This ever-growing hub has evolved into a place to shop, eat, and gather.
cherokee
The Cherokee Way
In a land that has remained mostly unchanged for thousands of years, Cherokee culture continues to evolve. With renewed energy, citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are shaping their own narrative.
Chimney Rock: The Mountaintop Experience
For generations, visitors have been drawn to the unusual rock formation in Hickory Nut Gorge. Today, a quaint community and serene natural beauty are part of the allure of Chimney Rock.
Beyond the Boundaries
In the mountains of western North Carolina, Cherokee foodways have endured for centuries, an integral part of the tribe’s identity. NC Cooperative Extension works to ensure that those traditions are not lost.
Behind the Mask: Cherokee Carver Billy Welch
A Cherokee carver celebrates his culture by finding stories hidden in wood, following unseen lines to create works of art. Now, he’s passing his knowledge to a new generation of storytellers.
Smoky Mountain Roots
In the towns and communities in and around the Qualla Boundary, the Cherokee have endured like the ancient rhododendrons with which they share a home.
Wilderness Refined in the Southern Mountains
Among the stone and pine in our southern mountains, monied gentry built their summer homes and established towns that helped define the area.
Written in Stone: North Carolina’s Rock Formations
According to Cherokee legend, when the Earth was created, the Great Buzzard flew low over the flat land, his beating wings sculpting mountains and valleys below. Today, science offers its own explanations for our state’s geological marvels.
8 Scenic Drives in the North Carolina Mountains
Need inspiration for your fall leaf-peeping trip? During a drive on these winding scenic byways — with plenty of stops for waterfalls, hikes, museums, delicious food, and gorgeous views along the way — the journey is the destination.