WNC Travel Guide 2017

Sunrise IN THE

Smokies

Mountain Biking in Cherokee

Farm to Table Restaurants

ARTS & CRAFTS | THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY | BREWERIES

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GET READY TO HIT THE ROAD

in Style!

Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Asheville • Winston-Salem Hendersonville, NC • Greenville • Columbia, SC • Knoxville, TN FOR STORE HOURS & PARKING INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

M A S T G E N E R A L S T O R E .C O M •

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2017

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If you’ve picked up this publication, then, by all accounts, you’re in search of outdoors adventure and countless experiences in our backyard paradise that is Western North Carolina.

As folks proud of our region, we also take a lot of pride in making those who visit feel as welcomed and embraced as possible. Life is about trying new things and meeting new people. What better place to do so than with Mother Nature’s masterpiece of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountain ranges as the backdrop?

Take to the trail for a day-hike or mountain bike ride, or to the river for some vigorous kayaking or tranquil fly fishing, or take to Main Street for an afternoon of shopping, perhaps a farm-totable dinner or live bluegrass performance. The beauty of Western North Carolina resides in the mere notion that everyday is a blank canvas by which we have all the colors of possibility at our disposal to paint with. With our array of weekend festivals and seasonal events, the hardest part is simply figuring out what to do. It’s all here, and more.

I’ve always believed the litmus test of the strength of a place resides in how well its community aims at bringing one and all together. Show me a town where the people really care, and are well vested in the community and its potential, and I’ll show you a location that is pulsating with activity, with love and passion, intellectuality and enthusiasm for the unknowns of tomorrow — bring it on, y’all.

— Garret K. Woodward, Arts & Entertainment Editor

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INSIDE: Food+Drink

Andrews welcomes second brewery. . . . . . . . .

Nantahala Brewing launches restaurant. . . . . .

6 8

.......................... 7 ................... 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

WNC BREWERIES SELECTED RESTAURANTS FARMER’S & TAILGATE MARKETS

Art+Culture

Haywood Arts celebrates 40 years. . . . . . . . .

Smoky Mountain Community Theatre. . . . . .

The American Museum of The House Cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 25 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

PERFORMANCE VENUES THEATRES & PLAYHOUSES MUSEUMS

Outdoors+Recreation

Cherokee unveils new biking trails. . . . . . . . . 32 Allure of the Cherohala Skyway. . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

PARKWAY STOPS WATERFALLS HIKING FISHING IN WNC

FYI

Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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On the cover: Nothing beats a fresh cup of coffee while watching the sunrise from the Cataloochee Divide trail in Haywood County. Steven Yocom photo

Editor/Publisher:

Writing/Photography:

Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com

Advertising Director:

Advertising:

Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley. . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Belue. . . . . . . amanda.b@smokymountainnews.com Art Director: Micah McClure. . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Birenbaum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com

Composition & Design:

Distribution:

Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier. . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Trey Riedmayer. . . . . . . . . . . trey.r@smokymountainnews.com Bookkeeping: Amanda Singletary. . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com If you’d like bulk copies of the WNC Travel Guide to distribute at your business, email your request to classads@smokymountainnews.com or call Distribution Manager Scott Collier at 828.452.4251. Contents ©2017/2018 The Smoky Mountain News. All rights reserved.

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Camp Hobbit Hill

Join us this

summer!

An Overnight Girls

Equestrian Adventure HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM Hobbit Hill's horsemanship program encourages and promotes confidence. Our program includes everything from hunt seat style riding and educational sessions to stable management and developing a relationship with your equine partner.

CAMP ACTIVITIES Horses • Adventures • Pottery • Gardening Photography • Yoga & Fitness Team Building Campfire • Academics • Day Trips While Camp Hobbit Hill's schedule centers around the horse program, campers are welcome to participate in a variety of activities. They may also choose to add additional art and barn time to the dally schedule, helping to create their perfect camp day.

CAMP FACILITIES

SESSION DATES Session 1 ........... 06/25/17 - 07/08/17 Session 2 ........... 07/09/17 - 07/22/17 Session 3 ........... 07/23/17 - 08/05/17 Session 4 ........... 08/06/17 - 08/19/17

Campers stay in an air-conditioned dorm with a large front porch overlooking the camp and covered riding arena. The panoramic views are absolutely amazing.

Hobbit Hill offers a CIT program, with limited availability.

Add-on weeks are available prior to Session 1 and post Session 4 for those campers wishing to experience a whole summer of fun.

THE DAILY CAMPER

Academic support is also offered for students wishing to continue academic studies over the summer.

Camp Hobbit Hill is an overnight equestrian adventure in the North Carolina mountains. Girls ages 7 to 17 join together to create everlasting friendships, explore the arts, and master horsemanship.

Everything is arranged to make camp as enjoyable and comfortable as possible, while keeping the theme of summer camp in mind. Our custom schedules, airconditioned dormitory, flexible nutrition, and educational opportunities provide campers with an ideal atmosphere to learn and grow.

Campers have the option to participate in end of sessions shows and presentations.

Local Camper Day optional program for boys and girls also available.

223 Cody Embler Road • Alexander, NC 28701

www.CampHobbitHill.com • (828) 808-7929

Eats+Drinks Pouring passion: Andrews welcomes second brewery Turning onto 2nd Street from the hectic U.S. 19/74 highway, you find yourself cruising through downtown Andrews.

It’s Saturday afternoon, and for most small towns in America, it is no surprise the center of a community is busy.

But, for Andrews, this is a sight to behold.

For a mountain town that’s been eerily quiet for many years, bordering on abandoned, the downtown is now abuzz with folks strolling the sidewalks, cars parked up and down the street. A sense of “well, hey, check this out” crosses the minds of those who used to only stop in this part of Cherokee County to refuel as a halfway point to their final destinations, which seemingly could be in any direction.

And within a stones throw of the 2nd and Chestnut Street intersection resides Hoppy Trout, a craft brewery that’s headlong into its second year of operation.

“To be honest, I really wanted to do something to bring the town back, because the community has really been struggling to have anything happen,” said Tom Rodeck, Hoppy Trout co-owner and brewmaster. “We want to try and be the catalyst for others to get the town moving again. In the last year or so, we’ve already had two new restaurants open in downtown — things are changing.”

There’s about one-square-foot of space inside Hoppy Trout Brewing Company for every resident in the town of Andrews. And that’s not saying much seeing as the town is home to around 1,780 residents. But, for Hoppy Trout, that just means you’d better get there early enough to grab a seat, a place within a business dearly needed and already greatly beloved in downtown Andrews.

Born in Indiana, Rodeck and his family relocated to Andrews when he was 5 years old. His father, Tom Sr., started Accent

6

Awnings, a company he and Tom Jr. still run to this day in Andrews. With that business and analytical foundation, the younger Tom headed off to North Carolina State University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

And it was in Raleigh when Tom began to discover craft beer. Whereas most of the usual collegiate endeavors revolve around domestic brands (ie: Budweiser, Coors, etc.), he soon transitioned into more exotic flavors, with a curiosity about homebrewing not too far down the line for him.

“Once you try these flavorful craft beers, it’s really hard to go back to the domestics,” Rodeck said. “Everywhere I go these days, I find the local breweries and try what they’re creating. It’s a really great way to get to know a community and what they’re about.”

After returning to Andrews, Rodeck befriended Jake Wentzek. The two found a common bond for craft beer, with the duo spending every weekend homebrewing, always experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, tweaking recipes and slowly honing their chops. It was also a fun way for Rodeck to apply his engineering skills into a whole new realm of possibility.

“You see a lot of engineering backgrounds in the craft beer industry, and that’s because it’s the perfect mesh between science and art,” he said. “There’s a lot of technical aspects to brewing beer and perfecting recipes, and there’s also a lot of creative ones, too.”

Right around 2014, the idea bubbled up that Rodeck open a brewery in his hometown. He was apprehensive, at first, but with the encouragement from his family and his

wife, Kristin Spradling, he decided to launch Hoppy Trout.

“This place had been a pencil and paper thing for almost a year in planning,” Rodeck said. “It was nerve-wracking that first day being open, but we stayed calm. I remember putting the last $150 I had into the register for change [laughs].”

Now a stable and viable small business, Hoppy Trout is finding solid ground in its dream-turned-reality. As the Andrews Brewing Company is also right down the road, the town is truly embracing the notion of being a craft beer destination on the evergrowing map (and interest) in Western North Carolina. With Andrews Brewing already hosting weekly concerts and tastings, Hoppy Trout hopes to ideally complement, and build upon, those first steps taken to ensure the future of the community.

“Growing up, Main Street was dead after 5 o’clock, and now we’re open and people are coming out, being part of their community,” Rodeck said. “Craft brewing is an art form, and we look forward to showing people the craft, and what it is we’re doing here — it’s a great feeling to be able to put our efforts back into the town.

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Hop, skip and a pour away: Waynesville’s Leap Frog Tours Stepping out of a large passenger van into the sunshine last Saturday afternoon, a group of around 10 people entered Bhramari Brewing in downtown Asheville. Once seated, an

Want to go?

For more information on Leap Frog Tours and upcoming jaunts around Western North Carolina, visit www.leapfrogtours.com or call 828.507.1421.

array of craft beer samples were placed in front of the group, with friendly banter swirling around the room while a brewery employee examined and explained each selection.

Welcome to the Leap Frog Tours.

Launched by Kim Turpin and Ann Smith, the Waynesville-based company specializes in tours and excursions around Western North Carolina. They showcase the rich culture within these mountains by fully immersing their guests in the beauty and wonder of what resides in your backyard, whether you’re a longtime resident or first-time visitor to this region.

“For me, what makes a vibrant community is food, music, craft beer, art, and the outdoors. We’ve got all of that here, and not just in Asheville,” Turpin said. “We want to show people a good time, and also what else there is to do in this incredible playground we have

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2017

here in Western North Carolina.”

Bouncing between tables within the group, Leap Frog Business Developer and Tour Leader Mark Merritt carefully goes through the intricacies of each beer, from style and origin, to flavor and potency. A self-proclaimed “craft beer lover,” Merritt radiates a knowledge, passion and camaraderie for craft beer that resides at the foundation of this beloved industry and Western North Carolina economic driver.

“It’s all about meeting different people, laughing in the van (aka: The Frog), making connections that organically happen,” he said.

“We want people to simply experience this area and all the great things it offers through these tours.”

But, Merritt will be the first to point out that, at its core, Leap Frog is about connectivity within Western North Carolina, where small mountains towns outside of Asheville are on the same level playing field in their company’s eyes.

“People come to Asheville to be in the mountains, and Asheville is in a very broad valley,” he said. “We believe that these mountain towns — Waynesville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Maggie Valley or Black Mountain — have just as good craft beer, art, food and culture as Asheville does, and all of that is right in the middle of these incredible mountains we all love.”

On the brewery tour itinerary last Saturday was Bhramari, Wedge Brewing’s new second location in the River Arts District (“Wedge at Foundation”) and UpCountry in West Asheville. In past experiences with other brewery van tour companies, one might have felt they were only scratching the surface of “beer gear talk,” a lack of personal interaction with others and, perhaps, a mere sense they weren’t getting their money’s worth. And yet, with Leap Frog, you’re immediately welcomed into this wild and quirky group of folks — owners, tour leaders and guests alike — where the more you dive in, the more fun you’ll have.

“I’m so happy that we initially landed in the craft beer realm, because in the brewing industry they’re all networking to collaborate together, and that’s how we all will grow together in Western North Carolina,” Turpin said. “And when everyone gets into ‘The Frog,’ they get on with maybe a loose connection to others on the tour, but, by the end, they’re hugging goodbye like old friends — and that means we’ve done our job.”

WNC Breweries Andrews • Andrews Brewing 828.321.2006 • www.andrewsbrewing.com • Hoppy Trout Brewing Company 828.835.2111 • www.hoppytroutbrewing.com

Bryson City • Mountain Layers Brewing www.mtnlayersbeer.com • Nantahala Brewing 828.488.2337 • www.nantahalabrewing.com

Canton • BearWaters Brewing 828.246.0602 • www.bwbrewing.com

Franklin • Currahee Brewing 828.634.0078 • www.curraheebrew.com • Lazy Hiker Brewing 828.342.5133 • www.lazyhikerbrewing.com

Highlands • Satulah Mountain Brewing 828.482.9794 • www.satulahmountainbrewing.com

Sapphire • Sapphire Valley Brewing 828.743.0220 • www.sapphirebrewingcompany.com

Sylva • Balsam Falls Brewing 828.631.1987 www.facebook.com/balsamfallsbrewing • Heinzelmannchen Brewery 828.631.4466 • www.yourgnometownbrewery.com • Innovation Brewing 828.586.9678 • www.innovation-brewing.com • Sneak E Squirrel 828.586.6440 • www.sneakesquirrel.com

Waynesville • Boojum Brewing 828.944.0888 • www.boojumbrewing.com • Frog Level Brewing 828.454.5664 • www.froglevelbrewing.com • Tipping Point Brewing 828.246.9230 • www.tippingpointtavern.com

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Eats+Drinks

“This was the last gap we’d yet to fill — the next step is here, and we’re ready for it.”

