Southern Resort Group Blog

While relaxing and unwinding in your cozy Smoky Mountains vacation rental is tempting, Western North Carolina offers abundant holiday activities you won’t want to miss. From festive events to outdoor adventures, the region is brimming with seasonal charm. Here are some great ways to explore and make the most of your holiday getaway in the Smoky Mountains. Dillsboro The tiny but artistic town’s annual Festival of Lights & Luminaries takes...

    Ride the rails through parts of Western North Carolina, departing from the historic depot in Bryson City. A variety of train excursions and special event trains run throughout the year, with options ranging from dining in first class with a private attendant and breathtaking views to taking it all in while riding in an open-air gondola. 45 Mitchell Street Bryson City, NC 800-872-4681

  This “park” located in Dillsboro is not what you might think; it is a park of artisan studios. The “green energy” is the methane gas captured from the town’s old landfill that is used as fuel for the studios. The studios and artisans featured include a sculpture garden, glass studio, metals shop, ceramics studio with a kiln that is fired using vegetable oil, and a gallery. Guided tours are...

  The only casino in the state features 102,000 square feet of gaming space, a 3,000-seat entertainment center, and 20,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. 777 Casino Drive Cherokee, NC 800-427-7247

  Features artifacts and items that highlight and celebrate the culture of the Cherokee tribes indigenous to Western North Carolina.  589 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC (828) 497-3481

  This powerful outdoor drama re-enacts Cherokee history from the first contact with Europeans through the tragic “Trail of Tears”. The story is told from a Cherokee perspective by descendants of those who avoided removal and is presented nightly except Sundays from June through mid-August. 688 Drama Rd. Cherokee, NC (866) 554-4557

  The Factory is a large-scale indoor amusement park featuring virtual reality games, an arcade, go-karts, laser tag, a carousel, mini-golf, kids’ play area with inflatables, bumper cars, the Jump Factory trampoline park, and pizza and taco restaurants. 1024 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734 (866) 482-2386

  Go back in time to the 18th century when Native Americans dominated the land. Guided tours will take you through craft demonstrations by award-winning artists who will explain Cherokee crafting techniques, meet historical Cherokee people in the living history section, and view special shows throughout the season such as “Time of War” and traditional Cherokee dancing. Open seasonally, from April until November 564 Tsali Blvd Cherokee, NC (833) 630-7033