Smoky Mountains: Bryson City, Cherokee, Maggie Valley & Waynesville
Bryson City - www.greatsmokies.com, 1-800-867-9246
If you are in Cherokee, you may as well drive the 15 extra miles to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. All trains depart from the historic Bryson City depot. With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of scenic excursions that traverse the majestic valleys and breathtaking river gorges of Western North Carolina.
Cherokee - www.cherokee-nc.com, 1-800-438-1601
Just a little further southwest on Highway 19 from Maggie Valley is Cherokee, homeland of the Cherokee Indians. Experience the 11,000-year-old Cherokee story through priceless ancient artifacts, computer generated imagery, artwork, life-sized figures, dioramas and more at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Learn the ancient craftsmaking skills from the very people who have had these skills passed down from generation to generation at the Qualla Arts anf Crafts Mutual Inc. Oconaluftee Indian Village, which offers an historically accurate recreation of a 1760s Cherokee settlement, with native guides demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. Not only is Cherokee popular for the Indian culture, but it is also very well known for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and its Paula Deen’s Kitchen.
Maggie Valley - www.maggievalley.org, 1-800-624-4431
The Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum houses more than 300 of America's rarest and most historic classic motorcycles, with over 24 types on display, including the likes of Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Crocker, Henderson and much more.
Waynesville - www.visitncsmokies.com, 1-800-334-9036
Make a stop at the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts at Shelton House, where period furnishings and antiques complement exhibits of folk art and collections of pottery, wood carving, basketry, metalwork, weaving, quilting, marquetry and other fine crafts. A great stop is the Waynesville Mast General Store. From its antique cabinetry to its unique mezzanine, this 1930s mercantile is packed with provisions for the entire family. Right next door, The Waynesville Candy Barrel features the old-fashioned fun of an ice cream and soda fountain, along with over 400 hard-to-find candy favorites.
