Great Smoky Mountains – Under The Harvest Moon

The first weekend we visited Kevin’s parents in North Carolina, we went on a day trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is one of those places I call “tourist traps”. It’s all fine that Eastern Tennessee wants to make money. But, I can care less about all this hustle & bustle in that town. Originally, my father-in-law wanted to take us to a place close by to show us some Cherokee and Civil War history. Well, that didn’t work out that way. And it was partially my fault as well. Because I said I’d rather see the attractions in Gatlinburg. Now, I wish I had said “yes” to history. But I’m also 22 years older and hopefully smarter.

On the way back to North Carolina, we stopped at the Interstate 40 Welcome Center. It’s a nice center with some outdoor walking area in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. In the meantime, we stopped there several times while traveling from Texas to North Carolina.

… to be continued …

Kevin wanted to show me his Native American Heritage. So, we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians and the Cultural Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.

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As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately transported to the 1760s. The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert on an interactive journey through the Cherokee lifestyle and history. Your guide will show you the way through the winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances amid the swaying oaks and sycamores. As you wander, interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, and fashion beadwork. Watch as a village prepares for war. Be amazed by a blowgun demonstration. Oconaluftee Indian Village is much more than just a place; it’s living history.

:https://visitcherokeenc.com/

… to be continued …