2024 Holiday Season: Trip Ideas
Explore Downtown Murphy
Wander through Murphy’s charming downtown area, browse local shops, and enjoy a cozy meal at a local restaurant like LEGENDS STEAKHOUSE. Look for the Guided Audio Tour on buildings to learn as you go, or go for a longer walk along the Murphy River Walk or Piney Knob Trails. If you get a head start on the day, check out The Crafted Dough to snag cup of joe & treat off of their holiday menu before they sell out for the day. Don’t forget to grab a photo by the Christmas Tree, staged with an enchanting red and gold sleigh. Postcard material!Â
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Cherokee County Historical Museum Learn about the local history and Native American artifacts at this small but interesting museum.
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Welch Farm-Â located between Murphy and Andrews has a rich history as well.
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Grab a home cooked meal at Julie’s Place in Peachtree for Southern Comfort Foods, or check out The Farm House Diner nearby. If you prefer to cook at your cabin or picnic at Fire’s Creek, check out Adams Farm LLC in Marble for the best hotdogs and steak selection! They have a great “grill pack”! You can grab your produce at Peachtree Produce and a bottle of wine at Fairy Cross Bottle Shop for a cozy night in your cabin!
WEEKEND DAYTRIP IDEAS:Â
Morning:
Start your trip with a visit to Rarebird Emporium for a morning boost of caffeine before heading to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, about an hour from Murphy, where you’ll find towering ancient trees and peaceful trails. This forest is ideal for a morning hike to see rare old-growth forest. This is the way closer to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, so see if they have any special holiday events happening. Be sure to bundle up for this journey!
 Lunch:
On your way back to Cherokee County, stop in Andrews, NC, for lunch at Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. and try one of their local craft beers with a wood-fired pizza. If you are just thirsty, check out Snowbird Mountains Brewery or FernCrest Winery’s Tasting Room. Looking for a unique gift, go antique shopping or stop by Dean’s to find the perfect record. Need an afternoon pick me up? Stop by Andrew’s coziest hot spot, Morning Fog for a holiday latte.
  Evening
Stop by the newly renovated Harrah’s Valley River Casino & Resort to try your luck in the poker room, on the slot machines, or bowl with the family at the Family Fun Center.
Day 2: A Trip to “Germany” & Lake ChatugeÂ
 Morning:
Drive to Helton Creek Falls in Helen, Georgia, the Charm of Bavaria in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The waterfall is a short walk making it a kid-friendly activity.  If you have little ones along with you, the Cabbage Patch Doll Factory is located nearby in Cleveland, GA and all decked out for the holidays.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon at Lake Chatuge, located near the NC-GA border, about 30 minutes away from Murphy. Drive up to Bell Mountain if the time is right to catch the sunset with panoramic lake and mountain views to remember.
  Evening:
If you’re still in Hiwassee at dinner time, check out Marina Station for a family fun evening of Top-Golf or a nice meal at The Oakes Lakeside Kitchen. Or, head back to Hayesville and check out Rib Country for a casual dinner. If you want a special treat, check out the Copper Door where reservations are usually required, but it is a great place to celebrate a special occasion. Back in Murphy, check out Legend’s Steakhouse for a good meal. Afterward, enjoy a drink at Buck Bald Brewing Company or Cherokee Cellars. If you would rather take something back to your cabin, check out the Fairy Cross Bottle Shop for an extensive selection of wines, snacks, and even Jewish bagels overnighted from New York!
Day 3: Nature and Culture
Morning Â
Visit Fields of the Wood Bible Park, just a short drive from Murphy. This park is unique with large outdoor biblical displays, once the largest Ten Commandments in the Country. Take a walk to the top Ten Commandments Mountain for a panoramic view of the park. Don’t forget the Pslams Prayer Garden.
 Lunch:
On your way back to Murphy, stop at Parker’s Burgers and Sweets for a classic burger and staff as sweet as their homemade desserts! After, head into Downtown Murphy to look around the several shops with something for the perfect gift for anyone and everyone. Indigo Mountain Traders, Black and White Market, Gray Matters Boutique, Uniques, Journee77, and Vintage Therapy, and Distinctly Original. For art, check out the Cherokee County Arts Council and The M.A.C and Olive’s Porch.
