Don’t let the weather rain on your parade! While Cherokee County is known for our fantastic mountain views, great hiking and biking trails, and outdoor adventures, we are also known for our very unpredictable weather!

If you have already decided that today is going to be a lazy day, maybe these family fun activities will change your mind! 

Art & History

Cherokee County Historical Museum has two levels displaying the rich history of Native American and pioneer settlers in the far-western corner of the state. The museum is housed in the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy.

The Murphy Art Center is the perfect place to browse for a few hours on a rainy day! Filled with several rotating art galleries of various mediums, the MAC is always showcasing something new and unique to Appalachian culture.

Marketplace Antiques is trip back in time, packed with aisles of treasures from every era. Step back in time and relive the memories of the past, or discover something never seen before! You can comb through the packed aisle for hours and still not see everything this downtown gem has to offer!

Olive’s Porch is the place to go for laid back, fun craft classes, community circles to chat and work on personal craft projects, or swing by for live music in the evenings. There is always something fun happening on the porch.

Family Fun

Downtown Pizza is ideal if you have smaller kids! With a made fresh and hot pizza buffet and fresh salad bar, you can fuel up and then enjoy the arcade that will keep the kiddos entertained for a couple hours!

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center is located inside the Harrah’s Casino just outside of Murphy and has options for all ages. Even if gambling isn’t your thing, they offer bowling, an arcade, pool tables, and a food court.

Jumpers Party Rentals & Day Play can be found in Andrews. They offer a family fun center with several bounce houses, ball pits, and all kinds of unique games! You are guaranteed to enjoy a rainy day inside here!

Relax a Little

Just Relax! You’re on vacation after all, so take advantage of this rainy day and treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience! We have several spas to choose from in the area depending on the service you are looking for!

Andrews

• No. 18 Day Spa
• Salon El-Khouri & Day Spa

Murphy

• All is Well
• Urban Salon & Spa
• Infinity Salon & Spa
• Krista Young Massage Therapy
• Carolina Orthopedic Massage

Need more rainy day inspo? Stop by the Murphy Visitor Center for our free Rainy Day Guide and more!

The post What to do on a Rainy Day in the Mountains! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

Happy New Year! We are three and a half weeks into 2023 and looking forward to all the new adventures and activities to be had this year! From new restaurants and small businesses to new places to explore outdoors! 

Did you know that 2023 is the “Year of the Trail” in North Carolina? “In North Carolina, there is a trail for each of us. An open invitation for bikers, hikers, paddlers, and riders. For amblers, explorers, and commuters. These paths are a place of refuge and recreation, connecting us to the very essence of this state. To its storied, winding history. And—with our active use and care—to its future. Because we blaze and sustain trails together: those born and bred here, and those beckoned by its promise as the Great Trail State. Along these trails, we lead and we follow. We march on our own and we build community. We find new purpose, generation after generation. Because North Carolina’s trails are for all of us. To enjoy, to sustain, and to champion. This is our year. The Year of the Trail.” 

To help you kick off your “Year of the Trail” we have included a list below of some of the best places to hike, bike, and walk in Cherokee County! Find your favorites, try something new, and then re-visit your favorites because the view is different every time you visit!! We’ll see ya on the trails! 

Panther Top

Duh! You already knew this would be top of our list! We just can’t get enough of those panoramic mountain views, the moderate trail up to the top and the convenience of being close to downtown but feeling like you’re in the center of nature. 

Piney Knob Trails

The PKT is constantly on our recommended list of trails because it is SO versatile. You can walk, trail run, mountain bike, even meditate by the small waterfall at the trailhead! There are several trails varying in difficulty levels, and again, you have the luxury of enjoying the peace and quiet of the mountain scenery while only being 10 minutes from Downtown Murphy. 

The Murphy River Walk

The Murphy River Walk is an accessible, scenic, and serene trail. This is a great walk for all ages as it includes several stops beside playgrounds, a paved portion for those with difficulty navigating rocky terrain, benches and picnic tables for the nature watchers, and a 4 mile trail for those looking to get in some good cardio!

