Lost Attractions of Cherokee, NC

[@bradstoner7226]

It is so sad to see all this stuff gone. I took trips there in the 70's and 80's as a young lad with my parents. I remember staying at some of those motels and going into some of those stores. Tears my heart out to see it all abandoned.

[@jodysales2362]

I grew up going to Cherokee as a kid. I miss the old Cherokee.

[@youtubedude3446]

Me too. We still have many photos from the 70's. I still have photo's of myself with the Indian Chef guy. Remember him, he would allow you to take a picture with him for a small fee?

[@jackb.hardtime53]

I have pictures and hanging out with Chief. Cool place back in the day. Not the same anymore

[@GypcRiXh]

Jody Sales anyone remember that gnarly tree in the middle of town we’re you could watch locals climb up and then dive off into that beautiful ice cold clear water wow man I miss ole Cherokee days as a kid this kinda made me sad and happy wth happen to the world smh 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@GypcRiXh]

Paul Bowles omg yes I have mine n my hand rn I was probably 7-8 he was such a large beautiful man of his culture

[@jodysales2362]

Got a picture put up of an Indian chief I was with my brother he is 12 years older than me I was may 4 or 5 and he was holding me in his arms for the picture and I was a shy kid and I looked terrified in the picture. Love those time.

[@bomberguy06]

I don't see why old and new can't coexist. Does everything today need to be modern and sleek? Good to know there are still pockets of old American roadside attractions still functioning and preserved elsewhere.

[@kbhasi]

As someone who's somewhat obsessed with vintage design, I like that they still exist.

[@litt222]

Never will happen again. Drugs took over and the casino.

[@andyvieluf6377]

As you're going through old footage during quarantine, I'd LOVE to see a couple Carpetbagger Outtake videos!

[@matthewwilliams8220]

Carpetbagger doesn’t make mistakes.

[@NurseHensley]

So much of the Cherokee that I remember is gone. This video was great but it also made me sad. All those wonderful times and places gone forever.

[@TheCrazyPop]

I went to Cherokee every summer as a kid and still go every summer now. it's really sad to see these places just let vacant. It sure has changed a lot since the casino was built. I used to love watching the Indians put on shows in front of the gift shops. As far as the signs go, it would be nice if they could be restored!!

[@leighthomas8220]

I didn’t know Frontierland was gone! Where have I been. Also didn’t know the chairlift was gone. I dropped my wallet off it on a church trip in the 70’s. An Indian climbed down the mountain, found it, and sent it back down on a chair. That’s pretty amazing. I’m sure I had about $5 in it!

[@nise5281]

Native Americans, nope not overly sensitive, but a nimrod lied said he had found India and yup it stuck! Indians are from India, nope not real PC either. Would you want to be called that if some asshat lied and added insult to injury.....just sayin....

[@billiethomas5807]

All of the neat places I took my children to. Ghost Town in the Sky in Maggie Valley is gone as is Land of Oz near Boone, NC So Very sad..

[@828REZBOYS_]

Front tear land will be moved to ghost town

[@sonyafox3271]

Frontier Land, no it didn’t! Ghost Town In The Sky in Maggie Valley is still abandoned, well not so much abandoned as shutdown still. People have owned it, checkout your history, Ghost town was reopened a short time from 2012 till 2016 for awhile, what, I just learned today from the same lady that owned it for yrs. The reason Ghost Town IN The SKY never has reopened because, there’s been issues alone with the water pipes, then, issues with the buildings and rides from the yrs of being vandalized.

[@lorrie37061]

Love looking at the old stuff. I love the Cherokee and Maggie Valley area! It makes me think of how Gatlinburg was in the late 70’s and early 80’s when I visited with my family. Great work Jacob!

[@youtubedude3446]

Same here.

