Marie,

Cherokee? Really? That's near my old stomping grounds.

Forget the casino, go over to Cullowhee and get a kayak or a tube and take a lazy ride down the Tuckaseegee.

Get up on the Blue Ridge parkway or hike the Appalachian trail.

Or go white water rafting on the Nantahala. http://www.noc.com/

Or go see the former super secret spy station in Rosman, NC. http://www.carolinacorner.com/attractions/pari-secret-spy-station-educational-resources.htm