Enjoy a taste of southern Appalachian culture, art, and music at Mountain Heritage Day, a long-running festival presented by Western Carolina University. Enjoy mountain bluegrass music, activities, regional arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Come to shop for authentic and unique gifts but stay for the music, food, storytelling, and craft demonstrations. A traditional Cherokee meal will be available for purchase for $10 per person by the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA), and admission is free.
The show features only local and regional artisans displaying their fine art, crafts, and rustic furniture. Festival hours are Saturday and Sunday 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Dillsboro’s Front Street is alive with artists and crafters.
Ride the rails through parts of Western North Carolina, departing from the historic depot in Bryson City. A variety of train excursions and special event trains run throughout the year, with options ranging from dining in first class with a private attendant and breathtaking views to taking it all in while riding in an open-air gondola.
45 Mitchell Street
Bryson City, NC
800-872-4681
Features artifacts and items that highlight and celebrate the culture of the Cherokee tribes indigenous to Western North Carolina.
589 Tsali Blvd.
Cherokee, NC
(828) 497-3481
June 17th, 2017
This powerful outdoor drama re-enacts Cherokee history from the first contact with Europeans through the tragic “Trail of Tears”. The story is told from a Cherokee perspective by descendants of those who avoided removal and is presented nightly except Sundays from June through mid-August.
688 Drama Rd.
Cherokee, NC
(866) 554-4557
Go back in time to the 18th century when Native Americans dominated the land. Guided tours will take you through craft demonstrations by award-winning artists who will explain Cherokee crafting techniques, meet historical Cherokee people in the living history section, and view special shows throughout the season such as “Time of War” and traditional Cherokee dancing. Open seasonally, from April until November
564 Tsali Blvd
Cherokee, NC
(833) 630-7033