Nantahala Adventures Electric Bike Tours

If you don’t feel like spending the day on your feet, but still want to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer, an electric bike tour is perfect for you! “Explore dense mountain forests, travel along rushing rivers, up to scenic overlooks all without the sound of an engine disturbing you or the wildlife along the way. You control your experience with 0-7 pedal assist options.”

For More Information Click Here

Andrews Valley Scenic Rail Tours

We know that physical activity isn’t for everyone, and that is totally okay! However, we do think that experiencing the mountain views in Cherokee county is for everyone! This convenient scenic rail tour is perfect for all ages and activity levels, hop aboard the rail cart and enjoy the easy ride up the mountain, experiencing the beautiful foliage, scenic bridge crossings, local wildlife, mountain views, and even rivers and waterfalls! Gather the family and pack a lunch to enjoy a day on the rails! For more information Click Here

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Many visitors believe that Fall is the most wonderful time to visit the mountains, and with all the vibrant changing colors, they wouldn’t be wrong. However, the Winter season in Cherokee County is truly magical. The mountain colors may be long faded, but they are replaced by a buzzing energy and joy throughout the communities. Weekends are packed with festive events, tree lightings, parades, and locally made goodies you can’t find anywhere else! We are happy to share this secret, because trust us, you don’t want to miss out on a Mountain Christmas season!

• Murphy Art Walk- December 2, 2022 (5pm-8pm)- Everyone knows that the December Art walk is the biggest and best of the year! Get all your Christmas shopping done in an evening, plus you can support local artists and vendors! Bundle up and join us Downtown!
• Murphy Santa Pub Crawl- December 2, 2022 (4pm-9pm)- Join in on a new Christmas tradition filled with holiday cheer! Visit 10 different breweries and restaurants and sample the Christmas delight each has to offer! 
• Murphy Mountain Christmas Festival- December 2-4, 2022-  You won’t want to miss this 3 day Holiday extravaganza! The streets of Downtown Murphy will be lined with local vendors, local food, and local beer! Santa will also be making an appearance, top the day off with some whipped cream and marshmallows and join in on the Cocoa Crawl!
• Murphy Christmas Parade- December 3, 2022 (6pm)- As if there wasn’t enough going on in Murphy, you can’t miss this annual Christmas Parade! Guaranteed to be brighter and even more festive than last year! Don’t forget a bag for all the candy you’ll collect! 

• Andrews Christmas Parade- December 10, 2022 (5:30pm)- There is no better tradition than the Andrews Christmas parade, filled with small town charm and a coziness that keeps you warm in the cold evening! 

The post Winter Wonders in Cherokee County! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

If you’re looking for an adventurous new way to view the fall colors in the mountains, Andrew’s new scenic rail tour is perfect for a family fun day! This convenient tour is perfect for all ages, hop aboard the rail cart and enjoy the ride up the mountain, experiencing fall foliage, scenic bridge crossings, local wildlife, even rivers and waterfalls! Gather the family andpack a lunch to enjoy the day on the rails, for more information or to reserve your tickets click here!

The post Explore the Mountains of Cherokee County on a Scenic Rail Tour! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

• Heritage Park Trail- Andrews, NC
• Panther Top Tower- Murphy, NC
• The Murphy River Walk- Murphy, NC
• Wayah Bald Tower- Franklin, NC
• The Cherohala Skyway- Robbinsville, NC
• Joyce Kilmer Forest- Robbinsville, NC

The post Calling All Leaf Lookers- Where to get the Best Fall Views in & around Cherokee County! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

• Tasty Tuesdays in Downtown Murphy– This food truck & live music event is held at the L&N Depot every second and fourth Tuesday of the month through October from 5-8pm!

• Food Truck Friday– Cherokee County is food truck crazy! Going on its second year, Food Truck Friday is the place to be on the second Friday of every month! Beginning at 5pm with live music, local vendors, and a wide selection of food trucks from all over. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening!

• Cherokee County Fair– The first annual county fair is being held in Andrews, NC at the Andrews Recreation Park! Join us September 16 & 17 for live music, fantastic food, local vendors, a petting zoo, games and fun for everyone in the family! For more information visit www.CherokeeCountyNCfair.org

• Murphy Art Walk– A community staple, the Art Walk is a must when visiting Cherokee County! Local artists line the streets of Downtown on the first Friday of every month through December. 

