Our Cabin Home On The Hill
Tucked in and amongst the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina are the towns of Bryson City and Murphy. Aside from the fact that both of these villages are situated near rivers and streams with a lot of spots for whitewater rafting, you will find dozens of attractions, museums, places of historic interest, hiking trails and more all within a day’s drive. When you decide on one of the many mountain cabins for rent in the area or you choose to stay in one of the region’s fine inns, you will find both of these communities a wonderful place to make a temporary residence during your Great Smoky Mountain vacation.
The region has been quarters to diverse groups of humans since the last Ice Age. A populace known as the Ani-Kitu-Hwagi, whose inhabitance dates back to that of the Cherokee by at least 500 years, founded the nearby village of Kituwa around the year 1000 AD. Eventually, these inhabitants were overrun and eventually assimilated by the Cherokee and Catawba Indians. The town was burned by the English around 1760, but until their land was taken over by the U.S. government some sixty years later, the Cherokee continued to use the site for ceremonies. In 1996, the Cherokee Nation’s Eastern Band reclaimed the land and believe the site sacred.
Those who are interested in the history and culture of the Cherokee should make it a point to see the Cherokee Heritage Museum and Gallery in the nearby town of the same name. Admission is only $2.50 and less for children age 10 and under. Living American Indian history can be experienced at the Oconaluftee Indian Village where re-enactors who are also members of the Cherokee Nation recreate the day-to-day life of their people as it was 250 years ago.
More history of a different form can be seen in the region’s main city of Asheville. The 250 room Vanderbilt Mansion is preserved as it was in 1900 and features a rich collection of sculptures and paintings as well as a number of restaurants and a winery.
Of course, as writer Lorenz Hart wrote back in the 1920s, being “in our mountain greenery where God makes the scenery” may be more to your liking. “Two crazy people in love” can discover a lot of romantic getaways in the vicinity and explore it all from a rustic cabin rental obtainable near majestic state parks like Chimney Rock. This amazingly picturesque area is where the recent film Last of The Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis was filmed, and features waterfalls, miles of hiking trails and vistas of up to 75 miles as well as excursions and group activities.
The devout may like to visit such local attractions as the Fields of the Wood which is a biblically themed park owned and operated by the Church of God of Prophecy. This is merely a small sample of everything this section of North Carolina has to suggest to the traveler, so plan your vacation now.
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