Tucked in and among the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina are the towns of Bryson City and Murphy. Aside from the fact that both of these communities are located near rivers and streams with plenty of places for whitewater rafting, you will find dozens of attractions, museums, places of historic interest, hiking trails and more all within a day’s drive. Whether you decide on one of the many mountain cabins for rent in the area or you choose to stay in one of the region’s fine inns, you will find either of these communities a great place to make a temporary home during your Great Smoky Mountain vacation.
The region has been home to various groups of humans since the last Ice Age. A populace known as the Ani-Kitu-Hwagi, whose inhabitance dates back to that of the Cherokee by at least 500 years, established the neighboring village of Kituwa around the year 1000 AD. Ultimately, these natives were overrun and eventually assimilated by the Cherokee and Catawba Indians. The community was burned by the English around 1760, but until their homeland was taken over by the U.S. government some sixty years later, the Cherokee continued to make use of the site for ceremonies. In 1996, the Cherokee Nation’s Eastern Band reclaimed the territory and consider the site sacred.
Those who are interested in the history and traditions of the Cherokee should make it a point to tour the Cherokee Heritage Museum and Gallery in the neighboring town of the same name. Admission is only $2.50 and less for children age 10 and under. Living American Indian history can be experienced at the Oconaluftee Indian Village where re-enactors who are also members of the Cherokee Nation recreate the daily life of their people as it was 250 years ago.
More history of a different kind can be seen in the areas main city of Asheville. The 250 room Vanderbilt Mansion is preserved as it was in 1900 and contains a rich collection of sculptures and paintings as well as a number of restaurants and a winery.
Of course, as lyricist Lorenz Hart wrote back in the 1920s, being “in our mountain greenery where God makes the scenery” may be more to your liking. “Two crazy people in love” can discover a lot of romantic travel in the vicinity and explore it all from a rustic cabin rental obtainable near spectacular state parks like Chimney Rock. This amazingly scenic area is where the contemporary film Last of The Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis was filmed, and features waterfalls, miles of hiking trails and vistas of up to 75 miles as well as tours and group activities.
The devout may want to see such local points of interest as the Fields of the Wood which is a biblically themed park owned and operated by the Church of God of Prophecy. This is simply a small example of sites this section of North Carolina has to offer to the vacationer, so plan your trip today.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on beach vacation rentals and things to do.
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