— Joe Rowland, co-owner, Nantahala Brewing

Bryson City’s Nantahala Brewing launches restaurant, open-air taproom

Surrounded by piles of debris, old wood and gravel, Joe Rowland sees opportunity. “This is the inevitable next step for us,” he said.

Co-owner of Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City, Rowland wanders around a four-acre lot at the end of Depot Street, less than a block from the flagship brewery. Purchased

by Rowland in early 2016, the property consisted of an abandoned warehouse (formerly the RC Cola bottling company) and large open field. Initially, the 11,000-square-foot building was going to be used for Nantahala’s equipment storage, barrel aging program and bottling line.

But, as time went along, an idea for the remaining 3,200 square feet of unused space crept into the minds of Rowland and Co. — a restaurant and indoor/outdoor brew pub.

“We’ve always wanted to be able to serve food, but didn’t have enough space in the brewery,” Rowland said. “And when we

8

looked at using part of the warehouse for a kitchen, we figured if we’re going to build that kitchen, we might as well construct a full-on brewpub.”

Rowland is a known businessman, but running a restaurant is a whole other animal, especially in terms of cost and risk. Enter Al Parsons and Chef Meredith Watson.

Currently the general manager for Nantahala, Parsons previously ran the popular Brio Tuscan Grille at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and also spent many years working within the corporate managing areas of Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Ohio.

“We wanted to make sure we had the right person to lead this next chapter, and also not lose sight of our culture and brand at the brewery — Al is that person,” Rowland said.

A Bryson City native, Watson has worked her way up the culinary chain, where she found herself in high-end/high-volume kitchens like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and other spots in Washington, D.C., before returning to Western North Carolina.

“The kitchen features an ‘upscale southern’ menu, with meat and produce being sourced from local farms within 60 miles of the brewery,” Rowland said.

Nantahala is also increasing its brand outside of Western North Carolina. With products found on shelves and on taps from Swain County all the way to Raleigh, Nantahala also launched in Tennessee, covering upwards of 87 percent of the state. Their craft beer can also be found during Carolina Panthers football games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

With the restaurant now open, it’s all hands on deck for Rowland and Co. as they ready themselves for the change on the horizon.

“It’s great because we’ve spent the last few years tying up all the loose ends of what our customers wanted,” Rowland said. “And now that we’ve done that, this was the last gap we’d yet to fill — the next step is here, and we’re ready for it.”

www.WNCTravel.com

RESTAURANTS Andrews • Burger Basket — American. 828.321.3785 • Hoppy Trout Brewing Company — American.

828.835.2111 • MakAly’s on Main — American. 828.516.9661 • Mi Pueblito — Mexican. 828.321.2220 • Monte Alban — Mexican. 828.321.1802 • Myaca’s Sea & Soul Food — Seafood/Gourmet.

828.321.9103 • Potter’s House — American. 828.321.1786

Bryson City • Anthony’s — Italian/American. 828.488.8898 • Bar-B-Que Wagon — Southern/American.

828.488.9521 • The Bistro at the Everett Hotel — Southern/Gourmet. 828.488.1934 • Derailed Bar & Lounge — American.

828.488.8898 • Everett Street Diner — American/Café.

828.488.0123 • Filling Station Deli — American/Southern.

828.488.1919 • Fryemont Inn — Southern/Steak/Seafood.

800.845.4879 • Great Smoky Mountains Winery — American/Southern. 828.788.1346 • Guayabitos — Mexican. 828.488.1336 • Hemlock Inn — Southern/Gourmet.

828.488.2885 • Iron Skillet — American/Café. 828.488.4766 • Jimmy Mac’s — American/Southern.

828.488.4700 • La Taqueria — Mexican. 828.488.9162 • Mountain Perks Espresso Bar & Café — American/Café. 828.488.9561 • Naber’s Drive-In — American/Southern.

828.488.2877 • Nate & Nick’s Pizza — American/Southern.

828.588.0500 • Pasqualino’s — Italian. 828.488.9555 • Village Bistro — Southern/American.

828.488.9000 • The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing — Southern/Gourmet. 828.585.5885 • Water’s Edge — Seafood/Southern.

828.488.7977

Canton • Black Bear Café — American/Café.

828.648.1003 • Breaking Bread Café — American/Café.

828.648.3838 • Canelos — Mexican. 828.648.0303

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2017

• China King Buffet — Chinese/Asian.

828.235.8815 • El Chapala — Mexican. 828.235.9193 • El Pobre — Mexican. 828.235.9311 • J-RO’s — American. 828.492.0015 • Jukebox Junction — American/Café.

828.648.4546 • Papertown Grill — American/Café.

828.648.1455 • Sagebrush — Steakhouse. 828.646.3750 • Southern Porch Kitchen & Drink — Southern/Farm-to-Table. 828.492.8006

Cashiers • Buck’s Coffee Café — American/Café.

828.743.9997 • Carolina Smokehouse — Southern Barbecue.

828.743.3200 • Chez Dupont & The Stone Soup Café — Southern/Farm-to-Table. 828.743.1960 • Chile Loco — Mexican. 828.743.1160 • Cornucopia Restaurant — Southern/American.

828.743.3750 • El Manzanillo — Mexican. 828.743.5522 • High Hampton Inn & Country Club — Steak/Seafood/Southern. 828.743.2411 • The Orchard — Southern/American.

828.743.7614 • Randevu — Southern. 828.743.0190 • Slab Town Pizza — American. 828.743.0020 • The Ugly Dog Pub — American/Southern.

828.743.3000 • Winslow’s Hideaway — Steak/Seafood.

828.743.2226 • Zookeeper Café — American/Café.

828.743.7711

Cherokee • Brio Tuscan Grille (Harrah’s) — Italian.

828.497.7777 • Chestnut Tree — American/Café. 828.497.9181 • Frontier Pancake House — American/Café.

828.497.4718 • Granny’s Kitchen — Southern/American.

828.497.5010 • Lee Garden — Chinese. 828.497.4388 • Little Princess — Southern/American.

828.497.9000 • New Happy Garden — Chinese. 828.497.4310 • Newfound Lodge — American/Café.

828.497.4590 • Noodle Bar (Harrah’s) — Asian. 828.497.7777 • Paul’s Diner — American/Southern.

828.497.9012 • Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles — American/Café.

828.497.5116 • Rancho Viejo — Mexican. 828.497.0343

• Ruth’s Chris Streak House (Harrah’s) — Steak/Seafood. 828.497.7777 • Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Café — American/Southern. 828.497.2539 • Selu Garden Café (Harrah’s) — American/Southern. 828.497.7777 • Wise Guys Pizza — American. 828.497.2838

Clyde • Blue Rooster Southern Grill — Southern/American. 828.456.1997 • Coffee Cup Café — American/Café.

828.627.8905 • Ferrara Pizza & Pasta — American/Italian.

828.476.5058 • Sherrill’s Pioneer — American/Café.

828.627.9880

Cullowhee • Cullowhee Café — American/Café.

828.293.3334 • The Point Coffee House — American/Café.

828.526.4685 • Sazon — Mexican. 828.293.9443 • Tuck’s Tap & Grille — American/Southern.

828.293.4688

Dillsboro • Boots — Steakhouse. 828.631.9713 • Coach’s Bistro — American/Southern.

828.586.0265 • Country Traditions — American/Southern.

828.586.1600 • Haywood Smokehouse — Barbecue/Southern.

828.586.9556 • Jarrett House — Southern. 828.586.0265 • Kostas — Greek/Italian. 828.631.0777 • Lee’s at the Depot — American/Gourmet.

828.339.1700 • Well House — American/Southern.

828.586.8588

Franklin • The Boiler Room — Steak/Southern.

828.349.5555 • Boone Thai — Thai. 828.524.1111 • The Bowery — Southern. 828.369.3663 • Caffé Rel — French. 828.369.9446 • Chris & Charlie’s — Italian/American.

828.349.0900 • City Restaurant — American. 828.524.4948 • El Charro — Mexican. 828.369.9002 • Gazebo Creekside Café — American/Southern.

828.524.8783 • Hungry Bear — American/Café. 828.369.2900 • Kountry Kitchen — American. 828.524.6209

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RESTAURANTS Franklin (continued) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Las Barricas — Mexican. 828.349.4484 Lucio’s — Italian. 828.369.6670 Mi Casa — Mexican. 828.369.1580 Motor Company Grill — American/Southern.

828.524.0099 Ms Lois’ — American/Café. 828.369.8628 Mulligan’s Bar & Grill — American/Southern.

828.349.3183 Normandie — American/Café. 828.524.3118 Papa’s Pizza of Franklin — American.

828.369.9999 The Post & Beam at Mill Creek — Southern/American. 828.349.0402 Rathskeller Coffee Haus — American/Café.

828.369.6796 Root & Barrel — American/Gourmet.

828.369.3663 Sakura — Japanese. 828.349.8917 Stamey’s Café — American/Café. 828.524.8198 Sunset — American/Café. 828.524.4842 Thai Paradise — Thai. 828.349.0973 Tienda Mexicana La Guadalupana — Mexican.

828.349.0108

• Vito’s Pizza — Italian/American.

828.369.9890 • Willy’s Ribs & BBQ — Southern/American.

828.524.0414

Hayesville • Alazan — Mexican. 828.389.2727 • Anejo Grille — Mexican. 828.389.6061 • Angelo’s Downtown Pizza — Italian/American.

828.389.2500 • Chevelle’s 69 — American. 828.389.6069 • The Copper Door — Steak/Seafood/Southern.

828.237.4030 • Mika’s Pizza — American. 828.389.6366 • Rib Country BBQ — Barbecue/Southern.

828.389.9597

Highlands • • • •

Asia House — Asian. 828.787.1680 Bistro On Main — American. 828.526.2590 Brick Oven Pizza — American. 828.526.4121 Buck’s Coffee Café — American/Café.

828.526.0020 • Cyprus — International. 828.526.4429 • El Azteca — South Pacific/Mexican.

828.526.2244

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

———————————————————————————————————————————

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food.

• Highlands Smokehouse — Southern Barbecue.

828.526.1900 • Lakeside — Seafood/Southern. 828.526.9419 • Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden — Southern/Farm-to-Table. 828.526.5477 • Main Street Inn Bistro — American.

828.526.2590 • Meritage Bistro — American. 828.526.1019 • Mountain Fresh Grocery — American/Café.

828.526.2400 • On the Verandah — Gourmet Fusion.

828.526.2338 • Paoletti’s — Italian/American. 828.526.4906 • Pescados — Mexican. 828.526.9313 • Pizza Place of Highlands — American.

828.526.5660 • Ristorante Paoletti — Northern Italian.

828.526.4906 • Ruka’s Table — Southern/Contemporary.

828.526.3636 • Rustico at the Log Cabin — Northern Italian.

828.526.0999 • The Ugly Dog Pub — American/Southern.

828.526.8364 • Wild Thyme Gourmet — Southern.

828.526.4035 • Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro — New Orleans/Steak/Seafood. 828.526.3807

WNC’S FINEST INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE & FULLY STOCKED GUN SHOP

$20 Lane Rental Handgun & Rifle Rentals Available

———————————————————————————————————————————

207 Paragon Parkway Clyde, N.C. OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

blueroostersoutherngrill.com • 828.456.1997 10

17 Palmer Rd. Waynesville | 828-452-7870 Hours: M-W:11-6 Th.& Fri:11-8 Sat.:10-6 Sun:1-5

WWW.MOUNTAINRANGEWNC.COM www.WNCTravel.com

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2017

11

RESTAURANTS Lake Toxaway • The Blind Mule — American/Southern.

828.553.8978 • Brown Trout Mountain Grille — American/Southern. 828.877.3474 • The Grill — American. 828.883.5551 • Osteria Del Monte — Mexican. 828.883.2551

Maggie Valley • Andolini’s — Italian/American. 828.944.0770 • Apple Andy’s — American/Southern.

828.944.0626 • Brew Cue & BBQ — Southern/American.

828.944.0259 • Butts On The Creek — Barbecue/Southern.

828.926.7885 • Cataloochee Guest Ranch — Southern/American. 800.868.1401 • Country Vineyard Café — Italian/American.

828.926.6557 • Frankie’s Italian Trattoria — Italian.

828.926.6216 • Guayabitos — Mexican. 828.926.7777 • Holiday Diner — American/Café. 828.926.0820 • J. Arthur’s — Steakhouse/American.

