travisdeland Loc: deland, FL

The original Haywood is in Waynesville-a little closer to Maggie Valley-BUT Susan is right-get the ribs. Another "local favorite", not on the menu is the "burnt tips"-the small, crispy ends of the rib slabs-they're excellant, but not on the menu-you have to ask.

JohnH3 Loc: Auburn, AL

So much to see! A little known gem in the area is Max Patch Bald. It is off the Harmon Den exit on I-40. It is dirt roads, but good ones. You can drive it in a luxury vehicle as long as there is no ice. Take the Harmon Den exit, go towards the mountain (opposite the Pigeon River side) and stay left at every juncture on the dirt road. Plenty of spectacular scenery and wild flowers abounds. I have photographed elk in the area as well. One of my favorite places in the Smoky Mountains. While you are that close, you should go see the Biltmore House as well.

limeybiker

jwj53

Stop and see Blowing Rock and Boone. Plus go to Asheville. I lived in Hickory, NC not to far from Asheville. Boone and Blowing Rock. Beautiful area!

Meadwilliam

You are absolutely right. The general area could easily keep you occupied fora couple of weeks.

krashdragon

I drive my truck on I-40 frequently, very pretty, but just cant take a 75' long tractor trailer sightseeing. Some day I will visit the WTT museum. And also eat at some of the places y'all mentioned!

nana989 Loc: Rural West Tennessee

The Blue Ridge Parkway is right there. You definitely want to do sunsets at any of the overlooks going toward Asheville. You won’t be 10 minutes from your lodging Take a good winter coat and toboggan , it gets pretty chilly on the Parkway at dusk especially if you are photographing .Pack your lunch, gas the car up and get your GPS. All the places I am mentioning are close. Go to Chataloochie for elk, Lake Junaluska in the morning, Lake Logan Episcopal Center, Looking Glass Falls at Brevard.(Transylvania County is full of roadside waterfalls.you could spend a couple of days hunting them out . Get your lesson up on photographing waterfalls and take a tripod) Dillsboro is a cute town, where the train tours start , Jarrett House at Dillsboro is absolutely wonderful to have lunch if you are in the area. We typically go once a year for several days and haven’t tired of it yet. Maggie Valley is a place to unwind and enjoy nature. It is very peaceful . Don’t worry about shopping or any tourist trap things .And send us your pictures. Enjoy your trip

Thanks
Hank M[/quote]

dhnwnc

This area has so much to offer, naturally and culturally. Many trails near Maggie Valley (GSMNP, Blueridge Parkway, Pisgah/Nantahala Nat forest, Cherolaha highway. Asheville and Cherokee have lot to offer in cultural area. Fine tune your wishes or focus areas and I will offer suggestions (native resident).

hankm1 Loc: Mount Prospect IL

Welcome to the Forum!! We enjoy hiking, but getting up in years so we've limited ourselves to the easy and moderate trails. Just enjoy getting away from the concrete jungle of our urban area around Chicago.

nana989 Loc: Rural West Tennessee

I saw someone suggest The Tail of the Dragon (aka Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort) That is so much fun if you have an adventurous side. It's Hwy 129 near Robbinsvile , NC. It's one of the worlds most sought after motorcycle and sports car enthusiast stretch of roads in the world. There are 318 curves in 11 miles so be prepared. There is a pro photographer Killboy that has a group working all along the roadside photographing everyone that goes down Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway and sells photos online. I often think that would be my dream job. Great place to watch a lot of great bikes and sportscars , even if you just stop at the store on the road. We were motorcycle enthusiasts several years ago and have ridden down that stretch many times. Too many places to go and to much to do in western NC. https://www.dealsgap.com/

hankm1 Loc: Mount Prospect IL

Sounds like the kind of drive we'd like to do. Thank you to all who have made their
recommendations. I've printed everything out and am now trying to sort it all out
and filling each 24 hour day with 36 hours of adventures!