[@englishatheart]

'70s* '80s*

[@dazzlingpumppouches]

Yes I remember first going in 1971 I was five with my two older brothers. I can still remember what we did in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Cherokee. We went back some years growing up and later on when I got married took trips there. Everything sure has built up and change and I sure miss those simple times

[@poodlenme]

Memories crumbling in the dust! ❤️

[@Spinning_Wave]

Some video I’m impressed carpet bagger really gives us a real adventure even when we’re at home

[@amberstarrfaw]

Granny’s is the best breakfast all you can eat bar ever!! Love it

[@MWolfling]

Thank you for doing this! I grew up on the edge of Spartanburg County so we'd joyride to Cherokee every other month or so when I was a kid. I hope once things are safe again I can go back. This stirred up so much lovely nostalgia.

[@jillcox259]

You are awesome. Thank you for this video. We used to visit Cherokee when I was a child 70s-80s.

[@gayeyount7948]

We used to go every summer growing up and then took my kids a lot when they were younger. All the kids have pictures with the chief.

[@Odiselephant]

Thanks so much for this vid! I went to Cherokee many times as a kid. It truly was a magical place. The whole town was like a modern Pow wow. Love your humor. There is a bit of sadness to see it, but did bring back some sweet memories.

[@ryanstalcup4231]

i own the mall with the alligator on it i've been trying to get the funds to refurbish it. the alligator is there because there used to be alligators and bears in the basement if you ever want to see down there just let me know and we can set something up

[@TheCarpetbagger]

I do! Email me at [e-mail]

[@dillpickle2916]

Wow that would be great if you could get that going again!

[@danceswithgoats5727]

Good luck....

[@emilyhenry933]

I would love for you to be able to fix it back up.

[@dianadelahaye7660]

Kind of a sad , lost in time area.

[@ashleyturner2882]

such pretty scenery. i hope those old signs get preserved and appreciated.

[@gwenethrogers5820]

I was married in the summer of 1968. We drove to Cherokee NC and stayed at the Red Skin Motel on our honeymoon. It was there and operating until just a few years ago! We are from NC and always loved the Blue Ridge Mountains. My fathers grandmother was Cherokee and we often made trips to Cherokee. NC.

[@jennharrison5579]

Oh THANK YOU so much for this. I'm from there and I've not been home since 2006 and I remember spending my summers in Cherokee as a kid. This means so much to me that you took the time to do this. Bless you and stay safe on your travels

[@crystalwallace2175]

Thank you for this video. It gave me peace in my soul during these difficult times. I've always loved the mountains and can't wait to get back. 💛🖤💛 Stay safe Jacob!

[@timwaddell7499]

Stayed at the Thunderbird Hotel back in the early 90s. Still have the receipt. Loved Cherokee

[@jamesjenkins3267]

The old water slides in the side of the mountains in Cherokee were our favorite thing to do in the 80s.

[@dawnbenchley7237]

Love the old attractions. I grew up with them.

[@marypeek4628]

This brings back so many memories. My family and i used to go there every year, sometimes twice a year. We actually stayed at cool waters a few times. We stopped going just after the bingo started. My parents health detorated and we wasn't able to go. Ive been wanting to go back for years but i probably wouldnt recognize most of it now. Thank you for this.

[@brand-EE]

Cherokee was so beautiful especially at night. With the neon signs and everyone going in to town to listen to live music on the side of the streets. Almost every good childhood memory I have is in this town.

[@sarahblack1632]

Love to see the casino go away and have all those sweet little motels come back.

[@scottfrye7027]

But if they get rid of the casino, then I want them to bring back the old Frontier Land amusement park. Because the casino was built on the land that Frontier Land once occupied.

[@Staindjunkie2000]

Thanks for bringing back old memories. I love your videos. I remember going out as a kid staying in the wigwams then going to Santa land.

[@AdventuringWithChris]

I went here as a kid in the 80s. I remember it with all the neon lights before a lot of it was abandoned and forgotten

[@mathaannhendrix4392]

I grew up at Cherokee I can't believe how much this changed

[@CourtneysCockpit]

We were just there yesterday and what i saw i loved. I told my husband I wanted to know more then said "lets see if carpetbaggers been here!" You are always my #1 to research places. Thanks for all u do

[@mechelcnmyrtlebeach6532]

I wish i was there. My favorite fudge shop is beside the chair lift. I rode that lift hate to see it closed yrs ago. U got that right about the peanuts so.good. Thanks Jacob really enjoyed video!!