• The Andrews Opry– A new local artist or band is brought to the outdoor stage at the Andrews Recreation Park every third Friday of the month! Bring a chair or sit in the large Adirondack chairs provided! Pack a cooler of your favorite drinks and enjoy treats from the local food trucks on site! Beginning at 7:30 pm, we’ll see you there!

The post Late Summer & Early Fall Events in Cherokee County! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

If this sounds like a well spent Summer evening to you then we recommend checking out the Andrews Opry! A live concert held at the Andrews Recreational Park once a month, featuring a different local artist along with various food trucks and family entertainment! All you need to bring is a cooler filled with your favorite ice cold drinks and a blanket or chair to relax in! 

Location: Andrews Recreation Park

When: Every 3rd Friday of the month (dates can also be found on our Events Calendar)

Time: 7:30-9:00 PM

The post Live Music in the Mountains! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

Summer is nearing an end, but before the school year begins and the days get shorter, let’s mark off those final bucket list items! We have made the ultimate Summer Bucket List to help you make the most out of the final days of Summer!

• Whitewater rafting at the NOC

• Kayak the Valley River

• Mountain Biking at Piney Knob trails

• Finish a Monster Milkshake from Mimo’s Ice Cream

• Try a dish from every truck at Food Truck Friday

• Enjoy live music in the park at the Andrews Opry

• Make s’mores by the campfire

• Walk the whole River Walk trail

• Hike to the top of Panther Top

• Play Disc Golf at Heritage Park

• Try every taco filling at Santo Nino 

• Buy a new book from the Curiosity Shop Bookstore

• Try a new Summer drink from the Mason Bar

• Visit the Murphy Farmers Market

• Discover a new artist at the Murphy Art Walk

• Drive a Porsche at with Appalachian Driving Experience

Soak up the last bit of Summer and plan your weekend getaway in Cherokee County today! Visit www.visitccnc.com to help you plan your trip and stay up to date on upcoming events!

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Sweet Tooth- Murphy, NC

Sweet tooth is a local favorite! This Murphy staple has been around for years and they still serve up the best soft serve, milkshakes, and sundaes just like the good ole’ days! This little hidden gem even has a drive through for a quick treat, just don’t forget your wallet because this blast from the past is cash only!

Located at: 658 Andrews Rd, Murphy, NC 28906

Mimo’s Ice Cream & Sweet Treats- Murphy, NC

If you’re looking for something with a twist, Mimo’s is the place to be! Serving up home-made flavors, mega sundaes, boozy shakes, and monster milkshakes stacked high with cookies, snack cakes, candy, s’mores and more! You won’t want to miss these unique treats located in the heart of Downtown Murphy!

Located at: 46 Valley River Ave Suite D, Murphy, NC 28906

Cups & Cones- Andrews, NC

A fresh waffle cone is a must at Cups & Cones in Andrews! Choose from a variety of flavors and toppings or try a milkshake or smoothie. Whichever you choose, take a seat outside and enjoy the view of Downtown Andrews!

Located at: 915 Main St, Andrews, NC 28901

The post Sweet, Sweet Summer! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

Aside from tons of free outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming, Summer in Cherokee County is the beginning of outdoor festival season and live music! Check out the list below for free or low cost events to check out on your next adventure to the mountains! 

• Food Truck Friday– Bring your appetite to Andrews! Join us In Downtown Andrews for Food Truck Friday on the 2nd Friday of every month. Enjoy a variety of fresh food made on the spot by local food trucks, local vendors, and live music in the park! 

• Artwalk– The Artwalk has returned to Downtown Murphy for the Summer and it’s bigger and better than ever! Local artists, vendors, and live musicians line the sidewalks to show off their craft. Come and stroll the streets and soak in the mountain culture!
• John C. Campbell Folk School Live Concerts & Dancing–  Put your dancing shoes on for weekly live music and dancing at the John C. Campbell Folk School! 

• J & J Getaway Concert & Camping Series– Enjoy the great outdoors, live music from local bands and musicians and food from local food trucks on site at J & J Getaway! If the night ends too late, book a cabin or a campsite and stay a little longer! 

