How to Plan a Vacation in Cherokee, North Carolina

A man in Cherokee dress performs at the Village.

Cherokee is in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, a short drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Fontana Lake, Waynesboro and Asheville in North Carolina. Planning a visit to Cherokee is easy thanks to a number of Internet resources and planning materials available from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce (links listed below in Resources).

Instructions

1. 

   Decide when you want to visit Cherokee. If you're looking to participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, rafting, or viewing the famous outdoor drama "Unto These Hills" about the Cherokee Trail of Tears, the forced march of Cherokees that occurred in 1838, late spring through early fall is your best bet. If you plan to take on more inside activities, like visiting The Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the nearby Harrah's Casino, then a visit anytime of the year would be appropriate.

2. 

   Plan an itinerary based on how many days and nights you want to stay in the area. Must-see attractions include the award-winning Museum of the Cherokee Indian; the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a re-creation of a 1759 Cherokee settlement; and the Qualla Performances and Gallery Tours, which include demonstrations of craft-making and performances of Cherokee dance and other arts. In addition to these attractions, you can go whitewater rafting; hike in the mountains; visit the Cherokee Bear Zoo, which has a petting zoo for young children; take a helicopter tour of the area; visit Ghost Town in the Sky, a re-creation of an 1880s Western town; or drive or bike the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and Cherokee Bear Zoo are ideal for children of all ages. Adults may enjoy gaming at Harrah's Casino (no one under 21 admitted).

3. 

   Set a budget. How will you travel to Cherokee, and how long will you stay? It is a short drive from a number of regional airports. Do you prefer to stay in a hotel, a cabin, or a bed and breakfast? You can also camp in and around Cherokee. Will you take any side trips, or confine your activities to Cherokee itself? Day trips from Cherokee could include going to Atlanta, (2 1/2 hours from Cherokee), or to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville (one hour from Cherokee). Shopping and entertainment in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (30 to 45 minutes from Cherokee), Tennessee, are also just a short drive away. Decide on a budget, including daily allowances for food and shopping.

4. 

   Buy tickets in advance. The websites listed in Resources allow you to purchase tickets to the outdoor drama, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and a number of other events and activities in advance. Consult weather guides for the dates of your trip, and be sure to pack a sweater for cool mountain nights.

Resources

• Cherokee, North Carolina official site
• Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
• Western North Carolina's Area Attractions & Travel Guide