My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4 day trip to the tail of the Dragon. I am looking for information and tips on what to do and where to stay. We generally like small bed and breakfast type places.

Are there good restaurant recommendations for a couple nice dinners and drinks? What about stuff to do other than driving the Dragon? I don't think I will want to just drive back and forth on the highway. What other scenic drives are there. I think a drive with a good destination is key for my wife to enjoy the trip.

 

Have you checked this? http://www.minisonthedragon.com/

The hub of activity right around the dragon is somewhat isolated in my opinion. One of those 30 miles away and it takes you an hour to get there because of the tight roads and such. But hey, that is why you go there is for the roads.

There are some great drives in the area, not just the Dragon. Also, I hear that the Biltmore estate is not that far away. I didn't look it up, but heard that a group was going to go there when I was at MOTD in the spring.

 

Biltmore is probably at least an hour from Deal's Gap. It would be a nice day trip. If you drive out on the Cherohala Skyway, there is a turnoff that will take you out to Bald River Falls which is beautiful. The Skyway drive itself is quite scenic and there are some pull-offs where you can literally see for miles.

 

Try the Tapoco Lodge. It is 5 minutes to the Dragon and it is very nice. The initial price looks expensive, but really isn't once you fator in breakfast and diner for two each day. Oh and believe me, you don't want to miss either meal. Dinner is incredible. I can't imagine better meals anywhere else. You are really in the mddle of many great roads. And did I mntion you ae 5 minutes from the Dragon?

 

Agreed that Biltmore Estate would make a good day trip.

You could also go to Cherokee to see (mostly) cheap, tacky "Indian" goods or visit the Harrah's casino there if you are into that. Also, the Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Cherokee, so you could drive part of that as well.

Heading south, you can go to Highlands for some window shopping. It is a nice little town. Bridal Veil Falls is just outside of Highlands - always good for a nice pic.

Going north, you can take the Foothills Parkway on your way up to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, both "tourist"-y places.

You should be able to find plenty of twisty roads getting to those or any other destinations in the area to give you some variety.

 

Make a trip to the:

South to Highlands and the falls.
East to Cherokee for a small touristy place.
North then east to Gatlinburg for a bigger but nice touristy place
West for the Skyway.