Tag: north carolina

Smoky Mountains Center for the Performing Arts

Places everybody! You’re likely to hear just that, or something similar, if you find yourself in the middle of Franklin, NC.  Coming from one of the side streets just off the main drag that is. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (SMCPA) is a hidden gem in a small, tucked away town in the Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing ArtsThe Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is more than just a small, local theater showcasing community talent every couple of months or so. The SMCPA’s vision rivals many of your mid-size city venues with a yearly calendar of performances. For the common theatre “goer”, you’ll find a state-of-the art facility featuring free parking right outside the main entrance, refreshments in the lobby, and a coffee bar with all the trimmings. Ushers greet and direct guests throughout the venue and work as great ambassadors for the city sharing their recommendations on places to eat, stay, and visit.

The SMCPA officially opened its doors in 2009 and since then has seen many notable musical performances from such stars of stage and screen as Kenny Rogers, country music group Little Big Town, Lee Greenwood & Louise Mandrell, Guy Penrod & Lynda Randle, plus worldly-known acts like the Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Russian Ballet Company and the Wizard of Oz. Even movies (this Christmas, The Polar Express and It’s A Wonderful Life) are shown each month to take advantage of the theatre’s wondrous appeal.

The Overlook Theatre Company, from the Franklin community, performs a variety of plays throughout the year in the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts including drama, comedy, and seasonal specials. The theatre can also be rented by individuals for meetings and presentations when available.

The facility includes 1,495 seats with 8 designated locations for wheelchairs or electric chairs. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house as the seats gradually incline towards the back row. It’s 80 feet from the front row to the back. The intimacy of the first few rows is most appealing. You almost feel like you’re a part of the performance, despite the orchestra pit buffering the first row from the stage. The balcony is built neatly over the back rows of the main floor and features its own elevated seating – accessible from the lobby elevator.

The Annie Moses Band (www.anniemosesband.com), who recently returned for a performance at the SMCPA, played to a packed house. The group, made up of 8 family members, a drummer, and a couple of back-up singers, had the sound of a full string symphony complete with a piano player on the baby grand (the actual father of the family), and Annie herself who doubled as lead violin and vocalist. The Annie Moses Band gave a profound performance not only from a musical standpoint but also from their stage presence, costume and make up, and the band’s genuine ability to “play to the crowd.” The theater is hoping for a return engagement for the 2012 season.

Be sure to visit the SMCPA website, www.greatmountainmusic.com and add your e-mail address to their newsletter service. Every registrant is sent a line-up of artists and entertainers as soon as they are booked. Tickets can be purchased on-line as well through the site.

Since the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts is located just a block off of Hwy 441 (Georgia Hwy), adjacent the interchange with Hwy 64, the choices for good food, before or after performances, are close by the venue. From steak houses to diners and fast food, many choices are available within a few blocks. If you would like to make a weekend trip out of your visit to the theatre, several good motels, franchise and private, and B&B’s are within just a mile or two of the venue.

With the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts in Franklin, NC you get a state-of-the-art theatre experience surrounded by great people, enjoying Broadway-type entertainment – like the Annie Moses Band – at a very reasonable price. This is a showcase Franklin, NC and the Great Smoky Mountains community can really be proud of.

History of Franklin, NC

Long before the first European settlers arrived to the mountains of Southwestern North Carolina, they were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the area that is now Franklin, NC, “Nikwasi” or “center of activity”. Nikwasi was an ancient and important Cherokee town. The remains of Nikwasi Mound are still visible in downtown Franklin on East Main Street.

Franklin is the seat of Macon County, NC which was formed in 1828. The land was part of lands acquired from the Cherokee in the Treaty of 1819. The county is named for Nathaniel Macon, a politician from Warrenton, NC who served in the American Revolution and the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The Town of Franklin was officially incorporated in 1855.

Today, Franklin remains true to its past while embracing the future. The Franklin, NC area is experiencing a rate of population growth that is 12% higher than the national average and one might say it is all about location. Franklin is situated one hour from Asheville, NC and two hours from Atlanta, Georgia, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Greenville, South Carolina.