[@RhettyforHistory]

The famous place for Jacob and his bear head dance and people get sensitive over filming neon signs! Good to see you back there.

[@TheCarpetbagger]

Yes! Wanted to do a follow up. The bear pits where I did the dance is leveled

[@RhettyforHistory]

@@TheCarpetbagger Oh that's sad.

[@guyhenderson5647]

I'm from Asheville and have family on the reservation. The tourist trade definitely played to stereotypes. For instance teepees and head dresses were aspects of the plains nations. The nomadic tribes. The Cherokee have always lived in houses.

[@nobleman_81]

That's what happens when Europeans and 5 dollar Indian's tell the history of other cultures.

[@JeffDeWitt]

Great video, I like Cherokee and get there every year or so and stop for ice cream if nothing else. The only time I stop as the casino is when the traffic light in front of it is red... Anyone who gets there I STRONGLY recommend you check out the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. It's very well done, fascinating, and if you don't get a bit emotional learning about the Trail of Tears there is something wrong with you.

[@adamfisher6709]

Love your videos. This one brings back so many memories of our trips to the smokies as a kid in the 80s

[@West_Georgia_Rods_Customs]

Grew up vacationing in Cherokee and Gatlinburg as a kid. Stayed at Cool Waters motel and the Boundary Tree Hotel several times. Miss the ole Cherokee stores. Found out that Chief Henry was related to my family and had several photos made with him over the years.

[@bextar6365]

Wife and I went thru Cherokee a few times, last time was maybe 10 years ago to get on the beginning of Blue Ridge Parkway and travel over the Mtn. Tops to Front Royal VA. over 400 miles. What an outstanding scenic trip that was. Looks like the Casino is destroying the small mom and pop businesses there now. A shame !

[@darthnihiluz5305]

I'm not sure that's true. If anything it's propping up the remaining businesses. The casino hotel is overpriced so I'll stay at a clean motel for like $60.

[@amyreynolds3619]

We also went to Cherokee on our way back from the Blue Ridge Parkway. We drove through Cherokee after going on The Great Smokey Mountains Railroad also. Good video but sad how the town has changed and not for the better.

[@bextar6365]

@@amyreynolds3619 I also heard ASHVILLE has be come a {H hole} now too...

[@leighrogers6825]

Thank you so much for this! I live in Florence, SC. I've vacationed my whole life in the smokies! I'm 49 now, and I remember so well so many of those places!

[@judyshepard1425]

Nothing stays the same. I live on the coast but visit the mountains every year and Cherokee is always at least a drive through. I’m 74 and have been coming since I was about 8 yrs old. Still love the mountains.

[@DreamingOutloudRVing]

Great video. We have wanted to visit Cherokee. Love the vintage signs, they give me a happy feeling of better times. Thank you for sharing this with us. ~Paul

[@Christlockhart1]

Man, wow! Flashbacks of childhood trips as a kid and I’m fairly certain I’ve actually stayed in some of those spots. So sad to see the state they’re in but I appreciate the video! Thank you for sharing. I fondly remember the quarter machines playing tic-tac-toe with chickens and bunnies.

[@Alonewolf549]

I am part of the team that removed the statue.. We had him completely refurbished and he is now at the old fun park beside the pond. He has a single feather headdress that blew off during a recent storm.

[@SpringTime2nd]

Thank you for showing Cherokee. Used to visit from the 60’s on. Last visit probably 12-15 years ago. So very different. Very sad. I was considering visiting this fall but probably won’t. Just too sad. I can’t believe these abandonment places are left the way they are. Into these Hills is an amazing play. I would like to take my son. Maybe.

[@sunbirdturbo]

Thank you for still uploading. It’s nice to still have something entertaining to watch.

