Activities in North Carolina

Arts and Crafts Activities in North Carolina

There is a long history of artisans making beautiful art and crafts in Western North Carolina. The 11,000 year history of the Cherokee testifies to this fact. There are many arts and crafts activities in Western North Carolina that demonstrate our region's unique blend of ancient Cherokee and Scots-Irish history. Here are two examples of arts and crafts activities in North Carolina that highlight our area’s rich and unique cultural heritage:

• John C. Campbell Folk School: For hands on arts and crafts activities in North Carolina, consider taking a class at the world famous John C. Campbell folk school. Receive apprentice-style instruction in Blacksmithing, Quilting, Woodturning, Weaving, Knitting and more.
• Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.: Learn about the arts and crafts traditions of the Eastern Cherokee. Bring home authentic Cherokee handcrafts such as basketry, pottery, wood and stone carving, and beadwork.

Outdoor Adventure Activities in North Carolina

The landscape of Western North Carolina is rich in mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. These wonderful and wild places offer a wealth of unforgettable outdoor adventure activities in North Carolina. Here are just a few suggestions:

Hike or ride your mountain bike along any of our hundreds of miles of trails. Casual day-hikers, thrill seeking experts and everyone in between will find trails that seem made just for you. Outdoor activities in North Carolina will leave your heart pounding, if only from the awe inspiring beauty of our landscape.

• Ride "The Dragon" and live to tell the tale. For those adventurers with a need for speedier activities in North Carolina, motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts alike will love whipping along the 318 curves of this 11 mile section of mountain roadway, with breathtaking views.
• Get wet! See Waterfalls, or for more hands on outdoor activities in North Carolina, Go: Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Tubing, Fishing, Canoeing, or Boating with one of our local, talented outfitters.

Get Our Free Travel Guide to Discover even More Exciting Activities in North Carolina

Smoky Mountain Host wants to help you plan your best vacation ever. There are so many fun and amazing activities in North Carolina, and we’ll show you the best of them. We are a membership driven, non-profit organization representing the seven far western counties of North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

We know and love this area and want to share it with you. We will give you a free printed North Carolina Smokies travel guide that shares many more fun activities in North Carolina. Order online or call 1-800-432-4678 to request one. You can also download the PDF version of your western North Carolina Smokies Travel Guide.