Summer Getaway on a Budget!

Weekend Getaway on a Budget!

School is out for summer! The kids are begging for an adventure and you wouldn’t mind getting out of town yourself, but with the cost 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!

The listed activities 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!
Bear Creek Adventures Mini Golf and Gem Mining Co. – Play 18 rounds of mini golf and gem mine for the most competitive prices around WNC. Located in Murphy, NC right off Highway 64 with waterfall and rock scenes, Bear Creek Mini Golf and Gem Mining is open 7 days a week and offers affordable enjoyment for the whole family! (Children under 5 play free!)
Fires Creek Recreation Area: Located right on the Cherokee/ Clay County line is a gem with rushing waters, Leatherwood Falls, picnic tables, fire pits, and more. Pack the cooler and spend the day exploring the trails, and swimming in the river!
Ultra Star Multi-Entertainment Bowling and Arcade- Located at the Harrah’s Valley River Casino in Murphy, take advantage of “Unlimited Mondays” and “Half off Thursdays” to enjoy discounted bowling and arcade games. Offering food, beverages, sweet treats, adult beverages, and fun for the whole family.
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.
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 23rd 2025, visit Downtown Andrews and enjoy food hopping at Food Truck Friday, complete with live music and local vendors.
Murphy Art Walk– Kicking off in May and recurring the first Friday of each month. The sidewalks in Downtown Murphy are closed for local artisans, live music and good food. 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.
John C Campbell Folk School: Festival Barn Season Concerts :The Folk School features some of the finest regional and national acts performing eclectic roots music. Standard seating available, first come first serve. Offering a family-focused social area of picnic tables in the back. You’re welcome to bring your dinner, card games, carving, sewing project, or set up on the grass and let your kids play. Donations encouraged.