Tag: things to do in North Carolina

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Things to do in Cherokee, Maggie Valley, Gatlinburg and the Smokey Mountains

Krystle Kitchen

Things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina

The Oconaluftee River (behind me) in Cherokee is a beautiful area to visit and if you’re ever near the Smokies I suggest checking it out🏔

The Oconaluftee River in Cherokee is a beautiful area to visit and if you’re ever near the Smokies I suggest checking it out. The Oconaluftee area and trails have plenty of places to float/raft, fish, and play. The river here is a place where many families gather, especially the Oconoluftee Island Park. In the evenings or on the weekends many people can be seen playing in the water and enjoying family time together.

When I visit family we like to go to Oconaluftee Island and listen to stories from elders over a bonfire. Fun fact: Cherokee don’t have typical powwow-type dances like you may have seen from other tribes or on TV, but instead hold stomps. Bonfire times and other special events can be found on the Visit Cherokee website.

Museum of the Cherokee

The Museum of the Cherokee is a great place to visit while in Cherokee and gives a better understanding of the tribe and it’s history.

If you’re looking to see Native American artifacts and learn more about the history of the Cherokee tribe I highly suggest checking out the Museum of the Cherokee. The layout of the museum is great and the exhibits are very interactive. The collection of Native American artifacts is impressive. The museum is also, within walking distance to many shops and food options.

Indian Village-Cherokee, North Carolina

There are many things to see and do in and around Cherokee, Nc. The peace and tranquillity of the Indian village alone is worth the drive.

If you’re looking to see the heart of the Cherokee people I would also suggest visiting the Indian village. The village isn’t far up the mountain from the museum and has tours daily with Native American guides that explain the culture, history, and way of life. The village also has a walking trail and gardens to explore.

The internal flame is worth a walk down to the theater where the Unto these Hills takes place, but I highly recommend getting tickets to watch the performance too in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Combined tickets can be purchased that include multiple attractions such as the Unto the Hills drama. The theatrical interpretation of the journey of the Cherokee people is a must-see. The internal flame in front of the theater is worth a walk down to the theater and I highly recommend getting tickets to watch the performance.

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountain’s National Park

The Great Smoky Mountain National park offers plenty to enjoy and some one of a kind photo opportunities and hiking experiences.

If you’re into hiking Cherokee has many beautiful trails. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also a close drive from Cherokee and offers a plethora of trails and photo opportunities. Hiking part of the Appalachian trail is an unbeatable experience.

Things to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Overlooking Gatlinburg, Tennessee

As you drive from Cherokee, NC to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park you will also, be close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From where I was staying in Cherokee it was only 37 miles to Gatlinburg. If you’re not familiar this area along with Pigeon Forge is a known tourist hotspot. It is a vacation destination in itself and has everything you can imagine in terms of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. During this trip, I didn’t spend much time in Gatlinburg, but I have been there several times with family.

Skylift Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers amazing views, plenty of chairs to sit, gift shop, concessios and areas to capture the perfect photos.

Skylift Park-Gatlinburg, Tennessee

One evening of the trip was dedicated to Gatlinburg. While there I wanted to revisit one of my favorite attractions and ride on the Skylift. This ride is a Gatlinburg icon and I remember riding on it as a child. I was excited to be able to finally check out the new partial glass bridge this trip as well. Tip: The Skylift Park allows multiple visits in a day with paid admission and it is the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

While at the Skylift park, a storm came up and we stayed put there for a couple of hours. There is a gift shop, concession-style restaurant, and bar on top of the mountain. Along with the beautiful views, there are plenty of chairs to sit on and areas to capture the perfect photos. We decided to enjoy lunch there too and had pizza and beer with the mountain views. The concession area had fresh food and the bar staff were very friendly.

Sugarlands Distillery- Gatlinburg, Tennessee

One of the other activities I decided to do while in Gatlinburg was to visit Sugarlands. I enjoy a good drink and have heard so many positive things about this distillery. I am not a stranger to moonshine and grew up with a family that proudly made their shine.

