Suggestions wanted for NC trip

[nrpetersen]

We're from Minnesota riding two up on a 2005 K1200LT - motelling and/or B&B it. Our tentative goal is Asheville NC (Biltmore) via Great Smokies, Tail of the Dragon etc. Interests are country music, local informal non-chain restaurants, Seagrove for pottery, architecture, old technology such as old engines airplanes etc. We'll be near Asheville week of 29 Sep - Oct 6th. We don't think there will be enough time for eastern NC.

We've never been there - any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Newstar]

Chalet Inn (http://www.chaletinn.com/)

If you are down near the Dragon for an overnight, I highly recommend the Chalet Inn. It is located in Dillsboro, about 25 miles from the Dragon. The innkeepers, George and Hanneka are great people. The inn sits on top of a mountain and it was refreshing to wake up to the sounds of nature, rather than the sounds of road noise.

As for Ashville, as I recall, you can be there in about an hour. The Biltmore is fascinating so be sure to plan at least an entire day there, if not two.

[CTellman]

When I returned to the coast after the Rally I took Route 40 toward Winston Salem. For about 10 miles out of Ashville I enjoyed the sweeping turns and light traffic. I was not the fastest vehicle but speeds were in the 80's. It was all downhill, also.
A great finish to the Rally.
Campbell Tellman II'
'93 R100RT
:thumb

[rspennachio]

The Ridgewood BBQ!!! It is legendary!! Many riders who attended the big Rally will agree.

(423) 538-7543
900 Elizabethton Hwy
Bluff City, TN
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00-7:30 Friday & Saturday 11:00-2:30 & 4:30-8:30 Closed Sunday


The pork BBQ plate is the specialty and so are the baked beans. Two people could easily share this.

Maybe this would fit in on your way in or out???

[RoboRider]

When you complete the Dragon run and end up at the NC endpoint (where the store and gas station are), continue up Hwy 28 north towards Fontana Dam. This is a spectacular road. In the early moring, mists of cloud hover over the glass smooth river which perfectly reflects the view of the hills and trees like a mirror. Stop at the Fontana Dam visitor center and look at the dam. It will take about an hour to look at the dam and the visitor center, and it is well worth the stop.

Regards,
Robo

[TexanRT]

Chalet Inn (http://www.chaletinn.com/)

If you are down near the Dragon for an overnight, I highly recommend the Chalet Inn. It is located in Dillsboro, about 25 miles from the Dragon. The innkeepers, George and Hanneka are great people. The inn sits on top of a mountain and it was refreshing to wake up to the sounds of nature, rather than the sounds of road noise.

As for Ashville, as I recall, you can be there in about an hour. The Biltmore is fascinating so be sure to plan at least an entire day there, if not two.

And if you're going to be in Dillsboro -- stop by the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory -- they make a great cup of coffee and have some great confections too.

http://www.thenewpamphleteer.com/images/74.jpg

[nrpetersen]

Geez! What a bonanza of ideas! They will be pursued THX!:dance

[TexanRT]

Geez! What a bonanza of ideas! They will be pursued THX!:dance

I have more....:) ....somebody suggested that I chuck it all and move to NC and work for the tourist bureau. :)

[rspennachio]

When you complete the Dragon run and end up at the NC endpoint (where the store and gas station are), continue up Hwy 28 north towards Fontana Dam. This is a spectacular road. In the early moring, mists of cloud hover over the glass smooth river which perfectly reflects the view of the hills and trees like a mirror. Stop at the Fontana Dam visitor center and look at the dam. It will take about an hour to look at the dam and the visitor center, and it is well worth the stop.

Regards,
Robo

Yeah this is true! What I enjoyed most was variation in air temprature. It's hot, it's hot, it's hot then you ago around a bend and it is 10 degrees cooler. Another turn and it's hot again.

FYI, there is no cell phone coverage on the dragon. But if you are on your way to the dam there is one place if you have Verizon. It is just inside the park. On the right side of the road is an overlook that has a cement stone wall. You can get a signal there but you have to stand on the wall with one leg in the air and your free hand waving wildly while your passenger takes a picture.

Ok, that last part may not be totally true but it couldn't hurt...

[mikeb921]

Try the Salty Dog in Maggie Valley for some really great seafood.

MB

[Newstar]

And don't forget the Cherohala Skyway! Every bit as beautiful as the BRP with much less traffic.

[TexanRT]

And don't forget the Cherohala Skyway! Every bit as beautiful as the BRP with much less traffic.

Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway, the Dragon, and HWY 28 makes for an excellent day of riding.:thumb

And there's 441 between Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, TN running through the Smoky Mtn National Park.

