Even if you stay in TN, you can be in NC and back in the same day. I'd suggest visiting the NC entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, especially the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. It's only 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC.
You can walk through the history, numerous buildings built in the late 19th century:
1) John Davis Cabin - constructed with the rare chestnut timber
2) Enloe Barn - only moved 200 yards from its native site, includes 16,000 hand split shingles
3) Messer Applehouse - originally partially underground to help insulate the apples
+ meathouse, Baxter/Jenkins Chickenhouse, Blacksmith Shop, Springhouse (for refrigeration), corn cribs, and a sorghum press.
The Mountain Farm Museum is free and located near the scenic Oconaluftee River. The Cherokee considered the waters of the river sacred. If you have the time, take the Oconaluftee River Trail, an easy 3 mile trail along the river. It is especially recommended to hike during the spring, the time in which hikers have identified over 40 species of wildflowers.Tip: Consider timing your trip for the 3rd Sat. of Sept. It's the Mountain Lifestyle Festival and you'll be treated to seeing people make cider and lye soap. Plus you can visit a working blacksmith.
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