1. Ocoee River Rafting

The Ocoee River is only a 20 minute drive from Murphy and is a great way to see the national forest and mark another item off your bucket list!  Ocoee Rafting is fun and splashy Class III and IV white water. No experience is necessary since all trip are fully guided. Guests can choose from the Half Day Trip or Full Day Trips with a grilled riverside lunch. Carolina Ocoee Rafting

2. Nantahala River Rafting

The Nantahala River is great for families with young kids and beginning rafters. You just need to be 60 lbs or 7 year old to go. Guests have the option of going Guide-In-Boat or if they are feeling adventurous Non-Guide. No experience is necessary. The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours round trip. The Nantahala River winds thur the beautiful Nantahala National Forest. Nantahala River Rafting

3. Murphy River Walk

The Murphy River Walk is a great place to take a stroll. 3+ miles of trails take you along the Valley River and thru Murphy’s historic downtown. As a bonus the trails are also dog friendly! Murphy River Walk

4. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel

The Newly opened Valley River Casino has it all: blackjack, slots, roulette and craps for gaming.  If your looking for family fun the casino also has a nice bowling alley and arcade.

If you decide to go to the bowling alley or arcade check their website for specials. We found an unlimited bowling and shoe rental for cheap. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino

5. Flea Market and Yard Sale Spots

Murphy is a picker’s paradise. If you like antiquing and good old fashioned haggling, check out Foster’s and Decker’s Flea Market.  

There is also a roadside market every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). You just never know what you might find. I would try to get there early before the good stuff gets gone.  Recently found a couple of old matching plant stands that are just perfect!

6. Downtown Pizza

If you are on vacation with your pizza loving family and want great pizza without breaking the bank, then this is the place for you.  They have a good variety of specialty pizzas as well as the old standby pepperoni and cheese. As an added bonus they also have a game and ticket area that is done well. Down Town Pizza Co.

7. Nottely River Valley Vineyards

Family owned and operated this vineyard makes old world style wine. The winery is located on a 93 acre farm that is just a short drive from downtown Murphy. Tasting room anyone!? Nottely River Valley Vineyards

8. Nantahala River Gem Mine

The Nantahala Gem Mine is a great way for families to get their hands dirty.  Miners get a big bucket of dirt, scoop it into a gem pan and wash it out in the water. Just like the miner of old you never know what you will find.  It’s also a good way to learn about where things come from and how they naturally grow in the earth. Nantahala River Gem Mine

9. Valley River Brewery

If craft beer is your thing, then check out Valley River Brewery. They brew a good craft beer and usually have some seasonal varieties also. They have a good menu for eats if your hungry.  I recommend the pizza. It goes good with the beer. Seriously! Valley River Brewery

10. Piney Knob Bike & Hiking Trails

The Piney Knob Trail System is 22.3 miles of single track hiking and biking trails. It seems like they are always adding more trails so I would recommend checking for new trail options every time you go. There is a mix of easy, intermediate and advanced trails that are a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area.

11. Rib Country BBQ

I would drive a long way for BBQ this good.  Rib County has a large menu with something for everyone. They smoke their meat over hardwoods and it gives the meat a flavor you just can’t get out of a bottle. They also make and serve their own special sauce. Rib Country

12. Market Place Antiques

Market Place Antiques is a great place to go tiqueing!  They are always getting different stuff so you never know what they may get in. Marketplace Antiques

13. Hiwassee Dam

The Hiwassee Dam is a pretty cool feat of engineering! The dam is 307 feet tall and is 1376 feet wide.  The reservoir created by the lake has lots of boating and hiking opportunities. I recommend taking a picnic lunch and exploring the area. Hiwassee Dame