Caravan to Tail of the Dragon

[Special Ed]

Are there any plans for a caravan across I-40 to Gatlinburg on Thursday? Details?

[CarolinaViper]

Ed,

Yes, later today or tomorrow, I will put something out. Donna giving me the look right now....late for church.

Jeff

[CarolinaViper]

For the last couple of years we have had two caravans of Vipers for the ToD, Those departing east of Asheville, NC (I-40) and those departing south of Asheville, (I-26) with both caravans picking up other members along the way. The Cracker Barrel restaurant located in Asheville, right off the interstate (see link) is a great place for the two groups to meet and have lunch. After lunch we would proceed to Gatlinburg, with approximately 20 Vipers driving through the mountains and making a statement that the Carolinas VOA have arrived. I have attached a link showing the location of the restaurant and the approximate time it will take from Raleigh (approximately 4 hrs.)

Link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Rale...d35.562064!3e0

If someone from the South Carolina (upstate area) would like to initiate a time and pickup locations for those that will be driving on I-26, I would appreciate that. Also, if someone in or near Raleigh would like to start info on when they would be leaving and where they could pick up members on the way, that would be great.

As for lunch, Cracker Barrel has a policy that they will not hold tables for customers, so in the past, Brian would call me when he passes exit 100 and I would leave my house and try to obtain tables and parking for our group. From exit 100 (Morganton, NC) to the Cracker Barrel is about 50 minutes or less.

We will try to arrive at the Crackle Barrel in Asheville at 12:30 to 1:00pm.

Let the fun begin.....

Jeff

[TCurtner]

For the last couple of years we have had two caravans of Vipers for the ToD, Those departing east of Asheville, NC (I-40) and those departing south of Asheville, (I-26) with both caravans picking up other members along the way. The Cracker Barrel restaurant located in Asheville, right off the interstate (see link) is a great place for the two groups to meet and have lunch. After lunch we would proceed to Gatlinburg, with approximately 20 Vipers driving through the mountains and making a statement that the Carolinas VOA have arrived. I have attached a link showing the location of the restaurant and the approximate time it will take from Raleigh (approximately 4 hrs.)

Link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Rale...d35.562064!3e0

If someone from the South Carolina (upstate area) would like to initiate a time and pickup locations for those that will be driving on I-26, I would appreciate that. Also, if someone in or near Raleigh would like to start info on when they would be leaving and where they could pick up members on the way, that would be great.

As for lunch, Cracker Barrel has a policy that they will not hold tables for customers, so in the past, Brian would call me when he passes exit 100 and I would leave my house and try to obtain tables and parking for our group. From exit 100 (Morganton, NC) to the Cracker Barrel is about 50 minutes or less.

We will try to arrive at the Crackle Barrel in Asheville at 12:30 to 1:00pm.

Let the fun begin.....

Jeff

If any drivers would like to do a Thursday evening run of some roads (yup, even the Dragon), then let me know. I'll make myself available. You're only about 30 - 40 minutes drive time from Townsend and the Foothills Parkway via Fighting Creek Gap/Little River Road or by taking 441 to 321 in Pigeon Forge and coming over that way. I could even escort you from the hotel (I am not staying over there, as live in Townsend) - Many wonderful roads, and much less traveled on weekdays/evenings like a Thursday (hint hint).

[No hemi]

I ve been thinking that maybe we can meet at noonish to 1 at the cracker barrel .

[Special Ed]

To be at the cracker barrel @ noon the Raleigh group would have to meet the Charlotte group at Rock Barn Rd (exit 135 & I-40) at 10:00 to 10:15 with a departure of 10:30. I don't know what time you would have to leave Raleigh.

[DaveW]

Attached is the I-40 caravan itinerary from last year. It was set up to get to the Cracker Barrel at 10:30am. I've adjusted the times to reflect arriving at the Cracker Barrel at 12:30 pm to provide an example to consider. I also suggest listing who will be joining the caravan at each location


Kangaroo Express
100 Factory Shops Road
Morrisville, NC 27560
Arrive: 8:30am
Depart: 8:45am
- Mike & Terri; Larry & Trish; George & Guest

Rest Area (MM 178)
Arrive: 10:15am
Depart: 10:30am
- Dave & Marcia; Bill & Elaine

Wilco Hess Travel Plaza (Exit #133)
1343 Rock Barn Road Northeast
Conover, NC 28613
Arrive: ~11:00am
Depart: ~11:15am
- Ed & Lisa;

Cracker Barrel
5 Crowell Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Arrive: ~12:30pm
Depart: ~1:45pm
-

Edit: Add "Guests" so we can get an accurate lunch headcount.

