Cherokee is a unique nation-within-a-nation where nearly 8,000 members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians make their homes. Despite entrance signs and markers describing the area as a “reservation,” the Cherokee people actually own their land, 57,000 acres the federal government holds in trust.

Life in Cherokee is in a constant state of flux as competing interests shape the development of the people and the land. With modern progression has come a gradual loss of native customs — depletion of the rivercane used in basket making, the dying out of the Cherokee language, the degradation of multi-generational family structure.

However, Cherokee leaders have recognized the importance of preserving their heritage for the future and launched a massive effort to reintroduce traditional ways. Programs to restore rivercane have begun, the Cherokee language is being taught in schools and family service programs aim to strengthen bonds and rely on elders to pass down their knowledge. Many of these projects have been funded by the presence of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, which has brought a new prosperity to the tribe and its members.

A visit to Cherokee can be whatever you want it to be — fudge shops, beaded moccasins, petting zoos and video poker, or traditional frybread, native crafts, history lessons and settlement mounds.

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 7-12 — Annual Cherokee Indian Fair. This nearly century-old celebration includes artwork, crafts, agricultural items and traditional food items made by local artisans. Top entertainment complements the event. Held at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. Contact: Loretta Kirby, 828.497.8128.

• 16-18 — Big Rigs Antique Truck Show. Restored and customized old and antique trucks. Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 800.438.1601.

• 18 — Qualla Arts Open Air Indian Air Market. The Indian Market returns for an autumn encore. See first-hand the time, patience and talent which go into each piece of authentic Cherokee artworks in stone or wood sculpture, bead work, basket weaving and more. 828.497.3103.

December

• 13 — Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m.

• 31 — New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 800.438.1601.

Attractions

• Cherokee Fun Park — Work off some energy with go carts, playboats, miniature golf, a wooden roller coaster, arcade games and more. Located on 441 North. Call for hours of operation. 828.497.5877.

• Cherokee Helicopters — Flights over the mountains. 264 Casino Trail. 828.497.5797.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino — The casino offers a wide variety of games including slot machines, video poker, video blackjack and video craps, as well as live entertainment and restaurants. Although visitors must be 21 to enter, there is no alcohol allowed in the casino. Located on U.S. 19 North. Always open. 1.800.HARRAHS.

• Kituhwa Mound — Kituhwa was the more important Cherokee village, and the Kituhwa Mound was its center, according to Cherokee myth and legend. Bordered by the Tuckasegee River and the low hills of the Smokies that rise all around it before giving way to the slopes of Thomas Ridge and Clingman’s Dome, the Kituhwa Village held the sacred fire. Located on Old Route 19. Contact the Cultural Resources Office of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for more information. 828.497.2771.

• LIFT/Tribal Grounds Coffee — A contemporary art museum showcasing Cherokee works, a community meeting and culture space and a coffee and espresso bar. 516 Tsali Blvd. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays. 828.497.0707.

• Mingus Mill — A restored 1886 grist mill, or corn grinding mill, powered by water. Located a half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Chat with a miller and feel the rumble of this historic turbine gristmill in action. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

• The Mountain Farm Museum — An outdoor collection of historic buildings depicting an early Appalachian farm, including a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse, meet smoke house, and a working blacksmith shop. Live farm animals and planted fields are part of the exhibit. Admission is free. It is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park beside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Head north out of downtown Cherokee for about 10 minutes along U.S. 441 toward the park.

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian — This interactive museum explores traditional Cherokee life, religious beliefs about creation, oral history about the natural world and native people’s vast pre-colonial network of villages. Exhibits also explain the gradual infiltration of the white man and the cultural changes it brought. Located at U.S. 441 and Drama Road. Open daily at 9 a.m. 828.497.3481.

• The Oconaluftee Indian Village — An authentic working replica of an 18th century Cherokee community. Demonstrations include the making of baskets, blowguns, darts, canoes, arrowheads, pottery and carvings. Dwellings include a large council house, where visitors learn about traditional Cherokee form of government, family and community structure, and religious practices. Located near the Mountainside Theater of U.S. 441 North. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 828.497.2315.

• Trout Fishing — Cherokee has more than 30 miles of streams and thre easily accessed ponds stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Here you can get a license for $7 a day versus a full-year’s license elsewhere in the state. The season runs from March through February. 828.497.1786.

• The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual — Established in 1946, this co-op sells locally made wares from more than 300 Cherokee craftspeople. Displays include historical baskets, masks, pottery and more. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 828.497.3103.

• Santa’s Land — Theme rides, paddle boats, a zoo, ferris wheel and more. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located off U.S. 19. 828.497.9191.

Dining and Nightlife

* Note that no alcohol is served or sold on Reservation lands.

• Brush Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery — Barbecue and buffet dining with freshly made ice cream on site. Try custom flavors like Road to Soco. 828.497.7675.

• Fresh Market Square Buffet — A huge selection with international favorites, a seafood buffet on Fridays and breakfast on the weekends. Located at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. 1.800.HARRAHS.

• Paul’s Diner — Featuring Cherokee items such as frybread, buffalo burgers and bean bread along with burgers and more. Tsali Blvd. 828.497.3375.

• Selu Garden Café — American menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. 1.800.HARRAHS.

• Sycamores on the Creek — Steaks, seafood and signature dishes. Located at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. 1.800.HARRAHS.

Visitor Center

• The Cherokee Welcome Center is at 498 Tsali Blvd. 800.438.1601 or www.cherokee-nc.com.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 671 Tsali Blvd. 828.497.3891.

• Qualla Boundary Public Library — Open Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 810 Ocquoni Rd. 828.497.1762.

• Urgent Care — The Cherokee Indian Hospital is located at 1 Hospital Rd. 828.497.9163