of the area lies within the Qualla Boundary, which is held as a land trust by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs for the federally recognized Eastern … Read more

The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Cherokee NC to Visit

Mary at Mingo Falls Cherokee North Carolina

There are plenty of fun things to do in Cherokee NC, which is located on the Oconaluftee River, just 10 miles from Bryson City and 5 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Located within the Qualla Boundary (a land trust held on behalf of the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee), Downtown Cherokee is … Read more

Visiting Mingus Mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cherokee NC)

Water flume on the side of Mingus Mill in Cherokee NC

With the endless array of things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it can be difficult to figure out which activities and attractions to prioritize. If you’re even remotely interested in the history of the Appalachian range, don’t miss a chance at visiting Mingus Mill in NC. Located just 4 miles north of Cherokee, … Read more

Hiking the Mingo Falls Trail in Cherokee NC 

Mingo Falls in Cherokee NC by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so studded with outstanding attractions (including myriad hiking trails and waterfalls), it can be difficult to know which ones to prioritize during your visit. From hiking to the top of Clingman’s Dome and spotting the Cataloochee Valley Elk to visiting Mingus Mill and exploring the Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitor … Read more

Exploring the Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

Bradley Fork Trail Smokemont Campground in Cherokee NC

Deep within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at an elevation of 2,200 feet, the Smokemont Campground is a must-see for anyone wanting a true Smoky Mountains camping experience. Located along Newfound Gap road, just a few miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and myriad other activities and attractions, Smokemont offers a perfectly secluded spot for … Read more

The 15 Best Cabins in Cherokee NC for Rent

Cherokee mountain cabins -3 Bed Vacation Home Whittier NC

Cherokee, North Carolina is a town that’s immensely rich in culture and history, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s no wonder that more than 4 million people visit Cherokee NC each year to explore all the natural beauty and man-made attractions the area has to offer. Cherokee is home to the … Read more

The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

When we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky enough to get a chance to experience the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians. The mountains offer a glimpse into their unique world, which is full of mythological stories and supernatural beings.  Many of the supernatural beings in Cherokee legends mingle with humans, or even part … Read more

10 Best Cherokee NC Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Exterior of Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Cafe in Cherokee NC

Choosing the best restaurants in Cherokee NC is an interesting challenge.  Most major tourist towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains– such as Asheville NC, Blue Ridge GA, and Roanoke VA– offer a wide array of upscale, chef-driven restaurants with their own signature culinary flair.  But the majority of the restaurants in Cherokee and the Qualla … Read more