Watching programs like Moonshiners on the History Channel piqued my interest in this topic as an adult. I was excited to be in Gatlinburg and to finally get to check out Sugarlands for myself. Tasting tours are available for $5 and I tried 12 tiny samples of different varieties of their moonshine, plus a cream liqueur. Honestly, it was all amazing!

The bar inside Sugarlands in Gatlinburg, Tennessee didn’t disappoint and their drinks were made with lots of shine and sass.

Sugarlands also has a huge gift shop and after our tasting, we purchased several types of shine to take home. The $5 tasting fee is knocked off a shine purchase too which was nice. There were several deals for a percent off certain items and a free item after 5 when we visited. We also enjoyed some fun cocktails and live music in their bar behind the gift shop. Sugarlands was a great way to spend our evening in Gatlinburg and a fun way to experience something different.

There is so much to do and see in this area of the Smoky Mountains from Cherokee, Maggie Valley, and Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge anyone could make a multi-week vacation out of it. There is something to appeal to everyone in the family too from history, water activities, food/drink, and the outdoor lifestyle. I know I can’t wait to plan another trip back to the area.

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Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina: Oregon Inlet Campground

Krystle Kitchen
Beach on the Atlantic Ocean at Oregon Inlet Campground

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has been a piece of my heart since I was a girl. As soon as I had my driver’s permit I couldn’t wait to take my SUV to the beach and drive on the sand. Many weekends growing up I spent fishing and laying in the sun on Oregon Inlet. As an adult, I’ve stayed in too many Outer Banks hotels and rentals to count. I feel like the OBX is a part of me.

Site 35B Oregon Inlet Campground
Site 35B Oregon Inlet Campground

Being able to camp at Oregon Inlet was a dream come true. For those of you interested in camping on the OBX there are many camping choices, but this blog will focus primarily on Oregon Inlet Campground. My first trip to Oregon Inlet Campground was also the Madden trip for my almost 30-year-old Sunline Saturn I’ve named the Lilly Pad and it made this vacation extra memorable.

Oregon Inlet Campground 101

campground layout at Oregon Inlet Campground
Provided campground layout at Oregon Inlet Campground

Oregon Inlet Campground is located just a stone’s throw from the inlet and this campground offers convenient access to fishing and water activities. It boasts well-maintained facilities and stunning sunset views over the sound. Oregon Inlet Campground is comprised of three sections. Section A is solely for tent camping and B/C allows for tents and RVs (some offering electric and water hookups). Generators are also, allowed to be used from 7am-10pm in B/C. The campground is across the street from the Oregon Inlet fishing area which has a dump station, fresh water hookup for getting your potable water, and a small store for necessities.

go 4x4 in the obx
Get an off road permit to drive your own 4×4 vehicle on the beach or rent one while you’re at the beach and have a unique driving experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro!

Amidst the rugged beauty of the Outer Banks, Oregon Inlet presents a captivating blend of coastal charm and natural splendor. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or an action-packed outdoor adventure, this area offers a variety of camping options to suit every traveler’s preference. The Oregon Inlet Campground stands out for its proximity to both the inlet itself and the expansive Atlantic Ocean beaches. Campers can wake up to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore and enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the sound.

The campground is well maintained, and has a ranger station and onsite host volunteers. The best part is the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean is right over the dunes of the camping area. A quick walk from the campground and you can swim in the cool green water of the island or catch your dinner. Cooking up fresh, local seafood makes a wonderful addition to any beach camping experience.

Freshly caught Wanchese, Nc shrimp from the market
Freshly caught Wanchese, Nc shrimp from the market.

Tips for Camping at Oregon Inlet

When preparing for a camping trip at Oregon Inlet, it’s essential to pack wisely. Bring along camping essentials such as cooking utensils, and sufficient food and water supplies, as nearby stores can be limited. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy hiking shoes are also crucial, especially for those planning to explore the rugged terrain and sandy trails.

