Tailofthedragon.com Newsletter
In this issue...
Fall Colors Preview
Fall Specials
Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee to Asheville NC
Featured Sponsor

Tail of the Dragon Vacation Rentals, Robbinsville NC
TailoftheDragonRentals.com
3 secluded homes just 1 mile from the Cherohala Skyway and 18 miles from the Dragon.  Wi-Fi, Hot tubs and garages at each house.
Abby Inn, Maggie Valley
Abbey Inn Motel
Motorcycle friendly motel in Maggie Valley, NC. Open April-Oct.

Blue Waters Mountain Lodge, Robbinsville NC
BlueWatersMTNL.com
On Lake Santeetlah, biker friendly. Just off US129, near Dragon. 

Country Hearth Inn, Andrews NC
CountryHearth.com
Convenient to all the great roads in western NC and north GA

Dragons Rest Cabins, Robbinsville NC

DragonsRestCabins.com
Cabins located on US129, just 3 miles south of Robbinsville
Euchella Mountain Cabins, Bryson City NC
EuchellCabins.com 
Cabins in the Nantahala Gorge, close to all the great roads.

Fontana Village Resort, Robbinsville NC
FontanaVillage.com
Great weekday rates, close to Dragon. Camping, Inn Rooms, Cabins.
Grand Vista, Vonore TN
GrandVistaHotelandSuites.com
Close to Dragon & Cherohala, good for groups, lots of parking.

Hampton Inn, Lenoir City TN
Hampton Inn Lenoir City TN
Midway between the Dragon and Devils Triangle.

Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge
IronHorseNC.com
Just 30 minutes from the Dragon & Cherohala, camping, cabin rooms, cabins, bunkhouse.
Luxbury Inn, Maryville TN
LuxburyInn.com
Maryville TN next to Smoky Mt Harley Davidson & The Shed.

Magnuson Hotel, Sweetwater TN
Magnuson Hotel
Sweetwater TN, near I-75 and TN-68 and all the great roads.

Microtel Robbinsville
Microtel Robbinsville
Motorcycle Friendly, convenient.
SanRan Motel, Robbinsville NC
SanRanMotel.com
Robbinsville NC, Biker Friendly

Snowbird Lodge, Robbinsville NC
SnowbirdLodge.com

Mountaintop lodge at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in NC. 25% discount to BMWOA members.

Two Sisters Vacation Chalet, Happy Valley TN
TwoSistersChalet.com
Located on Happy Valley Road, just 2 miles from US129 and 5 miles from the Dragon.

Two Wheel Inn
TwoWheelInn.com
Just south of Robbinsville, all rooms include a motorcycle garage.

A HOLIDAY MOTEL, MAGGIE VALLEY NC

BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK LUXURY LOG CABIN, ROBBINSVILLE NC

BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK CABIN, ROBBINSVILLE NC

CHEROHALA COTTAGE, TELLICO PLAINS TN

CHEROKEE REALTY, ROBBINSVILLE NC


COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, ALCOA TN

DEALS GAP OVERLOOK CABIN, DEALS GAP NC

FAIRFIELD INN, ALCOA TN

FONTANA 4 LESS, FONTANA VILLAGE NC

FOUR SEASONS CABIN RENTALS, NANTAHALA GORGE NC


GSM M/C RENTAL & CABINS, TOWNSEND TN

HAMPTON INN, LENOIR CITY TN


HIGHLAND MANOR INN,
TOWNSEND TN


HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, ALCOA TN


HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, STRAWBERRY PLAINS, TN


HUNTS LODGE MOTORCYCLE CAMPGROUND, TELLICO PLAINS TN

MICROTEL - BRYSON CITY NC

MOUNTAIN IVY RENTALS, ROBBINSVILLE NC

MOUNTAIN REST CABINS & CAMPGROUND - MOUNTAIN REST SC ON MOONSHINER 28

OFF THE DEEP INN, ROBBINSVILLE, NC

RELAX INN, BRYSON CITY NC

SLEEP INN, BRYSON CITY TN


SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION, ROBBINSVILLE, NC


SWEET BERRIES B & B, MARYVILLE TN


WEST BUFFALO CREEK CABIN, ROBBINSVILLE NC

WINDMILL INN, DEVILS TRIANGLE AREA

Your Photos from Killboy

Wheel Jockey
A small compact tool for  wheel & chain maintenance. Small to carry along in most any luggage.

