Cherokee North Carolina
2021 Chamber of Commerce Travel Guide
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2021 Cherokee Travel Guide
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Cherokee Family Travel Guide CONTENTS Explore
7................................... Welcome 8......................................Culture 10.......... Explore the Outdoors 14........................... Take a Drive 19.....................................Fishing
Cover image: Jeremy Wilson Cherokee, NC This is a BAEO, LLC Publication locally created and produced for:
21......... Affordable Family Fun 24..........................................Map Cherokee Chamber of Commerce (828) 788-0034 cherokeesmokies.com
Member Directory 29.................Accommodations 34.............................Attractions
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber nor BAEO assume responsibility for misinformation. Contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in any part without permission of BAEO, LLC Publishing is prohibited.
38................Dining & Nightlife 42................................Shopping 45............................Community
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P.O. Box 1871 Bryson City, North Carolina For inquiries contact: Ashley Butcher, Publisher Ashley@brysoncitymagazine.com
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2021 Cherokee Travel Guide
Greetings FROM
Cherokee, NC O
n behalf of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, I would like to welcome you to Cherokee, North Carolina, and encourage you to “Meet Me in the Smokies.” When visiting Cherokee, you are in the center of a beautiful cultural and recreational region with the Great Smoky Mountains serving as the backdrop.
Amy Parker, Executive Director & Tunie Braun, Manager
While vacationing in Cherokee your family can play miniature golf, visit an amusement park, pan for gold and precious gems, take a scenic ride on a train, play in a creek or river, or visit the tallest dam in the Eastern United States.
Meet Mekiiens!
Again, I want to extend a warm welcome to you and your family on your visit to Cherokee. I hope this guide helps you plan and enjoy your visit to our area. Visit CherokeeSmokies.com for additional information and to see why we call this area home. a publication of the
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1838 • Cherokee, NC 28719 828.788.0034 info@cherokeesmokies.com
Th e S m o
Amy Parker
Executive Director Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
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Culture
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a federally recognized tribe that occupies the Qualla Boundary. The Qualla Boundary has 56,000 acres primarily in Swain and Jackson counties and smaller sections in nearby Cherokee and Graham counties. The tribe has 14,000 members. The Qualla Boundary is not a reservation, but a “land trust” supervised by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The land is a fragment of the extensive original homeland of the Cherokee Nation. The people had to purchase their land to regain it after it was taken over by the federal government.
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Oconaluftee Indian Village The Oconaluftee Indian Village features a sampling of Cherokee life during the mid- to late 1700s. Visitors will learn about the culture through re-enactments, classes, dances and more. They also can meet tribal members and watch tribal members hull canoes, make pottery and baskets, and do bead work. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual at 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, features artwork made by the Cherokee Indians, including pottery, bead work, baskets, wood carvings, paintings and prints, masks, pipes, finger weaving, home goods and weaponry. Museum of the Cherokee Indian The Museum of the Cherokee Indian features computer-generated imagery, special effects and audio with a large artifact collection. Installed in 1998, this $3.5 million project tells the story of the Cherokee and their ancestors from 12,000 years ago through the present. The self-guided tour begins with the Story Lodge, where ancient Cherokee myths appear through computer animation. Visitors can continue through the Paleo period when mastodons were killed with spears. Through the Archaic and Woodland periods, people got into agriculture, and created trade and villages. The ceremonial activities of the Mississippian period echo throughout today’s traditions, but also brought disease, war and many cultural changes. “Unto These Hills” “Unto These Hills” is an outdoor drama facility in the 2,100-seat Mountainside Theatre that allows visitors to learn about the history of the Cherokee. One of the longest running outdoor drama centers, “Unto These Hills” has entertained more than six million since 1950. Shows are nightly except Sunday from June through mid-August. The theater is located at 688 Drama Road, Cherokee. cherokeesmokies.com
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Explore
the Outdoors
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ocated in the heart of the Smokies, Cherokee is the perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. From an easy riverside stroll to a challenging mountain bike trail, there are ample opportunities to get out and smell the fresh mountain air. We’ve included some ideas for getting outside here. 10
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Clingmans Dome At 6,642 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies. From the parking lot, 7 miles west of Newfound Gap, walk the steep half-mile path to the 54-foot observation tower for a 360-degree view of the Park. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144-mile journey. The Clingmans Dome road is closed from December 1 through April 1.