828.926.1817 • Joey’s Pancake House — American/Café.

828.926.0212 • Maggie Valley Club — American/Southern.

828.926.1616 • Maggie Valley Restaurant — American/Café.

828.926.0425 • Moonshine Grille — Southern/American.

828.926.7440 • Mountaineer — American/Café. 828.926.1730 • Pin High Bar & Grille — American/Southern.

828.926.4848 • Rendezvous — American/Southern.

828.926.2325 • Salty Dog’s — Seafood/American. 828.926.9105 • Snappy’s — Italian/American. 828.926.6126 • The Swag — Farm-to-Table/Southern.

828.926.0430 • Taqueria Guanajuato — Mexican. 828.926.3483

• • • • •

Doyle’s Cedar Hill — American. 828.837.3400 El Manzanio — Mexican. 828.837.9624 Mama Mia’s — Italian. 828.557.5401 Monte Alban — Mexican. 828.835.9767 Murphy’s Chophouse — Southern/Steak/Gourmet. 828.835.3287 • No Name Deli — American/Italian.

828.837.9138 • Rib Country BBQ — Barbecue/Southern.

828.837.4444 • ShoeBooties Café — Southern/American.

828.837.4589

Robbinsville • Carolina Kitchen — Southern/American.

828.479.1500 • El Pacifico — Mexican. 828.479.8448 • Hub Of WNC — Barbecue/Southern.

828.479.0478 • Lynn’s Place — American/Southern.

828.479.9777 • Pacefeco — Mexican. 828.479.8448 • Southern Gals Country Cooking — Southern/American. 828.479.9405 • Stecoah Diner — American/Café.

828.479.8430

Murphy

Sapphire

• Blue Mountain Coffee & Grill — American/Café. 828.837.1362 • Chevelle’s — American. 828.835.7001 • Daily Grind & Wine — American/Coffeehouse.

828.835.7322 • Downtown Bakery — American. 828.835.8986 • Downtown Pizza Company — American.

828.837.0500

• Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley — Southern/Farm-to-Table. 828.743.7697 • Cork & Barrel Lounge — American/Southern.

828.743.7477 • Gamekeeper’s Tavern — American.

828.743.4263 • The Library Kitchen & Bar — Artisan/Gourmet.

828-743.5512

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• Mica’s — American. 828.743.5740 • Osteria Del Monte — Mexican. 828.883.2551 • Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company — American. 828.743.0220 • Table 64 — American/Southern. 828.743.4135

Sylva • B & Al’s Grill — American. 828.586.5686 • Balsam Mountain Inn — Southern/Farm-toTable. 828.456.9498 • Bogart’s — Steakhouse. 828.586.6532 • City Lights Café — American/Southern.

828.587.2233 • The Coffee Shop — American/Café.

828.586.2013 • Colima — Mexican. 828.586.9999 • Cosmic Carryout at Innovation Brewing — American/Farm-to-Table. 828.586.9678 • Creekside Oyster House & Grill — Seafood/Southern. 828.586.1985 • Cut Cocktail Lounge — Gastropub.

828.631.4795 • El Patron — Mexican. 828.586.8805 • Guadalupe Café — Caribbean Fusion.

828.586.9877 • Half Past — American/Southern. 828.586.1212 • Jade Dragon — Chinese. 828.586.6688 • Lulu’s On Main — Southern/Farm-to-Table.

828.586.8989 • Mad Batter Food & Film — American/Southern.

828.586.3555 • No Name Sports Pub — American/Southern.

828.586.2750 • O’Malley’s Sports Bar & Grill — American/Southern. 828.631.0554 • Peking Gourmet II — Chinese. 828.586.9082

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WNCTravel

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RESTAURANTS Sylva (continued) • Robbie’s Char-Burger — American. 828.586.2723 • Sneak E Squirrel Brewing — American.

828.586.6440 • Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro — Southern Fusion/American. 828.586.1717 • South of Philly — American. 828.586.0550 • Southeast Asian Restaurant — 828.631.9773 • Speedy’s Pizza — American. 828.586.3800

Waynesville • Ammon’s Drive-In & Dairy Bar — American/Southern. 828.926.0734 • Angelo’s Family Pizza — American/Southern.

828.452.1886 • Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen — Southern/Farm-to-Table. 828.246.6111 • Blossom on Main — Thai Fusion. 828.454.5400 • Bocelli’s Italian Eatery — Italian. 828.456.4900 • Bogart’s — Steakhouse. 828.452.1313 • Boojum Brewing — American/Southern.

828.944.0888 • Bosu’s Wine Shop — Farm-to-Table.

828.452.0120

• Bourbon Barrel Beef & Ale — Southern/American. 828.452.9191 • Buttered Biscuit — American/Café.

828.246.6446 • Captain’s Bay — Seafood/Steakhouse.

828.456.6761 • The Chef’s Table — Italian/Farm-to-Table.

828.452.6210 • Church Street Depot — American.

828.246.6505 • The Classic Wineseller — Italian/French/Southern. 828.452.6000 • Clyde’s Restaurant — American/Southern.

828.456.9135 • Cork & Cleaver at The Waynesville Inn — Steak/Seafood. 828.456.3551 • El Pobre — Mexican. 828.456.9557 • Ellie’s Deli & Coffee House — American/Café.

828.456.4949 • Frog’s Leap Public House — Farm-toTable/Southern. 828.456.1930 • Haywood 209 Café — American/Café.

828.627.3331 • Haywood Smokehouse — Barbecue/Southern.

828.456.7275 • J Creek Café — American/Café. 828.926.7877 • Kanini’s — Southern/Farm-to-Table.

828.452.5187

MAGAZINE WNCTravel

2017

• Kornerstone Kafé — American/Café.

828.550.2265 • Las Palmas — Mexican. 828.456.4234 • Los Amigos — Mexican. 828.456.7870 • Maggie’s Galley — Seafood. 828.456.8945 • New Happy Garden — Asian. 828.456.6988 • Panacea Coffee House Café & Roastery — American/Café. 828.452.6200 • Patio Bistro — Southern/American.

828.454.0070 • Pub 319 — American/Southern. 828.456.3040 • Sagebrush — Steakhouse. 828.452.5822 • Secret Wine Company — Farm-to-Table.

828.452.0120 • Smoky Mountain Sub Shop — American.

828.456.3400 • The Sweet Onion — Southern/Farm-to-Table.

828.456.5559 • Tap Room Bar & Grill — American/Southern.

828.456.3551 • Tipping Point Brewing — American/Southern.

828.246.9230 • Trailhead Bakery & Café — American/Café.

828.452.3881 • Water’n Hole Bar & Grill — American/Southern.

828.456.4750 • Waynesville Pizza Company — American/Italian. 828.246.0927

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Bryson City

www.greatsmokies.com

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Check facebook for upcoming events! www.mtnlayersbeer.com 16

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WNCTravel

2017

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Eats+Drinks Farmer’s & Tailgate Markets The foundation of culture in Western North Carolina lies in a keen emphasis on things locally made and grown. Whether it’s the porch sounds of music or stitching together ones heritage with an elaborate quilt, quality and one-of-a-kind are attributes to the many products offered in this region.

And at the heart of these traditions is the fresh produce raised and harvested from the rich soil of Southern Appalachia.

There is a renewed vigor in the local farmer’s markets as new growers working smaller farms have become the norm. From delicious fruits and crisp vegetables, to sweet honey and fresh trout, there are innumerable unique items locals and visitors alike can purchase. Throughout the week, dozens of vendors in several towns gather to showcase and sell their goods. With organic products becoming more popular, these markets provide the community with the perfect avenue for their need of healthy options.

Bryson City

Cullowhee

• Swain County Farmer’s Market Organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays (May-October). The Barn on Island Street in downtown. 828.488.3848 or www.greatsmokies.com.

• The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market Locally grown vegetables, eggs, and more. 4 p.m. until dusk Tuesdays through October. Corner of North Country Club Drive and Stadium View Drive.

828.476.0334 or www.facebook.com/cullowheefarmersmarket.

Cashiers

Franklin

• Cashiers Tailgate Market From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through October at the United Community Bank on N.C. 107 South. 828.226.9988 or blueridgefarmers@gmail.com.

• Cowee Farmer’s Market Local produce, plants, herbs, honey, crafts, and more. 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (MayOctober). 51 Cowee School Drive. 828.524.8369 or www.coweefarmersmarket.com.

• Franklin Farmer’s Tailgate Market Variety of only homegrown products such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (April-November). 200 East Palmer Street. 828.349.2049 or www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

Cherokee • Cherokee Farmer’s Tailgate Market Fresh local, organic and heirloom produce. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays through October. Acquoni Road. 828.554.6931.

• Cherokee Farm Stand Locally-grown agricultural produce. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays through mid-October. 876 Acquoni Road at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

828.359.6935.

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Sylva • Jackson County Farmer’s Market Plants, seeds, honey, breads, sweets and locally made crafts, local meats. 9 a.m. to noon on Satur-

days (April-October). Railroad Avenue at the Municipal Parking Lot near Bridge Park in downtown. The winter market is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays (November-March) across the bridge at the Community Table in downtown.

828.399.0290 (summer) or 828.393.5236 (winter) or www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

Waynesville • Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market Fresh, local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, goat cheese, herbal products, meat, eggs, plants, flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts. Live music. 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays (April 15-Oct. 28), with a winter market through mid-December. 250 Pigeon Street in the parking lot of the HART Theatre. www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• Original Waynesville Tailgate Market Fruits, vegetables, black walnuts, organic food and other homemade products. 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays (May 6-Oct. 28). 171 Legion Drive at the American Legion in Waynesville behind Bogart’s restaurant.

828.456.1830.

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Robbinsville • Graham County Farmer’s Market Local farmers, growers and harvesters. 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (July 8-Oct. 7).

828.479.8788.

321 Thumpers Trail • Franklin, NC 28734 www.GoRVResort.com • 828-349-0412

Murphy • Cedar Valley Farmer’s Market Fresh produce, meats and handmade products. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays (April-October) in the old L&N Depot in downtown. www.doylescedarhill.com/farmers-market.

Andrews • Andrews Farmer’s Market Live music and community produce. 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (June-October). First Street at Hall Memorial Park in Andrews. 828.321.5960.

Hayesville • Hayesville Evening Market High quality, local produce and farm products. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays (May-October). Town Square. www.hayesvilleeveningmarket.com.

• Mountain Valley Farmer’s Market Local farmers and growers, homemade baked goods and products. 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (May-October). Old Courthouse Square.

863.389.6338. www.claychambernc.com.

Brasstown • Brasstown Farmer’s Market Local produce, organic chicken, eggs. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays (April 26-Oct. 25) on Old Highway 64. 828.360.2498.

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2017

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WNCTravel

2017

21

Arts+Culture Creating a community: Haywood Arts celebrates 40 years In her short tenure, Executive Director Lindsey Solomon has righted the unknown direction of the ship that is the Haywood County Arts Council. But, Solomon — who came into the fold a year and half ago — will be the first to point to the countless volunteers and artisan members who have made the HCAC a viable and valuable entity within the Waynesville and greater Haywood County communities.

“It really is a huge group effort, with all of our amazing volunteers who kept the door open when we didn’t have an executive director — we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for those people,” Solomon said. “And I want the HCAC to be seen as being a continuous place of activity, of things to look forward to, where we have events and activities that live way beyond our time within it.”

At 30, Solomon is one of the youngest in her field. But, she looks at her age as an asset to an organization celebrating 40 years in 2017, with the bar being raised high for the next four decades.

“If you keep doing things the exact way you have been, things will continue to be the same,” Solomon said. “So, we’re trying to step things up. If we want to grow, we need to grow our membership and donor base, and our community involvement.”

Beyond its numerous artisan member showcases and exhibits, Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) programs, live art demonstrations and library concerts, the HCAC will continue to find new and bountiful partnerships amid its own backyard, which, in

22

recent years, has included the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, The Strand at 38 Main, and other businesses dotting downtown Waynesville.

“Most of our artists are visual members, and we include them in all kinds of things, but I’d also like to find more ways to serve our musician artists and other mixed media members,” Solomon said.

“We’re looking at fundraising parties once a quarter, our big gallery show in May — the upcoming Ruby anLindsey Soloman niversary show. We’d like to do different young adult events and artist spotlights, which will tell the story of the arts council — we’re all very invested.”

And atop the expanding horizons — that also means blurring county lines with other neighboring art councils in terms of re-

sources and ideas — Solomon noted the HCAC has increased membership from around 40 artists to more than 85 nowadays.

But, that number is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of creative minds and souls roaming the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina.

