Wondering what to do while you're here in the mountains of
Western North Carolina? Here are just a few of our favorite activities
& things to do...
ATTRACTIONS
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway The 4-hour round-trip excursions leave from Blue Ridge, Georgia, wind along the Toccoa River and continue to Copperhill, Tennessee.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Scenic excursions leave from Bryson City, cross Fontana Lake and travel through the Nantahala River Gorge.
Cherokee Indian Reservation Summer Outdoor Drama, Indian Village, Cherokee Indian Museum, Mountain Farm Museum and Harrah's Cherokee Casino.
Junaluska Memorial The gravesite and story of the great Cherokee leader Junaluska in Robbinsville.
Biltmore House Tour the country's largest home. The Vanderbilt Mansion is 1.5 hours from the Inn - a great day trip.
Precious Stones There's ruby mining close by or you can pan for gold in Hawkesdene House's very own stream. In 1995, one Hawkesdene guest found an 825 carat sapphire at a local gem mine.
Fields of the Wood A Bible Park where God's word is displayed amid God's creation.
DINING
There are a variety of restaurants for just about any taste just a short drive away from Hawkesdene House. We particularly recommend Murphy's Chop House, Brothers Restaurant and ShoeBooties in Murphy; Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant in Andrews; and Relia's Garden, River's End and Thirteen Moons in the Nantahala Gorge.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Biking, hiking, and other outdoor active adventure tours are offered by Discover Adventures who chose Hawkesdene as one of their hosts.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park with entrances in Cherokee and Bryson City.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robbinsville.
Hiking & Walking Wildflower and photo walks for all ages. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 800 miles of trails - from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Two of the most popular areas are the Joyce Kilmer National Forest and the Deep Creek waterfall area near Bryson City.
ZipLine canopy tours in the Nantahala Gorge
Horseback Riding Several stables are nearby for trail riding or lessons with rides into the Smoky Mountains.
Golf There are beautiful mountain courses in nearby Murphy and Hiawassee, Ga.
Bicycling Beautiful back road byways for road bikes and the nationally known Tsali mountain bike area is nearby.
RAFTING, FISHING & BOATING
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking We recommend Endless Rivers and Appalachian Rivers on the Nantahala River nearby. For rafting on the Ocoee River, we suggest the Ocoee Adventure Center.
Fishing The Hawkesdene House lies close to some of the best trout streams known. And for lake fishing - boat rentals are available on Fontana Lake, Lake Santeetlah, Nantahala Lake and Hiawassee Lake. You can read NC Fishing regulations and even get your license online before you come to visit.
Jet Boat Rides See Fontana Lake from a whole new perspective.
SCENIC DRIVES
Cherohala Skyway One of America's most beautiful byways, a 40+ mile excursion that rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sportscar & Motorcycles One of the country's top rides The Tail of the Dragon, 318 curves in 11 miles - is nearby. Road enthusiasts also love the Cherohala Skyway.
ARTS & CRAFTS
There are many local crafts people and galleries. Pottery, woodworking, dulcimers, painting, and hand blown glass — everything from traditional to contemporary. Numerous antiques dealers offer folk art to classic collectibles.
John C. Campbell Folk School This renowned folk school is just minutes away, and there's always something going on from dances to craft shows.
Music Tap your toes from bluegrass to classical, with local and world renowned artists. Stecoah Valley Center has a great summer concert series.
For more ideas on things to do in Western North Carolina,
visit these area web sites:
Andrews Chamber of Commerce
Bryson City Chamber of Commerce
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