Mingo Falls Mingo Falls on the Qualla Boundary just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee is worth the 1/4-mile hike, which is considered moderate to difficult. Visitors must walk up 150 stairs to a wooden bridge that crosses Mingo Creek. The 120-foot waterfall is one of the tallest in Southern Appalachia and is most exciting after heavy rains. There is no fee.
Soco Falls Just east of Cherokee on US 19 towards Maggie Valley you’ll find Soco Falls
– a double waterfall – on your right. There’s a small unmarked pull-off, and a short walk leads you to a viewing platform for Soco Falls and another smaller fall. The pull-off is 11 miles from the intersection of US 441 Bus. & US 19. (From Maggie Valley, it’s about 1.5 miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway on your left.) cherokeesmokies.com
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Horseback riding in the Smokies If you want to travel in the mountains like people did before Henry Ford’s Model T, opportunities are available. Riding Stables just five minutes north of Cherokee gives people a safe, fun and family friendly horseback riding experience. Stables are open daily March through Oct. and through winter by appointment only. Both are located off U.S. Highway 19, a few minutes from Harrah’s Casino.
Cherokee Bamboo Walking Path With a trail that cuts through the middle of it, the Cherokee Bamboo Walking Path is a mini “forest” at the Oconaluftee Island Park. The trail is a flat concrete walking surface, which is handicapped accessible and great for strollers.
Tsali Recreation Area A relatively short drive from Cherokee, Tsali Recreation Trail System is located west of Bryson City. Named after the Whitewater rafting 19th century Cherokee Indian martyr, Tsali In the nearby Nantahala National Forest, (pronounced “SAH-lee”), the 42-mile the Nantahala River offers whitewater network of multi-use trails is favored rapids that the whole family can enjoy. among expert mountain bikers. Several outfitters along the river offer trips by raft, kayak or ducky, as well as other activities such as zip-lining. 12
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Take Smokies a Drive in the
When it comes to taking in breathtaking vistas, by car is one of the best ways to enjoy the view. From Cherokee, there are several great drives that offer stunning views.
Newfound Gap Highway 441 will take you directly from Cherokee through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and to Gatlinburg, Tenn., in less than an hour. The highway offers plenty of stops along the way where you can get out to stretch your legs and view the diverse plant life and mountain views. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a black bear. 14
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Tail of the Dragon This road is legendary and rightfully so. With 318 curves in just 11 miles, Tail of the Dragon is a dream for motorcyclists. Located outside of Robbinsville, just a short drive away from Cherokee, the dragon is a must-do for motorcyclists. Blue Ridge Parkway The beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from Cherokee to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The Parkway was designed for a leisurely drive with plenty of pullovers to enjoy the incomparable views. Yet it’s the southernmost section of the Parkway, near Cherokee, that provides some of the most spectacular vistas. Two overlooks near Cherokee are among the most popular. Balsam Knob (mile marker 431), the highest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, is a favorite of sunset watchers. Enjoy stunning views of the Great Smokies right from the parking lot at Waterrock Knob (mile marker 451.2), which sits at nearly 6,000 feet elevation.
Explore the past Want insights into Cherokee’s past? Take a scenic drive to Judaculla Rock to see the ancient petroglyphs considered by the Cherokee people to be Judaculla’s footprint. Judaculla was a slant-eyed giant who dominated the mountains in years long past, a powerful being who could leap from one mountain to another.
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Fishing in the Smokies
There are ample opportunities for quality trout fishing within the Qualla Boundary. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Tribal Management stocks over 400,000 trout a year and helps conserve forest waterways, stream banks, stream entry points, and bridges.
Look for these trout:
Brook Trout
Golden Trout
The brook trout, a familiar jewel, is the only native game fish in these mountain waters and ranges between 6-8” fully grown. It has brilliant red spots in circles of contrasting colors, light red fins with white edges and is found mostly in small, narrow streams where water runs cold and crisp.
An unmistakably bright, flashy fish, the stocked golden trout species were recently introduced for enjoyment and variety. Originally spawned in 1954, the golden trout has unique value as a trophy fish. Expect the golden to behave like browns and rainbows.
Brown Trout Browns, stocked by the tribal hatchery, are brown to olive in color with green, orange and sometimes red spots encircled in yellow or white. They are found around fallen trees or boulders in large pools and can be found under shaded banks. Large browns reach 18-26.”
