Cherokee Village, Arkansas has a relaxed and laid-back vibe that is perfect for people who enjoy outdoor activities, nature, and a slower pace of life. It's known for its natural beauty and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hiking, golfing, and boating. The town is also known for its friendly and welcoming nature, where locals are always willing to strike up a conversation and share their love for the area. There is a strong sense of community pride in Cherokee Village, and residents enjoy preserving the area's natural beauty and history. It has a peaceful and friendly vibe that is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a more relaxed pace of living. So, what are some things to do in Cherokee Village, AR? Here are a few ways to truly enjoy your time in our area, whether visiting or staying for a lifetime.
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Water, and plenty of it
My favorite place to enjoy Cherokee Village is on the lake. My dad has a pontoon boat, and we can enjoy riding, pulling tubes or skiers, or just swimming at the dock. We also visit the river but that is definitely for someone more hotblooded then me-very cool waters! Cherokee Village has 7 lakes, with Omaha and Thunderbird being the two lakes you can ski, tube or speed boat on. There is also a canal from Lake Sequoyah to Lake Thunderbird so you can still access the fun but be on a no wake lake, so it is quieter. Lake Sequoyah is also where the beach is for property owners and their guests, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The no wake lakes are a great place to sail, paddle boat and kayak as well. The Fourth of July celebration is well known here with lots of activities in town center as well as huge fireworks display best watched while swimming or boating! The Spring and Southfork rivers are also great places to raft, canoe or kayak on, but watch out for the high and low falls. Although the lakes and rivers can get busy during summer seasons, if you avoid the holidays, you are not likely to find a crowd (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day). Boats are available to rent, but there is not a large supply, so you will want to reserve early on.
Golf Courses
Cherokee Village is home to two,18-hole golf courses – North and South Course. They are surrounded by beautiful mountains and are courses with a great design, a long challenge with sand and hills and you may just need every club. Nice scenery, rarely crowded, so there are no tee times and fees can be found on cvsid.org as well as course maps.
There are tournaments at the golf courses almost every weekend of the summer, where you get a chance to compete with the best of the best and win some moola! This is an opportunity for several of our area clubs to raise funds for the betterment including the chamber, lions, rotary, realtor association and more.
There are also area golf courses not too far away if you just wanted to make a trip and check out some courses! Horseshoe Bend has Turkey Mountain and Melbourne has Cooper's Hawk, both of which are 18 holes.
There are green fees for any who play, but they are pretty low at $55/day plus $20/cart, see this info for more details.
Hunting and Fishing
We live in Catfish Cove on Lake Thunderbird and my husband can tell you there is great fishing in the lakes in Cherokee Village. You will also find bass, catfish, crappie, perch and bluegill in the lakes, or if fishing in the Spring River, you will find trout and walleye. For hunters, Cherokee Village has an annual Urban Bow Hunt. Plus, just a few miles outside the Village is the Alexander Wildlife Management Area where you can hunt, fish and camp. Mammoth Spring (about 20 miles north) which produces almost 10 million gallons of water per hour to form the Spring River. There are several other WMA’s located not too far from us offering waterfowl, deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and more.
Cherokee village has camp sites near our town center and there is a couple RV parks in Hardy if you prefer to enjoy nature even more during your stay.
Recreation Centers
Included with ownership of property in Cherokee Village, you'll have access to community centers:
- Omaha (Fulton County)-4 swimming pools, miniature golf, playground, fitness center, indoor pickleball, meeting rooms, and auditorium.
$100/year for fitness club and pickleball (see dl)
Pools are currently unusable and no determined time yet when will be fixed.
- Thunderbird (Sharp County, near town center)-2 swimming pools, miniature golf, playground, meeting rooms.
- North Golf Course-outdoor tennis courts (with lights for evening play), pro shop and large event room
[Click on the name of each center to see video tours of them]
Area Festivals and Events
Dogwood Days ​April 22, 2023: 5K, Turtleman and many other singing entertainers, Line Dancers, Terrapin Races, Pet Parade
Arkansas Pie Festival April 29, 2023: competition between commercial pie makers, home chefs, and students. Judges and attendees will be able to sample pies before crowning a people’s choice and champion baker. Pies will also be displayed and auctioned for charity. 5k, live entertainment, food trucks, pie eating and throwing contests, shopping at the Arkansas Pie Pop-up Shop, and pet parade.
Spring River Farmers Market Saturday mornings in the summer
Spring River car club car show June 3
Cave City Watermelon Festival: Held annually in nearby Cave City, the Watermelon Festival is a popular event that features live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and of course, plenty of watermelon. Three days packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family! Nationally acclaimed musicians and regional favorites hit the stage beginning Thursday evening. Activities include a children's fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed spitting contest, free watermelon feast, prize melon auction, incredible food, kids' wet zone, and much more! Local businesses will be having special events throughout town as well. July 27-29, 2023
Sharp County Fair July 11-15
Fulton County Fair July 19-22
Hardy Homesteaders Day September 29, 2023: come and see how it was all done in the "old days." Churn butter, make candles, make cloth dolls. Interactive and great activity for any age.
Treasures in the Ozarks October 7/8: The Treasures in the Ozarks is a juried arts and crafts show featuring only handmade items that is held in the Hardy Civic Center
Hardy Gun and Knife show in March and November, every year.
Spring River Got Talent November 4; an annual event showcasing our areas singers, songwriters and bands.
Christmas Parades the first and second weekend in Ash Flat and Hardy; tree lighting the first Monday in Cherokee Village
4/8/2024 Eclipse Parts of Arkansas will be the place to be during what has been dubbed the Great North American Eclipse. To experience the total phase of the eclipse, gazers must be in the narrow path of totality, which will run through the center of The Natural State from southwest to northeast. Cities such as Hardy, Ash Flat, Cherokee Village and Highland are located within that narrow swath of totality. Make plans now to be in Arkansas on April 8, 2024!
Restaurants
Arkansas has a diverse culinary scene that offers a range of unique dishes that are influenced by Southern, Cajun, and Ozark Mountain cuisine.
BBQ: typically, slow cooked over hickory wood and served with a variety of sauces. Pulled pork, ribs, and brisket are all popular options. Smokin' Ricks BBQ on Main Street in Hardy is a good place to find this meal.
Fried Catfish: often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw. Meachum's family restaurant in Ash Flat serves fish; don't forget to get an order of onion rings!
Chicken and Dumplings: staple in many Southern households. The Artisan restaurant in Ash Flat has many southern dishes to choose from.
Pecan Pie: Arkansas is the largest producer of pecans in the United States, and pecan pie is a popular dessert. Carol's lakeview restaurant, across from the marina and the only restaurant in Cherokee Village, is known for their pie!
Fried Pickles: This snack is a Southern favorite that has gained popularity in recent years. The Spring River Draft house has these and other great appetizers.
Gumbo: This spicy Cajun dish is a favorite in Arkansas made with a mix of seafood, chicken, and sausage, and served over rice. Also, along this line is jambalaya, shrimp po boys. Rebel Time Out in Highland has the dishes, pizza and burgers.
There are several factors that can make a place a desirable moving destination including cost of living, warmer climate, access to quality health care, a safe area, as well as opportunities to stay involved. Cherokee Village, AR checks all these boxes, and now you have a list of things to do the next time you visit or decide to buy a home! Check out some other information about our area in this video about rural neighborhoods. Thanks for visiting and have a blessed week!