 Afternoon:
Explore John C. Campbell Folk School (about 20 minutes from Murphy). If you’re lucky, you might catch a holiday workshop or live demonstration in traditional Appalachian arts and crafts. Don’t forget to stop by the Craft Shop for unique quality gifts for the upcoming Holiday season and pick up a 2025 Classes Magazine as registration is now open!
 Evening:
End your trip with a quiet dinner at The Crown in Brasstown, known for its intimate atmosphere and creative dishes that are gluten-free. Don’t forget to ask about their holiday cocktails and deserts!
EXTENDED WEEKEND DAYTRIP IDEAS:
Day 1: Explore Murphy & Your Artistic Side
 Morning:
Start your trip by exploring downtown Murphy. Visit the Cherokee County Historical Museum to get an overview of the area’s Native American history and Appalachian heritage. Don’t forget the Cherokee County Arts Council and The Murphy Art Center if you are interested in Art. Both of these offer special events and classes, so check it out!
                                  Lunch
Enjoy a casual lunch at The Mason Bar in Murphy, which offers delicious sandwiches, holiday drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.
                              Afternoon
After lunch, head over to the Harrah’s Valley River Casino for a family photo in front of their gigantic tree. Check out the Murphy Visitor Center for specific information and holiday activities during your visit.
                                  Evening
Have dinner at Chevelle’s, a local favorite with a great selection of beers and hearty pub food, holiday photo ops, and lots of live music events. Afterward, take a stroll down to the L&N Depot or to the Harshaw Cemetery for a nice evening walk.
Day 2: Scenic Train Ride and Wine Tasting
                                Morning
  Take a short drive (about 40 minutes) to  Bryson City, and ride the Great Smoky Mountain Scenic Railroad. This 4-hour round-trip train ride takes you through beautiful forests offering incredible fall views. Looking to get in the spirit? Take the Polar Express ride in your favorite Christmas PJs!
                                   Lunch
After your train ride, grab lunch at one of the quaint cafes in Bryson City, and hit up one of their amazing sweet shoppes to fill your sugar cravings!
                               Afternoon
Head to FernCrest Winery’s Tasting Room or Cherokee Cellars Winery or Valley River Vineyards for a wine tasting experience. Fairy Cross Bottle Shop is a local favorite. You may even catch some live music! Enjoy sampling local wines and take a bottle home as a souvenir. Pick out the perfect gift for the wine lovers we hold dear.
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                                 Evening:
Have a cozy dinner at Murphy’s Chophouse, where you can enjoy a nice steak or seafood in a relaxed setting.
Day 3: Cherokee, NC and the Great Smoky National Park
This scenic day trip from Cherokee County, NC, to Cherokee, NC (also known as the Qualla Boundary), offers a delightful mix of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. Begin your journey with a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes along Highway 74 to US-441 N. Your first stop is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, where you can explore exhibits on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Oconaluftee River. keep an eye out for elk and wild turkeys grazing in the fields near the visitor center.
Continuing into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, make your way to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome), the highest point in the park, where a short but steep hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views. Next, head to Newfound Gap, a popular overlook that offers stunning vistas of the valley below. You mAY JUST GET A GLIMPSE OF SNOW ON THE MOUNTAINTOPS THIS TIME OF YEAR!
Day 4: Explore Nearby Towns and Waterfalls OptionÂ
   Morning:
Drive to Franklin, NC (about 1 hour from Murphy). Take the kids to The Factory for games and fun or check out the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts for performances or holiday events!
 Lunch:
Grab a picnic lunch or stop by one of the restaurants downtown. hOP OVER TO THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN HOST FOR SOME SOUVENIERS AND GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!Â
  Afternoon:
After lunch, drive to Dry Falls, a short but dramatic waterfall just outside of Highlands, NC (about 30 minutes from Franklin). You can walk behind the waterfall for an up-close experience, which is particularly magical.
 Evening:
On your way back to Cherokee County, stop by Chevelle’s in Hayesville where you can enjoy a variety of items and maybe catch some live music too. If you want an upscale experience to celebrate a special occasion, check out The Copper Door (usually requires reservations).
DONT FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR Holiday calendar of events, and join the fun!Â
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