Out-of-Town Trip Report – Part 2

I finally found time to continue the report on our recent trip that included a stay at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in North Carolina.

I had mentioned in Part 1 how we loved its beautiful green setting in the Smoky Mountains, and on this trip we planned some out-of-casino activities to enjoy nature. On one day we took a road trip over the mountain to Gatlinburg, although we did not actually spend any time in that too-commercialized town, except to stop for some ice cream. However, the scenery along the route was worth the trip, with stops at look-outs that afforded spectacular mountain views. However, I would suggest that you try to pick another time that we did, to avoid the heavy crowds that also liked to have a beautiful summer Sunday afternoon drive.

The highpoint of our stay was taking in the drama “Unto These Hills,” a professional production in a stunning outdoor theater that was built right into the forest. It told the moving historical story of the Cherokee Indians and how they suffered under the government’s cruel policies for so many years. It was a sad story and almost made me forget our losses in the casino this trip, especially when we saw the wonderful big school and other improvements for the local Indian population paid for from the casinos profits. (However, on past trips we had not been so generous and don’t plan to be in the future!)

Here are a few more comments about the casino experience itself that I hadn’t mentioned in Part 1:

• It is the rare – and perhaps only – Harrah’s property with no limits on the number of free room movies Seven Star tier players can enjoy.
• The buffet is one of the best we have ever eaten in a casino, but the hours are sometimes limited, closed some days during slow seasons and mostly serving dinner only.  Check the schedule to avoid disappointment.
• There is a wide choice of food options besides the main buffet.  We liked the Selu Garden Café off the lobby for breakfast, where you could order from the menu or choose the small buffet set up there.  We also liked the convenience of the food court on the casino floor for quick eats.  And the Diamond Lounge had light snack and meal offerings, with even more selections in the Seven Star room within that lounge.

I have often mentioned that we always like to combine casino stays with family visits, and this trip was the usual combo. It was special because a new member to our family had been added and we got to meet 3-month-old great-grandson Bowen for the first time. You can leave the blog now – and my feelings won’t be hurt – if you aren’t interested in some proud-great-grandparent photos!!!

   July 4 Celebrations

 Big brother, Asher, always taking care of Bo