Very well said Reggie. I'm very fortunate to live in such an amazing place. I am constantly driving down the road and saying, "This is just too freaking cool! I get to live here and see this every day!"
Cherokee is a really neat place. I go over there at least 1x a week (or more if we have IT problems).
I also suggest:
Blowing Rock, NC
Lake Lure, NC (one part of the original Dirty Dancing movie was filmed there)
Biltmore House & Gardens
Lake Junaluska, NC
Maggie Valley, NC
and one place EVERYONE should visit is "Downtown" Waynesville, NC. I go up there and sit/read or walk at lunch during warmer weather. GORGEOUS!