Tellico Plains Guide


Tail of the Dragon Newsletter FALL COLORS 2010
FALL COLORS PREVIEW
The wet spring and hot dry summer are giving the area foliage forecasters reason to predict a good fall color show this year.  The next big indicator is the "pre-color" area temperature.  A good cool down in September will contribute to more vibrant fall colors. 

Peak colors typically occur during the last two weeks in October, but that is dependent upon fall temperatures and in particular, the first frost date.  The color change begins at higher elevations where you see the earliest changes in late September, and continue all the way into mid-November at the lower elevations. READ MORE, PLUS LINKS TO AREA WEBCAMS

Planning your trip?
CLICK HERE For an excellent, printable map of area twisties.

What do I do if I have a wreck? First thing is to make sure everyone involved is safe from other traffic. Have people warn approaching traffic, especially in blind corners. Read what Knoxville Rider/Attorney David Boyd, Esq, suggests.
FALL SPECIALS
SPORTBIKE RENTALS AT THE DRAGON and surrounding area providing quality sportbikes for rent in the Tail of the Dragon area. Delivery to where you are staying. Telephone 888-914-HIRE

DAN'S MOTORCYCLES  in Atlanta, GA offering touring and sport touring line-up of Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki motorcycles. Also offer self-guided tours as well as custom motorcycle tours throughout the South. Telephone 404-512-6666

BLUE STRADA MOTORCYCLE RENTALS AND SCENIC TOURS  Full Service Tours and Rentals of Adventure bikes that are ideal for riding the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains' great twisty roads.  Delivery & Pick-up upon request for rentals arriving in Charlotte.  Private guided tours are a specialty. Tel 704.292.8801

ABBEY INN MOTEL, Maggie Valley NC  At our 4,200 foot elevation, our views of the fall colors are breathtaking.  Take advantage of this opportunity to see all the fall season beauty by staying with us, just 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Maggie Valley.  Our fall foliage rates are on our website along with info on area rides and attractions.  Make your reservation soon, the fall colors bring lots of folks to the area throughout October. Tel 828-926-1188

A HOLIDAY MOTEL, Maggie Valley NC. Clean and affordable family owned motel in Maggie Valley. We appreciate all motorcyclists and love to take care of them. We are a one level flat ground motel. Covered porch parking in front of each room, bike wash area and much more. 1/4 mile to the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Special: 10% off weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) September rates start at only $45.00/night. (Not valid during motorcycle rally) Telephone 828-926-1186

BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK LUXURY CABIN, near Robbinsville NC Two bedrooms, sleeping loft, hot tub, creekside deck, plenty of level parking, on paved road.  Telephone 828-713-8855


BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK CABIN, near Robbinsville NC Three bedroom home on stocked trout creek, paved access, plenty of parking.  Great rates.  Telephone 828-735-0058

BLUE BOAR INN, near Robbinsville NC First Class Rooms for $100.00 per night plus tax for two, including a full breakfast. Must say you saw ad in the Tail of the Dragon newsletter. There is a 1 mile gravel road to the Inn, located on the North Carolina side of the Cherohala Skyway, and just a few steps from Lake Santeetlah. Telephone 828-479-8126

CHEROHALA SKYWAY VISITOR CENTER, Tellico Plans TN is a "must stop" before starting up the Skyway. Stop by for free maps of the Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tables and spotless restrooms are available. Our friendly staff will welcome you with important Skyway and area information. Tel 877-444-6777

THE COTTAGE, Franklin NC Why rough it after a long ride, escape to our Cottage in the woods.  Relax to the sounds of the stream, a comfortable bed and all the comforts of home (paved roads to paved drive).  Base your visit here and ride The Dragon, Franklin Loop, Moonshiner 28, Cherohala & more.  Just a few fall dates remain - Mention Tail of the Dragon Newsletter to receive discounts

DEALS GAP OVERLOOK CABIN can't get much closer to the Dragon, 2 bedroom cabin, level parking, great view.  $125/night

DRAGONS REST CABINS, near Robbinsville NC. 10% off for the month of Sept (2 night min ) $74.70 per night after tax. Discount does not apply for weekends or Holidays. Mention Tail of the Dragon newsletter. Tel 828-479-4726

FONTANA VILLAGE RESORT, on Hwy 28 Just minutes from the Dragon. The Rider's Package: Fontana Village Resort & Sportbikes4Hire have put together the ultimate rider's package. Choose your favorite lodging and your favorite model sportbike for 3 nights and receive your 4th night's lodging and 4th day bike rental free. Fontana will pull down the sheets and Sportbikes4Hire will provide the bike of your choice, waiting for you at your cabin door. Mention The Rider's Special ad when booking your accommodations.
 
