NC Smokies
Family Vacation Blog

 A frequent question from families visiting the NC Smokies is:

Is there cell phone coverage in the mountains?

 Cell phone coverage in the NC Smokies is surprisingly good. There are areas of no coverage. And, some service providers have better coverage than others.

Verizon has the best cell phone coverage in the NC Smokies. Service is available from Verizon in most of the area.

 Att/Cingular is second. It has good coverage along most major roads and in many places off the beaten past.

Small independent providers rank 3rd. Ramcell is one that serves the area.

Sprint has spotty coverage in the area.

If you don't have Verizon or ATT, then you might consider buying a prepaid cell phone when you get into the NC Smokies. This is relatively inexpensive and can usually get you the best coverage.

 

 

1. Explore Cherokee Indian Heritage - Go thru the Museum and the Cherokee Indian Village. The Indian Village depicts the way the Cherokee Indians lived before the Europeans came. Hint, it's not like how you see on TV.

2. Take a hike or drive or something in your Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's spectacular. The Welcome Center and Park are only 10 minutes outside Cherokee.

3. Horseback Riding - Smokemont Riding Stables, on the edge of the Park and Cherokee is my recommendation for horseback riding if you are staying in Cherokee.

4. Cherokee Fun Park - A very nice Fun Park with go-carts, bumper boats, and arcade, miniature golf and kiddie rides. This is a quality, well kept
place. Oh yeah, you can have lots of fun.

5. Santa's Land - For younger kids. A theme park where Santa is the featured guest everyday. Ride the Rudi-coaster. Talk with Santa, it's never to early to put in a good word with him. Little kids love it, bigger kids--not so much.

6. Whitewater Rafting - Raft with kids as young as age 4 only 10 minutes south of Cherokee. Rafting on the Nantahala River is only 25 minutes away.

7. Tubing - Depending on water levels and time of year, tubing is available in Cherokee and in nearby Bryson City.

8. Hang out at the River Park.  Bring a picnic. Wade in the river. Take it easy.

9. Attend Cherokee Outdoor Drama, "Unto These Hills" - This Outdoor Drama depicts the events in and around the "Trail of Tears. Most Cherokee's were forcibly marched to Oklahoma.

 A few managed to hide in the mountains and formed what is now the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian. Bring a blanket, it can get cool in the evening.

10.Trout fishing - Cherokee has excellent trout fishing, much of it easily accessible. And, because it doesn't have to follow all the laws of
North Carolina, you get a license etc. for quite a bit less than in other parts of the State. This isn't a big deal to the avid trout fisherman, but makes it easier for the casual fisherman to try this addictive sport.

Girl Authority is performing live at Ghost Town in Maggie Valley NC in the NC Smokies May 24 & 25.

Fun and bubbly is how they're described. Tweens love them.

Ok Ok My 12 year old son would not love them, but my five year old daughter would be mesmerized. If you love Hanna Montana &/or High School Musical, you'll probably love Girl Authority.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad will host "The Little Engine That Could" train in Bryson City NC over the next two weekends, May 16 - 18 & May 23 - 25.

This is one of our great classic stories of how effort and belief can conquer major hurdles.

Oh yeah, with the train ride, stories, and other entertainment, it will be great fun.

 

Franklin NC is hostings its' WNC Trout Jamboree Saturday May 24th.

 This is a great way to spend a day or half day of family fun. Many kids love playing near the water. And if they catch a fish, you'll get to hear fish tales for months to come.

 There's a fun land to give kids a change of pace from the fishing.

Ghost Town in the Sky has reopened for the 2008. It's located in the mountains about Maggie Valley North Carolina.

 This family theme park with a western/cowboy theme park first opened in the 60's, when western TV shows were popular. For many years it was the most popular attraction in western NC.

Western shows decreased in popularity. Families visiting the NC Mountains had other options, including whitewater rafting. And, the original owners were ready to retire. These lead to Ghost Town closing for a few years.

New owners purchased the theme park and reopened it in the spring of 2007. They have done lots of renovation, but have kept the western theme. Main Street gun fights and the Cliffhanger roller coaster are two of the most popular attractions.

 

Franklin NC

Franklin NC bills its self as is the "Gem Capital of the World." Gem mining is certainly a primary attraction for Franklin. There are numerous mines, numerous gem shops, and a gem museum. Don't expect to strike it rich, but there are precious gems in the mountains. Some are quite valuable. Rubies, sapphires, and garnets are the most common precious gems found.   Here's more info for Franklin NC gem mining.

 

 Franklin NC Things to Do 

Hiking near Franklin NC

Hiking is always near the top of the list for any visit to the Smoky Mountains.

Here's a list of NC hikes in and around Franklin.

Waterfalls

Highway 64 E from Franklin to Highlands is the waterfall route. Three great waterfalls are accessible from this stretch of roads.  Here's a waterfall guide for most of the NC Smoky Mountain region.

The Fun Factory

If your kids need a break from the great outdoors, the Fun Factory may be just the solution. It's a well run arcade and amusement center with miniature golf, games, bowling, laser tag, go-carts, and more.

Scottish Heritage

Many of the early European settlers in the mountains were from Scotland. Franklin's "Scottish Tartans Museum" helps you learn about and enjoy this great culture.

Places to Stay

The biggest problem for many people in planning a NC Smoky Mountain vacation is deciding on where to stay. There are hundreds of great places.

Franklin is no exception. Choose from cabins, vacation rental homes, camping, and hotels and motels. The Franklin NC Chamber of Commerce provides a comprehensive list of places to stay in Franklin NC.

Spring rafting season starts soon on the Nantahala River.

Call us for trip days and times. 800-572-3510!

We'll be rafting most Saturdays and some days in the week. You won't be a be able to raft with us on Wednesdays. We have a large group that goes with us on Wednesdays in April thru May 21st.

Spring is a great time to raft the Nantahala River. We have Splash Gear and wet suits available for your comfort.

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