What-To-Do Issue 1 2024-2025 - Magazine - Page 30

Local Cities and Towns
(continued from page 30)
Photo courtesy of
visitcherokeenc.com
(continued from page 22)
Cherokee, NC
On the other side of the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park
in North Carolina lies Cherokee—a
sovereign nation and home to
the Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians. The residents of Cherokee
are directly descended from the
clans that have lived on this land
for countless centuries. Visit the
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
where displays of artifacts present
the history of the tribes from the
early 1700s to the Trail of Tears
in the 1800s. At the Oconaluftee
Indian Village, visitors can explore
the life of Native Americans,
interact with residents, and see
demonstrations in traditional
trades. You’ll see canoes being
made, preparations for war,
cultural dances, and recreated dwellings.
Other towns you may want to visit
in North Carolina that are close to
the National Park include Dillsboro
and Bryson City. In Dillsboro there
are interesting artisan shops and
wonderful restaurants with local
cuisine. Bryson City is home to the
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
and its historic train depot. Book a
seat for one of the fabulous trips on
a steam or diesel engine. Try a river
tour such as the Nantahala Gorge
Excursion or maybe a journey
while sampling wine or moonshine.
Traveling by steam will be a historic
and memorable experience!
30 WHAT-TO-DO.com
www.
Pigeon Forge
In Pigeon Forge, entertainment is king. With over a dozen venues that offer
shows presenting country music, comedy, modern rock, circus acts, magic
and even acrobatic stunts, you’ll find at least one that suits your taste—probably more! Prominent attractions including Dollywood, the Hollywood Wax
Museum, WonderWorks, MagiQuest and even the Titanic Museum call this city
home. Perhaps you would like to take a helicopter tour to see the city from
the sky! Many other fun, family-friendly activities such as racetracks, laser tag,
adventure parks and mini golf can be experienced. Hungry after being
on the go all day? There are tons of mouth-watering places to eat in
Pigeon Forge offering cuisines from barbeque to sushi, and
the adults may want to sample some Tennessee moonshine at a local distillery. There is no shortage of fun,
entertainment and shopping in the valley that was
once just wide-open farmland.
Photo courtesy of: smokymountains.com
picturesque view of both the town and the mountains. Throughout the city
you’ll also find interesting although slightly unusual places to tour including the Ripley’s attractions and old homesteads. Venture a few miles north
of the city center to see the handiworks offered for sale at the many shops
in the Arts and Crafts Community. Here you’ll find the largest community of
independent artisans in America—all with one-of-a-kind creations.
Sevierville
Dolly Parton is the sweetheart of the
Smokies. She was raised in Sevierville where
you can even pose with a statue of the music
legend! This town is a wonderful place to
explore the outdoors while horseback riding
Dolly Parton Statue: Sevierville
or journeying around on an ATV. It’s also possible to venture underground to check out the Forbidden Caverns and wander
around the stalactites and stalagmites that have been forming for thousands
of years. Aerial attractions are quite popular here as well. Zip lines, rope
courses, and canopy tours are just a few of the more adventurous activities
that travelers to Sevierville can have fun doing. Around the town, visitors will
find an assortment of restaurants, wineries and shops. Sevierville is a town
that should not be missed!
There are other small towns on the Tennessee side of the Smokies
including Townsend—known as the gateway to Cades Cove—and Cosby.
These towns are on opposite ends of the park with Townsend southwest
and Cosby northeast of Gatlinburg. Those who like rugged outdoor adventures may particularly enjoy a trip to Cosby. It is here along the Pigeon River
where strong rapids lead to excellent white-water rafting expeditions. To try
a calmer float down the river, head to Townsend for leisurely tubing with a
few fast-paced spots on the water.
Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains! We hope you enjoy your visit
throughout the entire region!

Paperturn flip book