[RoboRider]

Although not in NC, coming from where you are, you should pass through either (or both) the Daniel Boone or Jefferson National Forest. I had a great ride there coming back from the Indy GP races. I can give you my route if you are interested and you can see some pics at:

http://www.bmwxplor.com/forums/topic/show/4286#new

I took some dirt roads that you won't want to do 2 up on an LT, but they were side roads, not part of the actual route.

Let me know.

Robo

[83014]

http://www.threshers.com/farmpark/seotr_calendar.html

The FarmPark Bluegrass Festival is a lot of fun and may fit your dates. Denton is East of Charlotte and not to far from Seagrove, NC. There may be some antique tractors on site when you go, but that gathering is in July.


http://www.discoverseagrove.com/pottery-events.asp

I noticed a kiln opening in early October. That's a treat if you can make it. Watch out for deer. I've lost two cars to deer impacts in the last year. Have a great trip.

[NCStephen]

Sounds like a great trip.
A few thoughts, thinking kinda outloud to check out for your trip planning

Penland School north of Asheville
Biltmore House in Asheville,
And then also look at Mountain heritage folk art. do a search on that with Asheville also in the search

If staying, Might consider the Balsam Inn just south of Waynesville. From that point there are days and days of riding adventures possible. Not far away you might pick a cabin from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campgroud. The rates are great but it is camping but with a wooden roof. They have breakfast and supper on the grounds but there is a great spirit of riders/bikes there. Also those places have you a little further east than Bryson City/Fontana/Robinsonville area so you can better get to things on the eastern side of the mountains there.

Always expect rain at some point during the day in WNC. Clear days are then a delight. You are coming during the dry time of year but it is considered a temperate rainforest in that area so just treat that as FYI.

All the towns within 30 miles of those places have interesting things.

Thinking of seagrove pottery. The potters in that area are scattered about. There are some small clusterings. and others scattered within that basic area. From Waynesville it would be 3-4 hrs each way. So you would really need to plan on 2 days to go there, see stuff and then back. If you do that you might want to also check out Bob Timberlake Galleries in Lexington and take in some good pork vinegar based BBQ that the Lexington area is famous for. Also you can then stop in Spencer at the railroad museum.

There are also some good potters in and south of Asheville.

While Cherokee is a very productive tourist area, the museum there is good as well as the Qualla Artists Gallery. If there do the walk tour of the old farm just into the Smokies Mtn Park. While not a destination all by itself it is a nice respite.

There really is so much to do and take in, a week is a very short time in WNC. Still if you want to do seagrove, it would be ashame to come so far and not get to do it.

Check event calendars for the areas as they might well be a street fair, event, opening etc that would also catch your eye.

Good luck getting things narrrowed down. Also look at alternative ways to get from point A to B for your events/agenda as there are sooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooo many good rides to enjoy.


Other things to do. rafting is always good, the train trip from dillsboro to murphy and back is something many enjoy. (Great Smokie Mountains Railway)

I hope this offers some help to you.
Good luck and perhaps you can give a great trip write up back here.

Stephen

[01RedRider]

If you are going to be in Asheville during the fall colors season and on a weekend don't make the mistake my wife and I made, don't think you can just show up and find a room. We looked from 5:30 till 1:00am and ended up sleeping in the front seat of a Toyota in the parking lot of a hotel. When I ask what is going on in town this weekend and why there are no rooms available I was told "The Fall Colors" so please make reservations for your stay in Asheville as it is hard for two to sleep on a BMW.

[NCStephen]

A bit more that I remembered on my ride into work today.
FYI just for some general ride reports, here are two I did this past winter and spring in the area. The comment and picture about NC281 and it being a gravel nc highway, that part has been paved this summer and that should make it a wonderful road to travel from US 64 to NC 107!!!

Winter ride
http://www.i-bmw.com/showthread.php?t=21351

spring ride
http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18066

you might also want to include a ride up to Mt Mitchell.

A good thought about the crowds and room stuff that redrider made. The peak colors will be happening early october in highest elevations 5000 ft plus , mid october in lower mountain areas 2000-4000 and late october early november piedmont area. If you were wanting a room at a smaller choice place you may very well need reservations. For sure on weekend nights. You might also want to consider the pisgah inn on the blue ridge parkway.

Oh yeah.. so much to remember.... if plants be your thing, check out the NC Arboretum, just south of Asheville and the cradle of forestry near Brevard on 276

Keep us in mind with a good ride report.
NCS

[nrpetersen]

Guys - I appreciate the postings & references etc and want you to know I'm still digesting & planning from them. Motel reservations will be made for sure on weekends (that need was a surprise so thanks!) & we'll be watching for deer etc. The eating and motelling & sights are now being put on our maps to see what we can put together.