Rainbow Trout The most popular stocked fish, the rainbow trout, displays a wide lateral pink to red stripe on its side, is dark olive on its back, lightcolored at the belly and speckled overall. The rainbow will be found in riffles and swift runs as well as open waters.
FISHING REGULATIONS For more information about North Carolina fishing, go to NC Fish & Wildlife www.ncwildlife.org cherokeesmokies.com cherokeesmokies.com
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Family Fun
Affordable Cherokee offers an array of activities for the young at heart — no matter what your age. What’s the best part? It’s affordable too!
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Visit the Mountain Farm Museum In a field behind the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center, the Park Service has recreated a late 19th century mountain farm with authentic log structures moved from their original locations throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. See the museum and dip into the area’s past.
Enjoy a bonfire Cherokee storytellers present bonfire programs at Oconaluftee Island Park. Children can roast marshmallows and join in on a Cherokee Friendship Dance. The bonfires, which are free, are held throughout the summer at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Float the river There are lots of options for tubing and kayaking if you are looking to spend a little time on the water. The Big Cove Play in the river Route is the most popular and the longest Oconaluftee Island Park near U.S. trip in Cherokee. A bus transports visitors Highways 19 and 441 in downtown two miles up Big Cove Road for a twoCherokee is free and a great place hour float down the Oconaluftee River. Be for picnics, fishing and playing in the sure to check out cherokeesmokies.com to find one of the multiple companies shallow water of the Oconaluftee River. that offer adventures with pick-up and drop-offs so your trip is covered! cherokeesmokies.com
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Fire Mountain
Post
441
Oconaluftee River
Tsali Blvd
Mingus Mill
441
Oconaluftee
On Big Cove Road 5 miles north of the intersection at Saunooke Village
Mingo Falls
Big Cove Road
Mingo Falls
Raven Fork River
Oconaluftee River
Acquoni Expo Center
Oconaluftee River Trail
Park Visitors Center & Mountain Farm Museum
AHA Fishing Pier catch & keep Tribal permit required
Qualla Arts & Crafts Unto These Hills Mountainside
Cherokee North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
US 441 North to Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome & Gatlinburg
Blue Ridge Parkway
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Tsalagi Road
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Hospital Road
441
Acquoni Road
River Trail
441
BUS
Whitewater Drive
To US 74 Dillsboro (east) Bryson City (west)
Casino Trail
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
19 To Maggie Valley
Santa’s Land
AHA Fishing Pier catch & keep Tribal permit required
Cherokee Visitors Center
Unto These Hills Ticket Office
Oconaluftee Islands Park
Office
To Sequoyah National Golf Course
Cherokee Phoenix Theatre
Fairgrounds
Seven Clans Road
©2018 Cherokee, NC Chamber of Commerce
Oconaluftee River
To Kituwah Mound & Bryson City
Theatre
Oconaluftee Indian Village Museum of the Cherokee Indian Cherokee Hospital
Bike Trails
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Accommodations Bed & Breakfasts
Fontana Village Resort Hwy 29 North Fontana Dam 800-849-2258 fontanavillage.com Cabins/ Vacation Rentals