Before embarking on your journey, be sure to check the weather forecast and consider seasonal conditions, particularly during hurricane season. Making campground reservations in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times, to secure your spot amidst the Outer Banks’ natural wonders. The campground can be booked on recreation.gov and the online booking process was very easy as was the check-in and out at the location.

Things to do in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you’re looking for some of the freshest seafood in the OBX give Captain George’s a try. This is a local favorite for all you can eat seafood and includes crab legs on the buffet.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do around Oregon Inlet. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines from the shore or venture out on chartered fishing expeditions in the rich waters of the inlet. Nature lovers can explore the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this coastal environment, from marshlands teeming with wildlife to sandy dunes dotted with sea oats.

The towns of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are a quick drive North and have many grocery stores and restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of shopping. The Bodie Lighthouse is also, a few miles up the street from the OI campground as well as one of my favorite NC beaches Coquina Beach. A further drive North for a day trip and one can visit the quaint town of Duck, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, or even go see the wild horses of Corolla on a horse adventure or hop on an ATV and ride the dunes.

Bodie Lighthouse
Bodie Lighthouse, a short drive from the Oregon Inlet Campground

If you’re looking to explore I highly suggest booking a flight over the islands through OBX Airplanes. You’ll get a better appreciation for how the beautiful outer banks are laid out and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a few shipwrecks and maybe even some dolphins. There is just something extra special about flying over the Wright Brother’s memorial area knowing it is the site of the birth of flight itself!

Flying over the OBX in a small plane
Flying over the OBX in a small plane with just your family is a vacation memory you’ll be sure to treasure!

If flying isn’t your thing you can also, choose to drive to the Wright Brothers Memorial and walk the grounds on foot or consider a visit to the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to see some cool ocean life by foot too, and a shipwreck. An immersed model of the SS Monitor is in one of their exhibits. Roanoke Island is also, home to many restaurants and shops.

Scuppernong Vineyards in the shops of Downtown Manteo
I recommend a stop at Vineyards on the Scuppernong in the shops of Downtown Manteo. The scuppernong grape is native to NC and has a delicious sweet taste and fragrance. If you love wine do yourself a favor and go try some scuppernong wine 🍷 💕

If you’re a nature lover visit the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens on the picturesque sound of Roanoke Island. There is plenty for the history buffs too like seeing the wonderful outdoor drama of the Lost Colony, visiting Festival Park to see a replica of Elizabeth II ship, and historical artifacts from the area.

H2OBX
H2OBX has so much to offer no matter your preference for water fun. From sitting back in a lounge chair and watching everyone else, to speeding down tubes into the warm blue water or eating fish tacos and enjoying a watermelon milkshake you’ll find it all at H2OBX.

If you’re into fishing you can book a fishing charter right out of Oregon Inlet across from the campground! Not that you will, but if you get tired of the beach and like water fun you can drive north to check out the new H2OBX water park too while you’re in town. H2OBX has plenty to offer for the whole family from a huge lazy river, water rides the whole family can fit on, single and double tubing rides, delicious food, and fun apparel shopping. Spending a day at H2OBX is a great addition to any trip to the beach.

The OBX will always have a piece of my heart and I love sharing all my fun experiences and finds so you too will fall in love with the OBX!

From wild horses, the birth of flight, fresh seafood, and breathtaking beaches the the area surrounding the Oregon Inlet Campground doesn’t disappoint. Camping among the dunes and opening the windows to hear the ocean were a big perk of this campground and a highlight of this adventure for me. Camping near the Outer Banks promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From lounging on pristine beaches, hiking through maritime forests, or simply soaking in the tranquility of this coastal paradise, each moment spent in this captivating environment is sure to leave a lasting impression. Plan your adventure today and discover the untamed beauty of camping on the Outer Banks’ shores.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my article please share/pin it and if you know someone planning a trip to the OBX please share my article with them too☺️

Visit a North Carolina Aquarium

Camping at Beechland Campground in Manteo

Camping at Refuge Campground Roanoke Island

Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

If you are a hotel, campground or business and would like me to visit and write a blog for you please contact me at krystle@takeawalkinmyflipflops.com . Thank you!

Camping on the Outer Banks