Smoky Mountains- Who has been, what do to?
12-11-2018, 11:08 AM
#11
Thread Starter
FWIW, I don't want to be a "captive audience" to a particular restaurant/hotel, unless it's only for a night or two.
12-11-2018, 11:18 AM
#12
12-12-2018, 12:55 PM
#15
I would recommend stopping in Asheville for a day/night on your way home. Visit the Biltmore Estate which is America's largest private residence, like the homes in Newport.
Also, Asheville has an excellent restaurant and beer scene.
Also, Asheville has an excellent restaurant and beer scene.
12-12-2018, 04:19 PM
#16
Join Date: Jul 2005
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I would recommend stopping in Asheville for a day/night on your way home. Visit the Biltmore Estate which is America's largest private residence, like the homes in Newport.
Also, Asheville has an excellent restaurant and beer scene.
Also, Asheville has an excellent restaurant and beer scene.
12-12-2018, 06:57 PM
#17
A must see is the Tree of Shame at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Inn. (Not a place I would stay but if you are driving the dragon anyway...)
The Fontana Dam is also pretty interesting and includes a small visitor's center.
There are some spectacular views along 129 with several scenic overlooks. Same with US28 and many other great driving roads in the area. Just be sure to exercise the appropriate amount of caution, especially if you find yourself on 129 in TN (the dragon). Keep it between the mustard and the mayo and be on the lookout for cars and bikes cutting across the curves, although locals and most visitors know better. If you find yourself closely followed by a more enthusiastic driver or biker, there are also plenty of pull-overs to let them by.
If you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, don't expect to make good time. Speed limit is mostly 45 MPH and as low as 25 MPH where there a lot of pedestrians, and enforcement is pretty strict. But with the views you probably won't mind the leisurely pace.
One final (maybe) suggestion: Browsing the Dragon Events forum under "Meets and Events" will provide lots of ideas about things to do all over the eastern TN/western NC area.
PS: Lots of pics, please.
The Fontana Dam is also pretty interesting and includes a small visitor's center.
There are some spectacular views along 129 with several scenic overlooks. Same with US28 and many other great driving roads in the area. Just be sure to exercise the appropriate amount of caution, especially if you find yourself on 129 in TN (the dragon). Keep it between the mustard and the mayo and be on the lookout for cars and bikes cutting across the curves, although locals and most visitors know better. If you find yourself closely followed by a more enthusiastic driver or biker, there are also plenty of pull-overs to let them by.
If you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, don't expect to make good time. Speed limit is mostly 45 MPH and as low as 25 MPH where there a lot of pedestrians, and enforcement is pretty strict. But with the views you probably won't mind the leisurely pace.
One final (maybe) suggestion: Browsing the Dragon Events forum under "Meets and Events" will provide lots of ideas about things to do all over the eastern TN/western NC area.
PS: Lots of pics, please.
12-13-2018, 08:16 AM
#18
I would recommend stopping in Asheville for a day/night on your way home. Visit the Biltmore Estate which is America's largest private residence, like the homes in Newport.
Also, Asheville has an excellent restaurant and beer scene.
Also, Asheville has an excellent restaurant and beer scene.
12-13-2018, 08:40 AM
#19
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the helpful hints!!
12-14-2018, 12:35 PM
#20