[Josrocket]

You guys should take the parkway to gatlinburg. Why drive I40 the whole way. I can lead a pack if anyone wants to go. It's a lot more fun and the views are beautiful.

[DaveW]

You guys should take the parkway to gatlinburg. Why drive I40 the whole way. I can lead a pack if anyone wants to go. It's a lot more fun and the views are beautiful.

Good suggestion, Josh. We came up through Maggie Valley and Cherokee a couple of years ago. I wouldn't mind doing it again if there's any interest. Be better than doing the parkway on the weekend!

[Josrocket]

You can get on the parkway straight from Asheville which will eventually lead you into cherokee and then into Gatlinburg. Or you can leave Asheville go down I40 west for a couple of miles and get off exit 27 on to smokemountain expressway (leading into maggie valley/ Cherokee) You can get on the parkway about halfway to cherokee or you can get on it when you get to Cherokee. I live in Sylva which is down the road from Cherokee so I am very familiar with the roads.

[CarolinaViper]

You can get on the parkway straight from Asheville which will eventually lead you into cherokee and then into Gatlinburg. Or you can leave Asheville go down I40 west for a couple of miles and get off exit 27 on to smokemountain expressway (leading into maggie valley/ Cherokee) You can get on the parkway about halfway to cherokee or you can get on it when you get to Cherokee. I live in Sylva which is down the road from Cherokee so I am very familiar with the roads.

Josh,

How much longer would it take to go that way vs I-40 route (Just for me, as I have to help Joel with the things at the hotel). You and Dave are right, when we took that route two years ago it was a better scenic route.

Jeff

[No hemi]

whoever is coming up from SC let me know to meet in greenville before heading up on 26, or meet at 26 depending on route.

[outnumbered]

Who is starting at Exit#133?

[Special Ed]

Who is starting at Exit#133?

Lisa and I are starting at 133. I'm just waiting to hear form our friends from the east to determine the meeting time. Should be between 10:30 to 11:00.

[FVNCViper]

We will meet up at mm178 rest area. 2 for lunch. Thanks Larry & Trish

[Mreeves]

We will meet up at mm178 rest area. 2 for lunch. Thanks Larry & Trish

Larry, Terri and I plan on meeting the Raleigh folk at the Kangaroo. Do you guys want to meet over by the high school and drive up there together?

[FVNCViper]

Mike, that would be great. We were planning to go 64/421/40 route. But meeting up with you sounds much better. Just let us no where and when.

[Special Ed]

What time do you think you will arrive at exit 133

[Mreeves]

What time do you think you will arrive at exit 133

Shortly after 11am if we stay on schedule.

[outnumbered]

Have you guys seen the forecast for Gatlinburg, Thursday- Saturday?

[Special Ed]

The mornings look ok, its the afternoons and evenings that look dicey. Hey you'll be with great people, so it will be a wonderful, memorable time. I'm thinking the only rumbling thunder you will hear will be coming from or Vipers.

[C.J]

The weather was a bit wet a couple years ago, but it was still a great time.

I will keep the hard top on my RT-10, just to be dry for sure.

[billp]

Rest Area (MM 178)
Arrive: 10:15am
Depart: 10:30am
- Dave & Marcia

- Bill & Elaine

[Josrocket]

Josh,

How much longer would it take to go that way vs I-40 route (Just for me, as I have to help Joel with the things at the hotel). You and Dave are right, when we took that route two years ago it was a better scenic route.

Jeff

It only adds about 20mins on your trip. Here is the 441 (parkway) route I suggest vs the I-40 route. (Only adds 20 min if you obey the 30-45 mph speed limit)

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Ashe...d35.714259!5i1

[George Murray]

We're planning on meeting the group at the Kangaroo tomorrow morning.