Carolina Mountain Vacations 40 Greenlee St Bryson City 828-488-7500 carolinamountainvacations.com Creekside Cabins 1044 West Deep Creek Bryson City 828-488-2235 creeksidecabinsnc.com Fontana Village Resort Hwy 29 North Fontana Dam 800-849-2258 fontanavillage.com Frontier Motor Lodge & Cabin Rentals 55 Casino Trail Cherokee 828-497-9293 Land’s Creek Log Cabins 3336 Balltown Rd Bryson City 888-346-9793 landscreek.com
Nantahala Outdoor Center Cabins 13077 Hwy 19 W Bryson City 888-905-7238 noc.com Qualla Motel and Cabins 125 Tee Pee Whittier 828-497-5161 quallacabinsandmotel.com Smoky Mountain Cabins 162 Everett St, Bryson City 828-307-0603 Smcabins.com Two Rivers Lodge and Cabins 5280 Ela Rd Bryson City 828-488-2284 • 828-488-1275 tworiverslodgenc.com Watershed Cabins 162 Everett St Bryson City 888-604-3075 watershedcabins.com Whispering Winds Log Cabins 231 Pams Way Bryson City 828-736-6443 brysoncitylogcabins.com cherokeesmokies.com
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Cabins/ Vacation Rentals cont. Wildwater Falling Waters Resort P.O. Box 190 Almond 800-451-9972 fallingwatersresort.com Yellow Rose Realty 203 Slope St Bryson City 800-528-0760 yellowroserealty.com Campgrounds Flaming Arrow Campground 283 Flaming Arrow Dr Cherokee 877-497-6161 flamingarrowcampground.com Fontana Village Resort Hwy 29 North Fontana Dam 800-849-2258 fontanavillage.com Happy Holiday RV Village 1553 Wolfetown Rd Cherokee 828-497-9204 happyholidayrv.com Yogi In The Smokies 317 Galamore Bridge Rd Cherokee 877-716-6711 jellystonecherokee.com
Fontana Village Resort Hwy 29 North Fontana Dam 800-849-2258 fontanavillage.com Frontier Motor Lodge & Cabin Rentals 55 Casino Trail Cherokee 828-497-9293 Great Smokies Inn 1636 Aquoni Rd Cherokee 828-497-2020 greatsmokiesinn.com Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel 777 Casino Trail Cherokee 828-497-7777 harrahscherokee.com Qualla Motel and Cabins 125 Tee Pee Whittier 828-497-5161 quallacabinsandmotel.com Rivers Edge Motel Hwy 441 North Cherokee 828-497-7995 riversedgecherokee.com
Hotel/Motels
Rolling Hills Lodge 739 Tsali Blvd Cherokee 800-255-5371 rollinghillslodge.com
Cherokee Grand Hotel 196 Painttown Rd Cherokee 828-497-0050 cherokeegrandhotel.com
Smoky Mountain Inn & Suites 344 Seven Clans Rd Cherokee 828-497-1649 thesmokymountaininn.com
Econo Lodge US 19 & 441 North Cherokee 828-497-4575 choicehotels.com/north-carolina/cherokee/econo-lodge-hotels/nc475
Stonebrook Lodge 436 Painttown Rd Cherokee 828-497-2222 stonebrooklodge.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites 568 Painttown Rd Cherokee 828-497-0400 fairfieldinn.com
Two Rivers Lodge and Cabins 5280 Ela Rd Bryson City 828-488-2284 • 828-488-1275 tworiverslodgenc.com
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Attractions
Attractions
Cherokee Bear Zoo Tsalagi Rd (Hwy 19) Cherokee 828-497-4525 The Factory 1024 Georgia Rd Franklin 866-482-2386 franklinfun.com
Great Smoky Mtn Railroad P.O. Box 1490 Bryson City 800-872-4681 gsmr.com Oconaluftee Indian Village Drama Rd Cherokee 828-497-2111 cherokeehistorical.org
Unto These Hills Drama 564 Tsali Blvd (Drama Rd) Cherokee 866-554-4557 cherokeehistorical.com
Fishing
Cherokee Fisheries & Wildlife Management P.O. Box 455 Cherokee 828-359-6110 fishcherokee.com
Gaming Casino
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino 777 Casino Trail Cherokee 828-497-7777 harrahscherokee.com
Guided Tours
Santa’s Land 571 Wolfetown Rd Cherokee 828-497-9191 santaslandnc.com
Cherokee Helicopters 264 Casino Trail Cherokee 828-497-5797 flythesmokies.com
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center 777 Casino Drive Cherokee 828-497-8249 cherokee.ultrastarnc.com
Jeep Tours with Wildwater 10345 Hwy 19 Bryson City 800-451-9972 wildwaterrafting.com/jeeptour.html
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Guided Tours cont.
