Attractions

Cradle of Forestry
The birthplace of forestry in America. The Cradle of Forestry is a living museum with exhibits detailing the history of managed forestry and local craftspeople demonstrating the skills that early mountaineers used to carve their homesteads out of the forest.

Cold Mountain
The real Cold Mountain is located near the town of Waynesville, N.C. You’ll find Cold Mountain in North Carolina’s Shining Rock Wilderness, which was originally part of the Cherokee Nation until white settlers with a land grant from the state began migrating here in 1796. At 6,030 feet, it is the tallest peak in the wilderness area. Located in government-owned Pisgah National Forest, Cold Mountain hasn’t changed much since the Civil War in which the book is set. To find out more information and the source of this description visit
http://www.visitnc.com/region_article.asp?SectionGroupID=1&ArticleID=605

Cataloochee Valley
Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the southeastern United States. Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was the largest and most prosperous settlement in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elk were reintroduced to the park in February 2001 and most of the elk are located in the Cataloochee area. The best times to see the elk are early morning and late evening and sometimes on cloudy summer days before or after storms. Once known for its farms and orchards, today's Cataloochee is one of the most picturesque areas of the park. Few people visit this beautiful valley, but spectacular rewards await those who do. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/gsmsite/history.html

Cherokee Indian Reservation
The Cherokee Indian Reservation is located in western North Carolina and is home to 12,500 enrolled members. The rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee has been preserved here. Visit the craft shops and see original ceremonial dances performed. Explore the heritage, history & culture of the region’s Native Americans.
800-438-1601
www.cherokee-nc.com

Haywood Arts Repertory Theatre
This year-round community theatre group puts on 5 shows a year. The box office is located at Mast General Store on Main Street in Waynesville.

Old Pressley Sapphire Mine
Western North Carolina is a great place for rock hounds. The Old Pressley Sapphire Mine was the source for the 1445-carat "Star of the Carolina" Sapphire, on of the wolrd's largest. The mine offers you the chance to try a little mining yourself.
828-648-6320, 877-903-4754.

Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
The Shelton House was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features comprehensive exhibits of 19th Century crafts and furniture. Artists who have participated in the North Carolina State Fair's Village of Yesterday ahve a selection of crafts displayed. There is also a fine collection of Native American artifacts. The museum collection includes hand-woven coverlets, quilts, sculptured porcelain, dulcimers and masterpieces of pottery work.
828-452-1551

Soco Gardens Zoo
Many wild animals, a petting zoo and shows make this an entertaining and educational stop. Also guided tours and a gift shop specifically for animal lovers.
828-926-1746

Lake Junaluska Assembly
Nested in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska Assembly is a full service, year-round conference and retreat center. It is owned and operated by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

Wheels Through Time Museum
A consummate collection of over 250 rare antique American Motorcycles and Automobiles. Equally as astounding is the memorabilia collection that unites the "art of the motorcycle" with the generation of Americans that enjoyed a lifestyle peculiar to the "American Mainstream." The thrust of the museum is to educate future generations to a fascinating spectrum of Americana.
828-926-6266
www.wheelsthroughtime.com