Little Switzerland Grandfather Mountain Retreat

[Special Ed]

Travel safe everyone. Lisa and I hope you all have a great time. We will think of you as we float on the Mediterranean.

[DaveW]

Hey, guys! I've had a couple of inquiries if Marcia and I were meeting the caravan at the rest stop just past Winston Salem on I-40 as usual. Basically, taking 40 to Marion and jumping off northbound to the Blue Ridge Parkway is the quickest route. However, you're only on the Parkway for a brief period. We're leaving Winston on US 421 toward Boone, NC and hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway prior to Boone, then taking it all the way to Little Switzerland. It will be the peak time for foliage in the mountains, and you don't want to be on the Parkway on a Saturday or Sunday at that time of the year.

If there's any interest in cruising the Parkway for about 50 miles, and the colors should be outstanding then, we'll meet you at the Northwest NC Visitor's Center/Rest Stop, just past exit 282 (Statesville Rd) on 421. Immediately after leaving the rest stop, there's a large variety of gas stations in Wilkesboro to choose from, as your Vipers will need to top off before taking the Parkway to the hotel (Shell, Exxon, Murphy Express, Marathon, Fast Track, etc.).

Caution regarding driving on the Parkway: While it may resemble the Tail of the Dragon or the Rattler, it's a Federal road and the speed limits are closely monitored. Enjoy the views and colors at a leisurely rate of speed, and stay safe! The colors of your Vipers will attract as much attention as our NC fall tree foliage!

Let me know if you're interested in meeting at the rest stop and we'll set a time. It's about a 30 minute drive farther than the rest stop we normally meet at on I-40. You simply take the US 421 exit off I-40 as you pass through Winston.

Dave

[Mreeves]

Hey, guys! I've had a couple of inquiries if Marcia and I were meeting the caravan at the rest stop just past Winston Salem on I-40 as usual. Basically, taking 40 to Marion and jumping off northbound to the Blue Ridge Parkway is the quickest route. However, you're only on the Parkway for a brief period. We're leaving Winston on US 421 toward Boone, NC and hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway prior to Boone, then taking it all the way to Little Switzerland. It will be the peak time for foliage in the mountains, and you don't want to be on the Parkway on a Saturday or Sunday at that time of the year.

If there's any interest in cruising the Parkway for about 50 miles, and the colors should be outstanding then, we'll meet you at the Northwest NC Visitor's Center/Rest Stop, just past exit 282 (Statesville Rd) on 421. Immediately after leaving the rest stop, there's a large variety of gas stations in Wilkesboro to choose from, as your Vipers will need to top off before taking the Parkway to the hotel (Shell, Exxon, Murphy Express, Marathon, Fast Track, etc.).

Caution regarding driving on the Parkway: While it may resemble the Tail of the Dragon or the Rattler, it's a Federal road and the speed limits are closely monitored. Enjoy the views and colors at a leisurely rate of speed, and stay safe! The colors of your Vipers will attract as much attention as our NC fall tree foliage!

Let me know if you're interested in meeting at the rest stop and we'll set a time. It's about a 30 minute drive farther than the rest stop we normally meet at on I-40. You simply take the US 421 exit off I-40 as you pass through Winston.

Dave

I spoke to Patrick earlier and told him about the plan. He may drive north and meet us for the ride down.

[PatrickB]

Dave, are you jumping on the Parkway just before Deep Gap?

Like Mike said, we spoke the other night; we'll keep an eye out for the plans & times you guys set and then make a decision if we'll head up north to catch you guys or just go to Little Switzerland on our own.

Looking forward to it!

[DaveW]

Dave, are you jumping on the Parkway just before Deep Gap?

Like Mike said, we spoke the other night; we'll keep an eye out for the plans & times you guys set and then make a decision if we'll head up north to catch you guys or just go to Little Switzerland on our own.

Looking forward to it!

Yeah, near Deep Gap. I realize it's a hike out of the way, but Marcia and I haven't done the BR Parkway at this time of the year in forever. Just thought we'd take our time and hope it's not like the zoo the Parkway will be on a weekend day.

Can't wait to see you guys!

[jimuaya]

Hey, my wife and I are interested in coming for the Little Switzerland weekend, but we need to know the itinerary for Friday and Saturday because we are coming from Chattanooga, TN, which is a 5 1/2 drive. Thanks, John and Kim Muaya

[CarolinaViper]

jimuaya,

Send me (PM) your email address and I will forward the info.

Jeff

[CarolinaViper]

Hey, my wife and I are interested in coming for the Little Switzerland weekend, but we need to know the itinerary for Friday and Saturday because we are coming from Chattanooga, TN, which is a 5 1/2 drive. Thanks, John and Kim Muaya

John,

I sent the itinerary to your inbox here on the forum, send me your email address and I will forward the entire email. I just didn't want to list the times/dates/locations of where we are going to be...I might be over cautious.

Jeff

[dirtyboot]

Interested in joining, but may just be for Saturday as finding a place last week proved difficult. Will check around again today. Just me solo.

[CarolinaViper]

Interested in joining, but may just be for Saturday as finding a place last week proved difficult. Will check around again today. Just me solo.

If you do go, give me a call as soon as you can (828) 442-3393. Need to know for tickets to the places and more important dinner that night. Hope you can make it.

Jeff

[dirtyboot]

Snuck into two cancellations for the weekend! Left you a voicemail Jeff.