Due to its proximity to these urban areas, Franklin is fast becoming a location of choice for those seeking a respit from the hustle and bustle of city living be it for a weekend getaway or longer vacation. Once visiting the area many take their Franklin experience to the next level seeking permanent, retirement or second homes.

The Franklin, North Carolina appeal is multi-faceted. For vacationers, the area offers a multitude of recreational opportunities for weekend warriors and a slow pace of life for those just looking to relax. The authenticity of its people and southern hospitality are exhibited daily.

Being in the “center of it all” makes Franklin a great home base to discover all the many adventures of the mountains of Western North Carolina offers. We invite you to discover us and let your true mountain experience begin.

History of Dillsboro, NC

Dillsboro was originally known as New Webster to distinguish it from the older Jackson County seat town just 3 miles to the East. In 1889, the state legislature approved the change of name to Dillsboro to honor William Allen Dills who had selected the site, locating it on his farm.

The Dills house, which was the first house in Dillsboro, is still standing and is now occupied by Riverwood Shops, located on a hill overlooking Scott’s Creek and the Tuckaseigee River. Mr. Dills operated the town’s first post office from his home.

The town had started to come into its own in 1883 due to the new railroad and the advent of tourism in the area. Just before the turn of the century, Dillsboro was the largest non-county seat town west of Asheville with about 750 residents.

Dillsboro grew up around the railroad, providing goods and services for those who used the Southern Railway and became an important transportation center for local industry. Two passenger trains and two freight trains operated daily between Asheville to the East and Murphy to the West. The freight for Franklin was hauled in covered wagons, which camped twice a week on Depot Square.

The railroad was built by convict labor furnished by the state and they were housed behind stockades near the 836-foot Cowee Tunnel. It required eighteen months to cut through almost solid rock to complete the project.

There was no river crossing at Dillsboro until after the turn of the century, but there was a ferry at Webster and a bridge further West at Barker’s Creek. It was a full days trip to Franklin by stagecoach with a lunch stop on Cowee Mountain.

During these years, the streets of Dillsboro were lighted with Cape Cod lamps. Oil-burning lamps lighted the homes, hotels and boarding houses and the businesses. Dillsboro had the first telephone system installed in Jackson County; it connected the New Webster (Dillsboro) depot with the county seat and was used only for relaying telegrams.

Dillsboro has been a tourist town since 1886 when visitors began to arrive by train and spend several weeks. Word spread about the cool summers and beautiful mountain scenery. It is often stated that the first summer visitors were the Misses Nellie and Hattie Norfleet of Edenton, North Carolina, and perhaps were the first women cigarette smokers the locals had ever seen.

Boone, NC

Boone is more than just a place to visit on your vacation, as home to Appalachian State University, this is a thriving hometown for thousands of people that call the mountains home.  Commerce and tourism walk hand in hand in Boone, if you are staying in the Blowing Rock / Boone area, Boone is certainly a worthwhile day of your vacation.

Boone, NV City Logo

Boone, NC takes its name from one of its most famous citizens, Daniel Boone.  The Boone family liked the area so much that they founded a church there and became part of the foundation of the town.  The railroad, like some many other towns in the Smokies was served by the railroad and this brought not only freight but visitors to the area.

In the 20th century, Boone’s ability to bring in the tourist dollar has served it well. The Horn of the West and Tweetsie Railroad are both tied into the history of the area and its proximity to other resort town make tourism a huge part of the city’s budget.

