Since Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in late September, we’ve received hundreds of requests on our Facebook page to create a guide to Western NC stores that offer online shopping. We always try to shop small businesses when we travel, because for every $1 you spend at a small business, around 67¢ stays in the … Read more
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
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
[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
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
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
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
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
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
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
