Location: Cherokee
Top Things to do in Cherokee
Top 10 Things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina (NC)
Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Signs around town are in English and Cherokee, and the city itself is anchored by the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The tourist-oriented area is rich in outdoor activities for the entire family. The tribe runs a botanical garden, cultural museum, Indian village recreation, historical dramas, and an arts and crafts center.
Restaurants in Cherokee
1. Rivers Edge Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
We are Western N.C. premier fly fishing and upland bird hunting guides. We guide in all the smokey mountain streams and on our private waters as well. We feature 1/2 guided trip and full day also. We also guide 1/2 day upland bird hunts and full day. You can even do a 1/2 hunt 1/2 fish combo on our private land. Cast and blast!
2. Smokemont Riding Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 411 reviews
Smokemont Riding Stables is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just off US 441, 6 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina. We offer guided horseback riding trips from one hour to 4 hours long. Each ride is unique and may feature river crossing or waterfall views. We also have a horse drawn wagon ride that goes along the Oconaluftee River on the historic turnpike road.
Reviewed By Phoinix15 - Tampa, United States
What a great hour ride we took here. Our leader on the ride BRETT? was so great. Telling us about the area, different trees, plants and took his time with the ride. We went through the creek, under a overpass and thru the tunnel, up and down the hills. The horses were great. I definitely would go again and definitely do the longer ride. The dat was beautiful!!!
3. End of the Trail Horseback Riding
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By gauldav - Atlanta, United States
I don’t know what I can add that others have not said. We are a family of 4, my wife was not looking forward to this, as she has had some bad experiences in the past. When you drive up you may question your decision, please don’t. Mr. Goodlow Bark’s demeanor is one that puts riders and horses immediately at ease. It is a beautiful experience, it is at the same time difficult and treacherous but the horses and the guide are immensely comfortable, sure of themselves, and in that way reassuring. The views are astonishing. Pure Magic, or Nature, or whatever is really real in a world full of fake news where information is weaponized.
4. The What's Hot Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
5. Unique Gift Outlet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Retail store offering Native made crafts, Sterling Silver Jewely, T-Shirts, Quilts, Souvenirs, and Gifts.
Reviewed By FLLovestoroam
Unique Gift Outlet is by far the best gift shop in Cherokee. If you are short on time, make sure you visit here first! They have an amazing selection of Cherokee books, jewelry, t-shirts, garden items, candy, souvenirs ----truly something for everyone! The staff is friendly & helpful too. After shopping, just walk across the sidewalk and have a delicious meal at Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Cafe. Unique Gift Outlet is in a convenient location at 1655 Acquoni Rd. not too far from the entrance to the GSMNP. Don't miss it!
6. Medicine Man Crafts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Authentic local handmade crafts, arts and herbals since 1963
Reviewed By 851judyn
Medicine Man Crafts has been in business for over 50 years and THAT speaks LOUDLY of their abilities. You can find more authentic Cherokee crafts ( carvings, jewelry, baskets) than almost every other shop in Cherokee. Locally owned and operated, every customer is treated with the same enthusiasm and customer service. I have been going there ( and purchasing) for over 40 years. TRY it YOU'LL Like IT!!!! :)
7. Cherokee Veterans Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By jamespet1957
They have artillery pieces and an M60 tank on display. There are excellent memorials to veterans and it is well placed in the community. If your traveling through take a moment to see it.
8. Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,484 reviews
This site tells the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians through displays and modern computer images.
Reviewed By 79shirleyj - Boones Mill, United States
You'll need an hour or two to do this fine museum justice.It is a very well done and accurate telling of the history of Cherokee people.. You have headphones and can take as much time as you like touring.The exibits and artwork are very well done.History lovers will thoroughly enjoy it.I think the $11 fee for seniors is fair and well worth it.The gift shop is large and has a really wide selection of books as well as other items.
9. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
This cooperative sells Cherokee Indian crafts, such as clay pots and handmade clothes.
Reviewed By 69UsAf73 - Gainesville, United States
This is a coop where all the Native Americans bring their hand made crafts to sell. There is some awesome craafts on display here and worth every penny. The prices may seem high, and they are but as the saying goes you get what you pay for. Hand carvings, baskets and jewelry just to name a few. Worth the stop just to enjoy the beauty of this talented craftsman.
10. Oconaluftee Indian Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
A guided tour of the Oconaluftee Indian Village; a replica of a 1750s Cherokee Village. See Cherokees making traditional trades using centuries old techniques. The Village Square Grounds is a place of ceremony where you will learn about traditional songs and dance, our clan system and beliefs. Inside the Village Council House you will learn of our government, family and structure. We welcome you to our home.
Reviewed By Tyaskin - Mebane, United States
While it is well promoted, the village is easy to miss, as it is tucked away up a hill, removed from the bustle of the main drag through Cherokee. If you are interested in actual, bona fide Cherokee traditions and history (as opposed to the sometimes hokey tourist junk peddled in some stores in town. Now, I will tell you, your guide can make or break this tour. My daughter (15) and I were fortunate to have a young man who seemed both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he was doing. Your guide, dressed in traditional Cherokee clothing from the late 1700's (generally) will walk with you through the reconstructed village, explaining to you about the Cherokee language and history, and giving you some brief glimpses of how this group of Native people lived prior to and shortly after the coming of the settlers. Woodworking, beadwork, fingerweaving, canoe making, cabins, governance, and religion are all covered, and at various points you will see members of the Nation demonstrating various crafts, such as pottery or basket making. We also were shown the use of the Cherokee blowgun, used for small game hunting. It is informative, and you are encouraged to ask questions (but don't expect your guide to be an expert on EVERY aspect of Cherokee culture and history; many of them are young and still learning) There is a gift shop, which we didn't visit, and a Plant trail showing various plants used for different things by the Cherokee. The path through the village is generally easy to travel, even in a stroller, but there are some gentle grades that may require an extra minute for the elders in your party. I would think that wheelchairs could handle it with some assistance. So when you pass through the area, add this to your list of things to visit, but call ahead to make sure they are open, as they close for a while during the winter months. And, as always, Happy Motoring.
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