Stay A Little Longer Lodging Special: Book any two nights lodging at Fontana Village Resort and receive a third night's lodging on us.  Choose from any of our Village accommodations. Call our reservations staff at 800.849.2258 to book your room or cabin today. Book a room in the Lodge, Sunday through Thursday, for as little as $79 per night. Mention this ad to receive your third night free.


Inn Rooms, Cabins, Camping, RV sites, Marina, Dining, Bar, everything you need. Stop in at the Fontana Pitstop for Tshirts, lunch and your favorite beverages. Open 7 Days A Week. Telephone 800-849-2258, or 828-498-2211

HIGHLAND MANOR INN, Townsend TN Fall Special: Stay 2 nights, Get the 3rd night free beginning September 7th - 22nd, 2010 Tel 865-448-2211

JIMBOS FARM near Robbinsville NC After the ride, Relax and get away from the crowd at "JIMBO'S FARM " A 53 acre Private Mountain retreat with Trout Pond. 3 bedrooms. Full Kitchen. Pole Barn to store bikes. Firepit. Easy access . Close to Robbinsville 3 night minimum. $175.00 per night + tax. $1125.00 per week + tax. Tel 954-781-6921

NOW OPEN: NEW HUDDLE HOUSE in Robbinsville NC
Covered cycle parking and outside dining on the patio.  Located in Robbinsville NC, on US129 south of town 1/2 mile.   New owner is a motorcycle enthusiast.

NOW OPEN: 777 SWEEPSTAKES in Robbinsville, on US129 just past the Huddle House.  Casino like games, DJ & cash prizes on Saturday nights.

ETHANOL FREE GAS in ROBBINSVILLE can be found at the Cherohala Market, look for the red roof at the corner of US129 and NC143 on your way to the Cherohala Skyway.  ROBBINSVILLE SHELL has V-Power Nitrogen Enriched Fuel and Ethanol free gas, located in Robbinsville next to the McDonalds on US129.

LUXBURY INN, Maryville TN. Like Falling Leaves Our Spacious Suites Are Being Offered At Falling Rates: Mention that you read about us in the Tail of the Dragon and receive a 10% discount off our regular rates (not valid during fall festival).  These large suites are located in the heart of Maryville and only 1.4 miles from Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Shed. Visit website or call 1-800-738-9839 and make your reservation today!

MICROTEL of Bryson City NC  Managed by a Harley rider and certainly biker friendly with 59 rooms, spacious parking lot, bar & grill on site. Cleaning cloths are available for bikers as well as a water hose. Prepackaged map packet directions to the Dragon, Cherohala, Great Smokies, Highlands 64, FootHills parkway and The Road to Nowhere. Bike Trailers welcome. 828-488-7900.

MOUNTAIN MOTORS in Robbinsville NC. Stop in and visit John & Val!  Parts and service on all bikes, Harley specialists. Motor rebuilds and complete bike building, customs or stock. Hydraulic experts too for your trailers and lift gates! Also, leathers, saddle bags, gifts, jewelry, novelty stickers, t-shirts, souvenirs, and more.  10% Discounts available to clubbers. Plenty of free maps, information and southern hospitality to share. Open year round. Call (828) 479-4488

MOUNTAIN REST CABINS & CAMPGROUND located in Mountain Rest SC near the southern end of Moonshiner 28. Vacation homes, cabins, camp cabins, RV sites and tent sites.

OFF THE DEEP INN Cabin Rentals near Robbinsville, NC Brand new cabins on NC28 aka Moonshiner28, minutes from the Dragon.  Private deck, level parking.  Call (828)479-1251

RIVER COVE CABINS, Murphy, NC 3 Night Special $165 (Sun-Thurs) Affordable Riverfront Kitchenette Cabins on the Nottely River.  Prices from $65-$85 a night.  450 feet of river frontage on 3 acres of flat level land, perfect for motorcycle parking right outside your cabin. Wood burning fireplace cabin, jacuzzi cabins and 1 and 2 bedroom cabins.   Telephone 828-644-9979

SLEEP INN Bryson City, NC Managed by a harley motorcycle and biker friendly.  Plenty of trailer parking, special bike parking, cleaning cloths, maps and directions to the Dragon, Cherohala, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smokies.   Outdoor swimming pool. Ask for special Biker Rate . 866-939-0998

SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON
The Shed season is now in full swing! Concerts every Saturday night through October; check website for line-up. There's always a $5 ride-up discount at the gate! Eat on-site at Stinkers BBQ, and enjoy a great show. The Shed is located at our flagship location: 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, Tel. 865-977-1669.
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson outposts -- official Harley-Davidson apparel and motorclothes, as well as custom Harley-Davidson apparel, regional maps, and tourist information:
Cherohala Skyway Harley-Davidson. Take a load off in rockers on the porch or in the lounge upstairs. Open 7 days: located at entrance to Cherohala Skyway on the Tennessee side. Tel. 423- 253-7432.
US129 Dragon Harley-Davidson, just north of the Dragon and Foothills Parkway on US129! Tel. 865-856-5942

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION, near Robbinsville NC After a long day's drive, you deserve a little relaxation in a place that offers far beyond the basics. The Smoky Mountain Mansion features 6 spacious bedrooms with a total of 9 king and queen size beds and a few roll-aways. We can accommodate groups of up to 18 to 20, or just a few couples. Our well-equipped kitchen, covered parking, hot tub, large open-air dining pavilion, grill, fire pit, game room, and hot tub make even the most road weary guest wake up and smell the roses. Mention the "Tail of the Dragon Special" and receive 5% off weekend rates and 5% off already discounted weekly rates. Minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala, and two miles from the lake. Telephone 828-479-4220


SNOWBIRD LODGE on Cherohala Skyway NC First Class Mountaintop lodge at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina. Offers 25% discount to BMWOA members, or 10% to all motorcycle riders for stays of two nights or more. 828-479-3433, 800-941-9290

TELLICO KATS DELI Great sandwiches at the Tellico Kats Deli on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN. Dine on the river and enjoy fresh deli sandwiches.

THUNDER MTN GENERAL STORE, DELI & VACATION RENTAL
Last stop before the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.  Souvenirs, supplies, deli, and fuel.  This thriving business is For Sale by Owner for $339k (due to owner's illness)

TWO WHEEL INN near Robbinsville NC Where your motorcycle gets a room too!  Mid Week Special-reserve any Sun and Mon, get Tues free.  Or reserve Mon and Tues and get Wed free.  Mention Tail of the Dragon. Oct only. Call 828-479-4248.

WHEELERS PERFORMANCE north of Robbinsville NC. Located on your way to the Dragon on US129. If you need tires or repairs see Ken. Free bike wash, free scales, free demo table of cleaning and polishing supplies, Dyno is up and running, service on all models. Telephone 828-479-4998

WINDMILL INN Oliver Springs TN One of the few places to stay near the Devils Triangle. This 1904 church building has been converted into a luxury bed and breakfast. Great for a group of riders or ATVers. Special Offer - stay 2 nights, get 3rd night free.  Tel 865-730-6413

WHEELS THROUGH TIME Maggie Valley NC world's premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorcycles.  Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Open 9am - 5pm, closed Tues and Wed. Tel. 828-926-6266
DTBLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, CHEROKEE NC - ASHEVILLE NC
Many visitors inquire about this unique scenic highway so we'll investigate in depth from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA. We found some interesting sights and some great places to stay.

Here are some basic points about the BRP and Skyline:
If you are looking to make good time you need to find another route. Speed limit is 45 on the BRP and 35 on the Skyline with limited passing zones. Weekdays traffic is okay ... on weekends the many sightseers might just drive you nuts. Watch-out for fog in the mornings. Watch-out for deer all day! Great scenery along the entire route and many places of interest. GPS really comes in handy when you need fuel, food or a place to stay. There is limited access to this scenic road.

The first part of our Blue Ridge Parkway Ride covers the southern end closest to the Dragon from Cherokee to Asheville NC, one of the more scenic sections. CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE REPORT

Tail of the Dragon on Facebook
About Tail of the Dragon:
Tail of the Dragon LLC: We promote twisty, two lane tourism in the Smoky Mountain region of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and the surrounding area. Ron & Nancy Johnson are the owners and webmasters and live in Graham County, North Carolina. 
 
Telephone us toll free at 800-768-7129 (8am - 6pm)
Canada and Other Countries 828-479-8400

Email us at info@tailofthedragon.com
 

We have a shop at the Dragon, open daily 10am - 5pm, April - October. Look for the TAIL sign at US 129 and NC 28. Click here for TAIL OF THE DRAGON OUTLET MAP for other locations that sell Tail of the Dragon gear. You can also purchase at our on-line secure store at TailoftheDragonStore.com
 
NEED DIRECTIONS ? check out HOW TO GET TO HERE

WEBSITE:
Cherohala.com
TailoftheDragon.com
Moonshiner28.com
DevilsTriangleTN.com
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