“We’re trying to increase our capacity. It’s not just wishful thinking anymore — there’s a lot of enthusiasm,” Solomon said. “There are so many more artists here than there are members. We’re here for them. We have events to attend, artist member receptions and exhibits. By becoming a member, you’re also supporting all of the other artists in the community, and vice versa.”

Thinking about the 40th anniversary knocking on the door of the HCAC, Solomon, the HCAC board and artisan members all view the milestone as not only a moment for celebration, but also an opportunity for grassroots action that will ensure the future and survival of the arts in the county.

“Renewing our energy and focus at 40 years is important,” Solomon said. “The arts have been, and will always be, important to a community, especially in this time of political turmoil and picking sides, where the arts become that space to express yourself and come together.”

www.WNCTravel.com

Performance Venues

Murphy

Live music is an important part of the heritage of Western North Carolina. Here’s a listing of venues that regularly have bands in the region: Andrews

Dillsboro

• Andrews Brewing 828.321.2006 • www.andrewsbrewing.com • Hoppy Trout Brewing Company 828.835.2111 • www.hoppytroutbrewing.com • Jimmy’s Pick-N-Grin www.jimmyspickngrin.com

• Lee’s at the Depot 828.339.1700 • www.leeswine.com

Brasstown • John C. Campbell Folk School 800.365.5724 or 828.837.2775 • www.folkschool.org

Bryson City • Derailed Bar & Lounge 828.488.8898 www.facebook.com/derailedbrysoncity • Mickey’s Pub 828.488.9308 • Nantahala Brewing 828.488.2337 • www.nantahalabrewing.com • Nantahala Outdoor Center 888.905.7238 • www.noc.com • The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing 828.585.5885 • www.nantahalabrewing.com

Canton • BearWaters Brewing 828.246.0602 • www.bwbrewing.com • Colonial Theatre 828.235.2760 • www.cantonnc.com • Southern Porch 828.492.8009 www.facebook.com/southernporchkandd

Cashiers

Franklin • Currahee Brewing 828.634.0078 • www.curraheebrew.com • Lazy Hiker Brewing 828.342.5133 • www.lazyhikerbrewing.com • Mixers Bar and Nightclub 828.369.9211 • www.mixersbarandnightclub.com • Mulligan’s Bar & Grille 828.349.3183 • www.mulligans-bar.com • Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub 828.369.6796 • www.rathskellerfranklin.com • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 828.524.1598 • www.greatmountainmusic.com

Hayesville • Chevelle’s 828.835.7001 • www.chevellerestaurants.com • Peacock Performing Arts Center 828.389.2787 • www.peacockplayhouse.org

Highlands • Lost Hiker 828.526.8232 • www.thelosthikerbar.com • Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 828.526.9047 • www.highlandspac.net • Satulah Mountain Brewing 828.482.9794 • www.satulahmountainbrewing.com • The Ugly Dog Pub 828.526.8364 • www.theuglydogpub.com

Maggie Valley

• The Ugly Dog Pub 828.743.3000 • www.theuglydogpub.com

Cherokee • Harrah’s Cherokee 828.497.7777 • www.harrahscherokee.com

Cullowhee • Tuck’s Tap & Grille 828.293.5400 • www.tuckstapgrille.com

WNCTravel

2017

• Maggie Valley Festival Grounds 828.926.0866 • www.maggievalleyfestivalgrounds.org • Maggie Valley Opry House 828.926.9336 • www.raymondfairchild.com • Maggie Valley Rendezvous 828.926.0201 • www.maggievalleyhotel.com • Salty Dog’s Seafood and Grill 828.926.9105 • Stompin’ Ground 828.926.1288

• Chevelle’s 828.389.6069 www.chevellerestaurants.com

Robbinsville • Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center 828.479.3364 www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

Sylva • Balsam Mountain Inn and Restaurant 800.224.9498 www.balsammountaininn.net • City Lights Café 828.587.2233 • www.citylightscafe.com • Cut Cocktail Lounge 828.631.4795 www.facebook.com/thecutcocktaillounge • Guadalupe Café 828.586.9877 • www.guadalupecafe.com • Heinzelmannchen Brewery 828.631.4466 • www.yourgnometownbrewery.com • Innovation Brewing 828.586.9678 www.innovation-brewing.com • Mad Batter Food & Film 828.586.3555 www.madbatterfoodfilm.com • No Name Sports Pub 828.586.2750 www.nonamesportspub.com • O’Malley’s Pub & Grill • Sneak E Squirrel 828.586.6440 • www.sneakesquirrel.com 828.631.0554 • Soul Infusion 828.586.1717 • www.soulinfusion.com

Waynesville • Bogart’s Restaurant & Tavern 828.452.1313 www.bogartswaynesville.com • Boojum Brewing 828.944.0888 • www.boojumbrewing.com • Classic Wineseller 828.452.6000 • www.classicwineseller.com • Frog Level Brewing 828.454.5664 • www.froglevelbrewing.com • The Strand at 38 Main 828.283.0079 • www.38main.com • Tipping Point Brewing 828.246.9230 • www.tippingpointtavern.com • Water’n Hole Bar & Grille 828.456.4750

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www.WNCTravel.com

Arts+Culture Under the Bright Lights: Smoky Mountain Community Theatre

It’s the heartbeat of a town.

Theaters & Playhouses • Colonial Theatre, Canton 828.235.2760 • www.cantonnc.com • Franklin High School Fine Arts Center 828.524.2787 • Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Waynesville 828.456.6322 • www.harttheater.org • Highlands Playhouse 828.526.2695 • www.highlandsplayhouse.org • John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee 828.227.2479 • www.wcu.edu/bardoartscenter • Peacock Performing Arts Center, Hayesville 828.389.2787 • www.peacockplayhouse.org • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin 828.524.1598 • www.greatmountainmusic.com • Smoky Mountain Community Theatre, Bryson City 828.488.8227 • www.smctheatre.com • Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, Robbinsville 828.479.3364 • www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

Coming into its 37th year, the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre has become a beacon of culture, education and creativity within Bryson City.

“What excites me is that here is this long-established theater, within its own facility, in a small mountain town that supports it,” said Lucretia Bell, a SMCT actor and director. “One thing that has been happening a lot lately is this recent changeover, when we have younger people coming in, learning from the older generations, and also bringing their new ideas to the table.”

Situated in the old Gem Theatre building in downtown Bryson City, the SMCT held its first performance at the Gem in 1989 (“A Gift of Christmas”) after years of hitting the stage at the Swain County High School. Hosting several plays and stage productions throughout the year, the SMCT brings in attendees from near and far.

“Bryson City is a hub for tourism in Western North Carolina,” Bell said. “And what we’re seeing is a lot of out-of-town folks coming in alongside local residents to enjoy what we’re putting onstage.”

Bell noted the theater company’s mission as one that aims to ensure the facility be used as a space to create and learn.

“With these older and younger generations interacting, we’re seeing this meeting of the minds and working together that keeps making this organization a vital asset to the community,” she said. “It’s not about being a resident here that ‘just lives here,’ but coming together as a town and creating that sense of community, and the theater provides that — there’s nothing like the magic of theater, where it’s about all those walks of life behind the scenes, on the stage, and in the audience.”

The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City recently did a “live radio play” interpretation of the classic story “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

But, the catch is that this production portrays a 1946 radio broadcast of the tale. Garret K. Woodward photo

WNCTravel

2017

25

Arts+Culture The American Museum of The House Cat

It took over 30 years, but Harold Sims can now show the world.

“It’s been very rewarding,” he said. “I wanted to have a cat shelter, I made that come true. I wanted to have a cat museum, and I made that come true. It’s like the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ — ‘if you build it, they will come.’”

With the hustle and bustle of U.S. 441 right outside his door, Sims sits on a couch and gazes around the large room. Branching off an old river rock elementary school (now an antique store), The American Museum of The House Cat (between Dillsboro and Franklin on U.S. 441 South) is filled with over 5,000 items, all covering the immense and rich history of our beloved felines.

“People are very impressed, they’re just blown away by what they’re seen,” Sims smiled. “There’s Egyptian mythology, wind-up toys, everything — it’s a place to learn, it’s educational and entertaining at the same time.”

Sims has lived quite the life in his 82 years.

After serving in the Navy, he became a ma-

Harold Sims.

“There’s Egyptian mythology, wind-up toys, everything — it’s a place to learn, it’s educational and entertaining at the same time.”

— Harold Sims, The American Museum of The House Cat

26

www.WNCTravel.com

rine biologist in the Florida Keys, observing and perfecting techniques in growing lobsters. And for several years, he ran a chicken farm in Upstate New York, which is where his appreciation for cats began.

“There were cats in the barn, cats all over,” he said. “And [my wife and I] decided to get a cat from the shelter, a Persian. He was very active, great personality, would walk with us in the woods.”

But, Sims real affection for felines grew from his years teaching biology. While in Florida, he was invited to lecture in nearby Brevard. The couple fell in love with the area and eventually purchased a house in Glenville. From there, Sims wanted to get involved in a new cat shelter that was going to be built in Cashiers. When he found out it was going to be a kill shelter, something he detested, he decided to start his own thing.

“Why you would do that was beyond me, because the county [kill shelter] does that,” Sims said. “So, I went down the road. I had a shed there that I put kayaks in. I got some 2by-4s, some chicken wire and started catching cats in dumpsters and places like that.”

Sims’ shelter, “Catman 2,” which is now located in Cullowhee, is a no kill, no cage shelter. In the 4,000-square-foot building, cats can run loose, intermingle with other cats and exercise. Sims estimated over 3,000 cats have come through “Catman 2” in the last 15 years, with 60 housed there currently.

“We also offer a low cost or no cost spay and neuter program,” Sims said. “We’ve gone from hundreds a year in the Jackson County kill shelter to only eight last year to none this year so far.”

And throughout his efforts to save local cats, Sims has been collecting cat memorabilia. Over the last three decades, he’s amassed around 7,000 items that are cat related, from advertisements to toys, statues to ancient artifacts. With over 5,000 of those items in the museum, Sims is constantly amazed by the folks that come in everyday, cat lovers and the curious alike, from across the county and around the globe.

“Cats are very clean, very independent, but still loving, where they come up to you when you’re feeling bad, rub against you and make you feel better,” Sims said. “They’re beautiful animals, very smart. They can do so many things, and a cat will keep on loving you as long as it lives.” www.facebook.com/americanmuseumofthehousecat

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Arts+Culture WNC Museums

Although the rich history and culture of Western North Carolina is alive and thriving through the hands of our local artisans and performers, there are also numerous museums here preserving and perpetuating the heritage of Southern Appalachia. These buildings each pay homage to the crafts, sounds, and deeply held traditions of these ancient mountains and its people.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

• American Museum of The House Cat Over 5,000 items dedicated to entire history of the house cat, here and abroad. 4704 U.S. 441 South, Sylva.

828.421.0275 or 828.506.1236 www.facebook.com/americanmuseumofthehousecat • Andrews Art Museum Exhibits and galleries featuring local and regional artists. Corner of Chestnut and Third streets, Andrews.

828.360.5071 • www.andrewsvalleyarts.com • Canton Area Historical Museum Displays focusing on the cultural history of Canton and Haywood County. 36 Park Street, Canton.

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2017

• Cherokee County Historical Museum Artifacts and exhibits showcasing the Cherokee Indians, local history and artisans.

87 Peachtree Street, Murphy.

828.837.6792 www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov • Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum Displays exhibiting the history, art and people of the area. 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville.

828.389.6814 • www.clayhistoryarts.org • Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum Extensive exhibits on the region’s gems and minerals. 25 Phillips Street, Franklin 828.369.7831 • www.fgmm.org

• Glenville Historical Museum Showcasing the history and culture of Glenville and greater Western North Carolina with exhibits and displays. 4735 N.C. 107 North, Glenville.

828.743.1658 • Graham County Museum of Prehistoric Relics A collection of prehistoric artifacts from North, South and Central America. 3204 Fontana Road, Fontana Dam. 828.479.3677 • www.thehikeinn.com • Highlands Museum & Historical Village Several restored buildings, with historical exhibits in the museum. 524 North 4th Street, Highlands.

828.787.1050 • www.highlandshistory.com • Junaluska Memorial & Museum Displays dedicated to preserving Cherokee Indian history and culture. 1 Junaluska Drive, Robbinsville.

828.479.4727 • Macon County Historical Society & Museum Antiques and artifacts showcasing the history of Macon and Western North Carolina. 36 West Main Street, Franklin.

828.524.9758 • www.maconnchistorical.org • Mountain Farm Museum Collection of historical log buildings and artifacts.

150 U.S. 441 North, Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

423.436.1200 • www.nps.gov/grsm • Mountain Heritage Center Extensive displays of Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachian history. 150 H.F. Robinson Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee.

828.227.7129 • www.wcu.edu • Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Presenting one of the finest collections of its kind in the world. 472 Chestnut Street, Highlands.