[PatrickB]

Hey guys, Britt and I are not going to catch the caravan on Friday; we've gotta hang around home for a portion of that day now and aren't exactly sure what time we'll be leaving. We'll be in Little Switzerland by dinner time, most likely sooner but not sure of the exact time as of yet. We're about an hour and 20 minutes away so it won't take us long to get there.

Can't wait till this weekend!

[CarolinaViper]

Snuck into two cancellations for the weekend! Left you a voicemail Jeff.

Got it, sending the email with times.

jeff

- - - Updated - - -

Hey guys, Britt and I are not going to catch the caravan on Friday; we've gotta hang around home for a portion of that day now and aren't exactly sure what time we'll be leaving. We'll be in Little Switzerland by dinner time, most likely sooner but not sure of the exact time as of yet. We're about an hour and 20 minutes away so it won't take us long to get there.

Can't wait till this weekend!

Glad you guys can make it

[PatrickB]

Glad you guys can make it

Yes sir, we are looking forward to a good weekend!

[CarolinaViper]

Guys & Gals

Here is a quick snapshot of what the weather is going to be like from 8:00am until 3:00 pm in Spruce Pine/Blowing rock. Its is actually Thursday's timechart, but Friday's and Saturday is very close to the same maybe 1-2 degrees cooler on Saturday, because its going to be partly cloudy. You might want to dress in layers, in the morning at the caverns outside temp will be around 50 degrees. Inside the caverns it is a constant 57 degrees year round. Don't wear sandals/flipflops, as it is very uneven walking in the caverns. Also, at times it can be a little damp/wet with water dripping from the ceilings. The temperature will be in the low 60's when we arrive at Blowing Rock. After lunch on the ride back, the temperature will be in the low 70's, could be a little warm in the Vipers if you don't dress in layers. See below temp chart for more details. Temperature at dinner time for both night will be in the low 50's.

Jeffweather.jpg

[CarolinaViper]

Updated list of those that are confirmed coming...still have two couples who might.

Jeff & Donna B.
Dale Elizebeth S.
Phil & Melody B.
John D. Plus 1
Dave T.
Dave & Marcia
Rick & Cheryl H.
Larry & Tricia
James H. Plus 1
Patrick & Brittany
Tom & Diane M.
Mark S. + 1.
Mike & Terri R.
Scott & Maziel
John & Kim M.
Dylan G.
Matt Plus 1
Dave I Plus 1

[Mreeves]

Hey, guys! I've had a couple of inquiries if Marcia and I were meeting the caravan at the rest stop just past Winston Salem on I-40 as usual. Basically, taking 40 to Marion and jumping off northbound to the Blue Ridge Parkway is the quickest route. However, you're only on the Parkway for a brief period. We're leaving Winston on US 421 toward Boone, NC and hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway prior to Boone, then taking it all the way to Little Switzerland. It will be the peak time for foliage in the mountains, and you don't want to be on the Parkway on a Saturday or Sunday at that time of the year.

If there's any interest in cruising the Parkway for about 50 miles, and the colors should be outstanding then, we'll meet you at the Northwest NC Visitor's Center/Rest Stop, just past exit 282 (Statesville Rd) on 421. Immediately after leaving the rest stop, there's a large variety of gas stations in Wilkesboro to choose from, as your Vipers will need to top off before taking the Parkway to the hotel (Shell, Exxon, Murphy Express, Marathon, Fast Track, etc.).

Caution regarding driving on the Parkway: While it may resemble the Tail of the Dragon or the Rattler, it's a Federal road and the speed limits are closely monitored. Enjoy the views and colors at a leisurely rate of speed, and stay safe! The colors of your Vipers will attract as much attention as our NC fall tree foliage!

Let me know if you're interested in meeting at the rest stop and we'll set a time. It's about a 30 minute drive farther than the rest stop we normally meet at on I-40. You simply take the US 421 exit off I-40 as you pass through Winston.

Dave

I currently have Larry, Rick, Tom, Dylan and myself meeting in Raleigh at 8:30am then headed toward Dave at the rest stop on 421. Is there anyone else that wants to hop on somewhere along the way?

[ACR PHIL]

Hey Mike Could I meet up with you guys at Sandy Ridge Rd exit in Greensboro. Guessing you will be there around 9:15-9:30
Hope to see you tomorrow.
Phil & Melody

[Mreeves]

Hey Mike Could I meet up with you guys at Sandy Ridge Rd exit in Greensboro. Guessing you will be there around 9:15-9:30
Hope to see you tomorrow.
Phil & Melody

Sounds great!! Looks like that is exit 208. We will see you tomorrow morning.

[DaveW]

Sounds great!! Looks like that is exit 208. We will see you tomorrow morning.

Can you estimate when you might reach the rest stop, and/or give me a call before you get to Winston?

[Mreeves]

Can you estimate when you might reach the rest stop, and/or give me a call before you get to Winston?

I'll call you when we leave Raleigh and after we pick up Phil.

[DaveW]

I'll call you when we leave Raleigh and after we pick up Phil.

Thanks, Mike. Looks like there's a crowd going. And the one time there's not a hurricane hitting Charleston...

Oops! Hope no sudden snowstorm hits the mountains

[PatrickB]

Another phenomenal weekend with the crew! Thanks goes out to Jeff and everyone else who helped with the event. Great weather, great roads, cool location and most importantly great friends, we couldn't have asked for anything more! So glad we were able to catch up with old friends and make new ones!

[CarolinaViper]

I echo what Patrick said. This turned out better than I expected, even with the little hiccups with our reservations, everything turned out great. The staff at the motel posted us leaving for the Caverns on their FB page here's the video:

https://www.facebook.com/Switzerland...re_wall_create