[@kammonsjr3980]

Thanks for going here. Cherokee is always been rustic and beautiful. Reminds me when I was young and with my family as a family use to be. I miss it. Here at Cherokee but Maggie Valley also. Go to Maggie valley and see Maggie walk down the road in the morning .

[@bassrawkers]

I'm just minutes away, thanks for the tip!

[@charlottemackinnon9587]

Jacob. U rocked this one!! Love seeing old motels. Makes you think of the past and who stayed there. 💋from canada!! You bagged this one!!!

[@englishatheart]

You*

[@brianhartsell4085]

Great video, remember as a child, going there almost every year. Such a shame to see a lot of the old places, I remember. Thanks for sharing this, brought back a lot of memories.

[@MarksThinkTank]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin. Keep it up and thank you!

[@thorfinthorfin3010]

I appreciate you doing this video. I spent my childhood there. I haven't seen it since the 1980s. So much is gone.

[@JayJay-pu2gx]

I really appreciate this video. I grew up in New Mexico, and, as a child, spent lots of time on various reservations there. I have lived in NC for many years and have never been able to get to Cherokee, and have always wondered what was going on there.

[@romp6969]

Old school Cherokee was cool. My family frequented the town in the 70’s and 80’s for vacation and weekends. I remember all the bear parks and chicken dancing attractions. The neon signs were amazing at night. The Wagon Train campground was across from Frontierland and the train would wake me every morning I was there. Always learned a lot about the Cherokee culture and the place was never run down. Clean as whistle and well maintained. Sorry to see it in its current state. I live three hours away and sometimes drive all the way there when I begin to miss my parents and family that have gone on. It feels as though progress choked it out of existence.

[@Mokujo]

Brilliant idea for a video in this whacky time we live in. Good thinking, seriously!

[@VLTampa]

Thank you for the great memories your video brought back to me. It made my day.

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

Great job I went through there a year back and toured around. The ole neon signs you captured warmed my heart. I'm as my name implies I'm a huge Route 66 guy!

[@intotheyoutubezone4289]

That is so sad years ago I used to go to Cherokee all the time. It looks like Cherokee dropped the bomb on itself that bombs name was Harrah's Casino.. I have so many wonderful memories of that area I couldn't begin to tell you them but I am very happy to see Grandma's Kitchen is still there. Always the highlight of the trip Thanksgiving Buffet every Thursday.

[@itsmissyd7]

I know this video is old but it just came up in my feed. Sad to see all of these places gone. I remember them.

[@lorih2924]

We used to go to Maggie Valley for years but it’s been a number of years since we have made up that way. We used to drive around there. A lot of the places you showed looked very familiar. Brought back really good memories. Thank you Jacob.

[@LisafCox]

Family favorite for visiting back in the late 80's & early 90's.

[@lisaboling5336]

I remember staying at Cool Waters Motel as a teen!!!! And Irene's Campground when I was a child. i love this!!!!!

[@corysherman6087]

Great step back in history!! Thanks

[@Fr05t_F10w3r]

Me and my mom just bought 13 ACERS in Pigeon Forge. We are moving their in 25 days! So we aren’t gonna be too far away from Cherokee ! I Can’t wait! 🤘🏻💗

[@curiousentertainment3008]

Eric Singers Cat plant as many trees as possible and leave as much of the land alone as possible.

[@healinggrounds19]

Congratulations! Hope you can avoid the traffic.

[@MissouriPenny]

Love this vintage footage .love the channel

[@valerioliva9872]

Old neon is the best, it’s probably expensive now but I wish businesses would still use it

[@bassrawkers]

AND the glass blocks!!!!

[@dannymartin1114]

I love Cherokee, though I am a bit worried about it this year. I dont know how much lost business the places other than the casino can take. I will definitely go this year if it is possible, just to support the place.

[@amberdawn2601]

Us too, and if not this summer, then the next one.

[@kennethayers5624]

My family loves Cherokee,it makes me think of alot better times as a child in the 80's...Really hope to be able to this year..Gotta visit Santa's Land and of course eat at Paul's

[@carolinaghost4138]

Me too

[@evelynconnell3686]

Makes me sad to see all that's has gone ,I have good memories there when I was a child . We love to stay at the pink motel and walk down to the water to play .