828.526.3415 • www.ashevilleguidebook.com • Museum of the Cherokee Indian Large exhibits showcasing the extensive and intricate tribe history. 589 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee.

828.497.3481 • www.cherokeemuseum.org • Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts Unique works from some of the state’s most acclaimed artisans. 49 Shelton Street, Waynesville.

828.452.1551 • www.sheltonhouse.org • Ruby City Gems Museum Thousands of gem and mineral specimens on display. 131 East Main Street, Franklin.

828.524.3967 • www.rubycity.com • Scottish Tartans Museum Exhibit on Scottish history and culture abroad and in Western North Carolina. 86 East Main Street, Franklin.

828.524.7472 • www.scottishtartans.org • Wheels Through Time Museum Rare and extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and classic automobiles. 62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley.

828.926.6266 • www.wheelsthroughtime.com • World Methodist Museum Artifacts and memorabilia celebrating founder John Wesley and the worldwide religion. 575 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska.

828.456.9432 • www.worldmethodistcouncil.org

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Outdoors+Recreation Making it awesome — Cherokee unveils 10-mile mountain biking system

When Ed Sutton first came to Cherokee in November to break ground on a new trail system, his directive was clear.

“We told him his marching orders were just make it great. Make it awesome,” said Jeremy Hyatt, natural resources and construction director for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

“You couldn’t give me a better mission statement than that,” said Sutton, a trail builder for Brevard-based Trail Dynamics.

Opened just this past May, the 154-acre property boasts 10 to 12 miles of trail with various segments catering to ability levels from beginner to advanced, all available via a trailhead at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, less than a mile from downtown Cherokee.

With more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain from the top of Mount Noble to the parking lot, the maze of trails weaving up and down the mountainside will offer plenty of challenge for more advanced riders, Sutton said, while tamer loops will give beginners the chance to give mountain biking a try without venturing far from home. Runners and hikers will also be welcome to explore the trails.

“I think we have a good entry-level beginner trail,” he said. “I think we have what I would call a very rhythmic intermediate trail, and then we have a slope-style one-directional trail which will be mostly downhill and it will have jumps, big berms, lots of rollers.

Cherokee-based Aniwaya Design & Planning with trail specialist Valerie Naylor was hired to design the trails, and Trail Dynamics was engaged to build them.

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Local mountain biker Zach Goings tests out a piece of completed trail. Holly Kays photo

Zach Goings, 31, hasn’t let the previous lack of mountain biking facilities deter him from pursuing the sport of his choice, but in the past he’d pack up and drive two hours to DuPont State Forest if he wanted to spend a whole day on the trails. However, he’s ridden

to add onto it in the future.”

When completed, Cherokee’s trail system will certainly not be the only mountain biking system in Western North Carolina. The nationally celebrated Tsali Recreation Area lies 23 miles to the west, and Western Carolina University’s trail system is 21 miles to “We want to encourage families the southeast. Drive a little further, and there’s the Bent Creek Recreation Area in to come in and do stuff Asheville, trails in the Pisgah National Forest together, and visitors to have near Mills River, and DuPont State Forest. another option when they come Sylva has been discussing someday into visit Cherokee.” stalling mountain bike trails on its Pinnacle — Tinker Jenks Park property.

Cherokee is in good company.

The diversity of existing mountain bike ofaround the mountain where the new trail ferings in Western North Carolina wasn’t a system was built for the past 12 years, and deterrent in planning Cherokee’s system, the road up to the fire tower was one of the however. It was actually an encouragement. first trails he ever rode.

Sutton referred to the Tsali and WCU sys“It’s a little bittersweet because the first time I came up here and saw it, the first bot- tems as “complimentary” systems — with the tom section was totally different, but I am re- three mountain biking areas existing in such close proximity, they’ll essentially combine ally excited that this is available locally,” forces to create a more powerful draw for outGoings said. of-town bikers than any one of them could do “I think it’s going to be good for Cherokee,” he added, “and hopefully we’ll be able alone. Each trail system has its own strengths

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SELECTED TRAILS Cherokee Mountain Bike Trails Newly opened (May 2017) 12-mile system with wide variety of terrain from beginners to relatively serious downhill sections. Trailhead is in downtown Cherokee at the Oconaluftee Indian Village Tsali Recreation Area This is the granddaddy of Western North Carolina mountain biking, boasting 40 miles of trails on four loops. Rated as one of top 10 places to ride in the U.S. Fast, hard-packed singletrack, and you can’t go wrong with any of the loops. Off N.C. 28 past Bryson City, or if coming from Robbinsville N.C. 143 until you reach N.C. 28, go east. Entrance on north side of N.C. 28, well-marked.

Jackrabbit Mountain Located next to Jackrabbit Campground at Lake Chatuge, this 14-mile trail system is gaining popularity fast. Mostly flat with rolling dips and berms and just a few technical areas. At Lake Chatuge get on N.C. 175, turn onto Jackrabbit Road, signed parking area on left.

The Santeetlah Lake Trail A 15-mile trail open to mountain bikes, horses, and hikers. The trail follows a number of open and

gated Forest Service roads with a short portion of single-track. Large sections of the trail hug the shoreline of Lake Santeetlah offering beautiful mountain lake views. The primary trailhead is located at the intersection of N.C. 143 (NC1127) and Snowbird Road Bent Creek, Asheville Located near Asheville where N.C. 191 intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway and I-26. Lots of hardpacked singletrack with very few technical sections, great for beginner to intermediate riders and for children. www.mtbikewnc.com.

Dupont State Park Located near Brevard, this has become one of the premier destinations in the region. 10,000 acres of trails, waterfalls, and rivers. Numerous trailheads. www.dupontforest.com.

Pisgah National Forest near Brevard Hundreds of miles of trails for bikers, some of it among the most technical in the region. For information on specific trails and trailheads, visit www.mtbikewnc.com.

mile Flint Ridge Trail system was designed specifically for mountain bikers. It features technical riding as well as some rolling single-track. From Bryson City, go south on U.S. 74 for 12 miles and the NOC campus will be on the right. The highway will narrow to two lanes after about 8 miles. www.noc.com/noccom/adventures/ biking/mountain-biking.

Fontana Village, Robbinsville There are a ton of trails in the village, each of them labeled and fairly well blazed. Mix and match from numerous options to make your own loop. Experience climbing and long descents, plus technical rock gardens, stream crossings and log crossings on this 20-mile trail system. From Bryson City, take U.S. 74 southnd 8 miles past Bryson City. Turn right on N.C. 28. Go about 25 miles. www.fontanavillage.com/hiking.

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City The Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Nantahala Gorge has its own trail, which allows riders to try their hand at some technical maneuvering. The 4.5-

Western Carolina University Trail More than 7 miles of singletrack across from main WCU campus in Cullowhee. The trail system has two trailheads. One is located near the softball field and picnic area on WCU main campus, east of N.C.107. Trail users then travel through the pedestrian tunnel under N.C. 107 and access the trail on NCCAT property. The second trailhead is located at the parking lot of the Health and Human Sciences building.

mountain biking trails, so developing a system in town seemed a golden opportunity.

Sutton, who lives in the mountain bikingcrazed town of Brevard, agrees.

“We’ve become a biking town, and a lot of

it is because of the local trails that have been developed over the last 15 years,” Sutton said. “A community like Cherokee could eventually have something on a smaller scale, but become a destination.”

Tinker Jenks (right) has been working for more than three years to bring Cherokee’s new trail system from concept to reality. Holly Kays photo

and weaknesses, its own target demographic.

“Tsali is what I would call the ultimate beginner experience, but for more advanced riders this trail system is going to have a lot more excitement and the kinds of features that advanced riders are looking for,” Sutton said.

Of course, it will also include easier sections too, and that’s by design. The goal is appeal to as broad a base of riders as possible.

“We want to encourage families to come in and do stuff together, and visitors to have another option when they come to visit Cherokee,” Jenks said.

With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park right next door, outdoor adventures are already a big motivator for people to visit Cherokee. But the park doesn’t offer any

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2017

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Outdoors+Recreation Blue Ridge Parkway serves up the best of the mountains he Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road that winds for 469 miles from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.

It’s hard to get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It only goes in two directions — north or south. Short, wooden posts along the edge of the road mark off each mile — the entire 469-mile length of the Parkway — making it easy to know exactly where you are. The milemarker is listed for the recommended stops on the Parkway below, and should be easy to find by watching the mileposts. Hint: the numbers get bigger as you go south, so the end of the Parkway in Cherokee is mile 469.

The Parkway boasts more than 200 overlooks and more than 100 trails. The local section of the Parkway runs from the southern end in Oconaluftee to the Pisgah Inn on the Haywood, Transylvania County line. Along this stretch of scenic road you’ll find highlights such as the Parkway’s highest elevation overlook at Richland Balsam (6,053 feet), views of Cold Mountain made famous by author Charles Frazier, Waterrock Knob and Oconaluftee Visitors Centers, and Devil’s Courthouse Trail.

The Parkway is made for exploring. Here are few suggested highlights in our region, but feel free to ignore them. It’s all about the journey, not the destination.

T

SELECTED STOPS Waterrock Knob Visitors Center, milemarker 451 A must for Parkway travelers. Stop here to get recommendations from park rangers on things to do and see, plus pick up a free Parkway map and browse the bookstore. Views are fabulous if you are looking for a picnic spot. Also, there is a one-mile hike to the summit of Waterrock Knob. Interesting fact: the visitor center is powered by solar panels.

Richland Balsam, milemarker 432 The views are great all along the Parkway, but there’s even a milestone achievement available for those don’t want to hike but prefer just getting out of their car to take a picture, enjoy the view, or have a picnic. Just about halfway between the Balsam Gap (U.S. 23-74) and N.C. 215 entrance to the Parkway, near milepost 432, is the Parkway’s highest point (6,053 feet), which is marked with a large sign and a great overlook. Just a mile away at milepost

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431 is the Richland-Balsam Self-Guiding Trail, which is just one mile long and meanders through a spruce-fir forest. You’ll top out at an elevation of 6,410 feet, the 10th highest peak in the Eastern U.S. Devil’s Courthouse, milemarker 422 This one-mile round-trip trail leads to the top of stunning rock formation, a giant pedestal that seems to rise up magically from the mountains around it and makes you feel like you’re on top of the world looking out. Despite the sheer drop off all around you, rock walls provide a sense of safety — just don’t hop over them or let kids climb on the edge. Ecologically, visitors should stay off the cliff face, which is home to peregrine falcons and endangered rock-clinging lichens and plant life. The trail is steep but paved, making it accessible to anyone if you take it slow and steady.

Sam’s Knob, milemarker 420 Stellar hiking trails lead into the Shining Rock Wilderness, passing over grassy balds, rock outcrops, high elevation streams and fir forests. The

area is riddled with trails, some of which extend for miles into the Shining Rock Wilderness, so if you don’t have a map, watch the way you came carefully.

To reach the parking area, turn down a gravel forest service road.

Upper Falls at Graveyard Fields, milemarker 419 A high-elevation bowl home to two waterfalls, a swimming hole and crystal clear rocky stream. Unlike the dense forests that engulf most hiking trails in the Smokies, this area is defined by open meadows.

Mt. Pisgah (5,749 feet) Located near milepost 408, this mountain with the Biblical name used to be part of the George Vanderbilt Estate (he’s the man who built Biltmore Estate).

A parking area is well marked, and the hike is only about a mile but it is relatively strenuous to the platform atop the mountain. Once there, however, the 360-degree views are fabulous. Nearby campground and one of the only restaurants on the Parkway at the Pisgah Inn.

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Outdoors+Recreation

Reach for the Skyway — The allure of the Cherohala Skyway

What if you discovered that one of America’s most beautiful roads was right in your backyard, and it wasn’t the Blue Ridge Parkway?

“I’ve lived in North Carolina my whole life and I never heard of the Cherohala Skyway,” said Phillip Davis. “It’s one of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever been on and I found it completely by accident.”

Standing next to his motorcycle, Davis scans the 360-degree mountain views from an outlook on the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, a 43-mile two-lane mountaintop road stretching from Robbinsville to Tellico Plains, Tenn. He shakes his head when asked why more people aren’t aware of the Skyway.

“If you could compact the best parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway into 40 or so miles of road, it would be the Cherohala,” he said.

“It’s a road everyone needs to do at least

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once in their lifetime.”

The Skyway emerged in 1958, when the original route (which is now the Skyway) was a covered wagon trail, which was only used at the time as a novelty when the bookend communities would recreate the past on the “Wagon Train Road.” A buzz about maybe someday putting a road “up there” to connect all of the small mountain towns on both sides of the state line snowballed. By the early 1960s, Congress allocated funds to construct the Skyway. Thirty years and $100 million dollars later, the Skyway was officially opened in October 1996 — a mesmerizing piece of road meandering through some of the most desolate and mesmerizing landscape this side of the Mississippi River.

