Cherokee,
North Carolina, home of the Cherokee Indians, is one of
five gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park and sits up against the southeastern
boundary of the Park. Unlike it's counterpart Tennessee
city, Gatlinburg, it
is much quieter. Where Gatlinburg
TN--at
the northern border of the Park--is very fast-paced with
lots of lights, with
a constant flow of improvements
and investment, Cherokee NC is still stuck in the
1950s,
because the tribal members own all the land within the
Cherokee boundary and
have not encouraged outside investment. If you visit both
towns, you'll get a good idea of
the contrast that exists between the Tennessee and North
Carolina sides of the Park.
But understand that Cherokee NC has a lot to offer the
mountain traveler. The southern approaches to the town
(via US 441 through the Park or north from Atlanta) or
US Hwy 19 (from Bryson City) will bring you quickly to
the downtown area of Cherokee. If you've ever visited
Cherokee at anytime since the mid 1950s, you'll quickly
recognize the souvenir stands and the stuffed
bear shops. You can still locate
the "Chiefs" in full colorful regalia as they stand in
front of tepees waiting for their pictures to be taken--expect
to leave a tip for the privilege.
In an area of Cherokee that features the old government
buildings
from the 1930s and 1940s, you'll find The Qualla
Arts and Crafts Mutual and the Museum
of the Cherokee Indian. The Cherokee craft cooperative,
the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the Cherokee Historical
Association's production of "Unto These Hills", an outdoor
presentation with more than 100 actors who present the
history of the Cherokee are also in this area.
Lodging in Cherokee consists of either a cabin or a
motel (nearly 2,600 rooms in all).
There are some newer franchise motels here, but if you
want a quality lodge, you might try The Swag in nearby
Waynesville, NC, or the Cataloochee Ranch
or a bed and breakfast
in nearby Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Moreover,
dining leaves a bit to be desired as well. We suggest
you plan your meals around visits to nearby towns such
as
the Lomo Grill
in Waynesville or some of the independently-owned
restaurants in nearby Maggie Valley or Bryson City NC.
If you want to leave your hard-earned money in Cherokee,
visit the local Harrah's Cherokee Casino. There are
no live games however; only video games and the machine.
Better yet, drive a short distance into the National Park and enjoy
the picnicking,
nature walks, hiking, fishing, or horseback
riding at the Park's Smokemont horseback riding stables.
A short drive further into the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park and you can visit Mingus Mill, which is
a 19th century gristmill that is still in operation and
you can buy fresh-ground corn meal.
When you leave Cherokee NC, pass through
the towns of Waynesville NC and several other high-mountain
resort towns in western North Carolina for some fine dining,
resort golf, delightful shops and galleries.