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  • Boone, NC - Boone is more than just a place to visit on your vacation, as home to Appalachian State University, this is a thriving hometown for thousands of people that call the mountains home.  Commerce and tourism walk hand in hand in Boone, if you are staying in the Blowing Rock / Boone area, Boone is certainly … Continue reading "Boone, NC"
  • Horn in the West - “Horn in the West,” created by Kermit Hunter, is the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama. It tells the story of Daniel Boone and the first people to settle the hills of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Since 1952, Horn in the West has told a story of struggle set against the backdrop of the … Continue reading "Horn in the West"

Jarrett House

Jarrett HouseThe railroad has always been a vital part of Dillsboro, NC and the town’s economy, especially during the late 19th century.  The train would bring travelers to town and many of those visitors would stop by the Jarrett House to rest, relax, and eat, while awaiting the connecting train.  The house itself has since become a historic landmark and currently serves some of the best food in Western North Carolina.

Frank Jarrett bought the inn in 1894 and was able to capitalize on the burgeoning tourism industry of the Smoky Mountains as people from other parts of the country flocked to the region.  The Jarrett Inn gave the people who rode on the railroad a place to stay. Meanwhile, the food made the Jarrett House famous all over the country.  From his wife’s fried ham and redeye gravy to the biscuits that seemed to float off the plate, this was truly southern food in an authentic southern setting.

Their menu is a huge draw still and whether you are there for lunch or dinner you are in for something special.  It’s family favorites with a southern flare and all the sides are served family style.  For lunch you get to pick your entrée from selections like fried catfish, fried chicken or chicken and dumplings (the chicken and dumplings are incredible).  For dinner you will see some of the same options as lunch but with the inclusion of country cured ham, mountain trout and pot roast.  Every meal includes a family style portion of the following:  Cole slaw, candied apples, buttered potatoes, green beans, pickled beets and hot biscuits.  You will feel like you are back in your grandmother’s house for Sunday lunch.  One thing will really stick out on the menu though and that is one of their desserts:  vinegar pie!  Don’t let the name fool you; it is delicious.  Imagine pecan pie without the pecans.

Jarrett HouseStepping foot in the dining room of the Jarrett House is like stepping back in time.  They have captured the feel of the early 20th century.  From the table cloths to the stem ware, there is not a detail they have missed.  You can look at the nick-knacks on the wall or the furniture in the hall and the look of the antiques really sets the scene.  You have just stepped off the train.  You are ready to check into your room and brush the travel dust from your clothes.  You are hoping for a good meal but you are not really prepared for the mounds of food that await you.

Next time you are in Dillsboro walk across the main street to the Jarrett House for a meal.  Step back in time and pull your chair up to the table.  Order the country cured ham and experience southern style salt cured ham.  Order the chicken and dumplings and sop up the juice with a homemade biscuit.  Be sure to order a slice of vinegar pie for dessert; trust me, it is better than it sounds.  Visit the Jarrett House; it will be an experience you will talk about for years to come.

Dillsboro, NC

“A charming 19th century railroad village”

Dillsboro is as close to stepping back in time as you will find in the Smokies.  This quaint little town is full of arts, crafts and 19th century architecture.  Hosting many events throughout the year and being a pass through point of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Dillsboro is a great day trip while you are in the Smoky Mountain area.

Dillsboro, NC

Named for the founder of the town, William Dills, Dillsboro was founded due to the railroad.  When the Murphy Branch Railroad came to the area, a depot was founded at Dillsboro.  Soon after that, as the railroad started to transition from industries such as logging to being a vehicle to bring tourist and visitors into the mountains, the town began to grow with the founding of the Jarret House.  Throughout most of the 19th century, Dillsboro remained about the same, the downtown area around the old train depot has evolved into a series of craft shops and galleries.  If you are looking for a quiet spot to fill in a day on your vacation, go roam the streets and downtown area of Dillsboro.

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  • History of Dillsboro, NC - Dillsboro was originally known as New Webster to distinguish it from the older Jackson County seat town just 3 miles to the East. In 1889, the state legislature approved the change of name to Dillsboro to honor William Allen Dills who had selected the site, locating it on his farm. The Dills house, which was … Continue reading "History of Dillsboro, NC"
  • Jarrett House - The railroad has always been a vital part of Dillsboro, NC and the town’s economy, especially during the late 19th century.  The train would bring travelers to town and many of those visitors would stop by the Jarrett House to rest, relax, and eat, while awaiting the connecting train.  The house itself has since become … Continue reading "Jarrett House"
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Bryson City, NC

“Base Camp for the Great Smokies”

Bryson City is becoming one of the most interesting day trips in the Smokies. Home to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad the towns downtown area is full of railroad memorabilia.  And besides being on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is also located near the Nantahala Gorge and all the great outdoor activities that happen there on a daily basis.

