If you decide you need a break from the twisties here's an idea for enjoying one of the highlights the Gatlinburg area has to offer. The Gatlinburg Artist's Loop is locally touted as the largest group of independent artisans in North America. The Wild Plum Tea Room was a highlight of our '13 trip. Total distance - 38 mi.
This drive option features some of the most expansive views in the area. It makes the familiar transit through the GSM National Park; however, it jumps on the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park just past the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, prior to reaching Cherokee. The route stays along the Parkway all the way to the intersection of US-276 via the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. This section of the Parkway includes several interesting highlights including the Waterrock **** Visitors Center, the highest point along the entire Parkway (6,047 ft), Devil's Courthouse, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, and Tunnel Gap. The route turns north on US-276, passing around Cold Mountain on the way to Waynesville. Then it heads west on US-19, returning to Cherokee and then back through the Park to home base. Total distance - 197 mi.
Hilarious...in my previous post, if you're not logged into NAM the one BRP stop shows up as Waterrock **** Visitors Center. The security software thinks there is a dirty word in there.
We are very much looking forward to the trip and already have our delivery scheduled. We are deferring the routes to all the seasoned drivers out there. 😎
I was just thinking the same thing. pretty quiet for a departure in 3 weeks. I love the routes Gary has picked out and am going to start packing this weekend just to calm myself down, the excitement is almost like going to Disney.
I've heard back from both Dustin Taylor at MINI of Knoxville and Aaron Cornaby at OutMotoring. Both locations are ready, willing, and eager to host the EIM MINIs and MINI folk again.
I've heard back from both Dustin Taylor at MINI of Knoxville and Aaron Cornaby at OutMotoring. Both locations are ready, willing, and eager to host the EIM MINIs and MINI folk again.
I believe your right Gary, how many mini's are going on this trip, by the way ?
By my count we presently have 12 MINIs and 21 souls.
We still have the one room available in the Wyndham condo, in case someone else's schedule opens up at the eleventh hour. Room details are in Post #1 in this thread. Spread the word.
Im not feeling the excitement yet from the group either. I have been busy preparing and am about ready to start packing. Looking forward to hitting the road
Im not feeling the excitement yet from the group either. I have been busy preparing and am about ready to start packing. Looking forward to hitting the road
Part of that is a function of the fact that people's documented anticipation/excitement now tends to be spread out on other social sites like Facebook. Not like the good ol' days when all of that MINI-related e-chatter occurred in here. I'll venture to guess it's building to a frenzy out there in EIM land even though you haven't detected it yet.
Yep, my Rand McNally NC and TN maps have been spread out in my office at home for quite some time now. I'm expecting a serious dent in my work productivity next Mon-Thu.
Thanks for the suggestion! Looks like it would be a bit of a hump from Sevierville; I came up with a candidate route but it's 350+ miles and 7 hours without stops (and almost half of it is I-81 to Bristol and I-40 back from Marion, NC). But it would certainly be an adventure. The area around Blowing Rock is really nice!