• Hometown Celebration Recreation Events– It wouldn’t be Summer without splash contests, horseshoes, relay races, and so many more fun summer activities at the Andrews Recreation Park on July 2, 2022! After the day of festivities, watch fireworks in the park!
• Fourth of July Festivities– Konaheata Park in Murphy, NC is the place to be on thefourth of July! Hot air balloon rides, a fishing derby, peanut drop, and many more activities will be followed with fireworks in the park that evening!

View our Local Events Page on our website here, to plan your Summer Adventure in Cherokee County!

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The kids are begging for a Spring Break trip and you wouldn’t mind getting out of town yourself, but with the cost of gas, food, and daily life expenses rising, who can afford a spur of the moment vacation right now?! A break shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg, follow the suggestions below to plan the perfect weekend in the mountains getaway without breaking the bank!

Day Activities

The listed activities below are either free or low cost making them affordable for your whole family!

• The Murphy River Walk– A 4-mile paved loop with several board walks, parks, benches, and covered pavilions along the scenic river front trail.
• The Cherokee County Historical Museum– With $3 admission for adults and $1 for Children, take advantage of this history lesson right in Downtown Murphy!
• Panther Top– A scenic 2-mile round trip hike to Panther Top Fire Tower will allow the whole family to soak up the panoramic mountain views!
• Piney Knob– Bring your bikes to enjoy the various biking trails at Piney Knob! No bikes, no problem. Piney Knob Trails double as perfect nature walk trails, varying in difficulty for all ages. 
• Nantahala Outdoor Center– Hang up your hammock and spend the day at the NOC. Watch skilled rafters pass by on the Nantahala river and enjoy the various nearby hiking/walking trails. 
• Spring Festivals in Andrews and Murphy– Plan your weekend getaway around our local Spring Festivals! Packed with local vendors, live music, art demonstrations, and fresh food, your day will be filled!
  • Andrews Spring Fling- April 23, 2022
  • Murphy Spring Festival- May 7, 2022
• Heritage Park Disc Golf– Spend the morning in Andrews at the disc golf course! Play a fun and challenging game of disc golf or go for a stroll with a mountain view around the course’s gravel track.
• Food Truck Friday– Beginning on May 13, 2022, visit Downtown Andrews and enjoy food hopping at Food Truck Friday, complete with live music and local vendors.

• Murphy Art Walk– Beginning May 6, 2022 the sidewalks in Downtown Murphy are closed for local artisans, live music and good food. Shop the sidewalk weekend getaway around our local Spring festivals! Packed with local vendors, live music, art demonstrations and fresh food, your day will be filled! Shop the sidewalks from 5pm-8pm every first Friday of the month.

Restaurants

Give these Local Favorites a try for quick service and quality food on a budget!

• Main Street USA
• Santo Ninos
• Smoky Mountain BBQ
• Rib Country
• Maria’s Diner

Special Treats

It’s still vacation! Treat the gang to a sweet treat or a cold drink for mom and dad!

• Sweet Tooth Ice Cream 
• Mimo’s Ice Cream & Sweet Treats
• Snowbird Mtn. Brewery
• Buck Bald Brewery
  
• Fern Crest Winery

The post Weekend Getaway in the Mountains on a Budget! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

For the Outdoorsy Adventure Seeker:

• Start the day off with a moderate hike to beautiful Panther Top and take in the panoramic mountain views!
• After your hike, take a quick 15 minute drive back to Downtown Murphy and check out our local outdoor store, Peaceful Trails. Find the coolest Murphy shirts and custom stickers or pick out a handcrafted pocket knife.
• End the day with a cold, craft beer from Buck Bald Brewing and   enjoy the view of bustling     downtown.   

For the Go with the Flow Wayfarer:

• Begin your morning with a fresh made breakfast sandwich or homemade muffin and a hot cup of coffee from Cups and Cones in Downtown Andrews. Take a seat and chat with the locals or just enjoy the easy going flow of downtown Andrews.

• After spending the morning in Andrews, take a 15 minute drive to Downtown Murphy and explore the
• local book nook, The Curiosity Shop Bookstore. Get lost in    local literature and folk tales or find a newly released favorite!
• End the evening with a stroll on the Murphy River Walk. Take in the sounds of nature and the relaxing lull of the river. Too stuffed to walk? There are several seating areas and pavilions right on the river so you don’t have to worry about missing the view!

