Will you answer the Cherokee howl?

Escape to Cherokee, NC this Thanksgiving—scenic Smoky Mountains, Harrah’s luxury, fall colors, and family traditions await.

As a child our family vacationed in the North Carolina mountains every year for the July 4^th holiday as that was the only week of vacation they received. Cherokee was my favorite place in the mountains. I have such fond memories taking photos with the Native Americans, cooling off with ice cream along the creek, and walking the many hiking trails.

Why Cherokee, you might ask? The Blue Ridge Parkway entrance is nearby for scenic vistas overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains. Cherokee is the perfect place for a mountain getaway and not overrun with tourists. It’s a short drive to Pigeon Forge, Ashville, and Gatlinburg. I prefer to stay and play at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and go on day excursions from this home base. The Biltmore Estate is an hour and half drive from Cherokee. If flying, then select Asheville NC. From there, the scenic drive is a bit over an hour. While in Cherokee, I enjoy browsing the town boutiques, grabbing a bite to eat, and going on the Great Bear hunt. More about this topic in a bit.

Nowadays, on my mountain getaway, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is my home away from home. I enjoy taking in the scenes during the change of seasons. The fall is my favorite time when the leaves have numerous color hues. This area also has one of the longest autumn seasons in the US. Mid-October is the most colorful.  

If you desire great views, drive the US 441N towards Gatlinburg TN, which is a bit over an hour drive. Make a pit stop at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee Visitor Center for a restroom break, Mountain Farm Museum, and speak with a park ranger about daily activities. You might even see the Elk grazing by the creek. The highway curves along the Oconaluftee River. There are scenic pullouts, Cliff Branch Falls, numerous trailheads, and overlooks. 

As you approach the Tennessee state line, take Clingmans Dome road to the most scenic spot in the Great Smoky Mountains.  The road is closed December through April.  There is a ranger station to stamp your national park passport, porta potties, and paved trail up the steep half-mile walk to the tower.  However, once up there the 360-degree views are worth the trek.

As mentioned earlier, my preferred lodging is Harrah’s Cherokee. This resort is beautiful with a casino, excellent dining, spa pampering, room service, pay to view tv, and spacious accommodations. The property has 4 towers: Cherokee, Creek, Mountain, and Soco.

My preference is the Mountain Tower. In a typical year, I visit 4 times, once in each season.  Harrah’s Cherokee also hosts the WSOP Power Tournament, so you never know who you will meet. Don’t forget to book the live performances at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center and experience the power of Cherokee Performing Arts in a live performance, Unto These Hills, tells the tale of Cherokee Life from 1780 to the Twenty-First Century.

While in Cherokee cast your reel for some fishing, experience culture with the numerous Cherokee Art displays or become childlike in Santa’s Land, fun amusement park during the summer months. Tee off for a round of golf, go tubing on the river, and pan for gold are several activities to consider.  There are helicopter rides available too. 

Cherokee is a town on the reservation home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, in western North Carolina. At Oconaluftee Indian Village, the 18th-century Cherokee lifestyle is preserved via live demonstrations. In summer at the outdoor Mountainside Theatre, the drama “Unto These Hills” tells the tribal story. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park features campgrounds and Appalachian hiking trails. Provided by Google.

Now back to the Great Bear hunt which is a family fun event. Around the town, you will find life-size fiberglass bears painted with the Cherokee Indian history and art. The bear project started in 2005 and showcases different artists within the Qualia boundary. While there, see how many bears you can find. Maps of all 22 bear locations are available at the Cherokee Welcome Center, 496 Tsali Blvd. (US 441).

So, is Cherokee NC on your bucket list? It should be, especially since it’s the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway.   I’ll return Thanksgiving for a week. Hope to see you there! Xoxo. 

Plan your Thanksgiving in Cherokee, NC—Harrah’s Casino, Smoky Mountain cabins, waterfalls, and family traditions make this luxury getaway unforgettable.