S2KI Honda S2000 Forums - RTD 2021 - Friday's Are For Franklin

LIMITED DRIVE SPACE AVAILABLE. SEE BELOW.

Don't you love that we always go to Franklin for lunch? I do!

Once again, I have been asked to lead one of drive groups on Friday (see my Saturday drive, too). Here's the intel for the drive:

Pace - see the individual group options (let us know which group you want to be in)

When
Meet in front of the Wildwood Grill. All drivers are to arrive by 9:30. Group 1 pulls out at 9:45 SHARP. Additional groups leave at 10:00.

The Route
Leave Fontana Village, turn right (South) on NC 28 (aka Hellbender), down sweeping and technical turns, for roughly a 1:15 drive to Franklin, NC, to eat at Caffé REL (Ken's favorite spot!) There a gas station on the property.

WARNING! - Caffé REL is Ca$h Only. No credit cards.

Caffé REL is known to have a significant line (it's small joint). Group 1 is going to lunch at Rockin’ Rollie Pollies, just up the hill. We went there, last event, and our group really liked it. If you don't want to wait in line at Caffé REL, come up the hill and join Group 1 for lunch.

After enjoying good lunch, and a full gas tank, we'll take the 37 mile trip, South down NC 28 (and US 64) to Highlands, NC for ice cream and local shopping.

We will pass 2 beautiful waterfall locations:

Dry Falls
Bridal Veil Falls

I know we will stop at least at Bridal Veil Falls (and mostly likely Dry Falls...you can walk under it!). Bridal Veil Falls will be a group shot opportunity. Depending on the amount of people at Bridal Veil, we should be able to get most of our cars up the edge of the falls (they don't let cars underneath anymore). Be prepared to park before or after Bridal Veil, as this is on a twisty curve.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...3e2df05883.jpg
(May 2019 Rock the Dragon at Bridal Veil Falls)

(Bob and I will have camera equipment)

After we are finished at Bridal Veil, we'll continue on to Highlands. Ice Cream will be at the SweetTreats Deli, near the center of the town. Tons of local shoppes are all along the main road in Highlands.

If you just want ice cream and don't want to shop, Pop & Nana's Ice Cream in Robbinsville is always a favorite.

Total Drive Time to Franklin and Highlands (not including lunch) - 1:40

After we are done in Highlands, we'll have a 2+ hour drive to return to Fontana Village:

Leave Highlands Southwest on NC 106, cross over into GA for a second, then pick up US 23 North, coming right back into NC, going North, to just south of Franklin. Pick up US 64 West, so we can then turn right (Northwest) on Wayah Road, which will push us back to the bottom of the Dragon.

Watch your speed, turning on US 64. Cops are known to sit near the intersection.

After Wayah. turn on US 74 South to get to Topton, to pick up US 129 North, going through Robbinsville, which will take us back to top of the Dragon, before jumping on Yellow Creek Road, to Meadow Branch Road, to get back to Fontana Village.

If you have the itch to run the Dragon, or stop at KillBoy, continue straight on 129 North, when we turn on Yellow Creek/Meadow Branch!

Total Drive Time to back to Fontana Village - 2:30

Total drive time - 4:15 Gas stops in Franklin, Highlands and Robbinsville

Drive groups are almost full!

Download the map to your phone, so you have it Offline.

(Map to Lunch - https://goo.gl/maps/zs9i4TADPhDPS7e89)
(Map after Lunch - https://goo.gl/maps/BDhWnZ1d3qaBmuDr8)

Group 1 (Moderate to semi-Spirited) (includes Airport Loop - Lunch at Rockin’ Rollie Pollies)
(Group 1 Map to Lunch - https://goo.gl/maps/LcvuDyFtdPrTv9Kg8)
1. Jim (JoePhotographer) - Leader
2. John/Cindy (jeallen)
3. Jim (goldenfri)
4. George (gephelps)
5. Phil (PW2K)
6. Oscar (og8790)
7. John/Tana (Revjohnt)
8. Bob (modifry)
9. David & Plus 1 (magoogle)
10. Need a…- Tailgunner

Group #2 (Moderate)
1. John (Vortamock) - Leader
2. Marsha/Don (mars2000)
3. Frank (fsulli6)
4. Scott/Tammy (Birdybog)
5. Cameron (Camaro SS)
6. Tyler (Focus RS)
7.
8. Ken (kgf3076) - Tailgunner

Group #3 (Moderate)
1. Bob (RobM) - Leader
2. Jay/Jane (moxie50)
3. Curt/Leslie (CurtJarrett)
4. Nicky/Tullie (cars2kman)
5. Dan (lambedw)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Jeff/Bobbie (WhrDLMI) - Tailgunner