[TexanRT]

Guys - I appreciate the postings & references etc and want you to know I'm still digesting & planning from them. Motel reservations will be made for sure on weekends (that need was a surprise so thanks!) & we'll be watching for deer etc. The eating and motelling & sights are now being put on our maps to see what we can put together.

There is so much to do, so much to see, and so many place to ride -- don't get overwhelmed by the choices -- just go back again and again. Have a great trip!

[NCStephen]

Full Moon,

If the nights are clear, an easy late night ride up on the parkway is wonderful under a full moon. which is 10/4. So any nights after about 10/1 would be awesome. Go late enough the moon is high, traffic mostly gone.

NCS

[TexanRT]

Full Moon,

If the nights are clear, an easy late night ride up on the parkway is wonderful under a full moon. which is 10/4. So any nights after about 10/1 would be awesome. Go late enough the moon is high, traffic mostly gone.

NCS

+1 I'll take that advice, too :thumb

[motorman587]

The wife and I enjoy this place. You can spend the night or just do breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can park your bike right in front of door. It is right at the border of NC/GA. You can walk to your room from the resturant. Enjoy the bottle of wine, make a great evening.

http://www.dillardhouse.com/

[motorman587]

Good web site for maps, road and weather information..........

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

[Polarbear]

The Outer Banks is far from the Smokies, but a really nice ride, once there. I just did it last month after the rallies and found the NC12 highway really nice. I did all of N.C. and found it a wonderful ride all over. A visit to N.C without the Outer Banks is a comeback future trip. I recommend it, all the way from CA..Randy:thumb:usa

[NCStephen]

Yup.... the outer banks is a ways from SW NC. From Tellico Plains TN out to Cape Hatteras is as far as from Tellico Plains to Madison WI. NC from those two corners is a very long state.

[TexanRT]

The Outer Banks is far from the Smokies, but a really nice ride, once there. I just did it last month after the rallies and found the NC12 highway really nice. I did all of N.C. and found it a wonderful ride all over. A visit to N.C without the Outer Banks is a comeback future trip. I recommend it, all the way from CA..Randy:thumb:usa

We've driven the outer banks using the North Carolina ferry system (http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/ferryroutes/default.html#0) and I definitely plan to return some day and do that again by motorcycle.

[nrpetersen]

OK here's my brief trip report and a thanks to all of you that made suggestions for our itinerary.

My wife and I did 3100 miles two up on our 2005 K1200LT from Minnesota to North Carolina and return.

We stayed three days at the Chalet Inn at Dillsboro NC on the recommendation above. This was an absolutely wonderful tip. That B&B was the only facility we saw in NC that had the posted state issued cleanliness rating of a full 100%. She is Dutch and he is ex-military and both are very people oriented. I highly recommend this place to anyone. The rides they suggested were outstanding and the weather was also incredible with blue skies and 60 degree temps every day. They recommended NOT doing Deal's Gap (there are too many crazies there) but instead suggested other routes that had little or no traffic and were just as much fun. A local friend did Deals gap a week earlier and saw no less than 4 accidents involving bikes (Yikes!) Of course we did the Cherehala (sp) drive and The Blue Ridge drive too.

We then went to Asheville for three days seeing the Biltmore estate. Yes it is incredible, and expensive ($60 per person admission to see the house) in the eyes of this tight wad but it was completely worth it to see how the super-wealthy could apply their inheritances etc. Definitely a don't miss item if you are in the area. The bar/restaurant scene in Asheville is excellent. One really fun place we ate at was a converted gas station called The U Joint.

We also visited Black Mountain, and an aircraft museum in Hendersonville NC before heading home to MN. We hit the only light rain then from about Janesville WI to Madison.

The bike performed flawlessly and got many comments at our stops. Fuel economy averaged about 55 mpg - more in the twisties etc!.

This trip was my wife's idea. I'll have to listen to her more often....! Unfortunately she doesn't take pictures so as much as I can post are pix of gas stations and motels and restaurants.

Thanks everyone!

[TexanRT]

Excellent. I'm going to make note of the Chalet Inn. Dillsboro is such a nice place with great riding in any direction. Glad to hear you enjoyed such a successful trip.

[NCStephen]

Great to hear it worked out soooo well for you. If she suggest trips like this I wouldn't complain she doesn't take pictures.