Bryson City, NC

What is today Bryson City was once part of an Indian Reservation owned by a Cherokee Chief named Big Bear.  Big Bear sold part of the land to two different settlers and the resulting area became known as a Bear Springs.  The county seat of Swain County was originally the town of Charleston which was located along mina street in current day Bryson City.  In 1889 the name of the town was changed to Bryson City, after Colonel Thaddeus Bryson one of the early land owners.

Two big changes happened to Bryson City in the first half of the 20th century:  the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the establishment of Fontana Dam.  The GSMNP provided millions of visitors to the area each and every year.  Bryson City has garnered these visitors into a thriving tourism trade that has become the main economic stimulus in the area.  Fontana Dam flooded the valley near Bryson City.  The creation of Fontana Lake brought people to the area that wanted to spend time playing in the water – these visitors soon found Bryson City a nice day trip from the lake.

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History of Cherokee, NC

Cherokee, North Carolina is synonymous with such word s as casinos, gambling, and resort town, but it wasn’t always like that. The now sprawling vacation spot was once as heavily forested as other parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and once consisted of about 135,000 square miles of land owned by the Cherokee Indian Nation spread out over eight southern states.

The Cherokee Indian Reservation, also known as the Qualla Boundary, now only encompasses 56,000 of those acres. It’s also classified as sovereign land held in trust specifically for the Cherokee Indian tribe by the United States Government. The land was purchased by Will Thomas, who is not of Indian descent, in the late 1800s and was presented as a gift to the Cherokee people.

Over the past 100 years, thousands of non-Indians have moved into the area and developed the region, though it’s still home to the Cherokee. The tourism industry makes up about 75 percent of the tribe’s revenues – the mainstay of their economy. Cherokee businesses hold “trader’s licenses” and collect a six percent tribal levy on sales.

The Indians that currently live in Cherokee are a part of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. They are descendants of the Cherokee Indians who hid in the Great Smoky Mountains to avoid forced removal to Oklahoma on the infamous “Trail of Tears” during the late 1830s.

Cherokee’s tourism boom, as previously mentioned, exploded in the late 1940s, around the same time the Great Smoky Mountains were designated as a national park. The Blue Ridge Parkway was also in the early stages of development. As the park opened and construction on the parkway got underway, two highways were bringing out-of-towners into Cherokee – US 441 and US 19, and assistance to support the influx of visitors was imperative.

The businesses and services that developed out of the construction of these roads played a large part in Cherokee’s formation as an incorporated town. Today, the assumption that the Qualla Boundary and its businesses are Indian-owned is for the most part still true but, by the authority of the Tribal Council; Indians are allowed to lease their businesses or buildings to non-Indians. The Cherokee people rightfully can continue to claim the status of “original inhabitants” of the vast and beautiful Smoky Mountains, even as the Reservation continues to grow and develop.

Still, whenever Cherokee is brought up, people have a tendency to delve into the history of the Cherokee Indians and the way they have been treated over the years, especially by the U.S. government. You can speak with a number of people with a slew of different titles that say the Cherokee removal might have been avoided, if the U.S. government had played a different role in the beginning, and if English settlers had tried a more peaceable approach to living with the Cherokee.

The Cherokee enjoyed a pretty high quality of life up to the early 1800s. They basically governed themselves and their many communities through their own form of government. Sequoyah, one of the Cherokee’s most prominent leaders, spent 12 years developing the Cherokee Alphabet and he was never able to read or write another language – he is the only known person to be able to carry out such a feat.

