1. UNDERSTANDING DESTINATIONS 5.02 Explain major travel destinations in North Carolina (Mountain Region)

2. Major destinations in the Mountain Region Blue Ridge Parkway Great Smoky Mountains National Park Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel Farmer’s Market Biltmore Estate Mount Mitchell State Park “Unto These Hills” “Horn in the West”

3. 469 miles of scenic toll-free roadway Connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee No commercial vehicles allowed

4. Established in 1934 520,408 acres of land with heights ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome One of the largest protected areas in the Eastern US An International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site

5. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel Opened in November 1997 by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 175,000 sq. ft. facility features an expanding gaming area; 2,700 video-based gaming machines Day-care facility for children and young adults up to age 20 Must be 21 to enter Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week 252 room, 15-story luxury hotel opened in 2002 adjacent to casino

6. Farmer’s Market Asheville, NC 36 acre market facility Operated by the NC Dept. of Agriculture Open year round with seasonal hours

7. Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC America’s largest private house, created by George Vanderbilt in 1895 250 room French Renaissance chateau on 8,000 acres One of country’s most visited residences 75 acres of gardens, walking trials, and an award-winning winery Lodging available at the Inn on the Estate

8. 1,855 acres Highest point east of the Mississippi River North Carolina’s first state park Dedicated in 1915

9. “Unto These Hills” Cherokee, NC America’s most popular outdoor drama Re-enactment of the story behind the Cherokee “Trail of Tears” Opened July 1, 1950

10. “Horn in the West” Boone, NC Musical saga of Daniel and the mountain men as they struggled with the red-coated militia and the Cherokee War Chief, Dragging Canoe Started in 1952