More things to do
This Here are some links and ideas for yet more things to do in the Murphy area. These links will open in a new window.
- Nantahala Gorge - Great whitewater sports, but also just a beautiful trip into the gorge for sightseeing, even if you don't raft. North of Andrews on US 19-76. Can be combined with Gem Mining and/or trip to Cherokee Village/Casino. Also, there's a good restaurant on the way - Reliah's Garden (on the left - across the bridge at the Gorge).
- Great Smoky Mountain Railway - Several routes to pick from in the summer. Real full size railroads. Steam and Diesel Excursions.
- Whistle Stop Mall - Franklin's version of the big city malls. On US 441 in Franklin
- Fontana Dam-Hydroelectric Plant - A must if you like engineering marvels. This TVA dam is the highest east of the Mississippi. Tours through the plant, and visit Fontana Village, originally built to house the construction workers.
- Cherokee Village & Casino - On the reservation. Is a little touristy, but still can see some of the Indian culture. Harrah's Casino is a real money casino, just no live dealers. Gets some big name performers.
- Vogel State Park - Beautiful waterfall & lake. You can swim in the lake and they have miniature golf.
- Ruby Falls & Rock City - In Chattanooga, Tenn. on Lookout Mountain. Underground caverns and an impressive underground waterfall. Not for the claustrophobic. Great view from the mountaintop. Rock City, also on Lookout Mtn,, has beautiful natural above ground rock formation.
- Helen, Georgia - Old Swiss-German style town, shops. Horse drawn carriages, ethnic foods. Definitely touristy.
- Blue Ridge, Georgia - A nice trip to old downtown where they have restored much of it. Many small antique shops for browsing.
- Lake Hiawasse & Lake Chatuge - Large reservoir lakes with full boating activities and marinas
- Foster's Flea Market - local merchants with some antiques, some junk, but all interesting! At the intersection of US 129 and US 64 west of Murphy.
- No-Name Café - unique restaurant/antique shop in downtown Murphy. Odd hours of operation, check their schedule before going.
- Fire Creek - This is a beautiful recreational area with a stream, hiking areas and picnic areas. East of Murphy off of US 64. Not easy to find. There are good directions on the index cards in the cabin.
- Brasstown, NC - Beautiful Campbell Folk School and craft store. Some craft and antique stores down the road from the school in Brasstown. It's a pretty drive through farm country.
- Amicalola Falls - Great waterfall with beautiful lodge located in Georgia about 90 min drive from Murphy. There are good directions on the index cards in the cabin.
- Smoky Mountain National Park - Speaks for itself. Awesome. North on US 19-76 to Cherokee area then left onto US 441 through the park. About 2.5 hrs from Murphy.
- Biltmore Estate - Historic huge estate home of railroad tycoon George Vanderbilt in Asheville, NC. Impressive architecture, gardens and grounds. Worth the 2.5 hr trip. There are good directions on the index cards in the cabin