Crossing into Graham County on N.C. 28, the road is filled with steep inclines, rollercoaster down hills and s-curves galore. Before you know it, you’re in Robbinsville, an outpost community, which is the heart of the county. With the town being one end of the Skyway, Delphus and Cindy Lee just finished the riding the Skyway from west to east. Sitting on their motorcycle, the Kentucky couple makes a yearly trip along the Skyway.

“If you love to ride, it’s one of the most exhilarating roads you can get on,” Delphus said.

“The scenery and the curves,” Cindy smiled.

Heading to the start of the Skyway down N.C. 143 Thunder Mountain General Store suddenly appears. “Last Stop For 50 Miles” a small sign says in front of the building.

“1.3 million travelers go by our store every year,” said owner Ken Osburn. “Every corner of the world comes here.”

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Osburn and his family came from Franklin, Tenn. They purchased and opened the store in January 2014 and are all smiles with all of the unique people who wander into their business. “[The Skyway] is Gatlinburg without all the riff raff,” he said. “It’s pure nature and beauty — you get to see where God showed off.”

Entering the Skyway, you’re immediately thrust into the sheer majesty of these mountains as an endless array of mountain ridges look back at your from Santeelah Gap. The multitude of ridges hypnotizes the viewer, almost as if they were ripples in some vast, mysterious ocean. Like a bottomless bowl of Halloween candy, millions of trees still hold strong to their leaves, with the foliage season far from over.

The Skyway itself is a smooth road with too many notable viewing spots to count, so many in fact, you might want to tack on a couple more hours to the time estimation of your trip. After awhile you neck begins to

The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains has free maps, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. www.cherohala.org. hurt from turning left and right nonstop, eager to not miss an inch of this utterly captivating landscape.

At a nearby outlook, Linda and Mickey Archer are standing in awe of their surroundings. Visiting from Pensacola, Fla., they’ve ventured up to the Skyway every year for the last 15.

“As Floridians, we don’t have mountains,” Linda chuckled. “The Skyway is just a wonderful experience, the people, the trees, the road — everything.”

“The views knock your socks off,” Mickey added.

Soon, a sleek 1988 Chevrolet Corvette rolls up. At the wheel is Frank Helwig from Brantford, Ontario. With a grin ear-to-ear, the middle-aged man seems to have tapped into the fountain of youth cruising the Skyway.

“This car was made for this road,” he laughed. “This place is spectacular, it really is. That’s why I came here — it’s a trip of a lifetime.”

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2017

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Outdoors+Recreation

The observation tower at Clingmans Dome (left) and the elk in Cataloochee Valley, both in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Western North Carolina’s national treasure

this historic site just one mile from the park entrance on U.S. 441 north of Cherokee.

he Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an amazing array of mini-ecosystems — from peaks over 6,000 feet to low valleys, from moist densely forested coves to dry meadows. A walk from mountain base to peak compares with traveling 1,250 miles north. Several resident plants and animals live only in the Smokies.

The park has more than 100 species of trees and 4,000 species of plants. Some people say if you throw a rock and then trace its path, you’re likely to walk by at least 30 different kinds of trees.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses more than 500,00 acres and straddles North Carolina and Tennessee, making it the largest national park in the East.

Clingmans Dome

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A paved half-mile trail leads to a soaring lookout tower atop the highest peak in the Smokies. At 6,643 feet, the panoramic view offers spectacular scenery and is one of the best examples of the region’s famed blue mountain ridges marching endlessly across the horizon. The tower features a spiraling 375-foot ramp to the top.

Cataloochee Valley N.C. HIGHLIGHTS Oconaluftee Visitor Center Along with knowledgeable rangers who can help you plan your time in the park, fabulous exhibits will take you back in time among the early settlers and Cherokee who called these mountains home. The visitor center chronicles the culture and history of the Smokies, from exhibits on the Civil War in the Smokies to moonshine making. Located on U.S. 441 at the North Carolina entrance to the park, north of Cherokee and near the terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828.497.1904.

Mountain Farm Museum This stroll through an historic Appalachian farm offers a window on the ingenuity and self-reliance of early mountain people and Cherokee. A blacksmith shop to make everything from barn door hinges to

38

horseshoes, a spring house to keep milk and butter cool, and sundry buildings for storing the food they raised, from corn cribs to apple houses to smoke houses. The outhouse is a guaranteed eye-opener for kids. Located at the entrance to the park on U.S. 441 just north of Cherokee.

Deep Creek Enjoy a little of everything at Deep Creek. Hiking to waterfalls, picnicking, mountain biking, camping and what Deep Creek is famous for: tubing. Several outfitters rent inner tubes to float all day in the creek.

This is a fantastic place to visit for a few hours because you can do so many different activities without having to go to different places. If you are in the Bryson City area, treat yourself to a visit.

Mingus Mill The rumble of mill stones, the whistle of corn meal sliding down the wooden shoot, the slap-slap-slap of water falling over the giant paddle wheel. Explore

History and nature intersect in this picturesque meadow, a long, narrow valley cradled by mountains on all sides. An elk herd has been re-introduced into the park and calls the valley home.

Cataloochee Valley is also home to a former mountain settlement, with intact farm houses, churches, schoolhouse and cemeteries that can be toured by car and short walks. Pick up an interpretive brochure at the campground on the left after you get down to the valley floor that describes the historic buildings.

Big Creek This relatively isolated area is a favorite of locals, with a campground, bathroom, picnic area and jumping off point for some great hikes into the Smokies, including the all-day hike up to Mount Cammerer look-out tower. One of the coldest, clearest swimming holes in the Smokies — aptly named Midnight Hole — is a short one-mile-hike up the wide Big Creek Trail.

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Outdoors+Recreation Upper Mingo Falls.

and to the other side. The powerful waterfall is about 65 feet tall.

Dry Falls is in between Quarry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls about three miles west of Highlands on U.S. 64. There’s a small parking area on the left if you are headed west. Signs mark the falls on both sides of the road. If you come on a Saturday during peak tourist season, a parking space will be hard to come by. The trail to the falls is short with some steps.

Cullasaja Falls Cullasaja Falls is the final waterfall on the Cullasaja River before leaving the Gorge. The falls, a 200-foot cascade, is powerful and beautiful. You can get a good view of it from the road, but it would be difficult to get to the base. The downside to Cullasaja Falls is that the pull off is small and is a dangerous place for traffic to stop.

Cullasaja Falls is about two and a half miles west of Quarry Falls on U.S. 64.The pull off is small and at a sharp curve. The small pull off fills up quickly during peak tourism days. Heading west, the pull off is on the left side of the road.

Mingo Falls

The spiritual appeal of waterfalls hether one is an avid outdoorsman or an occasional hiker, there is something special about making a gorgeous waterfall the destination for a hike.

Among the Cherokee Indians, rivers were known as “The Long Man” and special ceremonies were often held at waterfalls.

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Western North Carolina, and we’ve compiled a fairly extensive list and an interactive map on our newspaper website www.smokymountainnews.com (navigate to the Outdoors section).

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SELECT WATERFALLS Bridal Veil Falls Bridal Veil Falls is easy to get to and impossible to miss. If you are headed west from Highlands through the Cullasaja Gorge on U.S. 64, the falls will go over a small pull off road on the right. The falls isn’t nearly as impressive as the other falls in the Gorge, but after all, how often do you get the chance to drive your car under a waterfall?

Bridal Veil Falls is 2.3 miles west of Highlands on U.S. 64. You’ll see a pull off road on the right side of U.S. 64 under the falls.

Dry Falls Dry Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Western North Carolina and an easy stop if you are seeing the other falls on U.S. 64 through the Cullasaja Gorge. Visitors can walk behind the falls

On the Qualla Indian Reservation in Cherokee, you’ll find the popular Mingo Falls. A small creek falls about 150 feet over mossy rocks. Access to the falls is good – if you can handle lots of steps.

A small bridge goes across the creek, giving hikers a face on view of the falls.

Coming from Cherokee, head north on U.S. 441.

You’ll turn right onto Acquoni Road. There will be signs telling you to turn there for Big Cove Road.

In about .1 mile, turn left on to Big Cove Road.

Again you’ll see signs pointing to Big Cove Road.

Drive about 5 miles and turn right into Mingo Falls Campground. The parking area is straight ahead. The trail starts there, goes up a lot of stairs, levels out and comes to a bridge overlooking the falls. The trail is about 265 yards.

Soco Falls Soco Falls is one of the closest large falls to Waynesville. Two creeks flow over steep rock cascades at a right angle from each other. There’s a wooden platform that faces the higher of the two falls. The other falls is nearly impossible to see face on without going down to the base of the falls. There's a really steep dirt incline that goes down there without a lot to hold on to.

From Waynesville, drive north on U.S. 19. You’ll pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway. After passing the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive 1.4 miles to a pull off on the left. At the corner before the pull off you want, you’ll see a large gravel pull off. This

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is actually a private driveway and not the way to Soco Falls. A sign on the right side of the road will tell you to go another half mile. Find a pull off with a guardrail.

A short, steep path goes down between the guardrails. Follow the trail, which leads to a wooden platform. The trail beyond the platform is steeper and more difficult but will take you to the top of one of the falls. A dirt incline leads to the bottom of the falls that you’d have to slide down. It looks like it would be a challenge to get back up.

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Midnight Hole There’s not much of a waterfall at Midnight Hole, but if you’re looking for a good place to jump in the water, this is it. Midnight Hole is very popular and crowded at times. There’s a rope that goes up one of the boulders so swimmers can jump off the rocks into the pool. The water is cold and crystal clear and feels wonderful after a hike on a hot, muggy afternoon.

Take I-40 Exit 451 in Tennessee. It will be the first exit after you cross the state line. Stay left after crossing the Pigeon River and follow the road 2 miles. You’ll drive by a power plant and community park. You’ll come to a stop sign at an intersection.

Go straight through the intersection and enter the Big Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow the gravel road .8 miles to a picnic area and campground entrance.

From the parking area, walk back up the road.

You’ll see a sign on the left for the trailhead. The hike to Midnight Hole is about 1.5 miles. Stay on the main path and the hole is on the left. The hike is easy. Horses and their riders also frequent the trail.

Waterfall on West Fork Pigeon River The waterfall on West Fork Pigeon River runs under an old stone bridge on N.C. 215. Although this waterfall isn’t one to plan a trip around, if you’re driving to the other falls on N.C. 215, it’s worth a stop. You can take shots from the road and the bridge but watch out for traffic. I tried to hike down to the base of the falls and failed miserably. I wouldn’t recommend trying it.

The waterfall is under a bridge on N.C. 215, 4.2 miles from where N.C. 215 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s 13.6 miles south of where N.C. 215 intersects with U.S. 276.

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Outdoors+Recreation Panthertown Valley.

Holly Kays photo

Hiking trails of the North Carolina Smokies

Hiking is one of the best ways to get out and commune with nature. With a quiet step you stand a great chance of seeing some of the multitude of wildlife Western North Carolina has to offer.

There are hikes for all kinds — climbs along the rocks to a high mountain waterfalls, casual strolls to expansive mountain views, all-day treks out into the wilderness and brisk jaunts to perfect picnic places. Wherever you go, trying making part of your hike a “soft walk.” Tread quietly and use your senses to experience the world around you without talking. If you see something worth pointing out, communicate without speech. The process will help you tune in to nature and how it communicates with us.

When hiking, you know best what you’re looking for and what you’re capable of — injuries happen when you take on too much or get too tired. Find a hike that suits your tastes and skills.

(Some hike recommendations courtesy of Danny Bernstein, author of Hiking the Carolina Mountains.)

SELECTED HIKES Easy Panthertown Valley Panthertown Valley is a 6,700-acre area in the Nantahala National Forest. It's been nicknamed “the Yosemite of the East” and is home to granite domes, waterfalls, valley floors and rare high altitude bogs, as well as the headwaters for Greenland and Panthertown Creeks and the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. Trails abound and primitive overnight camping and catch-and-release fishing is allowed.

Horsepasture River Trail This out and back three-mile hike in Sapphire offers outstanding view of four large waterfalls and good camping along the way. The trail can be a little gnarly. Use extreme caution when viewing waterfalls, particularly Rainbow Falls, which can be viewed from the top. Falls are slippery and that

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closer look just isn’t worth the type of injuries that may occur. The trailhead is located approximately 10 miles east of Cashiers.

toric Landmark offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the area. The Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail intersect at the tower.