Movies
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours P.O. Box 309 Long Creek 877-398-6222 nantahalagorgecanopytours.com
Cherokee Cinema 91 Sequoyah Trail Cherokee 828-497-7384 cherokeecinemas.com
NOC Mountaintop Zip Line Tour & White Water Rafting 13077 Hwy 19 West Bryson City 888-905-7238 noc.com Wildwater, LTD P.O. Box 190 Almond 800-451-9972 wildwaterrafting.com
Horseback Riding End of Trail Horseback Riding 103 Guy Bark Rd Cherokee 828-497-4803 Smokemont Riding Stable P.O. Box 1432 Bryson City 828-497-2373 smokemontridingstable.com
Museums Museum of the Cherokee Indian Drama Rd & Tsali Blvd Cherokee 828-497-3481 cherokeemuseum.org Sequoyah Birthplace Museum P.O. Box 69 Vonore, TN 423-884-6246 sequoyahmuseum.org
Spa Moonlight Spa & Retreat 129 Moonlight Drive Sylva 828-477-4357 moonlight-spa.com
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Fontana Village Resort Hwy 20 N Fontana Dam 800-849-2258 fontanavillage.com
Dining
Granny’s Kitchen 1098 Paint Town Rd Cherokee 828-497-5010 grannyskitchencherokee.com Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Restaurants 828-497-7777 harrahscherokee.com Pizza Inn 920 Tsalagi Rd Cherokee 828-497-9143 38
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AND NIGHTLIFE
River’s End Restaurant/NOC 13077 Hwy 19 West Bryson City 888-905-7238 noc.com Relias Garden/NOC 13077 Hwy 19 West Bryson City 888-905-7238 noc.com Slow Joe’s Café/NOC 13077 Hwy 19 West Bryson City 888-905-7238 noc.com
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989 Tsalagi Road Highway 19
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Native American
Shopping
Bearmeat’s Indian Den 4210 Wolfetown Rd Cherokee 828-497-4052 bearmeats-indian-den.com
Art & Jewelry by Traditional Hands 1045 Tsalagi Rd Cherokee 828-554-5884 traditionalhands.com Medicine Man Crafts 482 Tsali Blvd Cherokee 828-497-2202 medicinemancrafts.com
The What’s Hot Shop 989 Tsalagi Rd Cherokee 828-497-9500 cherokeesmokies.com/whatshotshop Unique Gift Outlet 1655 Acquoni Rd Cherokee 828-497-2559 cherokeesmokies.com/ uniquegiftoutlet Whiskey Tattoo 1350 Tsali Blvd Cherokee 828-554-1016
General Shopping
Qualla Arts & Crafts 645 Tsali Rd Cherokee 828-497-3103 quallaartsandcrafts.com
Alan’s Jewelry & Pawn 510 Paint Town Rd Cherokee 828-554-0431 alanspawn.com
The Little People 910 Tsalagi Rd Cherokee 828-497-5289
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Rivershops 828-497-7777 harrahscherokee.com
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Community Banking
United Community Bank 3273 US Hwy 441 N Whittier 828-497-3734 ucbi.com
Community
Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion P.O. Box 500 Whittier 828-497-9798 archiewatkins.com
Cherokee Division of Commerce P.O. Box 455 Cherokee 828-359-6467 visitcherokee.com Cherokee Historical Assoc. 564 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee 828-497-2111 cherokeehistorical.org Harris Regional 68 Hospital Rd Sylva 828-586-7000
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Community cont.
Realty
Swain Community Hospital 45 Plateau St Bryson City 828-488-2155 myswaincommunity.com
Bryson City Realty P.O. Box 1277 Bryson City 828-508-4391 brysoncityrealestate.com
Qualla Sanitizing Company 125 Tee Pee Drive Whittier 828-736-9029 quallasanitizing.com
Yellow Rose Realty P.O. Box 326 Bryson City 800-528-0760 yellowroserealty.com
Education/Career
Transportation
Southwestern Community College 447 College Dr Sylva 828-339-4000 southwesterncc.edu
Cherokee Cabs 125 Tee Pee Drive Whittier 828-269-8621 cherokeecabs.com
Electric Duke Power 301 NP&L Loop Franklin 800-777-9898 duke-energy.com
Internet Services Dnet Internet Services 189 E. Palmer St Franklin 828-349-3638 dnet.net
Newspapers/ Magazine BAEO Publishing PO Box 1871 Bryson City 828-788-2020 46
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Visitor Information Vacation Information Channel Cherokee 706-878-3335 visitorsinfotv.com Smoky Mountain Host 4437 Georgia Rd Franklin 800-432-4678 visitsmokies.org
Weddings Moonlight Spa and Retreat 129 Moonlight Drive Sylva 828-477-4357 moonlight-spa.com
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PUBLICATION OF
CHEROKEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Post Office Box 1838 Cherokee, NC 28719 • 828.788.0034 cherokeesmokies.com • info@cherokeesmokies.com
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