Tail of the Dragon Newsletter
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March Specials

 

TailoftheDragon.com 

 

Cherohala.com 

  

Moonshiner28.com 

  

DevilsTriangeTN.com 

  

SixGap.com 

 

Area Accommodations

 

Motorcycle Rentals, Repairs, Accessories  

 

Touring Routes & Descriptions 

  

Area Maps 

  

Event Calendar  

 

Plan your Trip   

 

Area Web Cams 

Six Gap Logo
New for 2011: Six Gap North Georgia

Cherohala Skyway March Conditions
Cherohala Skyway March Conditions

Greetings! 

 

The 2011 riding season is fast approaching. It looks like we'll avoid the road closures that plagued us in 2010. It has been a snowy winter, but hopefully we have seen the worst.

 

Indications are for a busy spring and summer. We recommend that you make reservations early for your accommodations. Our Tail of the Dragon Vacation Rentals are filling up fast and we know that other popular cabins and motels are seeing similar trends.

 

We have worked hard this past winter to update all of the websites that we manage. They have a new look and have been streamlined for faster loading and easier access. We have more advertisers than ever and encourage you to  support these motorcycle friendly businesses.

 

We have also expanded our coverage to include all of western North Carolina, east Tennessee and north Georgia. Our new SixGap.com website details some interesting twisties in Georgia that can be included in day trip from North Carolina. If you haven't seen our Moonshiner 28 website you'll need to take a look. We also discovered the Diamondback loop in Little Switzerland last year. Now riders will just have to plan longer stays to hit all these great roads.

 

This year Nancy and I will be riding more to stay up to date on all of these roads. Hope to meet you on the twisties.

 
Planning your trip? Visit PLAN YOU TRIP page with great hints on how to get started planning your next visit.


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.  

specialsMARCH 2011 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 MOTORCYCLE RENTALS  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

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN MOTO RENTAL Dual sport motorcycle rental based in Townsend TN, less than a mile from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Guided and self guided tours. Lodging available. TELEPHONE 865-448-6090

 

ABBEY INN MOTEL, Maggie Valley NC  We will be opening for the season on April 25.  Earlier, if we get reservations before then. The Abbey Inn Motel will be open in time for the Survivors' Rally in Cherokee on April 29 and 30.  Please note that we are the closest motel to Cherokee on the Maggie Valley side.  Our parking lot is paved, and we have plenty of level parking for your motorcycles.  Small trailers can be parked on site, and large trailers are easily accommodated in the lot directly across the street from the motel.  Our rooms are reasonably priced as shown on our web site, comfortable, and very clean.  We would love to see you here.  Mike and Natalie Nelson Tel 828-926-1188 or 800-545-5853 

 

A HOLIDAY MOTEL, Maggie Valley NC The most popular biker friendly motel in Maggie Valley.Clean, affordable and biker family owned. 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, restaurant on site and much more. 1/4 mile to the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum and 5 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our Spring Special 10% OFF our rates Promo CODE "Spring Tail"!!! Our spring rates start at only $39.00/night. Valid until May 5th. Telephone 828-926-1186

 

CANDLEWOOD SUITES and COUNTRY INN & SUITES Just off US129 near Airport in Alcoa TN.  Just 30 minutes from the Dragon. Close to Smoky Mountain Harley. Ask for Tail of the Dragon Special Rate $70 rate for the queen suite at Candlewood Suites and a $70 rate for a double queen bed room at Country Inn & Suites. Candlewood Suites 865-233-4411, Country Inn & Suites 865-273-2800 

 

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN RETREATS near Franklin NC. For all those couples who enjoy getting together and riding our beautiful mountains.  Relax in comfort and stay at The Cottage with paved roads to paved drive (sleeps 4 couples).  Book 7 nights for the cost of 6. Mention Tail of the Dragon Newsletter to receive the special rate, May through September reservations only.   Base your visit here and ride the Tail of the Dragon, Moonshiner 28, Cherohala & more. 828-421-0352   

 

CHEROHALA SKYWAY VISITOR CENTER, Tellico Plains 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

 

COPPERHEAD LODGE Located in Blairsville GA, near the twisties of Six Gap North Georgia. Tel 706-835-7433. We are open year round, but our one year anniversary party is March 31 - April 3. Bike night is EVERY Thursday, 6-9 pm

3/31 - Season Kick off "Bike Night" - prizes, specials, bike games, Garage 71 Radio live remote

4/1 - The first running of The Gauntlet - North Georgia's newest attraction for motorcycle enthusiasts - Gauntletga.com  

4/2 - One year Anniversary Party - Car & Bike Show 12-4 pm, Cash prizes, Live Music by Mike Watson Blues Band

4/9 - 2011 Rumble for Relay, a motorcycle Treasure Hunt, register at 8 am, first bike out at 10 am. Registration includes breakfast, t-shirt, goody bag and all events. After party featuring vendors, prizes, raffles, bike games, and live music.

