Blue Ridge Parkway Association
P.O. Box 2136
Asheville, NC 28802
website
The Blue Ridge Parkway begins in Cherokee, just North of downtown on US 441, and winds its way through North Carolina and Virginia. For a short drive you can exit at Soco Gap (US 19 just East of Cherokee), or Highway 74 near Waynesville. There are stunning, long range vistas with plenty of places to pull over for photos and to enjoy the view.

Cherokee Bear Zoo & Exotic Animals
1204 Tsalagi Rd. (US 19N)
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-4525
website
In addition to the Smoky Mountains Black Bear, you will observe many different exotic animals like tigers and monkeys. We also have grizzlies, and during certain times of the year, baby wild animals. At the Petting Zoo children actually hand feed some of our animals like the baby goats. Mini Golf, Gift Shop and Ice Cream Shop. Open daily March 1 – December 31. Open weekends in January-February (weather permitting). $5 per person. Tour packages available.

Cherokee Helicopters
264 Casino Trail
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-5797 or 865-388-4324
website
Want to try something out of this world? Fly with Cherokee Helicopters and see the beauty of this wonderful area from above. Every flight takes off over Thomas Peak where you will enjoy views of mountains in all directions. Flights start as low as $15.00 per person with eight different flights including a trip to the top of Clingmans Dome the second highest peak in the eastern US. Call 828-497-5797 for reservations or just stop by.

Cherokee Heritage Museum & Gallery
35-1 Big Cove Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-3211
website
Unique museum housing the world’s largest collection of Cherokee arts and crafts. Exhibits portray Cherokee history, legends, and culture, including religion, dance, ceremony, government, gender roles, the Trail of Tears and the Civil War. See the world-famous Eagle Dancer sculpture by John Julius Wilnoty. Gift shop offers authentic Cherokee crafts, fine arts, books, and music.

Cherokee Phoenix Theatre
61 Sequoyah Trail
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-7384
website 
Modern two-screen movie theatre with stadium seating and digital sound. Located at the interstection of US Highway 19 and Hospital Road in Cherokee. Check website for showings, shotimes, directions and online ticketing. Open daily.

Fontana Dam
Highway 28, West of Bryson City, NC
828-498-2234 (May – Sept) or
828-497-2251 (off season)
Fontana is the tallest dam in the Eastern United States. It was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority during the early 1940s to supply electricity for the war effort during World War II. Free. Visitors Center open May-Sept.

Fun Factory In The Smokies
1024 Georgia Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-349-8888
website
Located in scenic Franklin, North Carolina, the Fun Factory in the Smokies is Western North Carolina's award-winning destination for family friendly entertainment - with games, mini-golf, bowling, go-karts, laser tag, big screen TVs, party rooms, great restaurants and more. Plus, there's even an area just for the little kids. The Fun Factory is open Monday – Thursday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Friday – Saturday 10:00 am to midnight. Attractions open at 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

Ghost Town in the Sky
16 Fie Top Road
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
800-446-7886
website
Step back in time and enjoy the rides and spectacular views set in an authentic 1880's western town. Hand-clapping fun awaits you with live music, dramatic performances, Can-Can shows and Indian dancing. Take a ride 3300 feet on the longest chairlift in North Carolina to the top of Buck Mountain were many other rides a-wait. A single admission price allows you to enjoy all the show, rides and history of the Wild West.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina Visitors Center & Mountain Farm Museum
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
US Highway 441 North
Cherokee, NC
828-497-1900
Half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in North Carolina and the main NC entrance in Cherokee, on US Hwy. 441N. The Visitor Center includes nature exhibits, a bookstore,  a recreated Mountain Farm, and an easy walking trail along the river. Close by are Mingus Mill and Smokemont horseback riding stables. US 441 N. takes you to Clingman's Dome and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Depots in Bryson City & Dillsboro
800-872-4681 or 282-586-8811
website
Climb aboard for rail adventure. You'll travel along cool rushing rivers, lush green valleys, rolling farmlands, around a man-made lake and through historic tunnels and bridges. Gourmet dining and mystery theatre dinner trains, train and raft combos, Thomas The Tank Engine, The Little Engine That Could, and The Polar Express.

