Categories: TRAVEL

9 Secrets About Cherokee, North Carolina

When visiting Cherokee, North Carolina there are several things you should keep mind. Some of these secrets are good secrets such as where to find the best fudge. Other secrets, keep you from making bad mistakes while visiting Cherokee, North Carolina.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #1: Native American Handmade Crafts

You will run across several gift shops that claim they sell crafts that were handmade by Native Americans. Here’s the secret. Most people automatically think those crafts are made by Cherokee Natives, but for the most part they aren’t. The only place to find authentic Cherokee crafts is at stores that sell only handmade crafts. If you are unsure, ask the person behind the counter who makes the crafts. If they can’t answer you, more than likely it’s not locally made.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #2: Alcohol

If you want to have an alcoholic beverage with your meal, you won’t be having your meal in Cherokee. Many people do not know this secret until they go to a local grocery store to buy alcohol. If you would like to purchase alcohol to drink in your room you will need to drive 10 miles to either Sylva or Bryson City.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #3: Cheaper Restaurants

I got to thinking about this secret the other day when I drove past a local steakhouse in Cherokee and saw a sign that read, “All you can eat steak buffet only $9.99.” That may sound like a great price, but you can drive to Sylva, which is only 10 miles away, and get the same meal for $7.99. The same goes with several other restaurants in the area. The prices are jacked up because of tourists.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #4: Going Out of Business Sales

Since I moved to Western North Carolina over 5 years ago, there has been a gift shop that has been going out of business. Well, if they haven’t gone out in 5 years, they’re not going. Don’t be fooled by this secret. Businesses aren’t really going out of business; they simply want to lure you into their shop.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #5: Gold Mines

Many people do not know this secret, but it’s true for all gold mines you find in tourist areas. The amount of gold and gems you get in a bucket of dirt depends completely upon how much you spend. You aren’t going to get lucky and find a huge ruby in the cheapest bucket of dirt they have. Also, these uncut gems aren’t worth very much. The gold mines make their money when you come in and have the stone cut to go into a piece of jewelry.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #6: Shop Around

You may think $10 is a far deal for a Native American blanket, but then you get down the street and discover a dirty little secret. The store down the street has the exact same blankets 3 for $10. It really does pay to look around at several shops before making a purchase. But, don’t look too long because it’s even a secret to the locals on how late shops stay open. They seem to close whenever they want to.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #7: Rewards Card Holders

If you are going to gamble at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, you really should know about this secret. Having a rewards card means you can get in on promotions, free meals and hotel rooms, and even better parking. The card is free, so why not get one?

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #8: Deal on Fudge

In Cherokee, you will find the best fudge shop in the world. It’s called The Heavenly Fudge Shoppe and it has a little secret as well. When you go in there ask for the deal where you can buy 3 pounds of fudge and get 1 free. This is such a sweet secret.

Cherokee, North Carolina Secret #9: Authentic Native American Food

To find authentic Native American food you will have to know this secret. One place is right across from the casino and it is called the Soco Diner. There you will be able to find authentic Native American food including Indian Tacos. There is another restaurant on the other side of town called the Little Princess Restaurant that also serves authentic Native American cuisine.