For the Artsy Globetrotter:

• Start your day off at the Murphy Art Center, viewing locally 
• crafter art, photos, pottery and much more! Continue your stroll and explore all the locally owned shops and cafes in Downtown Murphy.
• After a morning of shopping, enjoy the beauty of nature at Two Crows Farm. Pet and feed the friendly alpacas, this is a hit with both children and adults!
• End your day at The Mason Bar and fancy a specialty crafted drink and dine on their delicious and fun menu! While you enjoy, listen to a local musician perform. Don’t be scared to double dip as they host new performers every night!

If you’re looking for a specific activity, restaurant, or something different altogether feel free to swing by the Murphy visitor Center on your way into town! We can’t wait to see you!                                                                                                                                     

The post Spring for a Mountain Getaway! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

1. Start your weekend vacay off with a homemade bagel or doughnut and specialty coffee from Rarebird Emporium! While you enjoy, shop around their 2,000 sq. ft. storefront filled with locally crafted goodies!
2. Continue your easy going day with a mid morning    relaxation session at Infinity Salon and Spa . We recommend the “Honeymoon Suite Package” complete with:   2) One hour massages,   2) Signature Facials, and a soak in the Hydrotherapy tub together!
3. Carry on the afternoon with a scheduled wine tasting at Valley River Vineyards. Enjoy the scenic wildlife views as you sip by the firepit or while you stroll the outdoor walking trails on site.
4. Finish off a day of romance at Bistro 29 with a gourmet dinner offering the best cuts of beef, high grade sushi and seafood, and everything in between!

The post A Valentines Getaway in the Mountains appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

Check out these 5 businesses new to our area!

Volt Nutrition
Located just outside Downtown Murphy, Volt Nutrition is the home of well over 100 specialty teas, coffees, and protein shakes with names ranging from the “Red High Heel” to “Captain America” and “Golden Girls”. Along with the flavorful drinks and fun names, Volt Nutrition offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and a one of a kind refreshment experience!

Olives Porch
Olive’s Porch is a new Folk School community gathering place in downtown Murphy. The location will feature a large classroom, a retail shop showcasing the work of Appalachian artists, and a studio maker space for an artist in residence program. Olive’s Porch will invite locals and visitors to learn about and participate in traditional Appalachian crafts, music, and dance!

Homespun Hobbies
Located in Downtown Andrews, Homespun Hobbies is a warm and cheerful bakery and custom home décor shop. Owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo, these two create fresh homemade treats everyday! We recommend getting there early because they go quick!

The Mason Bar
If you’re looking for great live music, a drink, and a good time, The Mason Bar is the place to be! Located in the heart of Downtown Murphy, The Mason Bar is the perfect evening hang out spot to jam out to local musicians and enjoy a tasty cocktail. We can’t wait to see you there!

Mountain Mornings Café
Coming to Downtown Murphy in late 2022, Mountain Mornings Café is the perfect brunch spot! Serving monster pancakes, hot coffee, and all other things that make breakfast wonderful. Come enjoy the downtown view while you sip your morning coffee!

The post New Businesses in Cherokee County you should check out in 2022! appeared first on Cherokee County North Carolina.

Cherokee County Historical Museum
Escape indoors to the Cherokee County Historical Museum, filled with rich history on the Cherokee Indians, the blue marble court house, what downtown Murphy looked like in the 1950s and so much more! With so much history and knowledge you’ll easily lose track of time!

Christmas Window Display Cruise
Grab a coffee or hot chocolate to go and cruise downtown Murphy! Enjoy all the twinkling lights and unique Christmas displays in each window!

Shop Marketplace Antiques
Get lost in Western Carolina’s largest consignment shop! Marketplace is open 7 days a week and has an array of antiques and hand crafted items, enjoy a look into the past through the maze of Marketplace Antiques.

The Murphy Art Center
Explore the MAC when the winter cold gets too fierce! The MAC offers several art galleries and various mediums such as sculptures, wood carving, painting, photography and so much more! All art has been created locally and if you find something you just can’t part with, most items are available for purchase.

Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company
Visit the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company and explore their locally crafted selection of olive oils! With hundreds of flavors to choose from, grab a few and head back to the cabin to create a feast!

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