Murphy, NC

Fields of the Wood is a 200-acre park in Cherokee County, North Carolina, owned by the Church of God of Prophecy. The park is famous for its 300-foot-wide, mountainside depiction of the Ten Commandments.

It was created by A. J. Tomlinson, the founder of the several Pentecostal Holiness denominations. Fields of the Wood includes a number of markers and monuments, some significant to Christians and others to members of the Church of God of Prophecy. There are representations of the three crosses on Golgotha and The Garden Tomb; a baptismal pool; Prayer Mountain with 29 monuments with quotations from the Bible and more. Three hiking trails lead from the mountain down to restrooms, picnic tables, a gift shop, and a small café. The site has no campground or large preaching venue.

10000 NC-294, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone: 828-494-7855

Hiwassee Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Hiwassee River, near Murphy, Cherokee County, North Carolina. It is one of three dams on the river built in the late 1930s for flood control and providing electrical power for the region. The construction of the dam created the 6000-acre Hiwassee Lake.

Its tailwaters are part of Apalachia Lake. The 307-foot dam is the third highest dam in the TVA system. Hiwassee Dam is named after the Hiwassee River. It is located about 76 miles above the Hiawassee River's mouth, at the end of a large bend in the river called Fowler Bend. Hiwassee Dam and the Hiwassee Lake are surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.

Murphy, North Carolina

The displays in the Cherokee County Museum in Murphy, North Carolina depict the rich history of Native Americans and pioneer settlers in the western corner of the state.

It celebrates Cherokeee traditions, culture and pioneer days. The museum is located in a historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy. The Museum’s exhibits include over 2,000 Cherokee artifacts collected for fifty years by local resident Arthur Palmer, 40 panels with drawings and photographs that tell the story about the local Cherokee history and culture, antique farm implements, vintage household items, more than 700 collectible dolls donated by local resident Louise Kilgore and more. The museum is also an interpretive center for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

87 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone: 828-837-6792

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Two Crows Farm is an alpaca farm located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, in the Appalachian hills about nine miles from the town of Murphy. Two Crows Farm celebrates the rural lifestyle through raising alpacas for their luxurious wool.

The farm welcomes visitors to come to learn about raising livestock, processing yarn, growing own food and enjoying the sense of community that the country living brings. The farm raises award winning alpacas, creates soft, high quality yarn and produces beautiful items made by local fiber artists from the alpaca fleece. The farm welcomes tours of the farm by people interested in becoming alpaca farmers as well as by families just looking for a pleasant afternoon in the country and taking some photos with docile llamas.

1495 Boiling Springs Rd, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone: 828-837-1678

Nottely River Valley Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery and vineyard established in 2008 near the town of Murphy, North Carolina. The vineyard and winery spread over 10 acres on a 93-acre farm owned by the family since 1820.

The vineyard is densely planted by Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Primitivo, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and the French Hybrids Chambourcin, Chardonel, and Seyval Blanc. Besides dense planting, to ensure high quality fruit and wine, the vineyard uses other viticulture practices such as cluster thinning, leaf pruning and limited fruit production. The winery has a below-ground gravity flow design, and its cellar uses geo-thermal cooling. The first harvest was in the fall of 2011.

1150 Old Culberson Rd, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone: 828-837-7822

Where to Eat:

Bistro 29 is an upscale contemporary restaurant and bar in western North Carolina, in Historic Downtown Murphy.

Modern stylish décor, soft colors and lighting and original art on the walls create a warm ambiance and a strong sense of style. Chef Shawn Johnson creates an eclectic menu that combines the tastes and aromas of European cuisines with the touches of American, Asian and Latin flavors. Long bar offers comfortable seating and is famous for its interesting cocktails. Its signature cocktail is the Basil Cucumber Martini. On most nights soft music plays in the background but on certain nights jazz musicians provide live entertainment.

2938, 29 Tennessee St, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone: 828-837-9022

Chevelles 66 is a sports themed restaurant and bar in Murphy, North Carolina, with homey atmosphere and the menu focused on the highest quality steaks, fresh seafood, succulent chicken, pasta, salads and desserts.

The owners of this family-owned and operated eatery make their own sauces, soups, salads, dressings desserts and use fresh ingredients in all of their dishes. Chevelles 66 is equally known for its great line up of rock and country bands, dancing, a full bar and an outdoor fire pit. It is a popular local gathering spot, especially on the nights with live bands, trivia nights or open jams.

66 Hiwassee St, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone: 828-835-7001

Designed to thrill all those who enjoy a little flirting with Lady Luck, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino boasts more than 50,000 square feet of casino floor.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do first. There are more than 1000 modern slot machines to choose from, more than 60 table games and Caesars Sportsbook, which allows you to bet on all your favorite sports. There are more than 300 comfortable guestrooms on site as well as a choice of restaurants to suit all tastes. Other entertainment includes a bowling alley and games arcade.

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, 828 497 7777

Located at the Murphy Art Center (aka the MAC), the Valley River Arts Guild endeavors to bring the joy of art to everyone in the community. Whether you are an observer and admirer or a hands-on artist, you can enjoy a wide variety of art and activities at the center.

At the heart of the center there is a large and airy exhibition space where the talents of local artists are showcased. In addition, the center boasts studio and workshop areas where art classes are hosted. Artworks to take home with you include paintings in a variety of mediums, woodwork, pottery, jewelry, hand-made candles and soaps and greetings cards.

Valley River Arts Center, 12 Peachtree Street, Murphy, NC 28906, 828 360 3038

Murphy’s Chophouse is a popular restaurant which offers indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.

The restaurant serves a very good selection of traditional American favorites including Fried Green Tomato Stacks, Crab Cakes and a fine line-up of steaks. In addition, there are main-course salads, freshly made soups and mouth-watering sandwiches. Gluten-free options are available and vegetarians should find something tasty in the salads and sides section, but there are not many vegetarian entrees. Murphy’s has a good wine menu and also serves cocktails and a choice of beers. Murphy’s Chophouse is a firm favorite for their Sunday Brunch and serves lunch and dinner daily (except for Tuesdays).

Murphy’s Chophouse, 130 Valley River Ave, Murphy, NC 28906, 828 835 3287