Hi Rose:
Cherokee sounds like a wonderful idea, especially this time of year, and yes, the 'Grove' is wonderful, though don't forget to take a sweater to sit for lunch on the porch overlooking Ashville. ( I say 'lunch' because I don't know about you, but I can't afford their dinner prices...) By the way, IF you like salmon, their salmon sandwich is great, AND large... They have a nice gift shop within the building, and another one down below. The one below is quite something. All items on display are made by local artists (NC), of course VERY expensive, but worthwhile seeing. Oh, and take a ride to the upstairs in the elevator that's inside the chimney! The upstairs is most interesting to see, not only the layout but all of the photos on the wall, despicting the building of the Grove.

For a real adventure I would take the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive it from Cherokee to Ashville, making sure to stop 'here and there ' on the way...overlooks, and also another shop that has more locally made items that are just wonderful ( and actually more affordable). If you have never taken the 'Blue Ridge Parkway' I would definately make it a 'must do'. I would pick a weekday for that, making sure that you practically have the Parkway to yourself.

As to Ashville itself, I am not much help, when I go there, because I make pine needle baskets, I concentrate on shops and galleries that have baskets, or maybe some interesting materiels that I might consider. I know there is a nice gallery near the Biltmore, b-u=t can't remember the name off hand... 'Blue'...something is the name, IF you figure out where it is, it sure is worthwhile to see ( at least from my perspective).

I know the place is loaded with nice restaurants, shops, ect. so I am sure you'll find something. Once in a while they have outdoor concerts, and that's nice too. I remember we stumbled onto one ...

In any event, good luck at the casino, hope you have lots of fun.