[@AnthonyMichaelSneed]

The first motel is the “Cool Valley Motel”. My grandparents own it and sadly it burnt down. I actually just shot a short film and used the motel extensively. I also used the “Warrior Motel” sign as a stand-in for the missing Cool Valley sign. Small world. And good job on your videos!

[@babycakes8434]

Was it arsen? @Anthony Sneed Sorry that your grandparents have to deal with it. Are they going to renovate?

[@AnthonyMichaelSneed]

@@babycakes8434 it was suspected arson. I don't 100% recall the details but I think some of the transients they would let do long-term rentals either burnt it on purpose (retaliation for some stolen goods perhaps?) or had some crazy meth explosion. I don't know for sure. As far as renovating, definitely not. There's no business on that side of town unfortunately and hasn't been for years. Also, don't quote me, I don't speak 100% on behalf of my grandparents, they could say the exact opposite of what I just wrote.

[@mikep.9565]

I absolutely love these videos, and I remember some of these places when I visited in the early 90's

[@f86sabjf]

I would have loved to see this in its heyday. I wouldn’t even slow down for the casino.

[@scottwallace3450]

On a family trip to the Smokies in 1962, we stayed a couple of nights at the Warrior Motel. I remember playing in the pool in the evenings and watching the tomahawk chop of the neon sigh, decades before Florida State and the Atlanta Braves.

[@penguinchick6563]

Great video! Things I never think about, but remember, thank you.

[@cynthiaparris7549]

Oh me all the memories of the Smokies. We used to take our 4 kids when they was little. They all grown now. Now the grandbabies go with us. When the kids was little we stayed at the Arrowhead Motel an the Teddy Bear. I liked the Arrowhead best. We always got a room with the kitchen. It was like a small apartment. We loved it. Enjoy the vidoes!!!

[@mattandloramoss9650]

Dad to see the Casino took everything over especially the nostalgic side we still enjoy going and reminiscing

[@mountainguru529]

Only photo I have with my Dad was him standing, holding me sitting on that Triceratops I was about 6 months old . I often wondered if it was still around . Wonder if they would sell it ?

[@highroller4209]

I’m from cherokee And the triceratops is still there and is doing well

[@mountainguru529]

@@highroller4209 THANK YOU SO MUCH OR THE UPDATE ON THE TRICERATOPS .

[@maryjones6470]

I like the pink motel.. and weeping willow tree is my favorite tree I like the teepee doorways..thanks for sharing

[@Joseph-tu6dt]

I remember staying there as a little boy with my grandparents. The Tinkerbell in the neon sign used to light up.

[@RoadTripTravis]

Digging this video with the look at the older stuff in Cherokee!

[@brendaprovence1750]

Makes me really sad. I have been Silva North Carolina during the late 70s early 80s went to Cherokee many times loved it loved it loved it. Remember a lot of those places

[@burntcriz7707]

Imagine driving by and seeing a random dude film a broken down place

[@thomash5421]

BurntCriz imagine 😂😅

[@Acrophobia1981]

This made me spit out corn chips...lmao

[@MWolfling]

honestly that's just the Carolinas

[@rickymartin4807]

You've entered......... The Twilight Zone (cue weird music)

[@MansonX]

BurntCriz yeah don’t see the humor in it?

[@darthnihiluz5305]

I visit Cherokee from from Raleigh a couple times a year to play in casino poker tournaments. So many old motels, can usually stay for $60 night.

[@bassrawkers]

Dude I'm getting some great advice from you, I think we went down the same YT rabbit hole sidebar lol

[@SayNever]

The casino killed Cherokee

[@paperdoll5062]

This is true.. we never had so many people come before it.. and the money ugh

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

Sad but I believe it

[@youtubedude3446]

yep

[@crzy4bsb]

*Paper Doll* a town/city wants people to come, they want tourism. That’s not the issue. Everyone just really goes there now for the casino and that’s it. Obviously you’re suppose to spend money, just not only at one place though. 🙄

[@johnnyalonso]

your videos are fun to watch and informative.Once can definitely see your love for the mid century classics of yesteryear inn your videos. thank you for sharing.

