A sovereign nation to itself, the Qualla Boundary is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While most of the Cherokee were forcibly removed to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears, a few families hid out in the mountains and were able to keep their claim to their homeland. Visitors can sample the ancient Cherokee heritage with a tour through the renovated Museum of the Cherokee Indian or touring the Oconluftee Indian Village for demonstrations of ancient crafts. Admission charged. 800-438-1601 or http://www.cherokee-nc.com/.