Biltmore House and Gardens
Interstate 40, Exit 50
Asheville, NC
877-BILTMORE
George Vanderbilt's mansion has been carefully restored. Tour the home, the gardens and the winery and enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal or a sandwich in one of several restaurants. Shopping on the grounds and in nearby Biltmore Village.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino
Casino Drive at Highway 19E
Cherokee, NC
800-427-7247 or 828-497-7777
With 3,000 of your favorite video games, including Live Digital Blackjack, where real dealers combine with video displays and digital cards to deliver real blackjack action. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
;Harrah's is currently undergoing a massive $650 million expansion for the Casino & Hotel, with completion expected by 2012. The project calls for total renovation of the casino floor and construction of a third hotel tower, luxury spa, a new 3,000 seat events center, new hotel and casino parking garages and good and retail outlets.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Drama Road at Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
Cherokee, NC
828-497-3481
Open since 1948, the museum tells the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry along with an extensive artifact collection. The museum is fun for the entire family and an exciting, educational event. Open daily at 9 am except closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission prices for adults and children, with children under 6 free. Group rates are available, as well as discounts for AARP or AAA members.

Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour
10345 US Hwy 74 West
Bryson City NC 28713
877-398-6222
website

Fly through the trees above the forest floor and across 20 acres on 11 zip line sections that zigzag from slope sides, trees and elevated platforms. In your 3-hour glide and slide experience, you'll also use three sky bridges and five transfer bridges. State-of-the-art equpment is provided including a helmet, full body harness, trolley, gloves and a tether safety line. Professional Canopy Rangers are on hand all along the way. Open all year as weather permits.

Nantahala River Gorge
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
S. Highway 19/74,
West of Bryson City, NC
One of the most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking venues in the nation. With Class II and Class III rapids, the eight-mile course is popular with beginners and Olympic-class kayakers alike.

Oconaluftee Indian Village
Drama Road
Cherokee, NC
828-497-2111 or 828-497-2315
A live, authentic replica of an 18th Century Cherokee community. Cherokee artisans and guides demonstrate and explain the history and culture of their ancestors. Typical Cherokee homes and Council House of 1750. Open daily from 9 am – 5:30 pm, mid-May thru October. Group discounts available.

Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
Cherokee, NC
As the beautiful Oconaluftee River winds through downtown Cherokee, it creates two small islands accessible by footbridges. The Park is a lovely place to relax, take a leisurely stroll, listen to our talking trees, or enjoy a picnic lunch. There are plenty of benches, picnic tables, grills and covered shelters for your convenience.

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual
Drama Rd at Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
Cherokee, NC
828-497-3103
Established in 1946, the co-op presents the work of more than 300 Cherokee artisans. The facility has a large display area on historical baskets, masks, pottery, fingerweaving, woodcarving and more.  Open Daily June thru August from 8 am – 8 pm; September  thru October from 8 am to 6 pm; November thru May 8 am – 4:30 pm. No admission fee.

Santa's Land
Family Theme Park and Zoo
571 Wolf Town Rd (US 19E)
Cherokee, NC
828-497-9191
website
One admission price covers all rides, zoo and entertainment. Over 60 things to see and do. Ride the Rudicoaster, Santa's favorite ride. Paddle the lake and feed Santa's fish, ducks and monkeys. Enjoy the Magic Show in the Jingle Bell Theatre. Watch the baby bears being fed. Bring your picnic. Visit with Santa and his elves. There's something for everyone.

Smoky Mountain
Gold & Ruby Mine
US 441 N – Downtown
Cherokee, NC
828-497-6574
website
Pan for gold and precious gems including rubies, amethysts, emeralds, sapphires, garnets and topaz. All equipment is furnished, and we have free gemstone identification. Expert gem cutting and mountain are available. Have your precious stone set in a ring or pendant. Fun for the entire family. We even have special buckets for the kids. Mine with us, you could strike it rich.

Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
121 Schoolhouse Road
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-3364
website
An arts, crafts and educational center located in a restored schoolhouse in the tiny village of Stecoah, just a half-hour west of Bryson City on NC Hwy 28. Programs include the summer concert and dinner series, "An Appalachian Evening" and Folkmoot USA. The Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery offers a unique opportunity to buy original North Carolina arts and crafts.

Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
Mountainside Theater
Cherokee, NC
Ticket Office: Tsali Blvd (US 441N)
866-554-4557
&Live outdoor re-enactment of the story behind the Cherokee “Trail of Tears”. Witness Cherokee at this spectacular production — from the arrival of DeSoto around 1500 the story builds to a poignant climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of the Cherokee in 1838. Nightly, except Sundays, mid-June thru mid-August. Free parking. General admission and reserved seating.

Wildwater Jeep Tours
10345 Hwy 19
Bryson City, NC 28713
800-451-9972
website

Join our skilled and knowledgeable local guides by following in the steps of the early explorers, visiting the back roads of the region and learning more about this beautiful region directly from North Carolina natives. Choose from a two-hour mountain and waterfall tour in the Nantahala area; add a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to your jeep ride for a 7-hour adventure.