NCS

[RevWillie]

Full Moon,

If the nights are clear, an easy late night ride up on the parkway is wonderful under a full moon. which is 10/4. So any nights after about 10/1 would be awesome. Go late enough the moon is high, traffic mostly gone.

NCS

I once made the mistake of riding the BRP at night when I was heading to the Sherando Rally and I learned a good lesson about the Parkway. You see, there are no trucks or other commercial traffic on the BRP, so when the sun goes down and the tourists go to their motel rooms, the critters come out and warm themselves on the nice, quiet pavement. It is really frightening to come around a dark turn and see about 300 eyeballs in your headlights! I saw animals of all sizes on and beside the road and they did not want to get out of your way! :jawdrop Of course, if you are riding alone and do hit an animal at night, there will be nobody to pick you up and call the ambulance!

I love running the Parkway and all the other wonderful roads up in our mountains, but I have learned that it is wise to do your riding during the daylight hours and spend the evening hours safely off the road and enjoying some nighttime libations.:buds

[NCStephen]

I guess that should have been stated.. good point RW.

I do love the parkway and mountains in general at night but it is a time to really just motor along easily expecting to share nature with those that come out to play at night. Of course I hit one going < 15 mph in my cage one morning last November when she felt she really needed to catch up with me and then cut in front of me. ( I had all but stopped to watch her buck friend wander off as I was leaving the house) But then that is kinda like on I 40 each day to/fro work

Good to see you Sunday Morning

NCS

[Newstar]

We stayed three days at the Chalet Inn at Dillsboro NC on the recommendation above. This was an absolutely wonderful tip. That B&B was the only facility we saw in NC that had the posted state issued cleanliness rating of a full 100%. She is Dutch and he is ex-military and both are very people oriented. I highly recommend this place to anyone.

George and Hanneke are the nicest people! We very much enjoyed our visit with them and hope to go back again. I'm glad you got to experience their hospitality and see what a wonderfully quiet and beautiful place they have!

[Newstar]

Did they finally pave the driveway at the Chalet Inn?

We were there when they were getting ready to but still battling the neighbors. I had a little oops on my way up the driveway upon arrival and dropped my 650GS. Nothing serious and it fell into soft dirt. While my husband uprighted the bike, George insisted on driving up the driveway and bringing back the golf cart for me. Talk about making a grand entrance! Hanneke (whom I had never laid eyes on at this point) came running out to give me a big hug and make sure I was ok. During the next three days, she refused to allow me to navigate the long driveway on the bike and insisted she drive me up and down in the golf cart while Matt brought my bike down.

[nrpetersen]

Did they finally pave the driveway at the Chalet Inn?

We were there when they were getting ready to but still battling the neighbors. I had a little oops on my way up the driveway upon arrival and dropped my 650GS. Nothing serious and it fell into soft dirt. While my husband uprighted the bike, George insisted on driving up the driveway and bringing back the golf cart for me. Talk about making a grand entrance! Hanneke (whom I had never laid eyes on at this point) came running out to give me a big hug and make sure I was ok. During the next three days, she refused to allow me to navigate the long driveway on the bike and insisted she drive me up and down in the golf cart while Matt brought my bike down.That sounds like Hanneke ..... They still have the steep driveway and only the lower part of it is paved. The top part is still crushed rock but I didn't have any problem with it going up two up with the LT. Going down was a little shaky on the crushed rock (still don't know how the linked ABS and I will get along) so I had my wife walk that little bit.

[racer7]

There are indeed lots of folks on the Dragon, especially on weekends. And 2 up on an LT isn't the ideal way to do it- its among the twistiest paved public roads you'll ever see. Loads of crotch rockets, plenty of Harleys and about everything on 2 wheels if you wait long enough. Mixed in with locals hauling boats and work trailers over the hills, some car club guys, etc.
In my view there are two reasons to ride it
1) To see the whole scene. I'm not aware of anything else quite like it in the east.
2) While I can think of a very few more obscure roads that are as twisty/tight, it is more of that than most, by far. As such, its not that fast. Sort of like an autocross course with elevation changes for motorcycles. Only the "cones" are trees or rock walls and slopes

Yes there are some accidents- usually the folks playing too hard and sometimes floorboard scrapers. I read that one of the local jurisdictions decided to restrict ambulance service there meaning possibly longer runs to medical care if needed. And you'd better stay in the right lane because most corners are blind. And there are usually one or two of the local cops on it but they don't bother anyone who isn't well over what is reasonable.

Its not a piece of pavement I'd want to ride every week but is unique and fun in its own way. Bikers make up the majority of visitors to Robbinsville at the NC end and are generally welcome in town for businss they bring.