Taste of the Blue Ridge Caravan: Cherokee, NC

We took our first opportunity to drive to Gatlinburg through the Smoky Mountain National Park, stopping at the Visitor's Center, touring the Museum Farm, hiking to the top of Clingman's Dome--oh, yes I did!!, and seeing firsthand how elk are now being introduced back into the national park.

In addition, during our days spent in Cherokee, we were educated about the Cherokee Nation's Trail of Tears and about the opportunities and challenges of the Eastern Cherokee Nation.  Of special note are three area exhibits:

1. The Museum of the Cherokee
2. The Cherokee Indian Village (~1800s)
3. "Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama

All were very educational, taking about 3-4 hours each, and well worth the time and admission.  The ability to talk with today's Cherokee, ask questions, and help to overcome our ignorance is priceless--one of the benefits of travel.