The Smoky Mountains

The brochure says "The combination of breathtaking scenery, intriguing history, and family fun make Cherokee an ideal vacation destination." I say after going there. It's a real tourist trap. Before Spanish explorers came - Hernando de Soto was the first to reach the Smokies in 1540 - Cherokee territory stretched from the Ohio River in the north southward into Georgia and Alabama. Some 25,000 Cherokees populated 135,000 square miles covering parts of what are now eight states. Which is more territory than they need so we took it away from them. Now they are scalping us legally by erecting huge casinos, and also in the case of Cherokee, there is only one street through town and it is lined with souvenir and gift shops. Including old Indian eating places McDonalds, Burger King, Windys and Dairy Queen. Oh and lets not forget the most famous one Big Boy, wow! I haven't seen one of these since they went out of business years ago in San Diego. There is also the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills" telling the Cherokees' story; the Museum of the Cherokee Indian shows Cherokee life through artifacts preserved through time; the Oconaluftee Village is an authentic replica of an 18th century Cherokee community; and the Cherokee Culture Center where you can buy genuine Cherokee stuff made by local Indians. Anyway we had a good time, it started out raining but cleared up and became a nice day.