We are going to be going to the Dragon next week and can't wait! We weren't able to make it to MOTD this year, but we are already planning ahead to attend next year! We just wanted to know what are the things there that we just shouldn't miss? Any great places to see or eat?? Any tips, pointers, or hints??? Waiting for next week to get here...................... :impatient

 

I love to eat breakfast at "The Home Place" which is at the intersection of US-129 and HWY-72. Wake up at Fontana, zip down 28, run the Dragon, and then continue on US-129 for 10 minutes or so until you get there.

Nothing fancy, just basic simple breakfast food but it is especially tasty after an early morning Dragon run.

You can make this part of a big loop in which you run the dragon and then take the Cherohala Skyway back.

 

here's the link to the Scenic Drive Agranger host for the 2006 dragon
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=dragon+drives

The Cherhola is another great drive.
Their was a run to Cades Cove that is real nice
Most people enjoyed Sweatwater BBQ in robinsville (didn't do much for me )
We stayed at the Blue Water Mountain Lodge and they do Dinners there as well and the meals were five star
Dillsboro is a quaint town and has the Jarrett house for good grub.
Early morning seem to be a good time to Run the Dragon
Oh Yeah, DON"T CROSS THE YELLOW LINE

 

OOPPS, Hit the enter key once too many

 

and if for some reason you do cross the line, go ahead and break the rule and cross it again to get back in your lane. . .

 

If you have a rainy day, like we did, there is a great italian place in Bryson City. Right down the street from that is a place called Soda Pop's. My co-driver for the weekend of MOTD still has cravings for that place! Thankfully it hasnt been bad enough that we need to drive down there. However, my craving for the Dragon is getting close.

BTW, when are you going?

 

((memories start flooding back from MOTD))

I know one tip my fiancee would give you is that the passenger should have a full supply of dramamine, especially if you plan on driving the Dragon hard.

She was so ill after our second run in a row. We had to stop at the end and rest for 10 min cause she felt so sick.

It really is like a rollercoaster that your in control of.

Have Fun!

 

Erm, I think you mean Sweetwater BBQ ! And I'm surprised that you didn't care for it! It's definitely one of my motoring stops when I'm in the area.

The head chef/owner(?) is a good guy, too!

-Paul!

 

Sweatwater = my favorite.

So salty.

 

Someday... Someday...

 

Oh, and make sure to do a safety inspection on your MINI before seriously running the Dragon.

From experience () I can suggest ensuring that all 8 of your brake pads have sufficient material remaining. I inspected all of the easily viewable outside pads and ended up going to the dragon with 7 good pads. Came home on a flat bed tow truck. Although this was due to a defective brake caliper, you still should know that all the pads are good.

If you have the time, get your brake fluid changed if you haven't done it in the past year too.

And also check your tire pressure, tire tread depth and of course your oil and coolant.

Then go have fun!

 

OK, I now I can't spell to save my life. But I'm real good with Math

 

Hey Kimini03,

Just in case you didn't already know.

If you see some people taking pictures on the side of the road on the dragon, most likely it one of two professional outfits: Killboy or Moonshine.

When you get home you can go there website and check out your pictures at

http://www.killboy.com/

or

http://moonshinephoto.com/dealsgap.html

 

Sorry I couldn't resist.

My first thought was humor because of the mis-spelling but it still being a real word.

My second thought was of what sweatwater actually is... ((*PUUUKEEE*)) (we need a vomit smiley)

 

BTW, when are you going?[/quote]

We will be down there July 5-8! Can't wait!

 

Thanks for all the tips!

 

Why that's today

Enjoy and if you see me in my DS/B tooling around Dillsboro, Sylva, Franklin or even Asheville - make sure you wave

 

Will Collins is the chef/owner of Sweetwater. Tell him that Clover recommended his very tasty food to you!

Be sure to read this good thread about driving the Dragon.