Thought maybe, those of us that have been to the area before or the dragon could post some ideas for others for interesting day trips.

Here's my couple of suggestions:

Dillsboro area: Even though my "excursion" is filled up, it's a neat little town to visit and only about 1 hr away from Fontana Village and the Smokey Mountain Railroad does have trips that originate from there.
http://www.visitdillsboro.org/
http://www.jarretthouse.com/

Tuckaleechee Caverns: About a two hour drive each way. Pretty cool caverns. Always a hit with the kids
http://www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com

Waterfalls: There are two nice waterfalls about a hour away from Fontana:
"Dry Falls" a 80' fall you can walk behind and
"Cullasaja Falls" a 250' falls you can view from the road
you could easly catch both of these in an afternoon
http://ilovenc.com/dry.htm

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: Named after the fella who wrote the poem "trees". Went there last year, nice trials, but not too strenuous of a walk. They have some hugh popular trees over 20' in diameter and 125' tall.
http://www.grahamcountytravel.com/ac...ycekilmer.html


Here's a link to Graham County with a link to other area activities

Feel free to contact me if anyone has any question about the above

ARE WE THERE YET, ARE WE THERE YET?

 

I lived in Highlands "growing up", and I highly recommend the waterfalls trip. Not only is the scenery great, (waterfalls, whitewater rivers, mountain lakes), but the road is full of twisties. Once you get to Highlands, check out the shops. After a brief stop, return via Cashiers for more views and great mountains. If your inclined, hike up Whiteside mountain for very long views. In Cashiers,head down to Sylva and Dillsboro, where there are some nice shops, before returning to the dragon.

 

Hubby and I did this one last year. It was real neat. A lot like Cades Cove, but near the traffic. I think we saw 2 or 3 folks the entire time. Just a heads up, it is gravel! I do not mind. Hope to see some you there.

http://www.imagesbuilder.com/gsmnp/r...ure-trail.html

 

thanks for the tip!

 

There's also a marina on Santeetlah lake that has pontoon boat rental and jetskis, haven't been on this particular lake, but we've rented pontoons on Carter's lake several times and always had a blast.

http://www.santeetlahmarina.com/services.html#pontoon

 

Bump back to first page

 

the waterfalls sound really awesome! would love to do that one!

 

I was looking at the event planner and noticed that Friday seems pretty empty. Saturday is packed with stuff that I want to do but I'm already attending the AutoX so I'll have to skip the other stuff. Back to the original point.. these drives would make a great Friday trip. I'm headed down there alone (well... minus the million and 1 local club members that are going) so I may wander off on one of these trips.

 

I'd be into going to see the waterfalls. I haven't placed 'em on a map yet, but I'd also like to drive the Skyway; dunno if they can be combined.

 

Anyone else suscribe to "Country Discoveries" mag? In this issue it highlighted a place called Highlands, NC. (cool we will be right there) They talked about a glass museum therein a rustic log cabin. They said there is a magnificent collection of cut and engraved glass. Just in case enyone is interested......

The Museum of American Cut and Engraved Glass 472 Chestnut St. Highlands, NC 1-828-526-3415 hours of opp: 1 to 4 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from May through Oct.

 

Lots of interesting things to see in Highlands, and other towns in the greater western NC/TN area. Worth several excursions. Consider Snooter's Dillsboro run; there's one slot remaing.