This will be my first time to the Dragon. I'm going down Wed. to get a head start on looking around. I plan to see if there's any 'tourist' opp's at the Cherokee Reservation, I've got some Cherokee blood in my veins.

Anyone able to recommend other things that I should see or do there? Or between DC and there. I know the Natural Bridge is on the way.

Failing finding anything else I'll just check out the Dragon and dam, do some car photos...

Thanks,
Mark

 

not much on the reservation 'cept a gigantic casino. Believe me, you'll have plenty to see just exploring Fontana and it's environs. You could drive the Cherohalla in advance, so you can get the best photo ops without 200 cars clogging your view. That's only fun on a clear day, tho'. Check the weather.
I think Pigeon Forge might have a few touristy things....Google it. I've never been there particularly.
All of the above involve quite a lot of driving and a lot time....Cherokee is a good hour at least from the Fontana.

Not much help, I guess.....

 

On your way down if you're interested in a side trip you could swing by the National D Day Memorial. I believe it's about 50 miles east, off of I-81, there's a sign for it just north of Roanoke.

Then there's the only guitar shaped museum just over the TN state line in Bristol. You can see it from the TN Welcome Center on I-81.

Once in the Deal's Gap area, there's the Great Smokey Mountain Railway and a model railroad museum in Bryson City.

Does Oak Ridge National Laboratories have a visitor's center? If so that might be an interesting stop. hint Don't ask for samples while you're there!

Since you'll be there during the week and didn't sign up for the Cades Cove drive on Friday, consider making the drive to Cades Cove. If you go earlier in the week you'll probably hit much less traffic than trying to do it Saturday or Sunday.

There's lots of stuff in the Pigeon Forge, Townsend, and Sevierville area as well. Much of it very touristy if you're interested, Outlet Malls, Chinese Acrobats, NASCAR themed go-cart park etc...