[@michaelmichaelfordloverman8332]

Hi mike from arizona thanks for having me along for the ride in into history I really appreciate it I love seeing old roadside attractions although they are a abandoned I wonder what they were like when they were thriving maybe well never know or maybe we will one day anyways love your videos keep up the good work

[@rdmeenach]

Very interesting glimpse into a fading America....god job

[@DustyWingsProductions]

We were just there in October. The Little Princess has some really good food.

[@TiltedTripodMedia]

Omg I love Cherokee. I visit it every time I visit the smokies. Thanks for showing me new things I need to film

[@a2zirish]

That old mall had the coolest shooting gallery in it. Played there many times as a kid in the 80's. The bears that were out back was once rated in the top ten worst zoos in the US in parade magazine.

[@judyshepard1425]

When I was a child back in the 50s and 60s my family would travel to mtns every summer and Cherokee was definitely on the agenda. Iremember all the attractions and motels.

[@GypcRiXh]

Showing the type of stuff I wanna see I remember driving threw there as a child back seat with my grandparents on vacation with my family it was actually a magical beautiful place brought back so many good memories this morning Jacob ty so much ily carpetbagger! 💔👍🏾🐇💨💨💨

[@colabear2490]

keep up your great travels . you are the man !!!

[@ksavage681]

I went there as a kid and have fond memories of it. Saw the chickens and bought things from the store with big Indian. Took polaroids of Indian rain dance they did. Sad to see the older things run down.

[@rebabutcher1433]

Thanks for the interesting video! Keep them coming please!

[@rainbowunicornprincessandt7796]

Cool. I ate at the Pancake House before. I was in Cherokee the 4th of July weekend. It looked to still be in business. I also remember eating at that one buffet that closed down. I got a chance to eat at Granny's resturant. All of them had some good food.

[@mcwatersd]

I really like the older signs. Those are cool. I remember all the old animal road side attractions. In our area it was often some kind of bear display. Loved the look back. Keep Safe❤Keep Well❤

[@anthonyrusso567]

keep up the great work also don't forget Clarks in Lincoln NH has bears

[@ashleyv2270]

Another fun one to keep me sane and inspired while locked down!

[@laurelperkins2861]

Spent many summers, sitting on the steps of the Sequoia Restaurant, which was located next door to the Tom Tom gift shop, watching Chief James Screamer and his Dancers. Started going there when I was 15. I’m 67 now and still keep in contact with many of the friends I made.

[@Bossman_71]

No doubt that the casino has had a negative impact on Cherokee

[@coreenbrubaker4411]

I felt I needed to add a comment. During the summer months, Cherokee is so much more than a stop off for a casino. It is in addition a cultural experience into the lives of the tribe of Cherokee living in the area before the great trail of tears. They also have a Cherokee village and museum. I did visit about 15 yrs ago but I did google it and it was stated these exhibits were still there.

[@Jessicanyc]

I will take the old time attractions over newer ( but not better ) every time !

[@evdallas123]

Cherokee used to be a fun place to go but it's just a pitiful shell of its former glory I just wonder where the heck that casino money goes

[@landon2989]

ev dallas it all goes back into the tribe

[@catluvr2]

You made me want boiled peanuts.

[@SayNever]

Anyone remember the animals that would do all the tricks for quarters

[@monicahuck]

Yes! I told my kids about them and they didn’t believe me.

[@adventureswiththemcguires9678]

Monkey and a guy with a hand organ

[@SarahEA1]

I vaguely remember chickens am I right?

[@jamesjenkins3267]

Yes bears in cage with a slide , give them food and sometimes they would slide down the slide, really miss old Cherokee

[@carolinaghost4138]

yes that was one of my favorite things to do when I went to Cherokee to see the chickens play music or basketball when I was young, and only costed $0.25