Boogerman Trail This 3.8 mile loop hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes you past old growth hemlocks and Robert “Booger” Palmer’s home place (hence the name). There’s plenty of creek views and wildflowers. Nealry a mile in, you’ll see a sign for Boogerman Trail. To avoid a relentless and steep climb, continue further up Caldwell Fork Trail and take the upper loop of Boogerman Trail. The hike begins near the Cataloochee campground.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail Joyce Kilmer Forest, the last remnant of virgin forest in the Southern Appalachians, offers a spectacular 2-mile loop trail. Near Robbinsville.

Wayah Bald Located near Franklin in Macon County, this paved trail suitable for the handicapped leads to the Wayah Bald lookout tower, which is a National His-

Medium Hemphill Bald The Loop hike at Hemphill Bald is 13.7 miles in total, but just 4.7 miles in will get you to the Bald. The bald was named after a pioneer family.

Tsali Recreation Area Located in Graham County the Tsali Recreation Area is known for its excellent trails. Hikers, bikers and

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Looking Glass Rock. bradploeger/Creative Commons

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horses all must share, but a bike/horse usage schedule keeps down the melee. Hikers may use any trail at any time. The Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch Looop are billed as easy to moderate and good for families.

Looking Glass Rock This 6-mile hike through the Pisgah National Forest travels first through small cove, then steeply up the backside of Looking Glass Rock through many switchbacks, hardwood forests, Carolina hemlocks.

At the top of the trail there are cliffs providing views of Pisgah Ridge from Mt. Pisgah toward the Shining Rock/Black Balsam Area and the valleys below.

Hard Shining Rock Wilderness Area Shining Rock became one of the original components of the Wilderness System in September 1964.

A series of high ridges extends east and west from the north-south oriented Shining Rock Ledge. There are three main access points for trails within this Wilderness. First and foremost is the Black Balsam area near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although this is not part of the Wilderness itself, The Art Loeb (moderate) and Ivestor Gap (easy) trails lead into the wilderness area from here.

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Mount Sterling Gap Trail This low ridge trail begins at Mt. Sterling Gap on Cataloochee-Big Creek Road. It’s only 2.8 miles to the firetower, but is rated extremely strenuous because of a 2,000-foot climb in 2.3 miles along an old jeep trail to the ridge just below the firetower. This firetower is one of three remaining in the Park.

There are several excellent lookouts from the trail prior to reaching the main ridge, but the view from the tower is unequalled in the Park.

Fontana to Wesser This 30-mile hike along the Appalachian Trails is full of ups and downs. There are shelters along the way, and in the end you’ll find yourself at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Or do the hike in reverse and end at Fontana Dam. To learn more about the Appalachian Trail visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

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2017

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Outdoors+Recreation

Reelin’ in Appalachia — WNC Fly Fishing Trail ll of Western North Carolina is renowned for its fly fishing, and its reputation continues to grow. Jackson County has developed the first official, mapped fly fishing trail, and that has been emulated by Swain County. And of course there are plenty of outfitters and guides ready to take visitors to the best fishing holes in the mountains.

Below are just a few of the stops on Jackson County’s Fly Fishing Trail. For more information, visit www.flyfishingtrail.com.

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SELECTED STOPS Scott Creek

Tanasee Creek

• The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from headwaters near Balsam down to Sylva • Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-off areas along U.S. 23/74 • Type of Water: Hatchery supported • Noteworthy: Stretch also includes North Fork Scott Creek and Buff Creek, which are very scenic

• The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Tanasee Creek bridge up to headwaters • Access Point(s): Parking and access available at bridge on Tanasee Creek Road (SR 1762) • Type of Water: Wild Trout • Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest

Caney Fork

Panthertown Creek

• The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from East Laporte Park to headwaters at fork of Mull Creek and Piney Mountain Creek • Access Point(s): Access via Caney Fork Road (SR 1737), avoid posted land • Type of Water: Undesignated • Noteworthy: Respect private landowners

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• The Stretch: Entire stream, roughly 3 miles • Access Point(s): Parking and access at end of Breedlove Rd (SR 1121), with 2-mile walk to creek • Type of Water: Catch and release single hook artificial lure • Noteworthy: Located in Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its bowl shape and rocky bluffs

Raven Fork

• The Stretch: Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway bridge near Cherokee and goes north for 2.2 miles • Access Point(s): Parking and access via several pull-off areas along Big Cove Road; paths run along stream • Type of Water: Catch and release fly fishing only • Noteworthy: Cherokee Trophy Water; Cherokee annual permit and daily permit required

Whitewater River • The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from N.C. 107 down to the South Carolina state line • Access Point(s): Parking and access along N.C. 107, a few miles south of Cashiers • Type of Water: Wild Trout • Noteworthy: Flows into Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi

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Throwing caution to the wind — WNC disc golf

Beginner — Catamount Links, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee

It’s pretty impossible for one to lose their disc on this course. Looping around the athletic fields, there are wide-open spaces and sparse tree lines. Though there are only 13 holes, many of them are extended in length, and a real treat to be able to truly chuck your disc without fear of it disappearing.

Brooke Palay photo

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longside fly fishing, hiking and mountain biking, disc golf has become one of the most popular outdoor activities — it really is that much fun. Here are a handful of local favorites, for beginners all the way up to expert levels:

Intermediate — Waynesville Disc Golf Course, Waynesville Recreation Center

Expert — Richmond Hill, Asheville

Though plenty of holes are very welcoming for beginners, there are definitely some difficult ones. If you don’t know the 18-hole course, which can be a little tricky to navigate, ask the center for a complimentary map, or simply ask around (lots of folks play this course).

Advanced — Haywood Community College, Clyde

Tranquil, quiet course. Not too many folks around. Holes meander into the woods, which surround the school. Nice trails. The 18-holes are somewhat challenging, but not too far out of reach for intermediate players.

West Fork Tuckasegee River • The Stretch: From small reservoir at Thorpe Power House upstream several hundred yards • Access Point(s): Parking and access available both sides of N.C. 107 near Thorpe Power House • Type of Water: Hatchery supported • Noteworthy: Although hatchery supported, this has nice concentration of stream-raised fish

Tuckasegee River (East Laporte Park to N.C. 107 Bridge)

• The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from park to bridge • Access Point(s): Parking and access available at East Laporte Park and pull-off areas along Old Cullowhee Road • Type of Water: Hatchery supported • Noteworthy: East Laporte Park has picnic tables and public restrooms

Savannah Creek • The Stretch: About 10 miles from headwaters in Pumpkintown into Tuckasegee River

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Quite possibly the most beloved disc golf course in the region, it’s 18 holes of utter chaos looping around a wooded mountain ridge. One hole you’re throwing way uphill, the next it’s back down the other side.

Very challenging, but if played with respect and caution (for intermediate players), one can have the time of their lives out there.

As well, there are also courses at Heritage Park (18) in Andrews; Bethel Elementary (9); Meadowbrook Elementary (9) in Canton; and Bear Lake Reserve (9) and the Jackson County Recreation Center (18), both in Cullowhee. For more information on the sport of disc golf and course locations, click on www.pdga.org.

• Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-offs along U.S. 23/441 • Type of Water: Hatchery supported • Noteworthy: Access limited the closer you get to the Tuckasegee River

Tuckasegee River (NC 107 Bridge to Dillsboro park)

• The Stretch: Roughly 4-5 mile stretch from bridge to the riverside park in Dillsboro • Access Point(s): Parking and access available via numerous pull-offs along North River Road • Type of Water: Delayed harvest • Noteworthy: Best place to achieve the Tuckasegee Slam (catch all three species in one spot)

Greens Creek • The Stretch: About 3-4 miles from Macon County line to Savannah Creek • Access Point(s): Various places along Greens Creek Road (SR 1370) • Type of Water: Wild Trout, undesignated, hatchery supported • Noteworthy: Portion of the creek flows through the Nantahala National Forest

Tuckasegee River (in Dillsboro)

• The Stretch: About 1 mile from Dillsboro park through town • Access Point(s): Various places between park and Best Western River Escape Inn • Type of Water: Hatchery supported • Noteworthy: Includes two lodging options: Best Western River Escape Inn and Dillsboro Inn

Lower Tuckasegee River (Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier)

• The Stretch: Roughly 8-10 miles from bridge to Whittier • Access Point(s): Parking and access via pull-offs and businesses along U.S. 19/74 freeway • Type of Water: Hatchery supported, undesignated • Noteworthy: The stretch is also home to smallmouth bass

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Upcoming Events Ongoing • First/Third Thursdays — Community music jam, Bryson City. www.fontanalib.org • First Friday of the Month — Art After Dark, Waynesville. Evening stroll of galleries, restaurants and breweries in downtown. www.downtownwaynesville.com • First Friday of the Month — Art Walk, Murphy.

Stroll downtown art galleries, restaurants and shops. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Late May to Labor Day — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Memorial Day to Labor Day — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • Memorial Day to September — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Memorial Day to Early September — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • Memorial Day to Mid-October — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Early June to Labor Day — Pickin’ in the Park, Canton. www.cantonnc.com • Mid-June to October — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Late June to Labor Day — Saturdays on Pine concert series, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org

May • May 26 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • May 26 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • May 26 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • May 26 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • May 26 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • May 26-27 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • May 26-28 — Maggie Valley Spring Rally. www.maggievalleyrallys.com • May 26-29 — Memorial Day Weekend Celebration, Fontana Village. www.fontanavillage.com • May 26-Oct. 28 — Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling (Fridays/Saturdays). www.visitcherokeenc.com • May 27 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • May 27 — Strawberry Jam Festival, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • May 27 — Block Party, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com

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• May 27-28 — Cashiers Rotary Arts & Crafts Festival. www.cashiers411.com

June • June 2 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com • June 2 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • June 2 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • June 2 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • June 2 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • June 2-3 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 2-3 — 22nd annual Ole Smokey Tractor Farm Fest, Lake Junaluska. www.olesmokytractorclub.com • June 3 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • June 3 — Tunes on the Tuck, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • June 3 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • June 3 — 7th annual Art, River & Music Festival, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • June 3-Aug. 19 — Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, Cherokee (Monday-Saturday). www.visitcherokeenc.com • Early June — Car-B-Que, Hayesville. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• June 6-10 — Cherokee Summer Carnival. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 8-10 — Cherokee Bluegrass Festival. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 8-10 — Victory Slingshot Rally in the Smokies, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalleyrallys.com • June 8-11 — Highlands Motoring Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • June 9 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • June 9 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • June 9 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • June 9 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • June 9-10 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 10 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • June 10 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • June 10 — Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • June 10 — 20th annual Cherokee Voices Festival. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 16 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • June 16 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • June 16 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org

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• June 16 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • June 16-17 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 17 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • June 17 — Taste of Scotland Weekend, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • June 17 — Front Street Arts & Crafts, Dillsboro. www.mountainlovers.com • June 17 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • June 18 — Bluegrass at Cataloochee Ranch, Maggie Valley.. www.cataloocheeranch.com • June 23 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • June 23 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • June 23 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • June 23 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • June 23 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • June 23-24 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 23-24 — Speak to the Mountain Car Show, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com

• June 23-24 — Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour. www.greatsmokies.com • June 24 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • June 24 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • June 24 —Tunes on the Tuck, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • June 24-25 — Highlands Village Square Arts & Crafts Show. www.highlandschamber.org • June 24-25 — Sapphire Valley Summer Arts & Crafts Show. www.mountainlovers.com • June 24-25 — Summertime Arts & Craft Show, Cullowhee. www.mountainlovers.com • June 25 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • June 25-30 — Music Worship Arts Week, Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com • June 30 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • June 30 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • June 30 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • June 30 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • June 30 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org

• June 30-July 1 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • June 30-July 2 — 4th of July Powwow, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com

July • July 1 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • July 1 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • July 1 — Tunes on the Tuck, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • July 1 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • July 1-4 — Singing in the Smokies, Bryson City. www.theinspirations.com • July 2 — Fourth of July Celebration, Glenville. www.mountainlovers.com • July 2 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • July 2-5 — Independence Day Celebrations, Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com • July 3 — Bluegrass at Cataloochee Ranch, Maggie Valley.. www.cataloocheeranch.com • Early July — Canton Fourth of July Celebration. www.cantonnc.com • July 3-4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Fontana Village. www.fontanavillage.com

th 47 Annual

Sept. 1-2, 2017 a website to take you to places where there are no websites.

Open Tent Show 5-6:30 p.m.

Main Stage Indoor Show 6:30-11 p.m.

Festival Director: Joe Sam Queen | 828-452-1688

Log on. Plan a getaway.

Let yourself unplug.

