The Concerts on the Creek summer music series returns for its fifth season with 14 weeks of Friday evening concerts from late May through August.

The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

This year's lineup is an ideal fit for the North Carolina mountains with an emphasis on bluegrass, country, blues, and gospel. Other genres include: beach, oldies, rock, and 80's music.

The Smoky Mountains of North Carolina welcomes the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships!

The ultimate whitewater competition is coming to the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina on the Nantahala River from September 2 to 8, 2013. This premier freestyle kayak event is slated to draw over 300 top freestyle paddlers from around the world, as well as thousands of spectators.  But before the World Championships the region is preparing by hosting their National Team Trials on the same river. Top paddlers from around the country will converge on Bryson City, North Carolina from April 26 thru 28, 2013, to compete for their chance at the gold during the World Championships this September. Both events are open to the public. For more information go to kayak.visitsmokies.org.

Repairs to U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountain National Park are Complete; Direct Link between Cherokee, N.C., and Gatlinburg, Tenn., is Re-established       

CHEROKEE, N.C. (April 15, 2013) – The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are pleased to announce that access to Cherokee, N.C., is as easy as ever now that repairs to U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road are complete. The road that directly links Cherokee to Gatlinburg, Tenn., reopened on April 15, 2013, after being closed for repairs because of a January landslide. 

"U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road is a major artery for visitors coming from the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so any time it is closed, our local businesses here in Cherokee feel the impact," said Jason Lambert, director of the Cherokee Division of Commerce. "Park service officials immediately recognized the potentially devastating economic impact a prolonged closure would have on gate-way communities like Cherokee, and we are pleased that the park service moved quickly to get the road open as soon as possible, just in time for the tribe's busy summer tourism season."

Brooks Robinson, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort's Senior Vice President and General Manager,  agreed by saying, "We are also grateful 441 is opening several weeks ahead of schedule, and we look forward to providing a welcoming, resort experience for our guests from eastern Tennessee."

Recognizing the importance of U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road as a vital economic link between North Carolina and Tennessee communities, the EBCI worked with park officials to offer an incentive proposal to motivate the contractor to complete the road repairs as efficiently as possible. Per the terms of the incentive proposal, $18,000 per day will be paid to the contractor for each day of completion prior to May 15, 2013, up to a maximum of $500,000. The amount donated by the EBCI applies to the first 14 days of the incentive period at the aforementioned rate.

Smoky Mountain Host is located in Western North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains. Smoky Mountain Host provides Western North Carolina travel guides, family travel activities, and attractions in Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties as well as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.

Plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, destination wedding, or a day in the wilderness with Smoky Mountain Host.  You will find lodging that fits your style and budget, shops that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite mountain crafts, and exciting outdoor adventures for everyone in the family. 

Our Western North Carolina attractions include Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, The Factory, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Harrah's Casino, Oconaluftee Indian Village, John C. Campbell Folk School, Gem Mining, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Canoeing/Rafting, Snow Skiing, and Arts & Theatre.  These are just a few of the adventures awaiting for you in Western North Carolina.

This website and our FREE travel guide provides information on Western North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and Waterfalls.  Communities in Western North Carolina include Andrews, Asheville, Balsam, Brasstwon, Bryson City, Candler, Cashiers, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Dillsboro, Fontana Dam, Franklin, Hayesville, Highlands, Maggie Valley, Murphy, Nantahala, Otto, Robbinsville, Scaly Mountain, Sylva, Waynesville, and Whittier.  

Mickey's grandfather was a wise man. He brought his new bride to Nantahala for their honeymoon in 1921. He selected a place that had four unique seasons. Since then it has been a long standing tradition for our family to enjoy and care for this area. We've been making memories and friends here for three generations and truly enjoy helping our guests make the most of their mountain vacation during every season.

Some of our favorite encounters and experiences during the Spring and Summer months include:

• Watching the land come to life after the winter months
• Blooming dogwoods cover the mountains and are so lovely
• Creatures scampering about celebrating the warmer weather
• Bird songs – we think they sing loudest during the spring
• We love all of the native flowers. There are so many varieties!
• Spring rains come and the creeks and waterfalls flow faster
• We love to open the windows. Spring smells so good!
• So many shades of green!
• Mountains have changed from bare trees to a dense canopy of brilliant lush foliage.
• Fishing in the lakes, creeks and rivers is so much fun
• Boating, kayaking or canoeing the lakes is a great adventure
• The excitement and chill of the Nantahala River white water is invigorating.
• Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons bloom.
• Fresh local produce stands filled to the brim!

There are so many things to enjoy! Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you plan an inspiring vacation.

Spring & Summer Special

$25 off per night
March – September
Mention this Smoky Mountain Host ad to receive the discount.

Nantahala River Lodge

27395 Wayah Road
Nantahala, NC 28781
800-470-4718
www.NantahalaRiverLodge.net