10 Best Things to Do in Murphy, North Carolina

By VacationIdea Staff on June 19, 2023 - Updated

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Murphy is a town in Cherokee County, North Carolina, at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Valley rivers, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Murphy is an old town established in the 1830s. Its historic downtown streets are lined with mature trees and well-preserved period buildings.

The displays in the Cherokee County Historical Museum depict the rich history of Native Americans and pioneer settlers in the area. Nearby Hiawassee Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing. Two Crows Farm is an alpaca farm located about nine miles from town and open to visitors. Nottely River Valley Vineyards, LLC. is a family-owned and operated winery and vineyard established in 2008.

1. Fields of the Wood

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

2. Hiwassee Dam

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

3. Cherokee County Museum

The displays in the Cherokee County Historical 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

4. Two Crows Farm

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

5. Nottely River Valley Vineyard

Nottely River Valley Vineyards, LLC. 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. More Romantic Weekend Getaways in NC

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

6. Bistro 29

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

7. Chevelles 66

Chevelles 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. More ideas: North Carolina Islands

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