Generations of Cherokees have been told the story of how their ancestors were removed from their homelands. Numerous books have been penned and films made about the subject. Two outdoor dramas have been made as well – “Unto These Hills,” which has played to four decades of audiences in Cherokee, N.C. and “Trail of Tears,” which is performed annually in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. There is no doubt that the designation of the Trail of Tears as a national landmark has enhanced awareness of the tragedy. The designation of the trail as a national landmark was the culmination of four years of planning on the part of the Eastern and Western Cherokee Tribes, the National Park Service and several states “to protect and identify the historic route, artifacts and remnants for enjoyment and public use.” A comprehensive management plan was developed by a 35-member advisory council. From Cherokee, NC, to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a trail logo was adopted and placed along the extending land and water route. Interpretive centers have been planned for each state the trail passes through – North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Oklahoma – with state, local, and federal governments participating.

Cashier’s Farmers Market

Cashier's Farmers MarketWestern North Carolina is home to a number of small resort towns – each unique in their own way. One of those Smoky Mountain towns is Cashiers, known for its natural beauty as well as its ever-growing and regionally popular farmers market.

The Cashiers Farmers Market is easily located in the center of town and provides shoppers the chance to purchase fresh produce, fresh meat, jellies and jams, and even made-to-order food from the area. There’s something new each day as the selections are constantly changing with the seasons.  All the plants that are in bloom are brought out for sale in the spring. The market’s produce selection seems to change week to week in the summer and early fall as the harvest comes in.  Meanwhile, during the winter you will find Christmas trees lining the outside of the market and putting everyone in a festive mood.

Local farmers from all around the region bring their produce to the Cashiers Farmers Market.  Vegetables, fruits and other locally grown items overflow from the tables.  When you buy produce straight from the farmer, it just seems to taste that much better.  The meat too, it comes straight from local farmers.  From cured hams to fresh eggs, they have the farm fresh products you are looking for at the Cashiers farmers market.  You’re guaranteed to have the freshest offerings from local growers.  Each fall bushels of North Carolina apples are available as well as pumpkins for Halloween and various autumn decorations.

Cashier's Farmers MarketJams and jellies align the walls of the market, as well as other sauces and marinades.  You’ll see apple butter made with local apples to marinades from some of the finest area cooks and caterers. Don’t won’t, there’s always someone giving out free samples. With as many jams and jellies as they sell, it’s really THE place on the eastern side of the Smokies to dress up a biscuit.  Whether you prefer a creamy consistency, or you’re more of a jelly lover, they have the jar for you.

Oh, and don’t forget the barbecue. Cashier’s bar-b-que or simply BBQ, might be the closest you get to heaven on earth.  The smell of their sandwiches attacks your nostrils before you step out of your car.  Just to the right of the store stands the BBQ pit – a new addition to the original market structure. Let your nose be your guide and follow it to the counter and order some of the market’s delicious BBQ. Rather than the usual lowlands BBQ with the North Carolina vinegar-style sauce, the farmers market’s BBQ is a sweet, southern barbecue.

Whether planning your next meal or walking around town browsing, the Cashiers Farmers Market is certainly one of those places that deserve a special marking on the map as a “must stop”. Sample the home made jams and jellies, get some BBQ for the road, buy a few local crafts to take home with you or just sit around and talk to some of the local farmers.  It’s a local business stop, but it’s very much a tourist attraction as well.

Maggie Valley, NC

Maggie Valley is not only a stop along the Blue Ridge but a bustling tourist town with plenty of activities for your day in the mountains.  Whether you are coming in the colder months to ski at Cataloochee or if you are looking for a quick bite to eat after a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley might just be the place to stop for you and your family.

Maggie Valley, NC

Maggie Valley was named after Maggie Mae Setzer, whose father was Jack Setzer who founded the first post office in the area.  This town became the a stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway after its founding and of course the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has brought visitors to the area ever since.  Maggie Valley has embraced its role in the Smoky Mountains as a tourism town and great, quiet place to stop while you are in the Smokies.  Plenty rooms and cabins for lodging and several great attractions make Maggie Valley a destination.

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