Cherokee, North Carolina, is a small town that is beautiful every day but really comes alive during the winter. Its history alone draws people, as Cherokee is the tribal capital of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, one of three federally recognized tribes and the only one in North Carolina. In the 1870s, the Eastern Band purchased the land for what is called the Qualla Boundary, which is territory held as a land trust by the U.S. government for the tribe. About 83% of the residents are American Indian people, making this a stop rich in culture. Come see what this unique place has to offer this winter.
There’s nothing prettier than a winter’s day along Soco Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Visit Cherokee/Facebook Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
Welcome to the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Visit Cherokee/Facebook
- Shopping
Visit Cherokee/Facebook Some of the shops in Downtown Cherokee include Heavenly Fudge, which we highly recommend. Heavenly Fudge Shoppe, 27 Big Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
- Culture
Tim E/TripAdvisor To fully appreciate the Cherokee community, be sure to visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Museum of the Cherokee Indian, 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
- Food
Native Brews Tap & Grill/Facebook Afterward, go for some food at Native American Brewing where delicious craft beverages are created with a deep connection to the land and the tribe’s rich past. Native Brews Tap & Grill, 1897 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Try one of the hearty specials, such as Chimichurri Steak with a baked potato, and fresh veggies.
Native Brews Tap & Grill/Facebook
- Lodging
Walch Creekside Log Cabin Retreat/Vrbo Reserve a winter weekend at the Walch Creekside Log Cabin Retreat in Maggie Valley, about 16 miles away. This three-bedroom home sleeps 12, with three full bathrooms. Maggie Valley, NC, USA
Have a soak in the hot tub and relax while overlooking the snowy woods.
Walch Creekside Log Cabin Retreat/Vrbo
Or drive your RV to the Great Smokies KOA Holiday campground offering low rates and family fun.
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday/Facebook Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday, 92 KOA Campground Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
And when you’re driving, watch out for the Elk as they are known to show up anywhere.
Visit Cherokee/Facebook
Take a trip to the Smokies for a chilly, morning hike.
Visit Cherokee/Facebook
Cherokee people consider the Oconaluftee River flowing through downtown Cherokee and Qualla Boundary, “sacred waters” and it is known as the “Luftee," dropping 2,000 feet over 10 miles.
Visit Cherokee/Facebook
Get out and hike the easy, out-and-back Oconaluftee River Trail to the Mountain Farm Museum.
Kim Crawford/AllTrails Oconaluftee River Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Follow up with some modern fun and warm up with a drink at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, a 150,000-square-foot casino with hotel rooms, dining options, and entertainment.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort/Facebook Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
For the ultimate fan experience visit Caesars Sportsbook inside the casino. Watch your favorite sports on 90-foot screens and bet on all kinds of events.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort/Facebook
After a couple of days in Cherokee, you’ll feel like a kid again.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort/Facebook
Are you ready to see how this town comes alive in winter? And while you’re there, be sure to see what other fun activities Cherokee has to offer. If you go, please let us know about your experience in the comments below.
Visit Cherokee/Facebook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
Some of the shops in Downtown Cherokee include Heavenly Fudge, which we highly recommend.
Heavenly Fudge Shoppe, 27 Big Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Tim E/TripAdvisor
To fully appreciate the Cherokee community, be sure to visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian, 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Native Brews Tap & Grill/Facebook
Afterward, go for some food at Native American Brewing where delicious craft beverages are created with a deep connection to the land and the tribe’s rich past.
Native Brews Tap & Grill, 1897 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Walch Creekside Log Cabin Retreat/Vrbo
Reserve a winter weekend at the Walch Creekside Log Cabin Retreat in Maggie Valley, about 16 miles away. This three-bedroom home sleeps 12, with three full bathrooms.
Maggie Valley, NC, USA
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday/Facebook
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday, 92 KOA Campground Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Kim Crawford/AllTrails
Oconaluftee River Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort/Facebook
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
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