Cherokee, NC: Part 6 (Cherokee Indian Reservation and NPS Working Farm)

Today is the last day of our trip and also happens to be Michael's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :OD However, as always, it's always action packed. We decided to tag along with Grandma and Grandpa and head over to Cherokee, NC. They were headed to the casino. We were headed to see the reservation and learn more about Cherokee culture. Of course, I didn't realise how close we were to The Biltmore in Asheville, NC. Next time!

The first thing we noticed was that all of the street signs and stores (where available) had both English and Cherokee characters. Other than that, you would probably can't tell that the land you are standing on is part of the Indian reservation.

After our visit, we went to the working farm on the National Park Service property right outside of the Smokies heading in to Gatlinburg. We visited and observed a lot of different housing structures that always had a purpose. There were pigs and chickens as well. Some other NPS personnel were cutting sorghum plants down for the sorghum syrup making activity over the weekend.

With that said ... great, fun and educational trip overall. I hope you enjoyed the stories and pictures!



A street sign in English and Cherokee characters.


The Indian Chiefs at the first souvenir shop on the Cherokee reservation.


I wasn't sure if I should be insulted or laugh when I first saw this disclaimer on this doll.


The kids actually remembered the rhyme on this paddle the next day!


Minnie with a coon-skin hat and a slingshot. I weep for my future...


I *almost* bought a pair.


An interesting sign outside one of the many souvenir shops.


A Museum of the Cherokee Indian dedicated to the Cherokee Indians. Very interesting exhibits and stories. Definitely a must-do if you have a couple of hours.


Available at the gift store... You too can learn Cherokee which was created by the late great Sequoyah.


The kids outside of the Museum of Cherokee Indians with Sequoyah, creator and teacher of the Cherokee language.


One of the homes on the working farm managed by the National Park Service. Look at the size of the wood beams!


Believe it or not, these are public areas set aside by the National Park Service. Not sure how they all came about, but interesting indeed. This was outside of the farm.