Nikola420

Lots of walking and very expensive food but the animals are great.

Beautiful area, sad story. What these people have been reduced to is painful to watch, but I suppose there is an upside. Their casino has become a HUGE attraction and has expanded enormously, meaning everyone registered as a member of the tribe gets a check every couple of months. This means more native owned businesses are starting to pop up, and the quality of living has improved. But still, it’s so sad that there are teepees set up where a native will dance for you for cash. Avoid the hokey downtown tricket strip and enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway and picnic areas. Go see the “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama…a must see if in the area.

The walking trail is the highlight of this beautiful place. Everyday my sister and I walk it twice, about 5 miles altogether. Some is gravel, some sidewalk; the entire trail around the lake is amazing. There are ducks everywhere that the whole county comes to feed (even in the winter they are here), there are paddleboats, shuffleboard, a playground, a seasonal pool, tennis, two bridges…it’s a great place to spend some time. But…be aware this is a Methodist Retreat and the people can get snippy at any given time. I have been stopped and told me pants were too short and that it was an abomination. Trust me, they weren’t. Also be sure not to swear, as this can get you kicked off the lake grounds, and fishing is all but forbidden except for two small spots. Also there is NO SWIMMING allowed ever. Bummer but from the looks of the water…may be a good idea. Expect big crowds in the summer espeacially JUNE. Just stay away from the place the first 2 weeks of June, it’s a nightmare when all the delegates come to elect new members.