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Paid for in part by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

1-800-334-9036 • www.visitncsmokies.com

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CALENDAR • July 4 — Stars & Strips Celebration, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • July 4 — Red White & Boom, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalley.org • July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Cashiers. www.cashiers411.com • July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Andrews. www.visitcherokeecountync.com • July 4 — Independence Day Celebration, Highlands. www.highlandsinfo.com • July 4 — Independence Day Fireworks, Murphy. www.visitcherokeecountync.com • July 4 — Independence Day Parade/Celebration, Hayesville. www.ncmtnchamber.com • July 4 — 4th of July Parade/Fireworks Celebration, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • July 4 — 4th of July Fireworks Show, Cherokee. www.nc-cherokee.com • July 4 — Sapphire Valley Yankee Doodle Dandy Day. www.sapphirevalley.com • July 4 — Freedom Fest, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • July 7 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com • July 7 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • July 7 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • July 7 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • July 7 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • July 7 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • July 7 — Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • July 7-8 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • July 8 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • July 8 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • July 8 — Heritage Arts Summer Festival, Bryson City. ncheritageartsfestival.wordpress.com • July 8-9 — Maggie Valley Summer Arts & Crafts Show. www.maggievalley.org • July 11-12 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • Mid-July — Festival on the Square, Hayesville www.ncmtnchamber.com • July 14 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • July 14 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com

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• July 14 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • July 14 — Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • July 14 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • July 14-15 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • July 15 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • July 15 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • July 15 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • July 15 — Appalachian Heritage Festival, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • July 20-21 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • July 20-30 — North Carolina International Folk Festival, “Folkmoot USA”. www.folkmootusa.org • July 21 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • July 21 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • July 21 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • July 21 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • July 21 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • July 21-22 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • July 21-22 — WNC BBQ Festival/Smokin’ in the Valley, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalley.org • July 22 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • July 22 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • July 22 — Folkmoot Parade of Nations, Waynesville. www.folkmootusa.org • July 27-30 — 52st annual Macon County Gemboree, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • July 28 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • July 28 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • July 28 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • July 28 — Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • July 28 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • July 28-29 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • July 28-29 — Hillbilly Jam, Maggie Valley. www.hillbillywoodstock.com • July 29 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org

• July 29 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • July 29 — International Festival Day, Waynesville. www.folkmootusa.org

August • Aug. 4 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleyassociation.com • Aug. 4 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Aug. 4 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • Aug. 4 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Aug. 4 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 4 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • Aug. 4 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 4 — Mountain Street Dance, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Aug. 4-5 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Aug. 5 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 5 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Aug. 5 — Tunes on the Tuck, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • Aug. 5 — Downtown Dog Walk, Waynesville. www.sargeandfriends.org • Aug. 5 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Aug. 5-6 — Lake Logan Multisport Festival. www.gloryhoundevents.com • Early-Mid August — Sapphire Valley Fine Art Show. www.sapphirevalley.com • Aug. 11 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • Aug. 11 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Aug. 11 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 11-12 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Aug. 11-12 — 8th annual Mountain High BBQ Festival, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Aug. 12 — Fontana Dam Bluegrass Festival, Fontana Village. www.fontanavillage.com • Aug. 12 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 12 — Blueberry Festival, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Aug. 12 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Aug. 12 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com

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Jackson County Green Energy Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creating Art and Community Using Renewable Energy.â&#x20AC;?

The Green Energy Park provides studio spaces that utilize renewable energy for artists to rent.

We also provide public and private classes, tours, and annual events, along with a gallery space for displaying and selling artist work.

Contact Us At Phone: (828) 631-0271 Email: info@jcgep.org www.jcgep.org 100 Green Energy Park Rd. Dillsboro, NC 28725

WNCTravel

2017

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CALENDAR • Aug. 13 — Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 17-19 — Maggie Valley Summer Rally. www.maggievalleyrallys.com • Aug. 18 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • Aug. 18 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Aug. 18 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 18 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • Aug. 19 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 19 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Aug. 19 — Tunes on the Tuck, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • Aug. 19 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Aug. 19 — Arts and Crafts Market, Dillsboro. www.mountainlovers.com • Aug. 19 — Waynesville Beer Fair. www.waynesvillebeer.com • Aug. 19 — 13th annual Franklin Area Folk Festival. www.franklinfolkfestival.com • Aug. 20-21 — Solar Eclipse, events around Western North Carolina • Aug. 22-27 — Haywood County Fair, Lake Junaluska. www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org • Aug. 24 — Bluegrass at Cataloochee Ranch, Maggie Valley. www.cataloocheeranch.com.

• Aug. 25 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com • Aug. 25 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Aug. 25 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 25-26 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Aug. 26 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • Aug. 26 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Aug. 26 — Qualla Arts & Crafts Open Air Indian Market, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Aug. 26-27 — Highlands Village Square Arts & Crafts Show. www.highlandschamber.org

September • Sept. 1 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com • Sept. 1 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Sept. 1 — Concerts on the Creek, Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com

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The Jackson County Green Energy Park Youth Arts Festival.

• Sept. 1 — Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Sept. 1 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 1 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • Sept. 1-2 — Music on the River, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Sept. 1-2 — 47th annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival, Lake Junaluska. www.smokymountainfolkfestival.com • Sept. 1-4 — Labor Day Weekend Celebration, Fontana Village. www.fontanavillage.com • Sept. 2 — Bluegrass at Cataloochee Ranch, Maggie Valley. www.cataloocheeranch.com.

• Sept. 2 — Saturdays on Pine, Highlands.. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 2 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Sept. 2 — Cashiers Rotary Arts & Crafts Festival. www.cashiers411.com • Sept. 2 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Sept. 2-3 — Labor Day Craft Show, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalley.org • Sept. 3-4 — 111th annual Canton Labor Day Festival. www.cantonlaborday.com • Labor Day Weekend — Cashiers Valley Arts & Crafts Show. www.cashiersrotary.org • Early September — Cherokee BBQ & Bluegrass Throwdown. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Sept. 8 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 8 — Concerts on the Square, Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org • Sept. 9 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Sept. 13-16 — Macon County Fair, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

• Sept. 15 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 16 — Dazzling Dahlia Festival, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 16 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Sept. 16 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Sept. 16 — Block Party, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Sept. 16 — Jackson County Green Energy Park Youth Arts Festival, Dillsboro. www.jcgep.org • Sept. 21 — Rotary Craft Beer Festival, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 22 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 22-24 — NOC Guest Appreciation Festival, Bryson City. www.noc.com • Sept. 23 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Sept. 23 — Tunes on the Tuck, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • Sept. 29 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Sept. 30 — Mountain Heritage Day, Cullowhee. www.wcu.edu • Sept. 30 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Sept. 30 — Concerts at the Depot, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com

October • Oct. 3-7 — 105th annual Cherokee Indian Fair. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Early October — Oktoberfest, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalleyoktoberfest.com • Early October — Taste of Sylva. www.mountainlovers.com

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Franklin

www.franklin-chamber.com

52nd Annual Macon County

Gold, Silver, Gem Stones, Minerals & More

July 27-30 • Thurs-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-4

Gold, Silver, Gem Stones, Minerals & More Robert C Carpenter Community Building 1288 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC

828.524.3161 • www.visitfranklinnc.com

Oct. 20-22• Fri-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-4 Robert C Carpenter Community Building 1288 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC

828.524.3161 • www.visitfranklinnc.com

Presented by: Lakes End Grille and Marina and the Franklin Chamber of Commerce

Pro & Backyard Cooking Competition Fri. 11am-9pm

August 11 & 12, 2017

Sat. 10am-5pm

WAYNE PROFFITT AGRICULTURAL CENTER US 441 South • Home of Macon County Fair Grounds

FRI. & SAT. GRILLING DEMOS FRI. EVE & SAT. CAR SHOW

Adult Admission $5 • Children Under 12 Free Great Tasting BBQ • Vendors • Crafters • Entertainment reclaim your weekend visitnc.com/parks

WNCTravel

2017

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CALENDAR • Early October — Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Show. www.sapphirevalley.com • Early October — Fall Festival, Brasstown. www.folkschool.org • Early October — High Country Quilt Show, Maggie Valley. www.maggievalley.org • Oct. 6 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com • Oct. 6 — Art Walk, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Oct. 6 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Oct. 6-8 — Cashiers Leaf Festival. www.cashiers411.com • Oct. 7 — Colorfest, Dillsboro. www.mountainlovers.com • Oct. 7 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Oct. 7 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Oct. 7 — Cherokee County Mountain Crafters Festival, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Oct. 7-8 — Fall Festival, Brasstown. www.folkschool.org • Oct. 12-14 — 11th annual Autumn Leaves Craft Show, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 13 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Oct. 14 — Pickin’ on the Square, Franklin. www.franklinnc.com • Oct. 14 — 34rd annual Church Street Art & Craft Show, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Mid-October — Cherokee County Fair, Murphy. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Oct. 20 — Friday Night Live, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Oct. 20-21 — Harvest Festival, Robbinsville. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com • Oct. 20-22 — Leaf Lookers Gemboree, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 21 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Oct. 21 — 27th annual Chili Cook Off & Fall Festival, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • Oct. 21 — 28th Annual Apple Harvest Festival, Waynesville. www.haywoodapplefest.com • Oct. 21 — 21th annual PumpkinFest, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 21-22 —Maggie Valley Annual Fall Arts & Craft Show. www.maggievalley.org • Oct. 31 — Treats on the Street, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Oct. 31 — All Hallows Eve Celebration, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org

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• Oct. 31 — Trunk or Treat, Lake Junaluska. www.haywoodfairgrounds.org • Oct. 31 — Downtown Trick or Treat, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • Late October — Catch the Spirit of Appalachia: Celebration of the Arts, Bryson City. www.mountainlovers.com • Late October — Fall Festival, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. www.franklin-chamber.com • Late October — Hauntober Weekend, Fontana Village Resort. www.fontanavillage.com • Late October — Hiker Jam Octoberfest, Cashiers. www.hikerjam.ticketleap.com

November • Early November — Cheoah Storytelling Festival, Robbinsville. www.townofrobbinsville.com • Early November — Mountain Shapes & Colors, Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com • Nov. 3 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com • Nov. 4 — WNC Pottery Festival, Dillsboro. www.wncpotteryfestival.com • Nov. 9-12 — 10th annual Culinary Weekend, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Parade, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Day Celebration, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Nov. 18 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Nov. 24-25 — Stecoah Artisans Drive About Tour, Robbinsville. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com • Nov. 24-25 — Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, Cullowhee. www.mountainlovers.com • Nov. 25 — Bryson City Spirit of Christmas. www.greatsmokies.com • Nov. 25 — Winter Wonderland Celebration, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Nov. 25 — Tree Lighting Ceremony, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve — Winter Fest, Robbinsville.. www.townofrobbinsville.com • Thanksgiving to New Year’s — Cashiers Festival of Trees. www.cashiers411.com • Late November — Christmas Parade, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com

December • Month of December — Christmas in the Smokies, Fontana Village Resort. www.fontanavillage.com • Early December — Christmas Parade, Brasstown. www.ncmtnchamber.com • Early December — Cherokee Christmas Bazaars.. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Early December — Lighting of the Square, Hayesville. www.ncmtnchamber.com

• Early December — Canton Christmas Parade. www.cantonnc.com • Early December — Murphy Hometown Christmas Parade. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Early December — Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration. www.cherokeecountychamber.com • Early December — Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, Robbinsville. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com • Dec. 1-31 —All through the Town, Waynesville.. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 1 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com • Dec. 1-2 — Balsam Range Art of Music Festival, Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com • Dec. 1-2 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christmas. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 1-2 — Lights & Luminaries, Dillsboro. www.mountainlovers.com • Dec. 1-4 — Holly Days, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 2 — 43nd annual Bryson City Christmas Parade. www.greatsmokies.com • Dec. 2 — Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, Highlands. www.highlandschamber.org • Dec. 2 — Winter Wonderland Celebration, Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com • Dec. 2 — Sylva Christmas Parade. www.mountainlovers.com • Dec. 4 — Waynesville Christmas Parade. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 7-10 — Appalachian Christmas, Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com • Dec. 8-9 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christmas. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 9 — A Night Before Christmas, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 9 — Cherokee Christmas Parade. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 9 — 43nd annual Cashiers Christmas Parade. www.cashiers411.com • Dec. 8-9 — Lights & Luminaries, Dillsboro. www.mountainlovers.com • Dec. 13-24 — Twelve Days of Christmas, Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 15-16 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christmas. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 16 — Back Porch Old Time Music Jam, Cherokee. www.greatsmokies.com • Dec. 29-30 — Cherokee Lights & Legends Christmas. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 31 — 23rd annual Possum Drop, Brasstown. www.ncmtnchamber.com • Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Cherokee www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Reception & Gala, Bryson City. www.gsmr.com • Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Celebration, Fontana Village Resort. www.greatsmokies.com

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Trip Advisorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 5% of over 300 NC outdoor attractions!

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82 Locust Drive, Waynesville NC 828.452.7276

ViewWNCTravel our current inventory at 2017

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