4/24 - Easter Sunrise Service in "The Yard", led by Pastor Marty Duncan of Fellowship of the Hills Church, Blairsville. Music by Keren Leppo, breakfast. 6:45-8 am

5/5 - Cinco de Mayo Bike Night - Mexican fare and specialty beverages

5/8 - Mother's Day Brunch 11 am - 3 pm, special gifts for all mothers

5/27-5/30 - Memorial Day Celebration - weekend long events, including live music, a cookout, fireworks, etc.

 

DRAGONS REST CABINS located just off US129 near Robbinsville.  New for 2010: carports for each cabin, and Wi-Fi. We are building a covered picnic pavillion, and gameroom.  We will now have 6 cabins to rent for this season. TEL 828-479-4726

 

FONTANA VILLAGE RESORT, on Hwy 28 Just minutes from the Dragon 

Buy one nights lodging and get the next nights lodging complimentary through March 2011.  Also we have started the Dragon Slayer's Club with offer club members 25% off all lodging throughout the year. 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 

 

HAMPTON INN, Maryville TN  Just 30 minutes from the Dragon, near Devils Triangle, Cherohala. Close to Smoky Mountain Harley. REQUEST TAIL OF THE DRAGON SPECIAL RATE $89 (not available during home UT football weekends). TEL 865-984-0110 

 

IRONHORSE MOTORCYCLE LODGE Located near Robbinsville NC, just off Moonshiner28.  Our eighth season is fast approaching and we are looking forward to a great 2011 season. Lots of groups are booking in and we are excited about getting back to work. The winter projects are being completed with streamlined check in desk, a new clear span bridge is being installed starting in March.  With the warmer weather riders are coming to the mountains early this year. Don't let high gas prices get you down just ride your motorcycle for your next vacation or weekend getaway. From all of us at Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge we are looking forward to seeing you at the Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge. Make your reservations today 828-479-3864  

 

KOA TELLICO PLAINS We will be opening March 18, 2011 and will be under new management for this season. Also we will be adding an additional lodge to the campground this year. We will be having several "hot deals" through out the summer for campers to take advantages of, and we would like to invite everyone to come camp with us. 423-253-2447 

 

LUXBURY INN, Maryville TN Mention that you read about us in the Tail of the Dragon and receive a 10% discount off our regular rates (Sunday - Thursday, depending on availability).  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 The Original Biker Shop of the Dragon Since 1991.
Stop by and see John & Val Feil. We've been Wrenching & Riding for over 35 years. Full service shop, Parts, Leathers, Gear, & Accessories, Free Maps & Area Info, Tailof thedragon.com Dealer, Non Profit Spring Poker Run - All money goes to American Veterans. Watch web site for date & more info. Located on US129 in Robbinsville NC (828) 479-4488

 

OFF THE DEEP INN Cabin Rentals near Robbinsville, NC  Brand new cabins on NC28 aka Moonshiner28, minutes from the Dragon.  Private deck, level parking, Charcoal Grill.  OPEN MARCH 1.  Call (828)479-1251

 

RIVER COVE CABINS, Murphy, NC  Located near all the great roads of North Carolina and north Georgia. 3 Night Dragon Special $165.  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 of Bryson City NC Managed by a Harley motorcyclist 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 begins in April! Concerts every Saturday night April through October; check SHED 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: Now Open for 2011 season.

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  

 

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, on Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN Great sandwiches at the Tellico Kats Deli on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN. Dine on the river and enjoy fresh deli sandwiches. Open for the season. Tel 423-253-3411

 

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) TEL 828-479-4171

 

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

 

WHEELS THROUGH TIME MUSEUM Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Maggie Valley, world's premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorcycles. Tel 828-926-6266

March 10th-16th, 2011: Hours: 10a.m.-5p.m.

March 18-21, 2011: Hours: 10a.m.-5p.m.

April 2011 Open: Thursday-Monday Hours: 9a.m.-5p.m.

May 1 - November 30, 2011 Open: Thursday-Monday Hours: 9a.m.-5p.m. 

Admission: Adults: $12


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, northern Georgia 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 an outlet shop at the Dragon "The Shack", 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 TailoftheDragonMaps.com

 

WEBSITES:

Cherohala.com 
TailoftheDragon.com 
Moonshiner28.com 
DevilsTriangleTN.com 
SixGap.com
TailoftheDragonResorts.com
TailoftheDragonTours.com
TailoftheDragonMaps.com