Harrah's Cherokee

[Dan Druff]

I am considering making my next Seven Stars trip to Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina.

I know that carolinajacket goes there. Perhaps others here do, as well.

I've never been to North Carolina before.

Questions:

1) How is the property?

2) Are there any good restaurants there? Will I have a hard time spending $500 on food with my folio credit?

3) Is there a lot for a tourist to do in the general area? Even if some of the stuff is a few hundred miles away, I'm okay with that.

I don't care so much about the gambling there, as I probably won't play while on my Seven Stars trip.

[Alan Mendelson]

Dan, while you might not "gamble" (video poker for tier points, RCs) on your various casino trips do you play live poker?

[Dan Druff]

Dan, while you might not "gamble" (video poker for tier points, RCs) on your various casino trips do you play live poker?

No.

I am a high limit poker player, so there are only a limited number of live games which I would want to play.

Also, I prefer limit hold 'em, as I find NL holdem boring, especially in cash games.

[RoeIncarnate]

Also, I prefer limit hold 'em, as I find NL holdem boring, especially in cash games.

I'm curios what you find boring about NL holdem?

[redietz]

Dan,

I'm not sure if you'll be able to blow $500, but there is a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse that just opened, a couple of cafes, and a decent but pricey buffet. The buffet, I think, was better when it first opened a couple of years ago but has suffered a slight downgrade since. I don't know how the dining credits work or if you could use the credit towards the steakhouse.

The property is good-looking with a lot of community space. They are not hurting for square footage. A stream runs next to the property, which has just opened a second tower. The local Cherokee have touristy things to do -- trail hikes and zip lines and such. Within about an hour are Dollywood and Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is a big-time amusement park. Pigeon Forge has a world class aquarium. Be warned -- it is very Branson, Missouri - ish. The aquarium may be in Gatlinburg, which is next to Pigeon Forge.

I do not know where you would fly into, but the roads are twisting and steep as Cherokee is in a valley. Beautiful country. The property has a nice performance venue if anyone good might be scheduled soon. I saw Billy Idol there two years ago.

[Dan Druff]

Thanks. I guess I can eat twice at Ruth's Chris and that will mostly get it done.

This trip likely won't be until 2016. I see that it's close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Is that an interesting place to visit? I will usually visit any national park which is within a reasonable driving distance.

I'll probably be creating a road trip out of this (as I always do with these 7 Stars trips), so maybe I'll end up in Nashville before flying home (never been there, either). I have a long time to decide.

[Alan Mendelson]

This trip likely won't be until 2016.

Ahh... youth!! At my age, I don't even risk buying green bananas at the supermarket.

[carolinajacket]

Hi Dan. You may want to go when the mountains' leaves are in color. I would also recommend a quick trip over to Asheville. Its a real neat little city, and Biltmore Estates is the grandest mansion in the country. It must have been nice to be able to build your own railroad line to your estate to bring in all the wonderful things. Also, we have just been told that the $500 can now be broken down into implements of $100, so you won't have to worry about spending all at one time and place. We were up there this weekend and the rooms are very nice and we did pretty well, gaining 18,000 tier points while bringing home a plus $3000. I played two long days strictly off their free play. Not a bid little trip. Let us know when you go and maybe we can drive over for a hello. Oh yes, Betty went to see Rodney Carrington, where they also had an open bar with shrimp, roast pork, and all kinds of goodies.

[JustaDiamind]

I'm also thinking about making a trip to Cherokee, probably this may.. which tower has the nicest rooms ?

[redietz]

Great idea, carolina! I would recommend the Biltmore Estates. A one-day pass is probably about $60. It is really something. They also have a winery attached to the property. If you go at Christmas, it's beautiful. Also a large arboretum, if you're into that kind of thing. You could fly into Asheville, although that might cost a bit more.

Also, getting to Nashville from Cherokee is a long drive -- probably a good five hours.

I've only stayed in standard rooms, which are Holiday-Inn okay. I assume you should just ask for the newer tower; don't know if they're designated north or south or what. Last time I checked the site, no clear designation.

[carolinajacket]

All of three towers are very, two a new and the other one has been refurbished. You can't go wrong with any of them.